Exploring the Life of General Rikichi Andō: A Remarkable Journey

General Rikichi Andō left an indelible mark on history. Born on April 3, 1884, in Miyagi Prefecture, he embarked on a remarkable journey through the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Army. In this article, we’ll delve into the life and career of this extraordinary military leader, who played a pivotal role as the 19th and final Japanese Governor-General of Taiwan during a tumultuous period in history.

Early Career

Andō’s career began to take shape when he assumed the role of an instructor at the Army War College from 1924 to 1925. His dedication and commitment to his profession were evident, leading to his appointment as a military attaché in British India from 1925 to 1927. Upon his return to Japan, he found himself involved in various staff assignments under the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff. In 1928, he took command of the 13th Infantry Regiment and later earned the position of Chief of Staff of the IJA 5th Division in 1930.

Ascending the Ranks

Between 1931 and 1932, Andō once again contributed his expertise to the General Staff, serving as the Chief of Military Administration Section in the Military Affairs Bureau. His international experience expanded when he became the military attaché to the United Kingdom from 1932 to 1934. Back in Japan, he assumed the role of Commandant of the Toyoma Army Infantry School, followed by his appointment as the commander of the 5th Independent Garrison Unit. From 1937 to 1938, he held the position of Deputy Inspector-General of Military Training.

The Catalyst of the Pacific War

The outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1938 saw Andō returning to the field as the commander of his former unit, the IJA 5th Division. His significance escalated as he was promoted to the commander in chief of the IJA 21st Army in China later that year. This army formed a crucial part of the Japanese Southern China Area Army, primarily responsible for overseeing the Japanese-occupied Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces.

However, Andō’s career took a dramatic turn when, during diplomatic negotiations between Japan and its ally, Vichy France, he took independent initiative and ordered his forces to cross the border into French Indochina, without prior authorization from Tokyo. This unauthorized invasion triggered a diplomatic crisis with the Western powers and resulted in an American oil embargo against Japan. As a consequence, Andō was recalled to Tokyo on February 9, 1941, and was subsequently forced into retirement as a form of punishment.

Taiwan: The Final Chapter

Despite the setback in his career, Andō was not finished. In the fall of 1941, he was reinstated into service, promoted to full general, and entrusted with the command of the Japanese Tenth Area Army in Taiwan. Essentially serving as the “Taiwan Army,” this force acted as a garrison for the island. On December 30, 1944, Andō took on the role of the last Japanese Governor-General of Taiwan.

The End of an Era

With the end of World War II, the 10th Area Army was disbanded in September 1945. However, Andō’s journey would not conclude peacefully. Chinese authorities arrested him, charging him with war crimes stemming from his tenure in China. Facing the impending trial, Andō chose to end his own life by consuming poison while imprisoned in Shanghai.

Conclusion

General Rikichi Andō’s life was marked by dedication, service, and pivotal decisions that left a lasting impact on history. His journey from a native of Miyagi Prefecture to a prominent military leader and the final Japanese Governor-General of Taiwan is a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of challenges.