11 Facts About Akira Shimada

Akira Shimada was the last governor of Okinawa Prefecture before Japan's defeat in 1945.

Akira Shimada studied in the Department of Law at Tokyo University.

Akira Shimada attended study meetings at Nishibori Shoin, where he was deeply interested in the book Hagakure and the teachings of Saigo Takamori on the chivalric code of Japanese warriors, bushido.

Akira Shimada first evacuated the inhabitants into northern Okinawa, which had been delayed under the previous governor.

Akira Shimada used the water after it was used to wash rice.

Akira Shimada was against the Army's aiming at southern parts of Okinawa, since many inhabitants were there and might be affected.

Akira Shimada said that it would be absurd to discard the well-equipped Shuri and that they should die in honor at Shuri.

Admiral Minoru Ota and Akira Shimada were close friends in Okinawa.

In place of Akira Shimada, Ota sent a telegram to the Vice-Admiral of mainland Japan reporting on the tragic conditions of Okinawans.

Akira Shimada wore a shirt with half-length sleeves; trousers with shimofuri-pattern.

The Akira Shimada Cup is given to the winning team of the high school baseball tournament in Okinawa.