13 Facts About Chikuhei Nakajima

Chikuhei Nakajima, was a Japanese businessman, naval engineer, naval officer, and politician who was most notable for having founded Nakajima Aircraft Company in 1917, a major supplier of airplanes in the Empire of Japan.

Chikuhei Nakajima attended the Imperial Japanese Naval Engineering School, graduating from the 15th class in 1907 and was promoted to Ensign in 1908.

Chikuhei Nakajima was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1911.

Chikuhei Nakajima was dispatched as a military attache to Europe in 1916, to observe first-hand the use of aircraft in combat.

Chikuhei Nakajima first ran for public office during the 1930 General Election, when he was elected to the Lower House of the Diet of Japan with the support of the Rikken Seiyukai political party.

Chikuhei Nakajima turned control of Nakajima Aircraft over to his brother in 1931 in order to devote his efforts to politics full-time, and was re-elected four times from the Gunma No 1 Electoral District.

From June 1937 through January 1939, Chikuhei Nakajima served as Railway Minister under the Konoe administration.

Chikuhei Nakajima headed an influential political faction within the Rikken Seiyukai.

Chikuhei Nakajima was awarded with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 2nd class.

Chikuhei Nakajima was highly critical of the decision by Japan to declare war on the United States, and warned of the dangers posed by America's industrial strength and production capabilities and growing air power.

Chikuhei Nakajima was outraged by the decision of the Japanese military to abandon his project for a long-range bomber capable of striking at targets in North America.

Chikuhei Nakajima was released on parole before his trial came to court in 1947.

Chikuhei Nakajima's grave is at the Tama Cemetery in Fuchu, Tokyo.