Shin Kanemaru

Shin Kanemaru (金丸 信 Kanemaru Shin), 17 September 1914 – 28 March 1996) was a Japanese politician who was a significant figure in the political arena of Japan from the 1970s to the early 1990s. He was also Director General of the Japan Defense Agency from 1977 to 1978.

Early life and education

Kanemaru was born in Suwa village (now Minami-arupusu city), Yamanashi Prefecture on 17 September 1914. He began his studies at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and became a teacher upon graduation.

Career

He was conscripted into the army and served briefly in the Kwantung Army as a sergeant from 1937 to 1938 and discharged shortly due to illness and return to Japan. Post military service he entered into the sake brewing business and later involved in concrete and souvenir businesses. He was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and member of the faction of Noboru Takeshita.

Arrest and indictment

In 1992, he was indicted in the Sagawa Kyubin corruption scandal. He was charged with evading taxes on payments he had received from construction companies that were seeking political influence. He resigned and was arrested on 13 March 1993 after authorities found at least $51 million in bearer bonds and hundreds of pounds of gold stored at his home.

Personal life

His has a son, Shingo Kanemaru. Kanemaru died in Yamanashi on 28 March 1996 at the age of 81.