Statements Concerning Kusumoto

Statement of Yoshinao SATO (30 Oct - 8 Nov 47):

On August 15 at 1430 the Emperor broadcast his surrender speech, and at 1500-1600, someone (SATO believes KUSUMOTO) said that the Prisoners and executioner had left, told him that the Air Defense Section men were to perform the execution (all under SATO). They had been sent without permission or knowledge of SATO.

The June 16 report had the hens of ITO and MUEATA and about 18 others. SATO recalled that since the WA copy had the han of WAKQ on it; should have had KUSUMOTO's ban since it would pass through the Adj. Sec.

Statement of Minoru NAKAMURA (20 Oct. 47):

On 15 August shortly after 1500, Maj. KUSUMOTO called NAKAMURA to his office and told hime to bring along a few soldiers and coffins for the bodies, to cremate the bodies of those killed that day. 12-13 coffins were picked up.

NAKAMURA went to the crematorium, learned that there were many Japs to cremate in its six ovens, that he might cremate them in the open in front of the crematory. He went back, apprised KUSUMOTO, who OK'ed it, saying the bodies would have to be  cremated by the next morning. He went back to Aburayama. The soldiers brought the coffins containing the bodies, plus bodies without coffins, the latter being Pris­oners who had been executed before. Since NAKAMURA bad only been ordered to cremate the Prisoners executed on the 15th, he returned to KUSUMOTO, who told him that it couldn’t be helped, to cremate all the bodies, but to take the bones of those Prisoners executed the 15th and bury them in the nearby hills. NAKAMUPA told MURATA and MURATA suggested they bury them in the military cemetery near Ropponmatsu and did bury the smaller box on the way back. Since KUSUMOTO was not in, NAKAMURA reported to Capt.YUKINO who told them to go back to the cemetery and get the box of ashes.

Statement of Genzaburo OKI (9 Nov. - 13 Nov. 1947):

On 16 January OKI prepared “a report for the Minister of the 1st' Demob. from Chief of Demob Bureau, which stated that the report that about 31 flyers were not killed at WAH but were placed on a suicide plane disguised as a plane from Gen. Staff Hq., was false, that about 8 of these were killed et WAH on 20 June, 8 on about 10 August, 15 on 15 August and that KUSUMOTO among others, was related to this case.

In the first report OKI stated that SATO ordered KUSUMOTO to have the remaining flyers executed by the young Officers in the operations section. Since KUSUMOTO was used only to relay the orders of Sato, OKI left his name out in the 2nd report.

Roster of Western Demob. Bureau: Members: KUSUMOTO and others.

Statement of Jukiro NAKAO (16 Sept 1947):

On 17 August 1945 NAKAO was called to Hirao Hq, where SATO, KUSUMOTO and others were talking. When they finished SATO told NAKAO that all the PWs had been killed, that if anyone asked him what happened he should say they had been sent to Tokyo on an Imperial Staff Hq. plane.

Statement of Yukino, Koshi (23 Oct 47):

From 8 July 1945 YUKINO was an assistant adjutant under KUSUMOTO and was responsible for housing, feeding, clothing of captured flyers. About 28-29 July the flyers were transferred to the LS detention barracks on the approval of KUSUMOTO. About 8 August KUSUMOTO ordered YUKINO to release them to Staff Section. Three more groups

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were brought in. About 1300 on 15 August after the edict read by the Emperor, KUSUMOTO ordered YUKINO to release all the Prisoners and turn them over the the Staff Officers. KUSUMOTO was in the office most of the afternoon when the 16 were executed.

Statement of Koshi YUKINO (18 June 1946):

Maj. KUSUMOTO, in charge of the Gen. Affairs Section of WAH was YUKIN01s superior.

On 15 August KUSUMOTO told YUKINO the EmpeDor v;as broadcasting at 1200, and ordered YUKINO to turn over the prisoners, about 15, to Staff Officer Section.

From 10 July YUKINO was in charge of feeding, lodging and health of B29 survivors under KUSUMOTO.

Before the end of the war YUKINO never heard KUSUMOTO mention anything about American PWs being killed or their bodies cremated, knows nothing of the cremation.

YUKINO's statement of 13 Sep 46: 

About 17-18 August KUSUMOTO ordered YUKINO to go to the temple to get ashes, which he turned over to KUSUMOTO. He never saw the ashes after returning them to KUSUMOTO. 

YUKINO then admits that at 1500 on 15 August NAKAMURA was called into KUSUMOTO's office and heard the conversation in which KUSUMOTO told NAKAMURA that the American flyers would be executed that day at Aburayame.

YUKINO's statement of 30 Sept. 47): 

At about 1700 on 15 August KUSUMOTO ordered YUKINO to have NAKAMURA bring the ashes of the Americans who were executed and who were cremated that day to his office. YUKINO then took the box to KUSUMOTO who told him to let it say on the shelf in his office. About 18 August KUSUMOTO told YUKINO to take the ashes to the Miyoko Temple behind Hakata Station, told him to have new box made, which he did. The names of the flyers were written on the outside of the box in Katakana characters, on instructions from KUSUMOTO.

About 25-26 August KUSUMOTO told YUKINO to bring the ashes from the temple, break the bones into small bits end suggested scattering them in the mountains or ocean. The finally took the ashes to Hirao and buried them.

In early September YUKINO wrapped the Japanese ashes in 8 packages,•then into one and gave them to KUSUMOTO.

Statement of Hiroji NAKAYAMA (8 July 1947):

On 15 August 1945 NAKAYAMA was stationed at WAH, heard the Japs were to surrender, went to KUSUMOTO's office . The Emperor's speach began at 1215 and at its termination. KUSUMOTO ordered NAKAYAMA and others to remain and stated that there was to be an execution, would arrange for transportation, that it was to be done in sec­recy.

Statement of Fumitoshi YAMANAKA (18-27 Sep 46):

On about 20 August YAMANAKA heard of the 12 and 15 August executions. He was told that KUSUMOTO wanted some men from the Air Tactical Operations room; he went there with others and KUSUMOTO told them there was to be an execution at Aburayama.

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Statement of Tokuji ENATSU (23 Sep - 31 Oct 1947):

On 15 August at 1400 the Emperor’s rescript was read and right after that KUSUMOTO and others were talking. He heard KUSUMOTO tell SATO and FUKUSHIMA. that he would carry out the execution.

ENATSU went to Kanoya about 23 August., returned to West. Demob. in early November when he believes, KUSUMOTO told him that at first he was ordered to have the ashes of each flyer ready to hand over to the OF, but that he was later told to dispose of them. KUSUMOTO told him that the ashes of the American flyers were thrown away.

Statement of Kiyoharu TOMOMORI (20 Jan 47 - 20 Mar. 47);

TOMOMORI had 40-50 persons in the Civ. Nat. Def. Unit at WAH. KUSUMOTO was in charge of training this unit. TOMOMORI relayed INADA's order to train these men and women as soon as possible to KUSUMOTO, and told him how to carry the order out, suggesting training include use of bayonet.

OKI report:

SATO stated that on 15 August KUSUMOTO came to him, said there was sentiment expressed that it was better to execute the flight personnel currently interned, states KUSUMOTO and he went to see FUKUSHIMA for his opinion. FUKUSHIMA said, HBe careful in carry­ing out the execution. SATO went out and told KUSUMOTO to get ready for the execu­tion, and that afternoon over 10 were executed near Aburayama.

Kusumoto's statement on about 7 Jan: KUSUMOTO, adj. of the WA, conducted the dis­position of the American flight personnel in accordance with instructions from Staff Sec 25 June KUSUMOTO acted as Sr. Adj. and worked in Fukuoka. KUSUMOTO heard of the____ June execution a few days after it happened. In mid July he heard of 17 executions at Aburayama. On 15 Aug. there were wild rumors as to the US landing at Hakata Bay. On 15 Aug YUKINO said to KUSUMOTO ’’Will the flight personnel be . taken south? Would it not be better to punish them since flight personnel have been executed before?” KUSUMOTO said he would ask Sato, who said, ”1 think they should be .punished. They went to FUKUSHIMA's office, who agreed and KUSUMOTO readied the automobile and made preparations. KUSUMOTO found out later that the flight personnel had been exeduted on noon of that day at Aburayama.

Yukino's statement on about 10 Jan: On 15 August Yukino asked KUSUMOTO what they were going to do with the flyers, and he replied that he had discussed the matter with SATO, who eventually ordered that they be punished.

Nakamura's statement: KUSUMOTO ordered cremation at ‘Aburayama Crematorium.

Maida and Akamine’s statement: On 14 August KUSUMOTO said that the flight person­nel would be punished on the morrow.

Report of Western District Atrocities to 1st Demob., 15 Jan.; The situation was chaotic on 15 August; some of the women and children were evacuated; there were rumors of US landings on Hakata Bay; hostility arose among certain officers, and KUSUMOTO asked SATO for instructions concerning the interned flyers, and he replied that since precedent was set they would be executed.

Change in OKI’s report: Because of protests by ITO and TOMOMORI OKI revised the report, deleting parts about ITO, TOMOMORI and KUSUMOTO.

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Statement of Toshiki NAKAMURA (1 Dec 47):

On 15 August guards from the Adjutant Section (JIN: KUSUMOTO) and not from the detention barracks escorted the Ps to the Aburayama execution.

Statement of Kazuo ISA (9 August 47):

KUSUMOTO was Adj. of WA. Imperial orders came to ISA through the Adjutant (KUSUMOTO).

Statement of Tamotsu ONISHI (24 Nov. 47):

In early July 45 ONISHI saw in the flyers prison (under jurisdiction of the Adj. Section (JIN; KUSUMOTO) a badly winded Prisoner, his right shoulder cut badly from the top of his shoulder to the arm pit in front.

Statement of Yoshinao SATO (8 Oct. 47):

The Adj. Sec. (JIN: KUSUMOTO) was responsible for seeing that airmen received med­ical treatment. If an army doctor decided that a. flyer had to be hospitalized, he would make arrangements through the med. sec. with the army hospital, report it to the Adj. Sec. (JIN: KUSUMOTO).

Statement of Tokuta KONDO (25 Nov. 47):

Lists of special Prisoners were kept by the Adj. Sec (JIN: KUSUMOTO). When Prisoners were brought in, the Adj. Sec. (KUSUMOTO) took charge of them.

Statement of Minoru NAKAMURA:

In late June or July KUSUMOTO called Nakamura in his office and told him American aircrew members were to be executed, and NAKAMURA was ordered to place 10 security guards at strageic points to prevent passersby from approaching. On afternoon of 15 August KUSUMOTO called Nakamura in, told him Americans were to be executed, ordered NAKAMURA to obtain boxes in which to put the bodies.

Statement of Mareo FUJII:

Soldiers from the Code Section were discharged the latter part of August, 9 Sept., 25 Sept. At the 9 Sept, separation KUSUMOTO gave instructions to "discharge all the soldiers who were at the actual scene ofthe killing of the American air crew members."

OKI Report:

On August 15 KUSUMOTO asked SATO about the disposition of about 15 flyers; he thought they should be killed and asked last Asst. C/S FUKUSHIMA for approval; although not definite whether he did approve, though-SATO took it for granted that he did. On that afternoon SATO and officers of the operations room killed about 15.

Report on Tracing Ashes:

NAKAMURA states he received orders from KUSUMOTO to cremate Prisoners executed 15 August and to cremate bodies from the 20 June and 12 August executions, all of which were brought to Aburayama for cremation. 32-33 corpses were cremated on the night of 15-16 August. YUKINO states that he took the box of ashes of some of the cremated prisoners to KUSUMOTO the next day or second day - 17-18 August, and was ordered by 1 him to take the box to Miyoko Temple.

Ashes report No. 2:

About 25-26 August KUSUMOTO ordered YUKINO to bring him the ashes from the temple.

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Statement of Hiroji NAKAYAMA 12 Jan 48:

About 1000 15 Aug NAKAYAMA received a copy of the Emperor’s speech, took it to KUSUMOTO. While there Sato told KUSUMOTO that orders for execution of the flyers were out. Shortly after 1200 NAKAYAMA was told by SATO that he was to be an executioner that day. After Emperor’s speech over a phonograph KUSUMOTO said that those who had been previously notified were to remain. KUSUMOTO then read a pre­pared paper stating there would be an execution of enemy flyers since they were held responsible for indiscriminate bombings. NAKAYAMA recalls that they received their orders for the 15 August execution from KUSUMOTO. 

Statement of Michio IKEDA (16 Jan 48);

IKEDA ran the dispensary until closed on Kaikosha Hospital being set up. He was responsible for medical care of Prisoners held at WAH, but did not treat them. KUSUMOTO told Ikeda to treat Prisoners; shortly before 19 June he did so treat them.

Report from Western Demob, to 1st Demob. Min, of 16 Jan 1946:

When the war ended 15 August, conditions were chaotic; headquarter officers filled with animosity and SATO was asked by KUSUMOTO what should be done about the 15 fivers, and SATO decided to have them slain to remove "all sources of incrimination". When SATO requested instructions from EUKUSHIMA, FUKUSHIMA did not clearly specify what course to take, and SATO assumed this as tacit consent and ordered KUSUMOTO to have them slain by the young officers of the operations office. This KUSUMOTO acknowledged and the 15 were slain at Aburayama that afternoon.

Statement of ITEZONO (23 Oct 46):

ITEZONO then reported the execution to YAKAMUAR. who was in the next room. .ITEZONO apprised TOMOMORI, asked him if he were going, told him they would try archery and karate, to which T0M0M0RI said, "Is that so? Guess I’ll go then." ITEZONO told KUSUMOTO and.asked him what time the truck was leaving.

Statement of Yoshinao SATO (10 Dec 47):

15 Aug 1945 execution: KUSUMOTO came to Sato with his recommendation for execution. YAKUMARU agreed, so SATO agreed to get authorization of FUKUSHIMA, went to him with KUSUMOTO, who waited at the entrance, and FUKUSHIMA did approve it, which SATO told KUSUMOTO. 

Statement of Kanji YOSHIDA (6-9 Feb 48);

YOSHIDA heard on 15-16 August that on 15 August all other airmen were executed, that the Adj. Sec. (JIN: KUSUMOTO) had something to do with it.

Statement of Tatsuo ITEZONO (10 Dec 46):

KUSUMOTO said that if the executions were for 0900 the truck would leave at 8:50. KUSUMOTO was adj. to YOMOYAMA, didn’t seem to know of execution. ITEZONO believes . that AI BABA actually arranged for truck.

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Statement of Haruo MINAMI (12 Apr 48):

MINAMI was told by KUSUMOTO on 20 June that the PWs had been executed.

Statement of Tokuji ENATSU (31 Mar 48):

On 15-16 August the Imperial Rescript was read at 1400( after which the staff Officer were told to remain. KUSUMOTO said to SATO nI shall now go and dispose of the Flyers." FUKUSHIMA called a plan 21-22 August, which included TOMOMORI, KUSUMOTO and SATO, where plan was devised to say Flyers were killed in airraid shelter. KUSUMOTO said he was told to throw away the remains of the Flyere; didn't know what to do. This was in late December.

Report of SUZUKI to SHIDEHARA. 1st Demob. Min.

On 15 August KUSUMOTO was informed by a jr. adjutant that he would like an opinion from higher Hq as to whether or not the Flyers would be moved to the CP when the Hq combined with the CP after war's end. KUSUMOTO went to SATO, who said severe disposition should be made, but told FUKUSHIMA this, who states that he said it was out of the question, although SATO states that he replied "all right”. SATO then ordered KUSUMOTO to take severe measures, and KUSUMOTO transmitted such instructions to the Officers in the operations office, who disposed of the 15 at Aburayama.

Western Demob Report (#38) to 1st Demob re Flyers of 16 Jan 46):

At war's end, there were wild rumors, and SATO received a request from KUSUMOTO for instructions as to the disposition of some 15 Flyers, whereupon SATO asked FUKUSHIMA for instruction, who did not indicate disparoval, so SATO thought he had tacitly approved and ordered KUSUMOTO to have young Officers of the Operations Department carry out executions, which was done.

PW report from Chief Gen. Affairs. Western Demob (INADA) to V. Min (HARA) 1st Pernod. of 15 Dec. 45:

On 9 Dec SATO had prepared chart of Flyers, which he kept. On 10 December, SATO, AIHARA and several others, including KUSUMOTO did not appear.