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NARAZAKI, Masahiko Saga-Ken, Higashi-Matsuura-Gun, Kuri-Mura, Hara, No 343 Former Rank: 1st Lt., Guerilla Unit, Western Army Headquarters Charges: Torturing and executing an American Flyer on or about 10 August 1945 at Aburayama, Fukuoka-Ken. Evidence: Takashi OHTSUKI, Former Prob. Off., IJA, Testimony, PP. 27, when questioned about the 10 Aug. 1945 executions ----- "I believe Narazaki with a single downward stroke of the samurai sword completely severed the prisoners head." "I believe someone said that because NARAZAKI is good in "KENDO" he is good in beheading." Takashi OHTSUKI, Former Prob. Off., U A , Testimony, PP-30, when questioned about the torturing of American Prisoner’s on 10 August 1945, stated: "The group of probationary officer's all moved up---- and about six of them sent up to the prisoner and took turns delivering the diaphram blows, and stomach blows, among these probationary officers that I could remember were ----, NARAZAKI, -----, -----.’’Each man delivered one blow and then receded so that the next man could have his chance." Tatsuo ITEZONO, testimony PP 125, when questioned about the 10 Aug. 1945 execution, stated: "While the prisoner was being led to the pit I heard some commotion behind me and heard someone say, NARAZAKI why don't you try your hand with the sword? I turned around and saw Probationary Officer NARAZAKI walking toward me and so I asked him if he wanted to be as executioner. He said he would try. He went to the edge of the pit and washed his sword with water. I then told NARAZAKI to try "KESAGIRI". KESAGIRI is cutting through the center of the shoulder down through the lungs. NARAZAKI said he would try it. Then he went to the back of the prisoner and measured up from the center of the prisoner's right shoulder several times with his sword. The lifting the sword over his head with both hands, he struck the blow. After the prisoner was struck he sat there for several seconds. NARAZAKI withdrew the sword immediately. The prisoner then fell over into the grave. I walked over to the pit and saw that the prisoner had about a three inch cut into his shoulder. He had fallen into the pit head first and I noted that he was still breathing. I felt sorry for him and said: "End his life as soon as possible.ff NARAZAKI then struck his sword into the prisoner's heart and I believe he died instantly. Takashi OHTSUKI, Former Prob. Off., IJA. Testimony PP-32, when questioned about the executioners of 10 Aug. 1945 executions, stated: "----- TOMOMORI said he will give whiskey to all the executioners. I noticed that ----- , ---- and NARAZAKI were among the persons that went to where TOMOMORI-----were and received whiskey." Takashi OHTSUKI, Former Prob. Off.., IJA. Testimony PP-35, when questioned about the executioners of American Prisoners on about 10 Aug. 1945, execution, named: "Probationary Officer NARAZAKI, Guerilla Unit. ----."
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