Statements Concerning Ohtsuki

OTSUKI, Takahashi

Statement of Masahiko NARAZAKI &7 Oct. 47):

On the way to the truck NARAZAKI heard that OTSUKI had failed to kill a Prisoner using a how and arrow.

Statement of Minehiro OHNO:

The 7th flyer was made to kneel blindfolded facing away from the pit. About 10-15 meters away OTSUKI who was either sitting or on hie stomach, adjusted his cross- tow, took 3 shots, one glancing off the eye trow.

Statement of Teruo ONO (11 Dec. 47):

On morning of12 August OTSUKI and others, left about 1000 in truck to place of execution. OTSUKI brought his how and 10 arrows. At the execution ITEZONO said there would he a how and arrow execution, called OTSUKI, and the Prisoner was placed in a kneeling position about 2 meters from the pit, OTSUKI about 10 meters away. The Prisoner's hands were untied, still blindfolded, a rag put in his mouth. The first arrow went high; the second glanced off the right side of the forehead, and the Prisoner fell over, but put outhis hand and supported himself and came back to a kneeling position. OTSUKI shot 2 more arrows, both over the head. He then tested his bow, and the 5th shot went over the Prisoner's head, whereupon ITEZONO said that was enough, and the Prisoner was executed at the pit.

Statement of Itaru MAJIRI:

In early August MAJIRI heard YUKINO say, "American airmen will be taken out on a truck today to be kklled. Let's all go." OTSUKI and others were present.

Persons connected with the guerrilla unit: OTSUKI and others.

Statement of Hidehiko, NODA (5 Jan 48):

At the execution OTSUKI and others practiced with bow and arrows, aiming at objects accross the field. The shooting was poor.

The 5th or 6th flyers was led to a. spot about 10 meters in front of the pit, made to kneel, and Otsuki took position about 10 meters away, kneeling on one knee, with cross bow, shot 3 arrows, the 1st 2 missing and the last glancing off the eye­brow. One of the officers .demonstrated the proper shooting position to OTSUKI be­fore he started shooting. Since he was not hitting the flyer, ITEZONO told him to stop and ordered the flyer be led to the pit where he was executed.

Statement of Kozo NISHIDA:

At breakfast on 10 August OTSUKI said "There's going to be an execution of B29 crew members. I hear everyone is going to observe the execution.

At the scene they gathered shortly after 1000 and ITEZONO said "OTSUKI, let me see you test this one." (Referring to bow) OTSUKI tested the bow and arrow by firing at a pine tree.

Later ITEZONO told OTSUKI "You do it this time," and he walked up about 10 meters from the hole. The second arrow grazed the forehead and blood oozed out. ITEZONO ordered the Prisoner beheaded.

Statement of Michio IKEDA (30 Jan 48):

One American flyer was shot by an arrow by a PO before being executed (OTSUKI).

OTSUKI - 2

Statement of Itaru BAJIRI:

BAJIRI believes OHTSUKI was present when YUKINO said that there was to be an exe­cution of prisoners in early August. He heard that OHTSUKI attended the execution. OHTSUKI said he tried archery.