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ATIS S/D (#35977a) (coupled with Enatsu, Nakajima & Shinozuka statements Drafted from Waseda U in 1943, on 23 July 1945, discharged 15 August, member of liaison team on 1 September with American OF landing at Kanoya, on 6 September became member of Western Demobilization Liaison, resigned on 1 December. On 23 July 1945, 29 Officers, including Defendant, from the Military Survey department of General Staff Headquarters, were assigned to WAH, movements governed by liaison withthe Survey Office under Major ITEZONO (Idezono) and PO OTSUKI. Soon after, some of the 29 were assigned to regional units and ITEZONO was the only immediate superior, and TOMOMORI had no connection. 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." They they made preparation; someone told them there was a truck beside the prison, where 3 - 4 soldiers were loading 8 B29 flyers on a truck, Capt YUKINO (Defendant didn't discover the name until surrender) was directing the entruckment cautioned against so many passengers, and a few POW got off. According to a woman working nearby, SATO and a few signal Os were present. At the scene a pit had been dug near the pine wood, they arriving about 1000. 15 minutes later they gathered and ITEZONO said OTSUKI let me see you test this one." (referring to the how). OTSUKI tested the how and arrow by firing at a pine tree suggested by ITEZONO, and ITEZONO then tested them. Staff Os TOMOMORI and ENATSU then arrived, TOMOMORI approached ITEZONO and the judicial capt (WAKO?), said light heartedly, "I came here to observe." and stepped out to the front of the others and observed the execution, spoke to ENATSU as to whether a firing squad or the old method would he used, then said they should rope off the place, then wondered who would read the sutra, suggested the observers pray for them. TOMOMORI then suggested the lines be straightened, but the lines became disorganized as the men retired to the rear. Defendant was nauseated; TOMOMORI had his eyes closed, his lips quivering. At this time ITEZONO told OTSUKI "You do it this time," and he walked up about 10 meters from the hole. The 2nd arrow grazed the forehead and blood ozzed out. ITEZONO ordered the Prisoners beheaded. TOMOMORI then took a bottle of whisky from his pocket, took a gulp, passed it around to everyone. Defendant believes it was at the last execution that 2nd Lt. YAMAMOTO ordered NODA to apply atemi. Everyone was filled with a distasteful feeling. NODA failed in his attempt, YAMAMOTO executed the atemi in his place, and then TOMOMORI pushed the group aside and rushed out shouting "No. Stop it. What are you trying to do?"; said to YAMAMOTO, "Stop this cruelty." ITEZONO called '’fall in", and they saluted TOMOMORI, who gave at ease, told the group the executed were enemies, not Prisoners. (TOMOMORI rendered Defendant further advice at Kanoya.) |