(December 30, 1884 - December 23, 1948)

In 1938, Tojo was named the vice-minister of war of Japan, having attended the Imperial Military Academy, been a military attachment at the Japanese Embassy in Berlin, and served in the military through important conflicts.  Tojo was a key supporter of Japan joining the Axis with Germany and Italy. He also was important in the decision to attack Pearl Harbor and the other Pacific Islands. While he had success at the beginning of the battles, as Japan started to lose more battles, his popularity faded and he was removed from his position in July of 1944.  In 1945, after Japan’s surrender, Tojo attempted to commit suicide, but was nursed back to health. He later was charged with war crimes and was hanged in 1948.