Tadamichi Kuribayashi

Who was Tadamichi Kuribayashi?

General Tadamichi Kuribayashi was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army, part-time writer, haiku poet, diplomat, and General of the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff. He is best known for being overall commander of the Japanese garrison during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Even before the battle, General Kuribayashi insisted upon sharing the hardships of his men. He also refused to permit banzai charges, which he regarded as an unnecessary waste of his men's lives. Although the United States Marine Corps had expected to capture Iwo Jima in 5 days, Kuribayashi and his men waged guerilla warfare against them for 36 days. While it is believed that he had been killed in action in the final assault, Kuribayashi's body was never identified by the United States military.

The 2006 movie Letters from Iwo Jima brought General Kuribayashi's story to an international audience for the first time. Kuribayashi was portrayed by Japanese actor Ken Watanabe. The film received wide acclaim and four Academy Award nominations.