August 15, 1945, the day on which the Allies announced the surrender of Japanese forces during World War II. In the 1930s Hideki Tojo fought in the Sino-Japanese war, leading Japanese forces in occupied Manchuria. He returned to Tokyo in 1940 and held ministerial posts, where he urged an alliance with Germany and Italy against the Allied forces. Tojo became Prime Minister in 1941 and within two months ordered a surprise attack on U.S. naval forces in Hawaii. Tojo served as the political and military leader of Japan until 1944, when it was clear the direction of the war had changed. After the war the Allies found Tojo guilty of war crimes and hanged him. Fountain pen signature, “Gen. Hideki Tojo,” beneath which he has added Japanese character,” on a Japanese yen note in black, red and gray 4.75 x 2.75 . This note was obtained by an American soldier stationed at a prison camp in Japan in the days following the end of World War II. Being held at the camp were high-ranking Japanese military officials including general Hideki Tojo. The prisoners were exercising within the prison walls when Pfc. Donald Sauer had Tojo sign this note. Accompanied by three photos depicting the prison, the bus that shuttled the war criminals to trial, and Pfc. Sauer with another soldier. In fine condition, with the note, of course, a bit fragile due to age and handling wear, a vertical crease through one letter of the signature, a couple of creases at the corners. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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