The creation of the Nissan zaibatsu emerged from the consolidation of 132 subsidiary companies, marking a shift in Japanese industrial power. Yoshisuke Aikawa directed this conglomerate through the 1930s, positioning his organizations at the center of the regional economy. His career bridged the gap between rapid technological expansion in the pre-war era and post-war reconstruction efforts.
Early Technical Training
Born in 1880 at Ōuchi, Aikawa pursued an engineering education at the University of Tokyo, graduating in 1903. He secured an initial position at Shibaura Manufacturing Co. Ltd. to gain industrial experience. Following a period of low wages, he traveled to the United States to investigate malleable cast iron technology at the Gould Coupler Company. He utilized his newfound expertise to establish the Tobata Foundry in Kitakyūshū in 1909, bolstered by connections with prominent politicians including Inoue Kaoru.
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In 1928, Aikawa assumed the presidency of the Kuhara Mining Company, succeeding his brother-in-law Fusanosuke Kuhara. He reorganized these assets into a holding company named Nihon Sangyo, abbreviated as Nissan. Utilizing market volatility after the 1931 Mukden incident, he acquired majority stakes in 132 subsidiaries. This vast portfolio included Nissan Motors, Isuzu, NEC Corporation, Hitachi, and several insurance providers, establishing a dominant technological conglomerate.
Operations in Manchukuo
At the invitation of Nobusuke Kishi, Aikawa relocated to Manchukuo in 1937 to head the Manchurian Industrial Development Company. He aligned with the Kwantung Army to execute centralized economic plans, though he prioritized a monopolistic structure over the free-market principles typically associated with industrial development. During this period, he attempted to secure American investment, which complicated Japan’s diplomatic standing. His tenure concluded in 1942 when he returned to Japan under military pressure.
Post-war Political and Business Influence
Following the surrender of Japan, occupation authorities held Aikawa in Sugamo Prison for 20 months as a Class A war crimes suspect, though he was released without trial. During his detention, the original Nissan zaibatsu was dismantled. He subsequently transitioned into petroleum leadership, serving as president of the Teikoku Oil Company and the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company. In 1953, he secured a seat in the House of Councillors and established the Chuseiren, a pressure group dedicated to the interests of small and medium-sized firms.
Fast facts
- Born: 1880, Ōuchi
- Died: 1967, Kanda-Surugadai
- Education: University of Tokyo
- Primary Enterprise: Nissan
- Political Office: House of Councillors, House of Peers
- Award: Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st Class (1967)
- Final Resting Place: Tama Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Nissan zaibatsu?
It was one of the most powerful business conglomerates in Japan during the Second World War, consolidating control over 132 diverse industrial and technological subsidiaries.
Did Aikawa support the political alignment of wartime Japan?
While he collaborated on industrial policy in Manchukuo, he opposed the Tripartite Pact and favored policies that would aid Jewish refugees.
Achievements
- Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st Class — 1967
- Affiliated with Gould Coupler Company, Shibaura Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and Nissan
- Educated at University of Tokyo
