Keiji Shibazaki
| Keiji Shibazaki | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | April 9, 1894 Kasai, Hyōgo, Japan |
| Died | November 20, 1943 (aged 49) Tarawa |
| Allegiance |
 Empire of Japan
|
| Service/branch |
 Imperial Japanese Navy
|
| Years of service | 1915–1943 |
| Rank | Vice-Admiral (posthumous) |
| Commands held | Gunboat Ataka, Tarawa Garrison |
| Battles/wars |
Second Sino-Japanese War World War II Battle of Tarawa † |
Keiji Shibazaki (柴崎 恵次? Shibazaki Keiji, 9 April 1894 – 20 November 1943) was a Rear Admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He was the commander of the Japanese garrison on the island of Betio of the Tarawa atoll during World War II.
Shibazaki was born in Kasai city, Hyogo prefecture. He was a graduate of the 43rd class of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy in 1915, ranking 26th out of 95 cadets. He served as midshipman on the cruiser Azuma and battleship Settsu. As a Kaigun Shōi (Ensign), he was assigned to Satsuma and cruiser Yakumo. As a Kaigun Chūi (Lieutenant junior grade), he served on the cruiser Chikuma, destroyer Kaba and battleship Yamashiro.
Shibazaki was promoted to Kaigun Taii (lieutenant) in 1921, and after taking courses in navigation, was assigned as chief navigator to Tachikaze, oiler Kamoi and survey ship Musashi. After his promotion to Kaigun Shōsa (lieutenant-commander) in 1927, he was appointed aide-de-camp to Prince Kuni Asaakira from 1932-1933. In 1936, he received his first command, the gunboat Ataka. Promoted to Kaigun Taisa (captain) in 1937, he served in various staff positions, primarily in Kure and in Shanghai.
...
Wikipedia