The General Defense Command (防衛総司令部) was a headquarters organization and general army of the Imperial Japanese Army, established to control all land and air units stationed within Japan proper, Korea and Taiwan during World War II.

History

The General Defense Command was established on July 5, 1941 under the direct command of the Emperor via the Imperial General Headquarters. For administrative, recruiting and accounting purposes, Japan was divided into six army districts, each with a garrison force equivalent to an army corps: The General Defense Command was also responsible for anti-aircraft defenses, and for organizing civil defense training. On April 8, 1945, in preparation for Operation Downfall (or Operation Ketsugō (決号作戦) in Japanese terminology), the General Defense Command was dissolved, and its duties assumed by the new First General Army and Second General Army.

List of Commanders

Commanding officer

Chief of Staff

Books