Shin Kanemaru

Shin Kanemaru (金丸 信 Kanemaru Shin, 17 September 1914 – 28 March 1996) was a Japanese politician who was a significant figure in the political arena of Japan from the 1970s to the early 1990s. He was also Director General of the Japan Defense Agency from 1977 to 1978.

Early life and education
Kanemaru was born in Suwa village (now Minami-arupusu city), Yamanashi Prefecture on 17 September 1914. He began his studies at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and became a teacher upon graduation.

Career
He was conscripted into the army and served briefly in the Kwantung Army as a sergeant from 1937 to 1938. He was discharged due to illness and returned to Japan. After his military service, he entered into the sake brewing business and was later involved in the concrete and souvenir businesses. He was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and a member of the faction of Noboru Takeshita.

Arrest and indictment
In 1992, he was indicted in the Sagawa Kyubin corruption scandal. He was charged with evading taxes on payments he had received from construction companies that were seeking political influence. He resigned and was arrested on 13 March 1993 after authorities found at least $51 million in bearer bonds and hundreds of pounds of gold stored at his home.

Personal life
He has a son, Shingo Shin. Kanemaru died in Yamanashi on 28 March 1996 at the age of 81.