Born in 1882 in Japan’s Okayama Prefecture, Hisao Tani devoted his life to the Imperial Japanese Army. A graduate of the prestigious Army War College and veteran of the Russo-Japanese War, he was known as an intelligent, disciplined, and ambitious officer who embodied Japan’s growing militarism.
After years as an instructor and attaché in Europe, Tani rose through the ranks to become lieutenant general.

When Japan expanded its empire across Asia, Tani was placed in command of the 6th Division during the invasion of China. In December 1937, his forces entered the Chinese capital of Nanjing — and what followed would become one of the most horrific episodes of the twentieth century.
Under his command, Japanese troops carried out mass executions, rape, and destruction on a scale that shocked the world.

Once a decorated officer, Hisao Tani would be remembered not for his service or discipline, but as one of the commanders responsible for the Rape of Nanjing, a name forever synonymous with unimaginable human suffering.