Shin Kanemaru

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 career Kanemaru was born in Suwa village (now Minami-arupusu city), Yamanashi Prefecture on 17 September 1914, to a moderately wealthy sake brewer family. His father was also involved in local politics. He attended the Tokyo University of Agriculture, but was more interested judo than academics. After graduating he became a taught biology and judo at a junior high school in Yamanashi Prefecture.

He was conscripted into the army and served briefly in the Kwantung Army in 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. The scandal was one of the contributors to the falling popularity of the ruling LDP that led to its defeat in the 1993 general elections.

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