Sakae Ōba

Quick Facts: Who was Sakae Ōba?

Subject:

Sakae Ōba

Known for:

Imperial Japanese Army officer who survived the Battle of Saipan to lead a prolonged holdout.

Born:

1914-03-21

Died:

1992-06-08

Century / Era:

1914s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Sakae Ōba (大場 栄, Ōba Sakae; 21 March 1914 – 8 June 1992) was an officer of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. He served in both China and in the Pacific campaign. After Japanese forces were defeated in the Battle of Saipan, he led a group of soldiers and civilians deep into the jungle to evade capture by Allied forces. Under Ōba's leadership, the group survived for over a year after the battle and finally surrendered in December 1945, three months after the war had ended. Following his return to Japan, he became a successful businessman and served on the city council of Gamagōri.

Career & Major Achievements

Sakae Ōba was born on 21 March 1914 in the town of Gamagori, Aichi prefecture. He was the first son of Isuke Ōba, a farmer. In March 1933, Ōba graduated from the Aichi Prefecture Teacher Training School of Practical Education (愛知県実業教員養成所) and the following month he accepted a faculty position at a public school in the area. While working as a teacher, he married Mineko Hirano (1912–1992), also of Gamagori. In 1934, Ōba joined the 18th Infantry Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army, based in the nearby city of Toyohashi.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was designated a Ground Officer Candidate, First Class, received specialized training, and was sent to Manchukuo, where the bulk of the 18th Regiment was already stationed on occupation duty. In 1936, the regiment returned to its home garrison in Toyohashi, and Ōba was briefly reunited with his wife. In July 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War erupted, and the 18th Infantry was mobilized. In August, Ōba and his regiment were deployed to China where they joined the amphibious invasion of Shanghai. By December of that year, Ōba had been promoted to second lieutenant.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1912: 1912 Milestone — While working as a teacher, he married Mineko Hirano (1912–1992), also of Gamagori.
2. 1914 (1914-03-21): Birth of Sakae Ōba — Imperial Japanese Army officer who survived the Battle of Saipan to lead a prolonged holdout.
3. 1933: 1933 Milestone — In March 1933, Ōba graduated from the Aichi Prefecture Teacher Training School of Practical Education (愛知県実業教員養成所) and the following month he accepted a faculty position at a public school in the area.
4. 1934: 1934 Milestone — In 1934, Ōba joined the 18th Infantry Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army, based in the nearby city of Toyohashi.
5. 1936: 1936 Milestone — In 1936, the regiment returned to its home garrison in Toyohashi, and Ōba was briefly reunited with his wife.
6. 1937: 1937 Milestone — In July 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War erupted, and the 18th Infantry was mobilized.
7. 1945: 1945 Milestone — Under Ōba's leadership, the group survived for over a year after the battle and finally surrendered in December 1945, three months after the war had ended.
8. 1992 (1992-06-08): Passing & Historical Legacy — Sakae Ōba passed away on 1992-06-08, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sakae Ōba

True or False: “Sakae Ōba was immediately promoted to Major upon his return from the Battle of Saipan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was awarded a 'posthumous' promotion to major after the battle, but he survived and continued leading his group for months afterward.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Contemporary (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Adolph Green — Contemporary (Born in 1914) (1914): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr — Contemporary (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer and politician who served as the fourth President of Iraq (1968–1979).
• 21 Savage — Contemporary (Born in 1992) (1992): Atlanta-based rapper known for his distinctive style and career evolution.
• 6lack — Contemporary (Born in 1992) (1992): American R&B singer, songwriter, and rapper known professionally as 6lack.
• Ahn So-hee — Contemporary (Born in 1992) (1992): South Korean actress known for Wonder Girls and Train to Busan.
• Abdul Salam Arif — Shared historical date (03-21 · Born) (1921): Iraqi military officer and politician who served as the second president of Iraq.
• Alexander Glazunov — Shared historical date (03-21 · Died) (1936): A leading Russian Romantic composer, known for reconciling nationalism and cosmopolitanism.
• Abraham Maslow — Shared historical date (06-08 · Died) (1970): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Alan Rubin — Shared historical date (06-08 · Died) (2011): American musician known for playing trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet.
• 1914 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1914
• March 21 (03-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 21
• 1992 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1992
• June 8 (06-08) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 8

Frequently Asked Questions about Sakae Ōba