Prince Asaka was a member of the Japanese imperial family, born on March 30, 1887. He was the son of Prince Yoshihisa and a grandson of Emperor Meiji. Asaka served in the Imperial Japanese Army and held the rank of general during his military career. He is perhaps best known for his controversial role during World War II, particularly in relation to the events of the Nanjing Massacre. After the war, Prince Asaka was not tried for war crimes, unlike some other military leaders, and he lived a relatively quiet life until his death on January 14, 1946.