新田義實文書及び日記から見えてくる日タイ関係，1935–1945年，（下の1）：在タイ第二期

抄録

This article is the second part following the first installment published in No. 50 of Asia-Pacific Studies. While the first part introduced a considerable number of Nitta documents, no such documents exist for the period covered in this second part. Therefore, this installment relies solely on the Nitta Diary.

Yoshimi Nitta’s second tenure as the Bangkok branch manager of Mitsubishi Corporation (Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha, Ltd.) lasted from September 1941 to June 1943. However, this part also includes Thailand-related matters that Nitta was involved with during his time stationed in Japan. As such, the Nitta Diary presented here spans from August 1939 to March 1945.

Nitta’s work was closely tied to Japanese policy and involved deep connections with the Japanese Embassy and the Army and Navy. At the same time, his interactions with Thai elites extended beyond professional duties to personal relationships.

During World War II, Nitta emerged as a strategic non-governmental actor in Japan’s Track II diplomacy in Thailand—that is, informal dialogue and relationship-building that complemented official intergovernmental channels.

From the Nitta Diary, it is evident that Nitta not only maintained business relations but also formed personal friendships with several cabinet members of the Pibul administration—such as Direk, Vichitr, Varn, Vilas, Vanich, Kovid (Kuang), Prayoon, Phya Mahai, Chaveng, and Luang Seri—and was consulted by them on various matters. Simultaneously, Nitta leveraged these personal ties with influential Thai figures to actively support the Japanese Embassy’s diplomatic efforts in Thailand.

Several illustrative entries from the Nitta Diary reveal the depth of Nitta’s involvement in Japan–Thailand relations during the war.

On October 17, 1941, Nitta wrote:

“Invited to the private residence of Nai Direk Jayanama [Foreign Minister], who requested my cooperation regarding the control of news. I immediately went to speak with Ambassador Tsubokami, and eventually was treated to dinner before returning. (At Nai Direk’s request, I relayed the issue of news control to Ambassador Tsubokami, who stated that a news attaché would be sent and entrusted with the task.)” From the entry dated October 25, it is clear that Nitta visited Foreign Minister Direk to report the ambassador’s reply.

On December 7, 1941, the diary notes:

“Went to the ambassador’s residence; if necessary, I was told to liaise tonight with Luang Vichitr Vadakarn [Deputy Foreign Minister].” This indicates that, on the eve of the Japanese military’s advance into Thailand, Nitta was designated by Ambassador Tsubokami as the liaison with Deputy Minister Vichitr.

The December 16, 1941 entry reads:

“Nai Vilas Osatananda [Director General of the Department of Publicity] came and stated his resignation from politics. He pleaded that, through Thai Maritime Navigation Co. alone, he would cooperate with Japan, and asked me to help dispel Japan’s unfavorable views as expressed by the Prime Minister.” This reveals that Vilas, who also served as Deputy Minister of Transport, turned to Nitta for help after being dismissed by Prime Minister Pibul under Japanese pressure.

On May 20, 1942, Nitta recorded:

“Visited Minister of Education Prayoon Phamonmontri to consult about the incident in the machinery section,” indicating that he sought advice from Prayoon on a specific administrative matter.

The January 27, 1942 entry states:

“Met with Prime Minister Pibul, presented silk, had a thirty-minute conversation, and expressed gratitude for the decoration.” This confirms that Nitta was awarded the Third Class Order of the Crown of Thailand—a rare honor for a non-governmental civilian—recognizing his contributions.

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