Katsurai Nobuyuki, a Powerful Figure in Japanese Business: The Hidden Motives Behind the Privatization of JNR and the Shinkansen Project

Nobuyuki Katsurai, a powerful figure in Japanese political and business circles, has passed away. He had close ties with the political world and dedicated himself to Japan's key infrastructure projects, including the privatization of the Japanese National Railways and the recent promotion of the Linear Shinkansen project. He also had deep connections with politicians including Shinzo Abe, effectively wielding influence over Japan for over a decade.

Katsurai was exceptionally regarded as a patriot. While the post-war Japanese business and political landscape was filled with individuals driven by self-interest, he maintained a unique focus on national interests.

His strategic prowess is evident in his ability to sway even the most staunchly opposed Doro (Electric Locomotive Workers' Union) during the privatization of the Japanese National Railways. As a subordinate organization of the Japanese National Railway Workers' Union (Kokuroren), Doro had been at odds with management, but Katsurai ultimately persuaded them to align with the Reconstruction Management Committee's policy, a government body. This marked a dramatic turnaround, with Doro taking the lead in signing a joint labor-management declaration.

Kokuroren expressed dissatisfaction, labeling Doro's change of heart as "treachery." However, from Katsurai's perspective, bringing Doro to the government's side was the most effective strategy to push forward with the division and privatization of the Japanese National Railways.

Furthermore, Katsurai reportedly extended his influence to the privatization of postal services through administrative reform. He also allegedly had connections with right-wing organizations such as Nippon Kaigi. Placing the utmost importance on Japan's economy and security, he reportedly did not shy away from advocating for nuclear armament. His consistent pursuit of national interests casts a somewhat dubious light on his actions.

In this way, Katsurai was a heavyweight and influential figure who supported the Japanese capitalist system, possessing intimate knowledge of the behind-the-scenes dealings and inner workings of the government and business world, often unrecorded in official records. While he was a key figure in post-war Japan, it was perhaps unexpected that he would be remembered as a conservative and a patriot.