5. Cultural Diplomacy In Action: The Zenrin Kyōkai In Inner Mongolia, 1933-45

Undercover Acolytes: Honganji, the Japanese Army, and Intelligence‐Gathering Operations

“…106 In some respects, Ō ta appears to have been following the example of the Zenrin kyōkai (Good Neighbour Association), the semi-official Japanese humanitarian organisation with links to the military that provided medical assistance and educational opportunities to the Mongols and Hui (Han-Chinese Muslims) living on the fringe of the Chinese Republic between 1933 and 1945. 107 Moreover, Ō ta wrote a number of pieces that were subsequently published in Japan, including a piece about life at Mulimiao, a "Mongolian tale" (Mōko shōwa) and a "One line poem about General Nogi" (Nogi shōgun no ichitsuishi). 108 Despite his advanced years, there has been some conjecture as to exactly how Ō ta died, with Matsumoto noting that the various theories surrounding Ō ta's death include poisoning by partisans, suicide in the face of Japan's impending defeat or death as a result of illness.…”