#Japan #Tokyo #Inoki Masamichi #Takeshi Oki #Erich von Manstein

Takeshi Oki's Acclaimed Book Receives Inoki Masamichi Award

On November 16, 2025, the prestigious 11th Inoki Masamichi Award presentation was held, which celebrates outstanding achievements in defense studies. The special prize was awarded to Takeshi Oki for his compelling work, The Genius Strategist Manstein: The Limits of the Supreme Mind of the German Wehrmacht, published in June 2025 by KADOKAWA. In light of the importance of historical military knowledge in understanding contemporary security issues, Oki expressed his deep honor upon receiving recognition for his book, which his hope will serve as a valuable resource for readers.

Award Acceptance Commentary by Takeshi Oki:

"It is an immense honor to receive this award, dedicated to the true liberalist, the late Masamichi Inoki. Gaining knowledge of war history and military strategy is essential for considering security matters, and I believe my work has contributed in that direction. Thank you very much."

The work stands as the concluding volume in Oki's trilogy of biographical studies focusing on renowned German generals; it follows his previous works on the Desert Fox Rommel and the tank commander Guderian, both of which have also achieved significant acclaim. Through detailed narratives of these historical figures, Oki provides insights into the latest research on the German Wehrmacht, emphasizing the critical role these leaders played during World War II.

About the Inoki Masamichi Award

The Inoki Masamichi Award Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was established in January 2014 to honor the contributions of Masamichi Inoki, who immensely influenced defense education and research in Japan as the third president of the National Defense Medical College. This annual award aims to recognize individuals or groups that have excelled in the realms of defense, security, and international peace. Special prizes are also conferred for encouraging works related to security awareness.

Insights from The Genius Strategist Manstein

Takeshi Oki's biography of Erich von Manstein dives deep into the strategies that altered the course of the war. Manstein is celebrated as one of the German Wehrmacht’s greatest minds, having displayed extraordinary tactical skills throughout various military engagements. Some key highlights of his military tactics include:

• - Planning the Early Surrender of France as a key staff member, crafting a strategy that ensured a swift victory.
• - As a corps commander, Manstein outmaneuvered renowned tank commander Guderian through innovative use of armored forces.
• - In the role of military commander, he captured the heavily fortified Sevastopol in the Crimea.
• - As an army group commander, he successfully defended against overwhelming Soviet forces, at times achieving stunning victories by decimating enemy troops.

Manstein's ability to reverse underwhelming outcomes at higher levels of military engagement is often deemed improbable, yet he managed to accomplish these feats. Despite his accolades, his legacy remains shadowed by the ethical implications of his silent compliance to war crimes. Oki’s biography presents a nuanced look at Manstein’s life, revealing both his strategic genius and the moral complexities of his actions.

Take a Closer Look: Oki’s Previous Works

The trilogy consists of three essential reads:

• - The Desert Fox Rommel: The Glory and Tragedy of Hitler's General
• - Tank Commander Guderian: The Man Who Orchestrated Blitzkrieg
• - The Genius Strategist Manstein: The Limits of the Supreme Mind of the German Wehrmacht

These works not only underscore powerful military narratives but also incorporate the latest historical discourse surrounding the German army during World War II.

Author Profile: Takeshi Oki

Takeshi Oki, a modern historian born in Tokyo in 1961, has distinguished himself in academia. He is a former student of the Graduate School of Rikkyo University and studied at Bonn University under a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Oki’s roles include being a lecturer at various institutions and an advisor at the National Showa Memorial Museum. He received the 2020 New Book Award for his work The Eastern Front, 1941-1945 and has authored several notable titles, making significant contributions to the understanding of World War II and military history.

Book Information

• - Title: The Genius Strategist Manstein: The Limits of the Supreme Mind of the German Wehrmacht
• - Author: Takeshi Oki
• - Release Date: June 10, 2025
• - Price: 1,200 yen + tax
• - Format: Shinsho Edition
• - Pages: 452
• - Publisher: KADOKAWA