Oikawa served as Navy Minister from September 1940 to October 1941 in Fumimaro Konoe's second and third cabinets. He sought to maintain ties with the United States and prevent war. In London, he instructed Japanese naval attaches to work with the ambassador toward that goal. He also strongly opposed suggestions that Japan declare war on the Soviet Union in 1941, judging such a step unwise. These were attempts to limit Japan's confrontation with other powers during his ministerial tenure.
Notable Point · 6:19-7:26
Oikawa's efforts to avert war as Navy Minister
As Navy Minister in 1940 and 1941, Oikawa sought to preserve US relations through diplomacy and opposed adding the Soviet Union to Japan's enemies.