Shimada served as Navy Minister from October 1941 to July 1944. Other officers derided him as Tojo's servant or briefcase carrier, which conveys their view of his dependence on political patronage. While holding the ministry, he worked to discredit Osami Nagano by presenting the navy's situation in the worst possible light. He succeeded in replacing Nagano at the head of the naval staff. His methods left fellow officers distrustful, so the acquisition of formal authority came at the expense of support within the navy.
Chapter · 2:46-4:11
Shimada's reputation inside the Imperial Japanese Navy
Shimada's rise from Navy Minister to chief of the naval staff is set against deep distrust from fellow officers and his rivalry with Osami Nagano.