Principles of War: A Translation from the Japanese

Principles of War is a reprinted translation from the Japanese. The idea for the translation
came from Colonel Tsutomu Matsumura, Japanese Liaison Officer at the Command and General
Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Knowing the nature of the original version and being
keenly aware of the role played by historical examples, Colonel Matsumura suggested Principles of
War be shared with a larger, English speaking audience. Upon approval by the Deputy Commandant,
USACGSC, Dr. Joseph West translated the book under TRADOC contract.
Senri nyumon (An Introduction to the Principles of War) is required reading for all Japan
Ground Self-Defense Force officers. The book is not read once and forgotten — it is one of the
basic texts studied by Japanese officers in preparation for the highly competitive entrance exam to
the Japanese Command and Staff School. Unlike many books about tactics, Principles offers a
lively and vivid picture of the art of warfare. The chief reason for this quality lies in the use of
specific historical examples of battles won and lost to illustrate a particular tactic or principle. In
a narrow sense, it reveals the value of military history when properly applied to abstract concepts.
The historical examples are wide ranging and diverse. The authors have great respect for the
evolution of military science, drawing on Eastern and Western military experiences alike. By offering
samples rich in military tradition, the book affords new insights for the American officer which will
broaden and deepen his historical consciousness.
Many of the battles cited in Principles will not be immediately recognizable to American readers.
In order to enhance the usability of the material, the Combat Studies Institute has appended a
selective bibliography of material relating to the examples used in the text. This will enable the
reader to pursue additional study in selected areas of interest.