Sato, Eisaku << sah toh, ay sah koo >> (1901-1975), served as premier of Japan from 1964 to 1972. As premier, he supported the United States-Japan Security Treaty under which the United States defends Japan. But he wanted Japan to assume more responsibility for its own defense. Sato resigned in 1972, and Kakuei Tanaka succeeded him. Sato and Seán MacBride of Ireland were awarded the 1974 Nobel Peace Prize. Sato won the award for his efforts to limit the spread of nuclear weapons.
Sato was born on March 27, 1901, in Tabuse, a small town on the Inland Sea. He received a law degree from the University of Tokyo, and then joined the transportation ministry. During World War II (1939-1945), he directed the operation of the railroads. Later, he became vice-minister of transportation.
Sato was elected to the Diet (parliament) in 1949. He served in a series of important party and Cabinet offices until 1954 when he and other top government officials were accused of taking bribes. They resigned. Sato returned to the government four years later in the Cabinet of his brother, Premier Nobusuke Kishi. He also served in Premier Hayato Ikeda’s Cabinet. When Ikeda resigned because of illness, Sato was selected as premier. Sato died on June 3, 1975.
