Ministry of Munitions (Japan)

The Ministry of Munitions (軍需省, Gunju-shō) was a ministry of the Japanese government established in 1943 during World War II. Its primary purpose was to centralize control and management of the nation's war production efforts. Prior to its creation, various ministries and agencies shared responsibility for munitions and war supplies, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of coordination.

The Ministry of Munitions aimed to streamline the allocation of resources, including raw materials, labor, and capital, to prioritize the production of weapons, ammunition, aircraft, and other essential war materials. It had broad powers to direct industry, set production quotas, and regulate prices. It also oversaw the development and implementation of new technologies to improve the quality and quantity of war production.

Prime Minister Hideki Tojo simultaneously served as Minister of Munitions upon its formation, highlighting the importance placed on this role. The Ministry absorbed many of the functions previously held by the Planning Board and other economic ministries. It also played a key role in mobilizing civilian industries for war production and enforcing labor conscription.

The Ministry of Munitions was abolished following Japan's surrender in 1945 as part of the Allied occupation's demilitarization efforts. Its functions were largely dismantled and its assets liquidated.