Mutsuhiro Watanabe, a Japanese soldier and silencer of POWs during World War II, died in Tokyo on April 1, 2003, at age 85. Watanabe was born in 1916 in Toyotama, Japan, and was a lieutenant during World War II, assigned to work at the Fukuoka POW camp. He is remembered for his relentless abuse and torture of prisoners of war. His cruel methods resulted in the death of many prisoners, and he gained the nickname "the Bird" for his loud screeching voice. After the end of the war in 1945, Watanabe went into hiding but was eventually detained by Allied forces in 1946 and put on trial for war crimes. He was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years in prison. In spite of his war crimes, Japanese citizens gathered in support of him over the years and even started a political party to demand his release. Watanabe was eventually released on parole in 1957. Following his release, Watanabe dedicated his life to the cult of emperor worship, where he wrote articles and books. He is survived by his son and two daughters.