Translation guide
A military rank above brigadier general and below lieutenant general. In Japanese, this is typically expressed as 少将 (shōshō) for the Japan Self-Defense Forces or other modern contexts, and historically as 少将 for feudal-era ranks.
To refer to the rank of major general in a modern military context, such as the Japan Self-Defense Forces or foreign armies.
Standard term for major general in the Japan Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces. Also used for equivalent ranks in foreign militaries.
彼は陸上自衛隊の少将です。
He is a major general in the Ground Self-Defense Force.
Specifically used in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for the rank of major general. 少将 is more common in general contexts.
陸将補に昇進した。
He was promoted to major general.
Air Force equivalent of major general in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Rarely used outside specific military contexts.
空将補が式典に出席した。
The major general attended the ceremony.
To refer to a major general in the context of historical Japanese military ranks, such as during the Sengoku period or under the Ritsuryō system.
Historical title for a major general in feudal Japan, often used in the imperial court or shogunate hierarchy.
源頼朝は右近衛少将に任じられた。
Minamoto no Yoritomo was appointed as Major General of the Right Imperial Guard.
Do not translate 'major general' word-for-word as 主要な将軍 or similar. The correct term is 少将.