Asahidake Tsurunosuke (朝日嶽 鶴之助; 1840 – April 4, 1882) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsuruoka, Yamagata…Asahidake Tsurunosuke (朝日嶽 鶴之助; 1840 – April 4, 1882) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. His highest rank was ōzeki. He is the fourth ōzeki from Yamagata Prefecture and the first promoted at this rank since Genjiyama in October 1825, 52 years earlier.
Nakazawa Koto (中沢琴, 1839–October 12, 1927) was a Japanese swordswoman and Onna-musha of the Bakumatsu period. She…Nakazawa Koto (中沢琴, 1839–October 12, 1927) was a Japanese swordswoman and Onna-musha of the Bakumatsu period. She joined the Rōshigumi and later Shinchogumi forces, and worked as a pro-Tokugawa agent in the Boshin War.
Nakahara Nantenbō (中原 南天棒; April 3, 1839 – February 12, 1925), also known as Tōjū Zenchū, Tōshū Zenchū 鄧州全忠, and as…Nakahara Nantenbō (中原 南天棒; April 3, 1839 – February 12, 1925), also known as Tōjū Zenchū, Tōshū Zenchū 鄧州全忠, and as Nantenbō Tōjū, was a Japanese Zen Master. In his time known as a fiery reformer, he was also a prolific and accomplished artist. He produced many fine examples of Zen Art and helped bridge the gap between older forms of Zen Buddhist art and its continuation in the 20th century.
Takasago Uragorō (Japanese: 高砂 浦五郎; born Inosuke Yamasaki (山崎 伊之助, Yamasaki Inosuke), November 20, 1838 – April 8…Takasago Uragorō (Japanese: 高砂 浦五郎; born Inosuke Yamasaki (山崎 伊之助, Yamasaki Inosuke), November 20, 1838 – April 8, 1900) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Yamabe District, Kazusa Province (now Tōgane, Chiba Prefecture). His highest rank was maegashira 1. Although he never reached a high rank in professional sumo, Takasago is a personality known for having led the first social movements of sumo wrestlers in Japan and for having founded the eponymous stable which is still active and still bears his name.
Baron Nagayo Sensai (長与 専斎; 16 October 1838 – 8 September 1902) was a medical doctor, educator and statesman in Meiji…Baron Nagayo Sensai (長与 専斎; 16 October 1838 – 8 September 1902) was a medical doctor, educator and statesman in Meiji period Japan.
Ueno Hikoma (上野 彦馬; October 15, 1838 – May 22, 1904) was a pioneer Japanese photographer, born in Nagasaki. He is noted…Ueno Hikoma (上野 彦馬; October 15, 1838 – May 22, 1904) was a pioneer Japanese photographer, born in Nagasaki. He is noted for his fine portraits, often of important Japanese and foreign figures, and for his excellent landscapes, particularly of Nagasaki and its surroundings. Ueno was a major figure in nineteenth-century Japanese photography as a commercially and artistically successful photographer and as an instructor.
Tanaka Yoshio (田中 芳男; 27 September 1838 – 22 June 1916) was a Japanese civil servant and naturalist. Born to a doctor…Tanaka Yoshio (田中 芳男; 27 September 1838 – 22 June 1916) was a Japanese civil servant and naturalist. Born to a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Iida, Shinano Province, Tanaka studied pharmacognosy in his youth with Keisuke Ito. In 1861 he moved to Edo and joined the Bansho Shirabesho (Office for the Investigation of Foreign Documents) the following year. In this job, he worked on the documentation of local produce. He was part of the Japanese delegation at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where he exhibited a number of entomological specimens; this journey also gave him the opportunity to learn about Western museum curation. After the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese Civil Service was reorganised. Within the Daigaku (later the Ministry of Education) Tanaka joined the Bureau of Local Products, and then moved to the Museums Bureau in 1871. A decade later, his services were sought by the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce to oversee the menagerie attached to the National Museum of Natural History; Tanaka took advantage of the opportunity to create Ueno Zoo. Opened in 1882, it was Japan's first zoological park. The creation of the zoo resulted in Tanaka's promotion to Director-General of the Natural History Bureau, however he received little ministerial support for his botanical and zoological planning and resigned from the post the following year. In 1878 he helped to set up a school of agriculture in Komaba (which later became the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Agriculture) and in subsequent years was responsible for the founding of several societies, including the Dainippon Nokai ("Greater Japan Agricultural Society"), the Dainippon Sanrinkai ("Greater Japan Forestry Society") and the Dainippon Suisankai ("Greater Japan Fisheries Society"). He also published several books on botany and agriculture. In 1890 he was elevated to the House of Peers and in 1915 he was granted the title of danshaku (baron). Tanaka died in 1916. The Saxifragaceae species Tanakaea radicans is named after him. The standard author abbreviation Yo.Tanaka is used to indicate this person as the author when citing a botanical name.
Prince Yamagata Aritomo (Japanese: 山縣 有朋; 14 June 1838 – 1 February 1922) was a Japanese statesman and general who…Prince Yamagata Aritomo (Japanese: 山縣 有朋; 14 June 1838 – 1 February 1922) was a Japanese statesman and general who twice served as prime minister of Japan, in 1889–1891 and 1898–1900. He was a leading member of the genrō, a group of senior courtiers and statesmen who dominated the politics of Japan during the Meiji era. As the Imperial Japanese Army's inaugural Chief of Staff, he was the chief architect of its nationalist and reactionary ideology, which has led some historians to consider him the "father" of Japanese militarism. Born to a low-ranking samurai family in the Chōshū Domain, Yamagata became a leader in the loyalist movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate. As a commander in the Boshin War, he helped lead the military forces of the Satsuma–Chōshū Alliance to victory in the Meiji Restoration. Following the Restoration, he traveled to Europe to study Western military systems and returned to become the central figure in the creation of the modern Imperial Japanese Army, implementing a nationwide conscription system. He led the new conscript army to victory over the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, which validated his military reforms and destroyed the last vestiges of the samurai class, including the right to bear swords. He further secured the army's independence from civilian control by creating an autonomous Imperial Army General Staff which reported directly to the Emperor of Japan. Entering civilian government, Yamagata served as Home Minister, where he established an efficient, centralized police and local government system. As Prime Minister from 1889 to 1891, he oversaw the opening of the first Imperial Diet under the new Meiji Constitution. Thereafter, he engaged in a protracted political contest with Itō Hirobumi over the nature of constitutional government. Whereas Itō grew to favor a system of compromise with the political parties, Yamagata remained a staunch advocate of a "transcendental" government where the cabinet would be composed of non-partisan bureaucrats accountable only to the emperor. After the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895, he served a second term as Prime Minister from 1898 to 1900, during which he passed laws to prevent political party members from holding key bureaucratic posts. From the outset of the 1900s, Yamagata vied against Itō for supremacy among the Meiji oligarchy. Upon Ito's assassination on 26 October 1909, he consolidated power to become the dominant figure in the Emperor's court. However, a political scandal that involved his meddling in Crown Prince Hirohito's engagement led to him losing power shortly before his death in February 1922.
Kusumoto Masataka (楠本 正隆) (14 April 1838 – 7 February 1902) was a Japanese Home Ministry government official. He was a…Kusumoto Masataka (楠本 正隆) (14 April 1838 – 7 February 1902) was a Japanese Home Ministry government official. He was a member of the House of Representatives of the Empire of Japan and its third speaker. Previously, he was governor of Niigata Prefecture (1872–1875) and Governor of Tokyo (1875–1879). He was a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, and in 1896, he was granted the title of baron (男爵, danshaku) under Meiji Japan's European-derived kazoku peerage system.
Count Gotō Shōjirō (後藤 象二郎; 13 April 1838 – 4 August 1897) was a Japanese samurai and politician during the Bakumatsu…Count Gotō Shōjirō (後藤 象二郎; 13 April 1838 – 4 August 1897) was a Japanese samurai and politician during the Bakumatsu and early Meiji period of Japanese history. He was a leader of Freedom and People's Rights Movement (自由民権運動, jiyū minken undō) which would evolve into a political party.
Marquess Ōkuma Shigenobu (Japanese: 大隈 重信; 11 March 1838 – 10 January 1922) was a Japanese statesman who was a leading…Marquess Ōkuma Shigenobu (Japanese: 大隈 重信; 11 March 1838 – 10 January 1922) was a Japanese statesman who was a leading figure in the Meiji and Taishō eras of Japan, serving as Prime Minister in 1898, and from 1914 to 1916. A key advocate for the adoption of Western science and culture in Japan, Ōkuma was a central figure in the country's modernization. He founded the political party Rikken Kaishintō and was an early proponent of parliamentary democracy. He is also the founder of Waseda University. Born in Hizen Province (modern-day Saga Prefecture), Ōkuma was an early advocate for the abolition of the feudal system and the establishment of a constitutional government. As an "outsider" from Saga, he was a rare exception in the Satsuma-Chōshū clique that dominated the Meiji government. He joined the government in 1868 and rose to become Minister of Finance, a position in which he unified the nation's currency, created a national budget, and established the national mint. Following a political crisis in 1881, he was ousted from the government by his rivals. In opposition, he founded the Rikken Kaishintō and became one of the most prominent public figures championing a British-style parliamentary system. Ōkuma returned to government as Foreign Minister in 1888 to work on treaty revision, but resigned after an assassination attempt by a nationalist in 1889 cost him his right leg. He later organized Japan's first party cabinet in 1898, serving as prime minister, though it collapsed after only four months. He returned to the premiership in 1914, leading Japan into World War I on the side of the Allies and formulating the Twenty-One Demands on China in 1915. Throughout his career, Ōkuma's populist and pro-modernization political style, his strong nationalism, and his unwavering advocacy for parliamentary rule made him one of the most influential statesmen of his generation. His national funeral in 1922 drew an unprecedented number of citizens.
Count Kabayama Sukenori (樺山 資紀; 9 December 1837 – 8 February 1922) was a Japanese samurai military leader and…Count Kabayama Sukenori (樺山 資紀; 9 December 1837 – 8 February 1922) was a Japanese samurai military leader and statesman. He was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army and an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He later became the first Governor-General of Taiwan during the island's period as a Japanese colony. He is also sometimes referred to as Kabayama Motonori.
Viscount Yamao Yōzō (山尾 庸三; 5 November 1837 – 21 December 1917) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period who…Viscount Yamao Yōzō (山尾 庸三; 5 November 1837 – 21 December 1917) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period who became an influential member of the Meiji era government of Japan.
Baron Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉 喜八郎; 23 October 1837 – 5 April 1928) was a Japanese businessman, investor, and…Baron Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉 喜八郎; 23 October 1837 – 5 April 1928) was a Japanese businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He was the corporate progenitor of the Ōkura-gumi zaibatsu, which later became the Taisei Corporation, and the Ōkura Shōgyō Gakkō ("Okura Commerce School") which later became Tokyo University of Economics in 1949. In contrast to most of the zaibatsu, the Ōkura zaibatsu was founded by someone from the peasant class.
Okuhara Seiko (奥原 晴湖; 1837–1913) was a Literati artist in Japan in the late 19th century. She became a leading artist…Okuhara Seiko (奥原 晴湖; 1837–1913) was a Literati artist in Japan in the late 19th century. She became a leading artist in Japan founding an art school and displaying her art throughout the country. In 1891, at the age of fifty-five, Seiko decided to retire to a country village. The paintings created by Seiko following her retirement are highly regarded and considered to be some of her finest work.
Shōzō Kawasaki (川崎 正蔵; 2 December 1837 – 2 December 1912) was a Japanese industrialist and shipbuilder. He was the…Shōzō Kawasaki (川崎 正蔵; 2 December 1837 – 2 December 1912) was a Japanese industrialist and shipbuilder. He was the founder of Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Tsuda Sen (津田 仙; August 6, 1837 – April 24, 1908) was a politician, educator and writer in Meiji period Japan. He was…Tsuda Sen (津田 仙; August 6, 1837 – April 24, 1908) was a politician, educator and writer in Meiji period Japan. He was one of the founders of Aoyama Gakuin university, and the father of noted author and educator Tsuda Umeko.
Uchida Ryōgorō Shigeyoshi (written as Ryōgorō Uchida in the west), (1837 - October 22, 1921), was a Japanese jojutsu…Uchida Ryōgorō Shigeyoshi (written as Ryōgorō Uchida in the west), (1837 - October 22, 1921), was a Japanese jojutsu practitioner, ranked menkyo in the Japanese martial art of Shintō Musō-ryū. He is the creator of the gendai budo Uchida Ryu Tanjojutsu, originally known as Sutteki jutsu or "stick method". Uchida Ryōgorō Shigeyoshi was born as Hiraoka Ryōgorō in 1837 to father Hiraoka Nisaburo. He was the eldest of six children. After Ryōgorōs 14th birthday he was adopted into the Uchida family and took on the Uchida family name. He was adopted due to a lack of an heir to the Uchida family name. Ryōgorōs biological father held a license to teach (Menkyo) in the Haruyoshi-branch of the "New Just" Muso-ryu tradition. From an early age Ryōgorō showed an aptitude for martial arts and excelled in his studies. He trained in all of the arts a bushi (warrior) was expected to learn which included horsemanship, bowmanship, gunnery, swordsmanship, spear and a multitude of other weapons and skills. Among the arts he learned was Ono-ha Itto-ryu swordsmanship from Ikuoka Heitaro, the art of spear from a retainer of the Takeda family, Kyushin-ryu jujutsu from exponent named Ishikawa and Shinto Muso-ryu Jo from Hirano Kichizo Yoshinobu of the Haruyoshi-branch. Ryōgorō is said to have received the scroll of complete transmission from each of the mentioned ryu. Sometime after the Seinan war of 1877, Ryōgorō moved to Tokyo and started teaching Shintō Musō-ryū, though in a smaller scale than his successor Shimizu Takaji. Two of his known students were Ryōhei Uchida (his son) and Nakayama Hakudo (the founder of Muso Shinden-ryu iaido and a master of kendo). Ryōgorō created a set of tanjo kata based on the teachings of Shintō Musō-ryū and influenced by the walking sticks gentleman of the era carried, which he called "Sutekki" (the Japanese way to pronounce "stick"). After his death, the set of kata were named Uchida Ryu in his honor and are now practiced as one of the heiden bujutsu of Shintō Musō-ryū.
Tani Tateki (谷 干城; 18 March 1837 – 13 May 1911) was a statesman and lieutenant general in the Imperial Japanese Army in…Tani Tateki (谷 干城; 18 March 1837 – 13 May 1911) was a statesman and lieutenant general in the Imperial Japanese Army in Meiji period Japan. He was also known as Tani Kanjō.
Nao Deguchi (出口 なお) (January 22, 1837 – November 16, 1918) was a Japanese religious leader who founded the Oomoto…Nao Deguchi (出口 なお) (January 22, 1837 – November 16, 1918) was a Japanese religious leader who founded the Oomoto religion together with Onisaburo Deguchi. The origins of Oomoto began when she was possessed by a spirit called Ushitora no Konjin in 1892. Even though she was illiterate, she wrote 200,000 pages of prophesies while possessed. While Nao Deguchi is the Foundress (開祖, Kaiso) of Oomoto, Onisaburo Deguchi is the Holy Teacher (聖師, Seishi).
Takayoshi Sekiguchi (1836-1889) was a Japanese policeman and politician in the Edo Period and the first Governor of the…Takayoshi Sekiguchi (1836-1889) was a Japanese policeman and politician in the Edo Period and the first Governor of the Shizuoka Prefecture. He was one of the founders of Shizuoka Girls' School.
Kawada Koichirō (川田 小一郎; October 4, 1836 – November 7, 1896) was a Japanese businessman, central banker and the 3rd…Kawada Koichirō (川田 小一郎; October 4, 1836 – November 7, 1896) was a Japanese businessman, central banker and the 3rd Governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ). He was created a Baron; and he was a member of Japan's House of Peers.
Marquess Inoue Kaoru (井上 馨; 16 January 1836 – 1 September 1915) was a Japanese politician and a prominent member of the…Marquess Inoue Kaoru (井上 馨; 16 January 1836 – 1 September 1915) was a Japanese politician and a prominent member of the Meiji oligarchy during the Meiji period of the Empire of Japan. As one of the senior statesmen (Genrō) in Japan during that period, he had a tremendous influence on the selection of the nation's leaders and formation of its policies.
Zōgahana Heisuke (Japanese: 象ヶ鼻 平助; 1836 – March 18, 1890)–but sometimes called "Zōgabana" or "Sōgahana" because of the…Zōgahana Heisuke (Japanese: 象ヶ鼻 平助; 1836 – March 18, 1890)–but sometimes called "Zōgabana" or "Sōgahana" because of the Japanese phonological tendency called rendaku–was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Tateyama, Awa Province (now Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture). His highest rank was ōzeki. He is the fifth wrestler from the prefecture to have been promoted to this rank in total. He was promoted roughly at the same time as Sakaigawa, who became an ōzeki the year before. He was also the last to hold the title until Konishiki's promotion in 1890, 25 years later.
Sukeyuki Ban (伴 資健 Ban Sukeyuki; 31 December 1835 – 28 January 1913) was a Japanese politician who served as the Mayor…Sukeyuki Ban (伴 資健 Ban Sukeyuki; 31 December 1835 – 28 January 1913) was a Japanese politician who served as the Mayor of Hiroshima twice from 1889 to 1895 and from 1896 to 1906. He was the first mayor of Hiroshima to serve two non-consecutive terms.
Ayasegawa Sanzaemon (Japanese: 綾瀬川 山左エ門; born Tōjirō Kawamura (川村 藤次郎, Kawamura Tōjirō), October 1835 – March 8, 1877)…Ayasegawa Sanzaemon (Japanese: 綾瀬川 山左エ門; born Tōjirō Kawamura (川村 藤次郎, Kawamura Tōjirō), October 1835 – March 8, 1877) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Higashinari, Settsu Province (now part of Osaka in the eponymous prefecture). His highest rank was ōzeki. He is the first wrestler from Osaka Prefecture to have been promoted at this rank in sumo history, and the only one until Ōnishiki's promotion in 1916, 44 years later.
Taruhito, Prince Arisugawa (有栖川宮熾仁親王, Arisugawa-no-miya Taruhito-Shinnō; March 17, 1835 – January 15, 1895) was a…Taruhito, Prince Arisugawa (有栖川宮熾仁親王, Arisugawa-no-miya Taruhito-Shinnō; March 17, 1835 – January 15, 1895) was a Japanese imperial prince and general in the Imperial Japanese Army. He was the 9th head of the Arisugawa-no-miya (有栖川宮家) line of shinnōke cadet branches of the Imperial Family of Japan from 1871. Prince Arisugawa held several government and military offices during the Meiji era, such as commander of the Imperial Army during the Boshin War and the Satsuma Rebellion, president of the Genrōin, Minister of the Left and chief of the army general staff.
Baron Maejima Hisoka (前島 密; 24 January 1835 – 27 April 1919), born Ueno Fusagorō (上野 房五郎), was a Japanese statesman…Baron Maejima Hisoka (前島 密; 24 January 1835 – 27 April 1919), born Ueno Fusagorō (上野 房五郎), was a Japanese statesman, politician, and businessman in Meiji-period Japan. Maejima founded the Japanese postal service, and is known as Yūbin Seido no Chichi (郵便制度の父), or "Father of the Postal System".
Iwasaki Yatarō (岩崎 弥太郎; January 9, 1835 – February 7, 1885) was a Japanese industrialist and financier known as the…Iwasaki Yatarō (岩崎 弥太郎; January 9, 1835 – February 7, 1885) was a Japanese industrialist and financier known as the founder of Mitsubishi, one of Japan's largest conglomerates.
Kondō Isami (近藤 勇; November 9, 1834 – May 17, 1868) was a Japanese swordsman and samurai of the late Edo period. He was…Kondō Isami (近藤 勇; November 9, 1834 – May 17, 1868) was a Japanese swordsman and samurai of the late Edo period. He was the fourth generation master of Tennen Rishin-ryū and was famed for his role as commander of the Shinsengumi.
Kawaji Toshiyoshi (川路 利良; 17 June 1834 – 13 October 1879), also known as Kawaji Toshikane, was a Japanese military…Kawaji Toshiyoshi (川路 利良; 17 June 1834 – 13 October 1879), also known as Kawaji Toshikane, was a Japanese military general, politician, and samurai during the Meiji period. A Satsuma Domain samurai initially tasked to study foreign systems for application in the Japanese military, Kawaji fought against forces loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate during the Boshin War. Later, his work on setting up the Japanese police at the aftermath of the Meiji Restoration, first as rasotsu, and then as keisatsu, earned him the recognition as the founder of Japan's modern police system (日本警察の父; lit. 'Father of Japanese Police'). Besides his police and military work, he was also noted for his contributions to the development of Kendo, a Japanese martial art.
Etō Shinpei (江藤 新平; 18 March 1834 – 13 April 1874) was a Japanese statesman during the early Meiji period, remembered…Etō Shinpei (江藤 新平; 18 March 1834 – 13 April 1874) was a Japanese statesman during the early Meiji period, remembered chiefly for his role in the unsuccessful Saga Rebellion.
Kido Takayoshi (木戸 孝允; born Wada Kogorō (和田 小五郎); August 11, 1833 – May 26, 1877), formerly known as Katsura Kogorō (桂…Kido Takayoshi (木戸 孝允; born Wada Kogorō (和田 小五郎); August 11, 1833 – May 26, 1877), formerly known as Katsura Kogorō (桂 小五郎), was a Japanese statesman, samurai and shishi who is considered one of the three great nobles who led the Meiji Restoration.
Count Terashima Munenori (寺島 宗則; 21 June 1832 – 6 June 1893) was a Japanese politician and diplomat during the Meiji…Count Terashima Munenori (寺島 宗則; 21 June 1832 – 6 June 1893) was a Japanese politician and diplomat during the Meiji period. He served as President of the Chamber of Elders and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Count Ōki Takatō (大木 喬任; March 23, 1832 – September 26, 1899), was a Japanese statesman during the early Meiji period.…Count Ōki Takatō (大木 喬任; March 23, 1832 – September 26, 1899), was a Japanese statesman during the early Meiji period. He was Governor of Tokyo in 1868 and a member of the Japanese Privy Council in 1889.
Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋 暁斎; May 18, 1831 – April 26, 1889) was a Japanese painter and caricaturist. In the words of art…Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋 暁斎; May 18, 1831 – April 26, 1889) was a Japanese painter and caricaturist. In the words of art historian Timothy Clark, "an individualist and an independent, perhaps the last virtuoso in traditional Japanese painting".
Ankō Itosu (糸洲 安恒, Okinawan: Ichiji Ankō; Japanese: Itosu Ankō, 1831 – 11 March 1915) is considered by many the father…Ankō Itosu (糸洲 安恒, Okinawan: Ichiji Ankō; Japanese: Itosu Ankō, 1831 – 11 March 1915) is considered by many the father of modern karate. This title is also often given to Gichin Funakoshi because of the latter spreading karate throughout Japan.
Marquis Sasaki Takayuki (佐々木 高行; November 26, 1830 – March 3, 1910) was a bureaucrat, government minister and court…Marquis Sasaki Takayuki (佐々木 高行; November 26, 1830 – March 3, 1910) was a bureaucrat, government minister and court official in late Meiji period Japan.
Ōkubo Toshimichi (Japanese: 大久保 利通; 26 September 1830 – 14 May 1878) was a Japanese statesman and samurai of the…Ōkubo Toshimichi (Japanese: 大久保 利通; 26 September 1830 – 14 May 1878) was a Japanese statesman and samurai of the Satsuma Domain. Regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan, he was one of the "Three Great Nobles" who led the Meiji Restoration in 1868, alongside Kido Takayoshi and Saigō Takamori. His policies, often characterized by realism and a focus on national strength (fukoku kyōhei), has led some historians to compare his role in Japan to that of Otto von Bismarck in Prussia. Beginning his career as a low-ranking retainer in Satsuma, Ōkubo became a central figure in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, and following the restoration of imperial rule became a prominent leader in the new Meiji government. As a junior councilor and later in key ministerial posts, he was a principal architect of the new state, driving reforms that dismantled the old feudal structure. His most significant achievement in this period was the abolition of the han system in 1871, which centralized the country under the Tokyo government. Ōkubo served as a vice-ambassador on the Iwakura Mission (1871–1873), touring the United States and Europe. The experience reinforced his belief that Japan must prioritize internal modernization before engaging in foreign ventures. Following his return, he successfully opposed a proposed invasion of Korea (Seikanron) in October 1873, thereby leading to a political split with his former ally Takamori. Upon being named Home Minister in November 1873, Ōkubo consolidated power to become the dominant figure within the Meiji oligarchy. Ōkubo then focused on a state-led industrialization drive and suppressed several samurai uprisings that challenged the central government, including the Saga and Satsuma Rebellions. In 1878, Ōkubo was assassinated by a group of disaffected samurai who accused him of tyranny. While controversial for his authoritarian methods, Ōkubo is remembered for his political shrewdness and unwavering vision. His leadership during the turbulent early Meiji period was instrumental in transforming Japan from a feudal country into a modern, industrialised nation-state.
Saigō Tanomo (西郷 頼母; May 16, 1830 – April 28, 1903) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. Chief senior…Saigō Tanomo (西郷 頼母; May 16, 1830 – April 28, 1903) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. Chief senior councilor (hittōgarō 筆頭家老) of the Aizu clan, he achieved fame due to his distinguished action in the Boshin War. He adopted the name Hoshina Chikanori (保科 近野里). Surviving the war, he became a Shinto priest, and achieved renown as a martial artist. He is considered one of the teachers of the famed Takeda Sōkaku.
Nitta Kuniteru (新田邦光) (1829–1902) was a founder of a Sect Shinto group. He founded Shinto Shusei (神道修成派, Shintō…Nitta Kuniteru (新田邦光) (1829–1902) was a founder of a Sect Shinto group. He founded Shinto Shusei (神道修成派, Shintō shūsei-ha) in 1849. He read the Analects at age 9. He founded the sect at age twenty, and considered Japanese people to be descendants of deities. He considered allegiance to the Emperor of Japan to be central to his philosophy; he was a supporter of Sonnō jōi but supported the Boshin Rebellion and the Meiji Restoration later. He managed to gain independence for the sect in 1876. He believed that man's body came from his parents but his spirit came from the three kami Ame-no-Minakanushi, Takamimusubi, and Kamimusubi who he identified with Shangdi. His sect had very positive attitudes towards science and commerce.
Jinmaku Kyūgorō (陣幕 久五郎; June 4, 1829 – October 21, 1903) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Itō, Izumo…Jinmaku Kyūgorō (陣幕 久五郎; June 4, 1829 – October 21, 1903) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Itō, Izumo Province. He was the sport's 12th yokozuna and one of its most important record keepers and historians.
Uryū Iwako (瓜生 岩子; February 15, 1829 – April 19, 1897), also known as Uryū Iwa, was a Japanese social worker during the…Uryū Iwako (瓜生 岩子; February 15, 1829 – April 19, 1897), also known as Uryū Iwa, was a Japanese social worker during the Meiji period. She established a midwifery research institute and relief facility to care for orphans and the poor, and promoted social work and girls' education.
Baron Nishi Amane (西周; 7 March 1829 – 30 January 1897) was a Japanese philosopher. He studied law and economics in the…Baron Nishi Amane (西周; 7 March 1829 – 30 January 1897) was a Japanese philosopher. He studied law and economics in the Netherlands. He became a political advisor to Tokugawa Yoshinobu before and after the Meiji Restoration. He served as a bureaucrat in the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Popular Affairs, and the Ministry of the Imperial Household under the Meiji government. He was involved in the drafting of the Military Precepts and the Imperial Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors. With Mori Arinori and others, he formed the Meirokusha and worked to introduce Western philosophy.
Kanagaki Robun (仮名垣 魯文) was the pen name of Nozaki Bunzō (野崎 文蔵) (9 February 1829 – 8 November 1894), a Japanese author…Kanagaki Robun (仮名垣 魯文) was the pen name of Nozaki Bunzō (野崎 文蔵) (9 February 1829 – 8 November 1894), a Japanese author and journalist.
Shinohara Tainoshin (篠原 泰之進; December 22, 1828 – June 13, 1911) was a Japanese samurai from Chikugo Province who lived…Shinohara Tainoshin (篠原 泰之進; December 22, 1828 – June 13, 1911) was a Japanese samurai from Chikugo Province who lived during the late Tokugawa shogunate. He sided with Satsuma in the Battle of Toba–Fushimi. After the Meiji Restoration, Shinohara became a businessman and later, a devout Christian. In his memoir, Shinohara describes pivotal events and circumstances surrounding the Shinsengumi, Aburakōji Incident and his own assassination attempt on Kondō Isami.
