Akiko Baba (馬場 あき子, Baba Akiko) (born January 28, 1928) is a Japanese tanka poet and literary critic. Her real name is…Akiko Baba (馬場 あき子, Baba Akiko) (born January 28, 1928) is a Japanese tanka poet and literary critic. Her real name is Akiko Iwata (岩田 暁子, Iwata Akiko).
Akio Sato (佐藤 昭夫, Satō Akio; 15 August 1927 – 23 October 2007) was a Japanese politician. He represented the Kyoto…Akio Sato (佐藤 昭夫, Satō Akio; 15 August 1927 – 23 October 2007) was a Japanese politician. He represented the Kyoto at-large district in the House of Councillors of the Diet of Japan, serving two terms from 1977 until 1989 as a member of the Japanese Communist Party. Sato was born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and graduated from the Department of Science at the University of Kyoto. He was employed as a high school teacher before entering politics. He died of pneumonia in Uji, Kyoto at the age of 80 on 23 October 2007.
Tatsuro Matsumae (Japanese: 松前達郎 Matsumae Tatsurō; 19 February 1927 – 8 September 2024) was a Japanese academic and…Tatsuro Matsumae (Japanese: 松前達郎 Matsumae Tatsurō; 19 February 1927 – 8 September 2024) was a Japanese academic and politician. A member of the Japan Socialist Party and the Democratic Party, he served in the House of Councillors from 1977 to 2001. Matsumae died of pneumonia in Hachiōji, on 8 September 2024, at the age of 97.
Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid (7 July 1925 – 18 July 2013) was a Malaysian academic and the only Malaysian survivor of the…Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid (7 July 1925 – 18 July 2013) was a Malaysian academic and the only Malaysian survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. A prominent professor of the Japanese language, he was nicknamed "Razak-sensei" by friends and university students.
Hiroshi Kajiwara 梶原完 (9 November 1924 in Shanghai – 29 July 1989 in Germany) was a Japanese pianist, a piano virtuoso…Hiroshi Kajiwara 梶原完 (9 November 1924 in Shanghai – 29 July 1989 in Germany) was a Japanese pianist, a piano virtuoso of international renown and music educator Kajiwara Kan was commonly known in Japan as Kajiwara Kan or Kajikan.
Kiyoji Ōtsuji (大辻 清司, Ōtsuji Kiyoji; 1923–2001) was a Japanese photographer, photography theorist, and educator. He was…Kiyoji Ōtsuji (大辻 清司, Ōtsuji Kiyoji; 1923–2001) was a Japanese photographer, photography theorist, and educator. He was active in the avant-garde art world in Japan after World War II, both creating his own experimental photographs, and taking widely circulated documentary photographs of other artists and art projects. He became an authority in Japanese photography, extensively publishing commentaries and educating future generations of photographers.
Motofumi Makieda (Japanese: 槙枝元文, 4 March 1921 – 4 December 2010) was a Japanese trade union leader. Makieda qualified…Motofumi Makieda (Japanese: 槙枝元文, 4 March 1921 – 4 December 2010) was a Japanese trade union leader. Makieda qualified as a teacher during World War II, then taught at a junior high school. After the war, he was a founding member of the Japan Teachers' Union (JTU), and became its general secretary in 1962, and then president in 1971, in which role he promoted education for peace. In 1974, he led the union in a national strike. As it was illegal for teachers to strike, he was imprisoned, being released following an international campaign. From 1976, he was additionally president of the General Council of Trade Unions of Japan (Sohyo). In 1978, he was elected as president of the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession, serving until 1982, during which time he built links between the federation and the rival International Federation of Free Teachers' Unions. Makieda retired in 1983, and thereafter devoted his time to the Japan-China Friendship Society. He also supported the merger of Sohyo into RENGO, a new trade union federation.
Akeo Watanabe (渡邉 暁雄, Watanabe Akeo; 1919–1990) was a Japanese symphonic conductor, known for his recordings of the…Akeo Watanabe (渡邉 暁雄, Watanabe Akeo; 1919–1990) was a Japanese symphonic conductor, known for his recordings of the works of Jean Sibelius. Watanabe was born in 1919 to a Japanese father and Finnish mother. He studied violin and conducted at the Tokyo Music School and the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, USA. His conducting premiere was with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra in 1945. He was music director of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra from 1948 to 1954 (Kennedy 2006). In 1956, Watanabe founded the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and continued as its resident conductor until 1968. In 1970, he became music director of the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, and remained so until 1972. From 1972 to 1978, he was the music director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. In 1978, he once again became resident conductor of the newly reformed Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom he stayed until 1983. In 1988, he became the music director of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, and remained there until 1990. He was also a professor of conducting at the Tokyo University of the Arts from 1962 to 1967 (Kennedy 2006). Watanabe was a regular guest conductor with orchestras in the United States and Europe (Kennedy 2006). Watanabe made the first complete set of recordings of Sibelius' symphonies in stereophonic sound with the Japan Philharmonic from 1960 to 1962 for the Nippon Columbia Company (these were released on Columbia's Epic label in the United States). He re-recorded the Sibelius symphony cycle in digital sound with the same orchestra in 1981 for Denon. Watanabe died in 1990. Japan Philharmonic Orchestra records note that he remained as music director of the orchestra, which he founded, until his death.
Toru Kumon (公文 公, Kumon Tōru; March 26, 1914 – July 25, 1995) was a Japanese mathematics educator. He was born in Kōchi…Toru Kumon (公文 公, Kumon Tōru; March 26, 1914 – July 25, 1995) was a Japanese mathematics educator. He was born in Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from the College of Science at Osaka University with a degree in mathematics and taught high school mathematics in his home town of Osaka. In 1954, his son, Takeshi, performed poorly in a Year 2 mathematics test. Prompted by his wife, Teiko, Toru closely examined Takeshi's textbooks and believed they lacked the proper opportunity for a child to practice and master a topic. He wrote worksheets each day for his son. By the time Takeshi was in Year 6, he was able to solve differential and integral calculus. This was the beginning of the Kumon Method of Learning. Other parents became interested in Kumon's ideas, and in 1955, the first Kumon Center was opened in Osaka. In 1958, Toru Kumon founded the Kumon Institute of Education. Toru Kumon died in Osaka on July 25, 1995, at the age of 81 from pneumonia. There is a Toru Kumon museum in Osaka. Asteroid 3569 Kumon is named after him.
Doshin So (宗道臣, Sō Dōshin) (born Michiomi Nakano (中野道臣, Nakano Michiomi)), (1911–1980) was a Japanese soldier and…Doshin So (宗道臣, Sō Dōshin) (born Michiomi Nakano (中野道臣, Nakano Michiomi)), (1911–1980) was a Japanese soldier and martial artist. He is most known as the creator and founder of Shorinji Kempo and the doctrine Kongo Zen (金剛禅, Kongō Zen). Practitioners of Shorinji Kempo refer to him as Kaiso, Japanese for "the founder".
Masaru Ibuka (井深 大 Ibuka Masaru; April 11, 1908 – December 19, 1997) was a Japanese electronics industrialist and…Masaru Ibuka (井深 大 Ibuka Masaru; April 11, 1908 – December 19, 1997) was a Japanese electronics industrialist and co-founder of Sony, along with Akio Morita.
Kimi Ohashi (Japanese: 大橋 喜美; 29 January 1905 – 1 June 1999) was a Japanese politician. She was one of the first group…Kimi Ohashi (Japanese: 大橋 喜美; 29 January 1905 – 1 June 1999) was a Japanese politician. She was one of the first group of women elected to the House of Representatives in 1946.
Nahoko Takada (Japanese: 高田なほ子, romanized: Takada Nahoko; née Watanabee, 18 January 1905 – 19 May 1991) was a Japanese…Nahoko Takada (Japanese: 高田なほ子, romanized: Takada Nahoko; née Watanabee, 18 January 1905 – 19 May 1991) was a Japanese educator, trade unionist, politician, socialist and peace activist.
Munenori Akagi (赤城 宗徳, Akagi Munenori; December 2, 1904 – November 11, 1993) was a Japanese politician and historian…Munenori Akagi (赤城 宗徳, Akagi Munenori; December 2, 1904 – November 11, 1993) was a Japanese politician and historian who served three times as Minister of Agriculture and once as Director of the Japan Defense Agency (now the Ministry of Defense).
Hashimoto Kunihiko (橋本國彦; also Qunihico Hashimoto) (September 14, 1904 – May 6, 1949) was a Japanese composer…Hashimoto Kunihiko (橋本國彦; also Qunihico Hashimoto) (September 14, 1904 – May 6, 1949) was a Japanese composer, violinist, conductor, and musical educator.
Tadao Takayama (高山 忠雄, Takayama Tadao; June 24, 1904 – July 1, 1980) was a Japanese football player. He played for the…Tadao Takayama (高山 忠雄, Takayama Tadao; June 24, 1904 – July 1, 1980) was a Japanese football player. He played for the Japan national team. He was also educator, namely principal of Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School, professor at Mukogawa Women's University and superintendent of education of Takarazuka City.
Yonetaro Nakazawa (中沢 米太郎, Nakazawa Yonetarō; September 26, 1903 – February 5, 1984) was a Japanese track and field…Yonetaro Nakazawa (中沢 米太郎, Nakazawa Yonetarō; September 26, 1903 – February 5, 1984) was a Japanese track and field athlete. He competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics in the pole vault and decathlon and finished in sixth and 22nd place, respectively. He was the flag bearer for Japan at those Olympics. He also competed for Japan at the Far Eastern Championship Games (a forerunner to the Asian Games) and was the winner of the pole vault competition in 1923 in Osaka and again in 1927.
Shigeyoshi Matsumae (松前重義, Matsumae Shigeyoshi; October 24, 1901 – August 25, 1991) was a Japanese electrical engineer…Shigeyoshi Matsumae (松前重義, Matsumae Shigeyoshi; October 24, 1901 – August 25, 1991) was a Japanese electrical engineer, inventor of the non-loaded cable carrier system, the Minister of the Ministry of Communications (Teishin-in, between August 30, 1945, and April 8, 1946), politician and the founder of Tokai University. He is also known as a patron of Yasuhiro Yamashita, a judo champion from Tokai University.
Jōsei Toda (戸田 城聖, Toda Jōsei; 11 February 1900 – 2 April 1958) was a teacher, peace activist and second president of…Jōsei Toda (戸田 城聖, Toda Jōsei; 11 February 1900 – 2 April 1958) was a teacher, peace activist and second president of Soka Gakkai from 1951 to 1958. Imprisoned for two years during World War II under violating the Peace Preservation Law and the charge of lèse-majesté from against the war, he emerged from prison intent on rebuilding the Soka Gakkai. He has been described as the architect of the Soka Gakkai, the person chiefly responsible for its existence today. Toda was the disciple of Tsunesaburō Makiguchi and mentor of Daisaku Ikeda, respectively the first and third presidents of the Soka Gakkai. He used the term "human revolution" to embrace Makiguchi's thoughts on the pursuits of education and happiness in life as "inextricably connected in a lifelong journey toward continual self-development." Toda's leadership in building the Soka Gakkai is the theme of Ikeda's 12-volume roman à clef, "The Human Revolution" ("Ningen kakumei")
Akiko Seki (Japanese: 関鑑子) (September 8, 1899 in Tokyo – May 2, 1973 in Tokyo) was a Japanese soprano. She is commonly…Akiko Seki (Japanese: 関鑑子) (September 8, 1899 in Tokyo – May 2, 1973 in Tokyo) was a Japanese soprano. She is commonly recognized as the founder of the movement of The Singing Voice of Japan (Japanese: 日本のうたごえ, Nihon no Utagoe / うたごえ運動, Utagoe-undō). In 1955 she was awarded the Stalin Peace Prize.
Taki Fujita (藤田たき) (23 December 1898 – 4 January 1993) was a Japanese educator and activist for women's rights. Fujita…Taki Fujita (藤田たき) (23 December 1898 – 4 January 1993) was a Japanese educator and activist for women's rights. Fujita was president of Tsuda College from 1962 to 1972.
Masaji Tabata (Japanese: 田畑政治) (December 1, 1898 – August 25, 1984) was a Japanese educator, journalist, and swimming…Masaji Tabata (Japanese: 田畑政治) (December 1, 1898 – August 25, 1984) was a Japanese educator, journalist, and swimming coach. He was a key figure in Tokyo's successful bid to host the 1964 Summer Olympics. He served as the president of the Japanese Olympic Committee from 1973 to 1977.
Chiyo Sakakibara (Japanese: 榊原千代; 15 July 1898 – 28 April 1987) was a Japanese journalist, educator and politician. She…Chiyo Sakakibara (Japanese: 榊原千代; 15 July 1898 – 28 April 1987) was a Japanese journalist, educator and politician. She was one of the first group of women elected to the House of Representatives in 1946. In 1948 she was appointed Deputy Secretary of Justice, also becoming the first woman appointed to a cabinet post.
Kanichi Shimofusa (Japanese: 下総皖一; March 31, 1898 - July 8, 1962) was a Japanese composer. Kanichi Shimofusa was born…Kanichi Shimofusa (Japanese: 下総皖一; March 31, 1898 - July 8, 1962) was a Japanese composer. Kanichi Shimofusa was born in Sunahara, Haramichi-mura, Saitama (now Ōtone, Saitama). He studied composition with Kiyoshi Nobutoki at Tokyo Music School (now Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, also called Geidai), where he graduated first on the list in 1920. Later, he studied with Paul Hindemith at Berlin University of the Arts in Germany, making him the forerunner of Brahms-Hindemith-descended German style at Tokyo Music School. His notable students at Tokyo Music School include Ikuma Dan, Makoto Sato, Yasushi Akutagawa, Mareo Ishiketa, Yuzo Toyama and Taminosuke Matsumoto; his private students included Kunio Suda. Kanichi Shimofusa composed numerous nursery rhymes and government-approved music for music textbooks. He also composed a number of school songs for elementary, junior high, and high schools. The total number of his composition went over 1,000. His music style was unostentatious and steady. He became an associate professor at Tokyo Music School in 1934. He became a member of the textbook editorial committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture in 1940. He became a professor at Tokyo Music School in 1942 and the dean of the Department of Music at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1956.
Seiichirō Furuta (古田 誠一郎, Furuta Seiichirō; 27 June 1897 – 3 December 1992) was a Japanese social reformer, educator…Seiichirō Furuta (古田 誠一郎, Furuta Seiichirō; 27 June 1897 – 3 December 1992) was a Japanese social reformer, educator, radio and TV personality, and politician from Wakayama city, Wakayama Prefecture. One of the leaders of the Boy Scouts' early days in Japan and the first to be elected mayor of Takatsuki, Osaka, he served as the director of the Scout Association of Japan, as well as executive director of the Japan Camping Federation.
Count Muneyoshi Tokugawa (徳川 宗敬, Tokugawa Muneyoshi; 31 May 1897 – 1 May 1989) was a Japanese forester, politician and…Count Muneyoshi Tokugawa (徳川 宗敬, Tokugawa Muneyoshi; 31 May 1897 – 1 May 1989) was a Japanese forester, politician and Shintō priest. His court rank was Junior Third Rank.
Yun Il-seon (Korean: 윤일선; Hanja: 尹日善, October 5, 1896 – June 22, 1987) was a South Korean politician, pathologist, and…Yun Il-seon (Korean: 윤일선; Hanja: 尹日善, October 5, 1896 – June 22, 1987) was a South Korean politician, pathologist, and anatomist. He was the 6th Chairman of University of Seoul 1956 to 1961, a pathology pupil of Fuzinami Ahkira (藤浪鑑), successor of Rudolf Virchow, and cousin of president Yun Bo-seon. A nickname was Dongho (동호; 東湖).
Kenji Tago (Japanese: 多胡 謙治, Hepburn: Tago Kenji, March 14, 1895 – July 14, 1951) was a Japanese dentist and educator.…Kenji Tago (Japanese: 多胡 謙治, Hepburn: Tago Kenji, March 14, 1895 – July 14, 1951) was a Japanese dentist and educator. He served as a professor at Tokyo Women's College of Dental Science (now Kanagawa Dental University). He was a native of Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture.
Wang Mo (traditional Chinese: 王謨; simplified Chinese: 王谟; pinyin: Wáng Mó; Wade-Giles: Wang Mo) (1895 – 1958) was a…Wang Mo (traditional Chinese: 王謨; simplified Chinese: 王谟; pinyin: Wáng Mó; Wade-Giles: Wang Mo) (1895 – 1958) was a Chinese politician and educator. He was an important politician during the Wang Jingwei regime (Republic of China-Nanjing).
Chang Tŏksu (Korean: 장덕수; Hanja: 張德秀; December 10, 1894 – December 2, 1947) was a Korean politician, independence…Chang Tŏksu (Korean: 장덕수; Hanja: 張德秀; December 10, 1894 – December 2, 1947) was a Korean politician, independence activist, journalist, and political scientist. He was the first editor-in-chief of the Dong-A Ilbo. He was the founder and second head of the Korea Democratic Party from 1945 to 1947. Chang studied at Waseda University in Japan, where he became a leader of the Korean students' independence movement between 1914 and 1918. He was assassinated by the right-wing terrorist group the White Shirts Society in 1947. The 10 suspects were charged with murder in a South Korean court, but the case was later transferred to an American military tribunal after right-wing Korean youths intimidated the courts. All of the defendants were found guilty, with 8 being sentenced to death by hanging and the other two to 10 years in prison each. After reviewing the case, U.S. Army General John R. Hodge confirmed two of the death sentences of Park Gwang-ok and Bae Hee-beom, who were viewed as the ringleaders, but reduced the other six death sentences to prison terms. Four of the death sentences were reduced to life in prison, and the other two to 10 years each. Hodge also reduced the 10-year sentences to five years each. Park Gwang-ok and Bae Hee-beom were both executed after the Korean War began. Another convict, Kim Seok-hwang, was later captured and executed by the North's Korean People's Army.
Tamezō Narita (成田為三, Narita Tamezō; 15 December 1893 – 29 October 1945) was a Japanese composer. Narita was born in…Tamezō Narita (成田為三, Narita Tamezō; 15 December 1893 – 29 October 1945) was a Japanese composer. Narita was born in Yonaizawa, Kitaakita District, Akita.
Mitani Takanobu (Japanese: 三谷隆信; 17 June 1892 – 13 January 1985) was a Japanese government official who served nearly…Mitani Takanobu (Japanese: 三谷隆信; 17 June 1892 – 13 January 1985) was a Japanese government official who served nearly fifty years in the Foreign Ministry and the Imperial Household Agency, During World War II he was Japan's ambassador to Vichy France, years during which the Japanese armed forces occupied French Indochina while leaving the colonial administration in place. After the war, he served seventeen years as Grand Chamberlain. Mitani was born in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama City, Kyoto Prefecture. His father was a raw silk merchant, his mother was a daughter of a wealthy farmer. He graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Fourth Junior High School and First High School, After graduating in Law from Tokyo Imperial University in 1917, he joined the Home Ministry, then in 1920 transferred to the Foreign Ministry. Mitani served briefly in Paris and attended the Washington Naval Conference before returning to Tokyo for assignments in the Treaty department, and then with personnel. During the 1930s he was First Secretary in the Japanese Embassy in Paris, and thrice served as Chargé d'affaires ad interim between changes of Ambassador. He returned to Tokyo in 1938 to head the Cultural Affairs department. In 1940, he was posted as Minister to Switzerland. In April 1942, Mitani was named Ambassador to the Pétain government. When the German occupiers withdrew from France during the summer of 1944, he followed the Vichy leadership to Sigmaringen where he spent the next eight months. Amidst the Allied invasion of southern Germany in April 1945. he fled to Switzerland, where he stayed nine months. From Bern on VE Day, Mitani urged his government to sue for peace "on the most favorable terms possible." He saw little hope of success by going through Moscow, and advocated quick overtures to the U.S. and Britain before the Soviet Union decided to enter the Pacific War. Mitani returned to Japan in early 1946. Resigning from the Foreign Ministry, he was selected as Director of the Women's Department, then Vice Director, of Gakushuin, the 'Peers School' which educated members of the Japanese aristocracy. Crown Prince Akihito attended during those years. In June 1948 Mitsani was appointed Grand Chamberlain in the royal household. His early years were those of the American occupation, the Korean War and the Peace Treaty conference in San Francisco. He accompanied MacArthur on regional tours, and saw him off on behalf of the Emperor when he was recalled to the United States. Mitani served as Chief Aide to the Crown Prince when he visited the Europe and the U.S. in 1953. He retired in 1965 and was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, First Class. Himself prominent in Japanese Christian circles, Mitani was a disciple of Uchimura Kanzō and younger brother of the Christian theologist Mitani Takamasa. His appointments to Gakushūin, then as Grand Chamberlain, have been seen as part of Hirohito's consideration in the immediate postwar years of a possible conversion of the royals to Christianity. His half-brother was Hasegawa Shin, author of "Mother of the Eyelids." A maternal grandson, Keiichiro Asao, is a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet. Mitani's Memoirs of the Grand Chamberlain was published (in Japanese) in 2024, the latest edition of a volume first printed in 1980.
Yasuzo Shimizu (清水 安三, Shimizu Yasuzō; June 1, 1891 – January 17, 1988) was a Japanese educator and Protestant…Yasuzo Shimizu (清水 安三, Shimizu Yasuzō; June 1, 1891 – January 17, 1988) was a Japanese educator and Protestant Christian missionary in China. He established the Chongzhen School for the poor in Beijing, and the Obirin University in Tokyo.
Masaichi Kobayashi (14 February 1891 – 25 December 1973) was a Japanese architect. His work was part of the…Masaichi Kobayashi (14 February 1891 – 25 December 1973) was a Japanese architect. His work was part of the architecture event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
Chen Wangdao (Chinese: 陳望道; pinyin: Chén Wàngdào; Wade–Giles: Ch'en Wang-tao) (1891–1977) was a Chinese scholar and…Chen Wangdao (Chinese: 陳望道; pinyin: Chén Wàngdào; Wade–Giles: Ch'en Wang-tao) (1891–1977) was a Chinese scholar and educator. He is recognized as the first and only person to translate the Communist Manifesto into Chinese completely so far. He also served as president of Fudan University from 1949 to 1977. Chen was born Mingrong (明融) in 1891, while Wangdao is his courtesy name. Beginning in 1915, he studied at Waseda University, Toyo University and Chuo University successively. He eventually obtained his Bachelor of Laws at Chuo University. The experience in Japan brought him into contact with communist ideas. Chen returned to China as the May Fourth Movement began. He found a job teaching Chinese literature at then Chekiang Provincial No.1 Normal School. Meantime, Chen spread the New Culture with colleagues whose passions coincided with his own. The authority decided to dismiss them for that method. Despite students' agitation against the order, he was obliged to return to his hometown in 1920. Chen was among the founders of Shanghai's Marxist research institute in May 1920. In August of that year, he became one of the founders of the Shanghai Communist Group. In 1920, The Communist Manifesto was printed and distributed in Chinese, with its publishing being a major priority of the Shanghai Communist Group. Chen Wangdao is credited as translator of the first printing. It quickly became a popular text among Chinese intellectuals. It was dubbed "the first red book of China." Later, he set up a group on the communist campaign in Shanghai, together with Chen Duxiu, Li Hanjun et al. He became a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), after it was founded in 1921. He was at odds with Chen Duxiu soon. He left the CCP in 1922 and rejoined in 1957.
Morito Tatsuo (森戸 辰男, Morito Tatsuo; 23 December 1888 – 28 May 1984) was a Japanese economist. He served as the…Morito Tatsuo (森戸 辰男, Morito Tatsuo; 23 December 1888 – 28 May 1984) was a Japanese economist. He served as the Minister of Education under Prime Minister Tetsu Katayama, and was the first president of Hiroshima University.
Kiichi Matsuda (松田 喜一, Matsuda Kiichi; December 1, 1887 – July 30, 1968) was a Japanese professor of agriculture who…Kiichi Matsuda (松田 喜一, Matsuda Kiichi; December 1, 1887 – July 30, 1968) was a Japanese professor of agriculture who lived in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, during the Taishō and Shōwa periods. Over 48 years, he taught farming techniques to 3,600 students at Matsuda Farm, his private school, and forty thousand people attended his lectures during that time.
Gobara Koto (August 8, 1887 – April 6, 1965), whose real name was Horie Tōichirō, was a Japanese painter a native of…Gobara Koto (August 8, 1887 – April 6, 1965), whose real name was Horie Tōichirō, was a Japanese painter a native of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, and an art educator during the period of Japanese rule in Taiwan. Inspired by the model of the Imperial Art Exhibition (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) held in mainland Japan, Gobara Koto collaborated with artists such as Kinichiro Ishikawa, Tōho Shiotsuki, and Kinoshita Seigai to establish the Taiwan Art Exhibition in Taiwan. He was highly dedicated to nurturing younger generations of artists, with notable students including Chen Jin (painter), Lin Aqin, Qiu Jinlian, and Zhou Hongchou, etc., who have a huge influence on Taiwan's painting circles.
Hidetsugu Yagi (八木 秀次, Yagi Hidetsugu; January 28, 1886 – January 19, 1976) was a Japanese electrical engineer from…Hidetsugu Yagi (八木 秀次, Yagi Hidetsugu; January 28, 1886 – January 19, 1976) was a Japanese electrical engineer from Osaka, Japan. When working at Tohoku Imperial University, he wrote several articles that introduced a new antenna designed by his assistant Shintaro Uda to the English-speaking world. The Yagi-Uda antenna, patented in 1926, allows directional transmission using radio waves, and is especially useful in the very high frequency and ultra high frequency radio bands. Antennas of this type were widely used for television and radio reception, and are still common in communication and radar systems. Yagi also tried, unsuccessfully, to introduce a wireless power transmission system. He participated in establishing the Chiba Institute of Technology. He was the fourth president of Osaka University from February 1946 to December 1946. In 1942, he became the President of Tokyo Institute of Technology, in 1944 he became the President of the Technical Institution, and in 1946 also the President of the Osaka Imperial University. He was decorated with the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon Award in 1951, with the Order of Culture in 1956, and posthumously with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 1976.
Reikichi Kita (北 昤吉, Kita Reikichi, 21 July 1885 – 5 August 1961) was a Japanese philosopher, educator, political…Reikichi Kita (北 昤吉, Kita Reikichi, 21 July 1885 – 5 August 1961) was a Japanese philosopher, educator, political commentator, and politician. He served eight terms in the House of Representatives and was a founder of Tama Art University. He also served as Policy Research Council Chairman of the Japan Liberal Party. He was the younger brother of Ikki Kita, one of the main ideologues of the February 26 Incident.
Michiji Tajima (Japanese: 田島道治) (July 2, 1885 – December 2, 1968) was a Japanese businessman and educator. He was Grand…Michiji Tajima (Japanese: 田島道治) (July 2, 1885 – December 2, 1968) was a Japanese businessman and educator. He was Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Office (June 5, 1948 – May 31, 1949) and continued as Grand Steward of its successor, the Imperial Household Agency (June 1, 1949 – December 16, 1953). He graduated from the University of Tokyo. Documents written by Tajima and made public by the Japanese broadcaster NHK in 2019 suggest that Emperor Hirohito sought to apologize to the Japanese people for the damage caused during World War II. These include 18 notebooks, as well as a 1948 draft for an apology speech written in preparation for Japan gaining independence from Allied occupation in April 1952, which included phrases such as "deep shame" due to "my fault" (for the war). However, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida sought to avoid all mention of the war by Hirohito, and the passage referencing the emperor's "remorse" was dropped altogether.
Tanzan Ishibashi (石橋 湛山, Ishibashi Tanzan; 25 September 1884 – 25 April 1973) was a Japanese journalist and politician…Tanzan Ishibashi (石橋 湛山, Ishibashi Tanzan; 25 September 1884 – 25 April 1973) was a Japanese journalist and politician who served as prime minister of Japan from 1956 to 1957. Born in Tokyo, Ishibashi became a journalist after graduating from Waseda University in 1907. In 1911, he joined the Tōyō Keizai Shimpo ("Eastern Economic Journal") and served as its editor-in-chief from 1925 to 1946 and president from 1941. In the 1930s, Ishibashi was one of the few critics of Japanese imperialism, and became well known as a liberal economist. From 1946 to 1947, Ishibashi served as finance minister under Shigeru Yoshida. He was elected into the National Diet in 1947, but was purged for openly opposing the U.S. occupation policies; he returned to the Diet in 1952, after which he allied with Ichiro Hatoyama and served as his minister of international trade and industry. Ishibashi succeeded Hatoyama as prime minister in 1956, simultaneously serving as director of the Defense Agency, but resigned soon after due to ill health.
Azuma Moriya (守屋東, Morira Azuma; 1884 – 1975) was a Japanese temperance activist. She was head of the Loyal Temperance…Azuma Moriya (守屋東, Morira Azuma; 1884 – 1975) was a Japanese temperance activist. She was head of the Loyal Temperance Legion program in Japan, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) outreach to children.
Kotaka Otsuma (大妻 コタカ, Ōtsuma Kotaka; June 21, 1884 – January 3, 1970) was born on June 21, 1884, in Kawashiri, Kōzan…Kotaka Otsuma (大妻 コタカ, Ōtsuma Kotaka; June 21, 1884 – January 3, 1970) was born on June 21, 1884, in Kawashiri, Kōzan Town, Sera County, Hiroshima Prefecture, the third daughter of Shōjūrō Kumada (熊田 小十郎). After studying at Kawashiri Elementary School, Hongo Middle School, and the Kozan Needlecraft School, she found employment at a local elementary school. In 1901 she moved to Tokyo and enrolled in Wayo Women's University, subsequently taking a teaching position in Kanagawa Prefecture. In 1907 she married Ryōma Ōtsuma (大妻 良馬), an employee of the Imperial Household Ministry. With his help and support, she founded a needlecraft school in Chiyoda, Tokyo, a stone's throw from the Imperial Palace (Kokyo). This school later developed into the Otsuma Girls' Middle and High Schools and Otsuma Women's University and Junior College. In 1952 she founded the Kozan Art and Craft High School and remained its head until her death. Otsuma died on January 3, 1970. Otsuma is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of women's education in Japan, even though the curricula of her schools emphasized home economics and traditional social values. Her connections to the Imperial Palace and her active support of the militaristic government led to her being investigated after the Pacific War, but no action was taken. Conversely, her contributions to Japanese education were recognized by the following Imperial Awards: 1954 Medal with Blue Ribbon (藍綬褒章, ranjuhōshō) 1964 Order of the Precious Crown, Butterfly (宝冠白蝶章, hōkanshirochōshō) 1970 Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star (瑞宝重光章, zuihōjūkōshō) In 2002 she was posthumously made an Honorary Citizen of Kozan Town.
Fang Zong'ao (Chinese: 方宗鳌; Wade–Giles: Fang Tsung-ao; 1884 – 19 February 1950) was a late Qing dynasty scholar; a…Fang Zong'ao (Chinese: 方宗鳌; Wade–Giles: Fang Tsung-ao; 1884 – 19 February 1950) was a late Qing dynasty scholar; a well-known economist and jurist in the early Republic of China era, and a professor in economics and law. Fang was born in Puning, Guangdong Province, China, in 1884. In 1903, Fang went to Toa Dobunshoin (東亜同文書院大学) for study. In 1905, Fang returned to his home town Puning after he graduated from the college and established a teachers' college in Puning. In 1908, Fang was granted a scholarship from Qing dynasty government and went to Japan again for his studies. After graduating from Yamaguchi Business School in Yamaguchi Prefecture Fang was admitted to Meiji University. Fang graduated from Meiji University in 1914 and married a Japanese noble's descendant, Koga Yasuhisa's (古賀靖久) daughter Koga Masako (古賀政子), a student at Tsuda College. Fang returned to China after the wedding. About a year after his return, Fang left his hometown Puning for Beijing to pursue his career. During the time he stayed in Japan, Fang was appointed as a Political Affairs Director of the Tokyo Branch of the Progressive Party of the Republic of China. Shortly after settling in Beijing, Fang was introduced by the Chinese High Commissioner to Tokyo (Wang Da-xie (汪大夑), who later became the Foreign Affairs Minister) to work at the Reserve Bank of China as a principal auditor. Fang spent his spare time teaching economics courses at several universities as a part-time professor. Soon, he became a full-time professor at Zhongguo University (University of China) (中國大學), Peking University and Chaoyang University (朝陽大學). He served as the provost and dean of business studies of the University of China until 1937. In 1937, the Republic of China Provisional Government was established in Beijing. Fang was appointed as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education and Secretary General of the Legislation Council of the Provisional Government. When Minister Tang Er-he (汤尔和) was in the hospital in 1939, Fang served as the Acting Minister until Tang's death in 1940. Later, in 1940, when the Republic of China Nanjing National Government was established in Nanjing, Fang was appointed as the Vice Minister of Education of the North China Political Affairs Commission. During that period, Fang re-established the universities in Northern China to provide opportunities for students to continue their studies in Japanese-occupied regions. Fang also established the Law School of Peking University, and he was appointed as the first Head of the school. Fang was also selected as a board member of the China Federal Reserve Bank. Fang died on 19 February 1950 in Beijing at the age of 66.
Yoshishige Abe (安倍 能成, Abe Yoshishige; 23 December 1883 – 7 June 1966) was a philosopher, educator, and statesman in…Yoshishige Abe (安倍 能成, Abe Yoshishige; 23 December 1883 – 7 June 1966) was a philosopher, educator, and statesman in Shōwa period Japan. As Minister of Education in the immediate post-war era, he oversaw major reforms to the Japanese educational system.