Koyama Shōtarō (Japanese:小山 正太郎; 15 February 1857, Nagaoka - 7 January 1916, Tokyo) was a Japanese painter. He was one…Koyama Shōtarō (Japanese:小山 正太郎; 15 February 1857, Nagaoka - 7 January 1916, Tokyo) was a Japanese painter. He was one of the first to work in the yōga style.
Baron Ishimoto Shinroku (石本 新六; 20 January 1854 – 2 April 1912) was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army, and…Baron Ishimoto Shinroku (石本 新六; 20 January 1854 – 2 April 1912) was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army, and Minister of War under the Second Saionji Cabinet from 1911 to 1912.
Chikaaki Takasaki (高崎 親章, Takasaki Chikaaki; 7 June 1853 – 27 December 1920) was a Japanese politician. He fought in…Chikaaki Takasaki (高崎 親章, Takasaki Chikaaki; 7 June 1853 – 27 December 1920) was a Japanese politician. He fought in the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. He was governor of Ibaraki Prefecture (1893–1896), Nagano Prefecture (1896–1897), Okayama Prefecture (1897–1900), Miyagi Prefecture (1900), Kyoto Prefecture (1900–1902) and Osaka (1902–1911).
Yusuke Hashiba (羽柴 雄輔, Hashiba Yūsuke; 22 June 1851 – 5 December 1921) was a Japanese archaeologist, historian and…Yusuke Hashiba (羽柴 雄輔, Hashiba Yūsuke; 22 June 1851 – 5 December 1921) was a Japanese archaeologist, historian and anthropologist. He was an expert in the Edo period of the samurai, and was also particularly knowledgeable about Japanese folklore, in which he has been referenced in several publications. From the 1880s he was much involved with the Anthropological Association in Tokyo, publishing a number of works, and was one of the founders of the Ou Anthropological Association in November 1890.
Count Hayashi Tadasu GCVO (林 董; 11 April 1850 – 10 July 1913) was a Japanese career diplomat and cabinet minister of…Count Hayashi Tadasu GCVO (林 董; 11 April 1850 – 10 July 1913) was a Japanese career diplomat and cabinet minister of Meiji-era Japan.
Kunisawa Shinkurō (国沢新九郎) (1848–1877) was a pioneer of Western-style painting in early Meiji Japan. Born to a retainer…Kunisawa Shinkurō (国沢新九郎) (1848–1877) was a pioneer of Western-style painting in early Meiji Japan. Born to a retainer of the Tosa Domain, he studied in England under John Edgar Williams, before opening the Shōgidō (彰技堂) art school in 1874, upon his return to Japan. His students include Honda Kinkichirō (本多錦吉郎), Morizumi Isana (守住勇魚), Araki Kanpo (荒木寛畝) (1831~1915) and Asai Chū.
Takatoshi Iwamura (8 December 1845 – 4 January 1906) was a Japanese politician who served as governor of Hiroshima…Takatoshi Iwamura (8 December 1845 – 4 January 1906) was a Japanese politician who served as governor of Hiroshima Prefecture from May to July 1898. He was governor of Saga Prefecture (1874), Ehime Prefecture (1874–1880), Ishikawa Prefecture (1883–1890), Aichi Prefecture (1890–1892) and Fukuoka Prefecture (1895–1898).
Baron Yamakawa Hiroshi (山川 浩, Hiroshi Yamakawa; 4 December 1845 – 6 March 1898) was a Japanese general, samurai…Baron Yamakawa Hiroshi (山川 浩, Hiroshi Yamakawa; 4 December 1845 – 6 March 1898) was a Japanese general, samurai, politician and educator. Originally a samurai from Aizu Domain during Bakumatsu, he became a general in the early Meiji era Imperial Japanese Army. He was also one of the first persons, together with his brother Kenjirō, to write a history of the Aizu War from the Aizu perspective. His brother-in-law was general Oyama Iwao, who married his sister Sutematsu.
Baron Tatsumi Naofumi (立見 尚文; 21 August 1845 – 6 March 1907) was a samurai from the Kuwana Domain in the Bakumatsu…Baron Tatsumi Naofumi (立見 尚文; 21 August 1845 – 6 March 1907) was a samurai from the Kuwana Domain in the Bakumatsu period Tokugawa shogunate and later a general in the Imperial Japanese Army during the Meiji period.
Count Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥 宗光; August 20, 1844 – August 24, 1897) was a Japanese diplomat and politician. He became…Count Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥 宗光; August 20, 1844 – August 24, 1897) was a Japanese diplomat and politician. He became Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1890 and worked to revise unequal treaties. He served as plenipotentiary at the peace conference in Shimonoseki after the First Sino-Japanese War.
Baron Utsumi Tadakatsu (内海 忠勝; 12 September 1843 – 20 January 1905) was a Japanese bureaucrat, statesman and cabinet…Baron Utsumi Tadakatsu (内海 忠勝; 12 September 1843 – 20 January 1905) was a Japanese bureaucrat, statesman and cabinet minister, active in Meiji period Empire of Japan.
Viscount Inoue Masaru (井上 勝; 25 August 1843 – 2 August 1910) was the first Director of Railways in Japan and is known…Viscount Inoue Masaru (井上 勝; 25 August 1843 – 2 August 1910) was the first Director of Railways in Japan and is known as the "father of the Japanese railways".
Nishimura Sutezō (西村 捨三; 24 August 1843 – 14 January 1908) was a Japanese businessman and politician. He was a veteran…Nishimura Sutezō (西村 捨三; 24 August 1843 – 14 January 1908) was a Japanese businessman and politician. He was a veteran of the Boshin War. He was the fourth Governor of Okinawa Prefecture (1883–1886) and the sixth Governor of Osaka (1889–1891).
Henmi Sōsuke (逸見 宗助; 1843 – 1894) was a Japanese swordsman who also served as a martial arts instructor of Tatsumi-ryū…Henmi Sōsuke (逸見 宗助; 1843 – 1894) was a Japanese swordsman who also served as a martial arts instructor of Tatsumi-ryū and Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
Baron Iwamura Michitoshi (岩村 通俊; 8 July 1840 – 20 February 1915) was a Japanese statesman, active in Meiji period…Baron Iwamura Michitoshi (岩村 通俊; 8 July 1840 – 20 February 1915) was a Japanese statesman, active in Meiji period Japan. He was the first Director of the Hokkaidō Agency from 26 January 1886 through 15 June 1888.
Shibusawa Eiichi, 1st Viscount Shibusawa (渋沢 栄一; 16 March 1840 – 11 November 1931) was a Japanese business magnate…Shibusawa Eiichi, 1st Viscount Shibusawa (渋沢 栄一; 16 March 1840 – 11 November 1931) was a Japanese business magnate widely known today as the "Father of Japanese capitalism", having introduced Western capitalism to Japan after the Meiji Restoration. He introduced many economic reforms including use of double-entry accounting, joint-stock corporations and modern note-issuing banks. He founded the first modern bank based on joint stock ownership in Japan. The bank was aptly named The First National Bank (Dai Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō, now merged into Mizuho Bank) and had the power to issue its own notes. Through this bank, he founded hundreds of other joint stock corporations in Japan. Many of these companies still survive to this day as quoted companies in the Tokyo Stock Exchange, which Shibusawa also founded. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded by him as well. He was also involved in the foundation of many hospitals, schools, universities (including the first women's university), the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo and charitable organizations including the Japanese Red Cross Society. Another notable aspect of Shibusawa's career is that, despite being the founder of hundreds of corporations, he refused to maintain a controlling stake in these corporations, effectively preventing himself from forming a zaibatsu. What is known as the Shibusawa zaibatsu was a holding company to look after his estate for his family. The Shibusawa Zaibatsu did not hold any controlling stake in any companies. Despite his humble origin as a farmer, he was granted the title of Viscount, while all other zaibatsu founders were awarded the title of Baron. He was also awarded Shōnii, Second Honour under the ritsuryō rank system, which is usually given to high-ranking nobility and prime ministers. Shibusawa is featured on the 10,000 yen note, one of the new designs that went into circulation on 3 July 2024. Shibusawa was also printed on bank notes issued by the Korea First Bank, which he owned, in 1902. The choice of Shibusawa has previously been criticised in South Korea.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yamamoto Kakuma (山本 覚馬; February 25, 1828 – December 28, 1892) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period, who went…Yamamoto Kakuma (山本 覚馬; February 25, 1828 – December 28, 1892) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period, who went on to become an educator and politician in the Meiji era.
Takeda Ayasaburō (武田 斐三郎; November 4, 1827 - January 28, 1880), was a Japanese Rangaku scholar, and the architect of…Takeda Ayasaburō (武田 斐三郎; November 4, 1827 - January 28, 1880), was a Japanese Rangaku scholar, and the architect of the fortress of Goryōkaku in Hokkaidō. Takeda was born in the Ōzu Domain (modern-day Ōzu, Ehime) in 1827. He studied medicine, Western sciences (rangaku), navigation, military architecture. He was a student of Ogata Kōan and Sakuma Shōzan. In 1854 he was ordered to the island of Hokkaidō to reinforce the military infrastructure. He built the fortresses of Goryōkaku and Benten Daiba between 1854 and 1866, using Dutch books on military architecture, and also established a school. He also practiced sailing with the Hakodate Maru, one of Japan's first Western-style sailing ship, together with his students. He sailed to Russia with the ship, and engaged in some exchanges.
Oguri Kozukenosuke (Oguri Tadamasa, 16 July 1827 – 27 May 1868) was a statesman of the Tokugawa government in the last…Oguri Kozukenosuke (Oguri Tadamasa, 16 July 1827 – 27 May 1868) was a statesman of the Tokugawa government in the last stage of the Edo period, and he is often regarded as a rival of Katsu Kaishu. At the time when the power of the Tokugawa government was diminishing, he took the posts of finance magistrate twice, and that of the foreign magistrate once. Also, he decided to construct the first arsenal in Japan (Yokosuka arsenal), and this decision contributed to the Meiji Restoration.
Akizuki Teijirō (秋月 悌次郎; 1824 – January 5, 1900) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period, who served the…Akizuki Teijirō (秋月 悌次郎; 1824 – January 5, 1900) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period, who served the Matsudaira clan of Aizu. Born in Aizuwakamatsu, Akizuki was recognized early as a skilled scholar, and he studied at the Tokugawa Shogunate's Shoheizaka school in Edo. He served as an advisor to Matsudaira Katamori, and was present for most of the latter's tenure as Kyoto Shugoshoku from 1862 to 1867. Akizuki was a senior commander of Aizu forces during the Boshin War. After the war, he became an educator, and worked in high schools in Kyushu. Later in his life, he was a colleague of Lafcadio Hearn, who referred to him in his writings.
Chiba Shūsaku Taira no Narimasa (千葉 周作 成政; 1792, Kesen Village (now part of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture), Japan –…Chiba Shūsaku Taira no Narimasa (千葉 周作 成政; 1792, Kesen Village (now part of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture), Japan – January 17, 1855) was the founder of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō (北辰一刀流兵法) and one of the last masters who was called a Kensei (sword saint).
Ijichi Ryū'emon Masaharu (Japanese: 伊地知 龍右衛門 正治; August 7, 1828 – May 23, 1886) was a Japanese samurai retainer of the…Ijichi Ryū'emon Masaharu (Japanese: 伊地知 龍右衛門 正治; August 7, 1828 – May 23, 1886) was a Japanese samurai retainer of the Shimazu clan, military strategist, and aristocrat. His imina was Sueyasu (季靖).
Sagawa Kanbei (佐川 官兵衛, Sagawa Kanbe'e), also known as Sagawa Naoki (1831–1877), was a military figure of the Aizu…Sagawa Kanbei (佐川 官兵衛, Sagawa Kanbe'e), also known as Sagawa Naoki (1831–1877), was a military figure of the Aizu Domain at the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. He was also a police officer during the Meiji era before he was killed at the Siege of Kumamoto Castle in 1877.
Date Kuninori (伊達 邦寧; DAH-tay; 1830 – 1874) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. Kuninori was both the 12th…Date Kuninori (伊達 邦寧; DAH-tay; 1830 – 1874) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. Kuninori was both the 12th head of the Mizusawa-Date clan and the 26th generation head of the famed Rusu clan, and served as a retainer of the Sendai domain. Known for his good governance, Kuninori amply compensated the people made homeless by the large fire in his holdings at Mizusawa, opening his own stores of food to the public and providing them lumber from domainal holdings for rebuilding their homes. Advising his retainers to be frugal, he had them work for the revival of Mizusawa's town. During the Boshin War, he was sent to Shirakawaguchi in place of his lord, Date Yoshikuni. Following the war, he moved to the Sapporo district of Hokkaidō, and settled at Hiragishi Village (平岸村, Hiragishi-mura).
Yagyū Jūbē Mitsuyoshi (柳生 十兵衞 三厳, Yagyū Jūbē Mitsuyoshi; 1607 – April 21, 1650) was one of the most famous and…Yagyū Jūbē Mitsuyoshi (柳生 十兵衞 三厳, Yagyū Jūbē Mitsuyoshi; 1607 – April 21, 1650) was one of the most famous and romanticized of the samurai in Japan's feudal era.
Yagyū Munefuyu (柳生 宗冬; 1613 – November 16, 1675) was a daimyō and a teacher of kenjutsu and military strategy in Japan…Yagyū Munefuyu (柳生 宗冬; 1613 – November 16, 1675) was a daimyō and a teacher of kenjutsu and military strategy in Japan during the Edo period.
Nagai Naokatsu (永井 直勝; 1563 – March 5, 1625) was a Japanese daimyō of the Azuchi–Momoyama period to early Edo period.…Nagai Naokatsu (永井 直勝; 1563 – March 5, 1625) was a Japanese daimyō of the Azuchi–Momoyama period to early Edo period. He was a retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, first serving under Ieyasu's son Nobuyasu. After Nobuyasu's execution, Naokatsu left Tokugawa service, but later returned, serving at the Battle of Nagakute in 1584. He fought with distinction at Nagakute, personally killing the enemy general Ikeda Nobuteru. In recognition for his service, he received lordship of the Kasama Domain (Hitachi Province) after taking part within the Summer Campaign of Osaka during 1615, and was then transferred to the Koga Domain (Shimōsa) seven years later. Naokatsu died at age 63 in 1625, and was succeeded by his eldest son Naomasa. Naokatsu's descendants eventually came to rule the Kanō Domain in Mino Province, where they remained until the Meiji Restoration.
Funakoshi Kagenao 船越景直 (1540-1611) was a Japanese military commander and tea master of the Azuchi-Momoyama (1573-1603)…Funakoshi Kagenao 船越景直 (1540-1611) was a Japanese military commander and tea master of the Azuchi-Momoyama (1573-1603) and early Edo Periods (1603-1868) of Japan. In his later years he served as a ‘hatamoto’ samurai in direct service of the Edo Shogunate. He was commonly called ‘Funakoshi Gorōemon’. Kagenao was also a tea master who practised chanoyu under the tutelage of Furuta Oribe. He received ‘full-transmission’ (kaiden) of Oribe's teachings on 12 March 1606. Part of Kagenao's chanoyu legacy is the ‘Funakoshi Kantō’ 船越間道 type of vertical striped fabric. The blue, gold and chestnut pattern is classed as a ‘meibutsu-gire’ (famed fabric) and endures as an example of highly sophisticated taste. Kagenao's first major title was head of Awaji Shōda Castle, holding it in the service of Atagi Fuyuyasu’s navy. Fuyuyasu served Miyoshi Nagayoshi, a senior vassal of the Hosokawa Clan. After the death of Miyoshi Nagayoshi, Kagenao served Oda Nobunaga, and this affiliation contributed to Kagenao being permitted to rule his inherited territory (honryo-ando) in 1581 when Hashiba Hideyoshi captured Awaji. After the Honnoji Incident (1582), Kagenao participated in the Battle of Shizugatake (1583) and the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute (1584) as a direct vassal of Hideyoshi. He was transferred from Awaji to Harima Akashi Domain, where he received a fief of 4,000 koku. Thereafter, Kagenao fought for Hideyoshi in the Siege of Odawara (1590) and the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-98). After Hideyoshi's death, Kagenao was reinstated by Tokugawa Ieyasu and awarded fiefs in Settsu, and then Kawachi Provinces at the request of Ieyasu. Needless to say, Kagenao sided with Ieyasu's East Army in the Battle of Sekigahara. Due to his military achievements in the battle, Kagenao was awarded a further 1,500 koku to his fief and listed as a hatamoto of the Edo Shogunate. Kagenao died in 1611 at the age of 72.