Return to:  Outline Chronology of Japanese Cultural History
This page:  People of the New Meiji Generation

Note: The following mini-bio's are listed in order of date of birth; they are not intended to provide comprehensive information, but rather to give a context for considering the individuals.

1818-1891 Motoda Eifu: tutor to Meiji emperor
    1890 co-drafter of Imperial Rescript on Education
1822-1897 Kurimoto Joun:
    1867.07-1868.07 sent to France to attend Paris Exhibition
    1869 Gyoosoo tuiroku (Dawn-window memoirs):
1823-1914 Shimooka Renjoo: photographer
1829-1904 Kanagaki Robun: writer
    1870 Seiyoo doochuu hizakurige:
    1871 Aguranabe:
    1879 Takahashi Oden yasha monogatari:
1831-1889 Kawanabe Kyoosai: illustrator, comic gesaku...,
    1862, 1874 Meikyou yamato damashii:
    ?? works with Wirgman
    1874 Nipponchi: w/Kanagaki; satire magazine, after J. Punch: only three issues
    1876 jailed for drawing a bureaucrat making love to a foreigner
    1878 Tsuki to supponchi: illustrated satire: lasts 15 issues.
1833-1877 Kido Takayoshi: from Chooshuu; leader in Anti-Bakufu movement;
    pivotal role in early Meiji gov't; opposes Seikanron and Seitairon;
1834-1901 Fukuzawa Yukichi:
    Founds Keio academy; 1873 founds Meirokusha political reform essayist group; 1882 founds Jiji shinpoo;
1835-1915 Inoue Kaoru: from Chooshuu; Anti-Bakufu movement
    active in early Meiji gov't; advocates political Westernization;
1835-1919 Maejima Hisoka:
    founds modern mail system; advocates reform of writing system;
1836-1908 Enomoto Takeaki: born in Shitaya (Edo): military training: Tokugawa loyalist
    1868 absconds to Hakodate with Tokugawa warship when Edo invaded: defeated 1869:
    1872.01.06: Released for good behavior: had been modelling tiny steam engines in prison.
    1872.03: Released from family custody to assist in Hokkaido development.
    1874 sent to Russia to negotiate exchange of Sakhalin for Kurile Islands
    1880s becomes Min. of Communications, Min. of Educ., Foreign Minister, Min. of Agr., etc.
1836-1916 Katoo Hiroyuki: Meiroku..; 1890s chancellor of Tokyo University
1837-1884 Narushima Ryuuhoku: writer
    1872-1873 travels abroad
    1874~ heads Chooya shinbun:
    1876 imprisoned (with Suehiro Tetchoo) for publishing gov't scandal
    1877 founds Kagetsu shinshi: political reportage and society news
1838-1922 Yamagata Aritomo: born in Choomon (now Yamaguchi Pref.):
1839-1900 San'yuutei Enchoo: Rakugo raconteur; Botan dooroo;
1841-? Fukuchi Gen'ichiro:
    1868.06.24?/17? essay 'Kyoojaku ron': stinging criticism of govt {Huffman 1997:42}
    1868.07.12 jailed for eight days, for above critique
1847-1889 Mori Arinori:
    1872 advocates English as language of Japan.
    1885 appointed Minister of Education;
1847-1901 Nakae Choomin: born in Koochi;
    political theorist; active in People's Rights Movement; introduced French democratic ideas;
1847-1915 Kobayashi Kiyochika: illustrator
     = studies under Charles Wirgman, Shimooka Renjoo, Kawanabe Gyoosai
    1876-1881 illustrations of Tokyo
    1881 draws his own house as it burns down; wife leaves him; never draws again.
1848-1900 Toyama Masakazu; born in Koishikawa (Edo);
    enlightenment scholar: Shintai shishoo; taught sociology, psychology;
    1884 advocates abolishing kanji and promoting English.
1849-1896 Suehiro Tetchoo: born in Iyo (Ehime):
    activist with PRM; political novels: 23-nen miraiki; Setchuubai; Kakan'oo;
    1876? imprisoned (with Narushima Ryuuhoku) for writing about gov't scandal
1849-1912 Nogi Maresuke: from Chooshuu: General:
    1868 follows Yamagata Aritomo in Boshin War fight against bakufu forces
    1877 in Seinan War, he loses his flag, and almost commits suicide, but is stopped.
    1886 studies military sci. in Germany; returns, tries farming; leads foot-soldiers in S-J War
    1896 3rd prefector to Taiwan, soon quits; 1905 as leader in R-J war, he is weak and is replaced
    1912 with wife, commits suicide after death of Meiji Emperor: lauded for his 'military spirit'
1849-1940 Saionji Kimmochi:
    1895.8 advocates replacing Japanese language with English.
1850-1888 Baba Tatsui: from Tosa: PRM activist, writer:
    1870-1878 twice in England, to study law:
    1885 indicted for obtaining dynamite; 1886 acquitted; 1886 goes to U.S.;
    1888.11.01 dies in Philadelphia (result of duel with another Japanese national?)
1850-1922 Tarui Tookichi: born in Nara
    People's Rights Movement;
    1882 founds Tooyoo shakai too (E.Asian Socialist Party); advocates Asian solidarity
1850-1931 Yano Fumio (Ryuukei):
    politician with Rikken Kaishintoo; political novels: Keikoku bidan; Shinshakai; Ukishiro monogatari;
1852-1922 Shiba Shiroo: from Aizu: author-politician
    1868.08 sickness prevents him from joining Byakkotai in mass suicide
    ?? Studies English with Numa Morikazu (a student of Hepburn)
    1877 leaves sickbed to join Seinan War; comes back even sicker
1854-1922 Toki Hooryuu: Shingon priest; correspondance with Minakata re science;
1855-1905 Taguchi Ukichi:
    economic historian; 1879 founds Tokyo keizai zasshi; advocates free economy;
1855-1920 Suematsu Kenchoo: from Fukuoka: marries Itoo Hirobumi's daughter: Taishoo-era politician
1855-1922 Aeba Kooson:
    Theater critic, gesaku-style novelist: Muratake; Toosei shooninn katagi;
1856-1937 Ebina Danjoo:
    ? complained of lack of intergenerational understanding [Pyle, New Gen., ch1]
1856-1944 Inoue Tetsujiroo: conservative educator
1857-1920 Sudoo Nansui:
    reporter, novelist of tsuzukimono, political novels: Ryokusadan; Shinshoo no kajin;
1858-1912 Motora Yuujiroo:
    1888 returns from America, becomes first prof of psychology at Tokyo University
1858-1954 Ozaki Yukio (Gakudoo):
    Rikken Seitoo politician; elected 25 times to Diet; political novels;
1859-1919 Inoue Enryoo: monsterology (Figal 1999)
1859-1935 Tsubouchi Yuuzo (Shooyoo):
    translations of Scott, Shakespeare; theory of realist novel-writing; novels; plays;
1860-1945 Miyake Setsurei:
    founds Seikyoosha political group; founds Nihonjin magazine; opposes political Westernization;
    1896? article in Taiyoo advocates adoption of Korean script.
1861-1903 Ochiai Naobumi: from Sendai;
    poet, literary historian: Koojo Shiragiku no uta;
1862-1913 Okakura Kakuzoo (Tenshin): born in Yokohama; father was samurai-turned-silk merchant
     = posts at Tokyo Imp. Museum; 1904~ consultant to Boston Mus. of Fine Arts; Tokyo Sch. of Fine Arts;
    1886 studies art ed. in Eur, US: wears Japanese garb 'to force people to deal with ideas' {Guth, positions}
    1903 The Ideals of the East (in English): Asia is one, and Japan is its cultural repository ...
    1904 The Awakening of Japan (in English):
    1906 The Book of Tea (in English):
1863- ?? Tokutomi Sohoo: Kagoshima:
1864-1909 Hasegawa Tatsunosuke (Futabatei Shimei):
    translations from Turgenev; novels Ukigumo, Sono omokage, Heibon; literary realism; genbun'itchi;
1864-1922 Miyazaki Koshoshi: born in Chikuzen;
    poet, Romanticist novelist: Kishoo;
1864-1929 Tsuda Umeko: daughter of agriculture scholar Tsuda Sen: from Sakura (Chiba)
    1871 at age 8, one of five girls to accompany Iwakura Mission to U.S.
    1882 returns to Japan, having forgotten Japanese: attends Peers Girls School
    1889-1892 returns to US, attends Bryn Mawr College
    1900 founds Women's English Academy (Tsuda College): leads Christian student movements
1865-1927 Fukuda Hideko: PRM activist from Okayama: daughter of low-level bushi, Kageyama Kaku
    1885 Arrested in Osaka Incident. Later marries Ooi Kentaroo.
    1907 starts magazine Sekai fujin.
1866-1934 Naitoo Konan:
    East Asian cultural/literary historian; Kinsei bungaku shi ron; Shina shigaku-shi;
1867-1903 Ozaki Kooyoo: novelist: realism, colloquial, psychological, social novels:
    1889 Ninin bikuni irozange:
    1896 Tajoo takon: ...
     189? Konjiki yasha,
1867-1916 Natsume Sooseki: novelist, essayist
1867-1937 Ueda Kazutoshi:
    1895 advocates standardization of Japanese language, with committee of writers.
1867-1941 Minakata Kumagusu: monsterology (Figal 1999)
    1892-1900 in England; extended corresponence with Toki Hooryuu on science;
1867-1947 Kooda Rohan: born in Shitaya (Edo): romantic novelist
    Fuuryuuden; Gojuutoo;
1868-1910 Yamada Bimyoo: novelist, poet: used colloquial style
    Musashino; Kochoo;
1868-1929 Uchida Roan: essayist, social novelist:
    Kure no nijuuhachinichi; Shakai hyakumen-soo;
1868-1933 Shimizu Shikin: novelist
     ?? Koware yubiwa ... {Jennison}
    1899 Imin gakuen (School for immigrants): woman learns of her deceased mother's burakumin identity
1871-1923 Okada Masayoshi:
    1895 proposed abolition of kanji.
1872-1943 Shimazaki Tooson:
     1887- student at Meiji Gakuin: dreamed of becoming a politician {Seigle, viii}
     1897 Wakanashuu (Young Shoots):
     1906 Hakai (Broken Commandment): outcaste teacher struggles with father's command to keep identity secret.
     1908 Haru (Spring): semi-autobiography of youth group, including Kitamura Tookoku
     1910-11 Ie (Family): semi-autobio of decline of two extended families
     1929-35 Yoakemae (Before the Dawn): family declines with mental illness of father
1873-1939 Izumi Kyooka: literature of the fantastic;
1875-1962 Yanagita Kunio: national folklore studies
1882-1936 Suzuki Miekichi: children's literature
1882-1961 Ogawa Mimei: children's literature
1883-1937 Kita Ikki: Nationalist/Socialist writer, activist: born on Sado Island:
     1906 Kokutairon and Pure Socialism:claimed imperial power not absolute
     1919 Plan for Rebuilding Japan:first, get rid of the elite class
     1937 executed after involvement in February 26 Incident (1936)
1899-1958 Tokunaga Sunao: proletarian lit
Suematsu Kento: theater director
Fukui Mohei: theater director
Sudo Sadanori: Shimpa co-founder
Hoshino Tenchi
Kunikida Doppo
    ?? Chronicle that does not lie: concern for nameless masses
Kitamura Tookoku
Kosugi Tengai
Kooda Rohan
Higuchi Ichiyoo:
Uchida Roan
Mori Oogai: gan, maihime,
Nakae Choomin
Tokutomi sohoo
Kitamura Tookoku
Nakae Choomin
Taguchi Ukichi
Itagaki Taisuke
1863- Shiga Shigetaka:
    = studied at Hokkaido
    1887 How Can Japan be made Japan?: warns of dangers of total westernization
1860- Miyake Setsurei
    = studied Spencer under Fenollosa, Toyama Shooichi,
    1883 Characteristics of Japanese People: finds few positive qualities
Kuga Katsunan
1857- Kuga Minoru
    = studied French political philosophy: foster nationalism to preserve independence [Pyle]
Numa Morikazu: studied English with Hepburn, taught English to Shiba Shiroo

===Gesaku writers===================
Jono Denpei: Tokyo nichinichi first chief
Mantei Oga
===Illustrators, Photographers, Painters==================
1827-1882 Kawakami Toogai: Western-style paintings
1866-1924 Kuroda Seika: founder of modern art movement in Japan
    1893 returns from France; does sketches for Sino-J war.
    1895 exhibits nude painting: sensational (Keene calls it non-pornographic).
?? Keiryuuzu:
?? Neisai:
Ochiai Yoshiiku: chief of Hiragana e-iri shinbun
===Criminals===================
Yoshioka Ryotaro gǑY Tottori shizoku; 1875.4.15?? murders? girlfriend?
     murder was 1874.9.13: reported in first issue of Hiragana e-iri shinbun
===Westerners in Japan==================
    = note: starting 1872.04, 214 Westerners were hired to advise gov't (oyatoi gaijin kyooshi):
    = Eng 119; Fr 50; US 16; Germ? Neth? 8; Holl 2; Ma? 4; China 9; India 2; Denm? 1; Haku? 1; ...
?? - ?? William Willis (Br.; in J: 1862-1877): {bio. by Cortazzi}
    1868 accompanies govt troops to Aizu to assist wounded
1815-1911 James Curtis Hepburn (US): missionary, doctor
     = students: Okakura K.,
1818-1882 Antonio Fontanesi (It): artist
    1876.08? teaches oil painting at newly est. School of Design (koobu bijutsu gakkoo):
    = students include: Asai ?Hiroshi, Koyama ?Shootaroo, Matsuoka ??, Takahashi Genkichi
    1878 illness forces return to Italy
1825-1908 Felice Beato (Venice): Yokohama photographer
1825-1910 Gustave Emile Boissonade de Fontarabie (Fr): French law:
    1873~ invited to Japan: teaches Natural Law, Criminal Law:
    1880 primary author? of chizaihoo (ߖ@: enacted 1882: includes appeal process).
    1887 opposes Inoue Kaoru's proposal to allow non-Japanese judges: fueling opposition movement
    1895 returns to France
1826-1886 William Smith Clark:
    1867~ President of Massachusetts Agriculture College (??)
    1876 invited by Hokkaido Development: founds Sapporo Agriculture College: morals & Bibles
    ?? on leaving Japan, "Boys, be ambitious!"
1830-1899 Charles Wm. Le Gendre (US):
    1872~ advises Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 1874 hard-liner against Formosa:
    1890~ advisor to Korean Gov't: dies in Korea (note death date doesn't match???).
1832-1891 Charles Wirgman: illustrator
    1857 arrives in Japan as correspondent for The Illustrated London News.
    1862-1887 publishes The Japan Punch: Yokohama; illustrated news/satire: develops 'ponchi-e' style.
1832-1898 Edoardo Chiossone (It): etching artist:
     1875 invited by Finance Ministry to supervise money printing
     ?? portrait of Meiji Emperor
1834-1893 Karl F. H. Roesler: legal consultant
     = in Japan 1878-1893:
1844-1893 Charles Appleton Longfellow: first son of Henry Wadsworth {Guth, positions}
     = in Japan 1871-73, '85, '91: had many photos taken of self, w/ tattoos, haori, etc.
1846-1925 Albert Mosse (Gr): Legal consultant specializing in local government
     = in Japan 1886-1890:
1849-1913 Erwin von Balz (Gr):
    1876-1905 teaches medicine: public health issues: advisor to Imperial Household
1850-1904 Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo): reporter, writer:
1853-1908 Ernest Fenollosa:
    1878 invited to Tokyo to teach philosophy: gains interest in Japanese traditional arts
    1881 lecture at [Tatsu-ike-kai?] advocates preservation of Japanese paintings
    1884 founds Kangakai [Mirror Painting Society] with Okakura Kakuzoo
    1890s returns to US: Curator of Boston Museum
1860-1927 George Bigot (Paris): illustrator (for Zola's Nana)
    1882.01.15 arrives in Japan: army instructor: 1887 founds Tobae:
    1893? parody of ??? scandal involving nude pictures and reporter Kuroda Kiyoaki
1880-1938?? Bruno Taut:
     ?? Nihonbi no saihakken
?? Basil Hall Chamberlain
?? Leroy Lansing Janes: taught Tokutomi Sohoo at Kumamoto: taught Christianity
?? S.R.Brown: missionary; Yokohama; taught English to Okakura Kakuzoo;
Edward Morse: Tokyo U. Prof. of Zoology:
William Bigelow: affluent Bostonian: supported Okakura appointment to Boston Mus. of Fine Arts
     1800s purchases Tokyo? photography studio of von Stillfried
===Colonial Writers (Nihongo Lit)==============================
1894-1943 Lai He:
1900-1940 Liu Na'ou: avant-garde
1902-1955 Zhang Wojun: (Beijing)
1905-1985 Yang Kui: (Taiwan) proletarian lit
1908-1999 Nishikawa Mitsuru: (Taiwan)
1908-1940 Weng Nao: avant-garde: fetishized Japanese famininity
1909-1978 Zhang Wenhuan: pastoral realism
1911-1999 Long Yingzong: avant-garde
1914-1951 Lu Heruo:
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