Asada, Goryu b. 1734 d. 1799 Astronomer. He helped to introduce modern astronomical instruments and methods into Japan. Asada spent the majority of his career as a physician in Osaka. Due to the exclusionary policies of the Japanese government, he was only able to access information about Western scientific theories largely through obsolete Chinese works that had been edited by Jesuit missionaries in China. Nevertheless he managed to develop sophisticated mathematical models of celestial movements and has been credited...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Jyoshun-ji Temple, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Honda, Tadatomo b. 1582 d. 1615 Samurai Warrior. Tadatomo Honda served as a retainer of the powerful Tokugawa clan that eventually established a long-standing shogunate rule over Japan. He was the younger son of the even more famous Tadakatsu Honda, who became one of "Four Guardians of the Tokugawa." In recognition of his service, Tadatomo received a 100,000-koku fief at Otaki in Kazusa Province in 1600. In 1609, he hosted received Don Roderigo, the Spanish Governor of Manila. In 1615, Honda played a major role in the outcome...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Isshin-ji Temple, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Kobayashi, Ichizo b. 1873 d. 1957 Entrepreneur, Politician. At the height of his political career, he served as Japan's Minister of Commerce and Industry. Kobayashi founded the Hankyu Railway Company in 1907 and later served as the president of council of the Tokyo Gasu Denky. Perhaps his most famous business venture was the creation of Japan's largest movie studio, Toho, in 1932. Around that time he formed the Taisei Yokusankai Group with Shozo Murata and Akira Kazami. They supported political reform that focused on...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Daiko-ji, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Mabuni, Kenwa b. November 14, 1889 d. May 23, 1952 Karate master, Mabuni was the founder of the Shito-ryu system of karate, which is one of four, including Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu and Shotokan, of the major karate systems of Japan. When he was 13 years old, Mabuni began training with Itosu Anko, a noted Karate master in the Shuri area of Okinawa. Anko was not only highly skilled in Budo but also a great innovator in teaching the martial arts. Around 1905, Ando introduced karate into the Okinawan public school system. About 1909, through an...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Hattori Reien, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Oda, Sakunosuke b. October 26, 1913 d. January 10, 1947 Author. A native of the Osaka area of Japan, he began writing after completing teachers' college. He published a variety of novels, including "Nijusai" (1941), "Seishun no gyakusetsu" (1941) and "Wagamachi" (1942) in which he depicted the life of ordinary people of Osaka. After the World War II he continued wriitng novels, including "Seso" (1946) and "Keiba" (1946), before succumbing to tuberculosis the following year. Most of his works were made into movies by prominent directors, including...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Ryogon-ji, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Saeki, Yuzo b. April 28, 1898 d. June 23, 1928 Painter. Born in Osaka, he was a son of a Buddhist monk. He studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and married fellow painter Yoneko Ikeda in 1921. In 1924, he went to France and attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris. That year, painter Katsuzo Satomi introduced him to Maurice de Vlaminck, who strongly influenced his work. Saeki was also greatly impressed by paintings of Parisian scenes of Maurice Utrillo. Subsequently, the backstreets, bars and buildings of Paris became the...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Kotoku-ji Temple Cemetery, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Taguchi, Rev. Paul Yashigoro b. July 20, 1902 d. February 23, 1978 Roman Catholic Leader. Japanese religious figure and cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. A native of Shittsu, near Nagasaki, he studied at the Roman schools of the Pontifical Urbanian Athenaeum "De Propaganda Fide" and the Pontifical Roman Athenaeum San Apollinare. He was ordained in the Eternal City on December 22, 1928. Later, he came back to Japan and did pastoral work in the archdiocese of Tokyo and was a faculty member of its seminary, from 1931 to 1936. He acted as secretary to the...[Read More] (Bio by: Guy Gagnon) Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Takeda, Izumo b. 1691 d. 1756 Playwright, Puppeteer. It is believed that Takeda first performed at the Takemotoza Theater at age 15, and quickly developed a popular style that is still seen today in Japanese puppet dramas. He wrote 40 plays, including collaborations with other writers. The most famous of them is the classic "Chushingura" (1748), also known as "The 47 Ronin". (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Shoren-ji Temple, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
b. 1734 d. 1799