Morito Tatsuo

Quick Facts: Who was Morito Tatsuo?

Subject:

Morito Tatsuo

Known for:

Pioneering Japanese economist, former Minister of Education, and first president of Hiroshima University.

Born:

1888-12-23

Died:

1984-05-28

Century / Era:

1888s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

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. Morito was born in what is now Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan on 23 December 1888. He attended First Higher School, Japan, where he was influenced by Nitobe Inazo. He then went on to study at the Tokyo Imperial University, where he studied under Takano Iwasaburo.

Career & Major Achievements

He graduated in 1914, but became an assistant professor there in 1919. Morito was a member of the university's newly created economics department, and was a member of a Marxist study group. Ōuchi Hyōei, another member of the study group, became the editor of the department's new research journal, and published an article that Morito had submitted. The article was a discussion of Peter Kropotkin's theories and a criticism of Japan's political systems. The Home Ministry made them stop distributing the journal on 27 December 1919, on the grounds that Morito's article advocated for anarchism.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Morito refused to apologize for writing the article, so the economics department faculty voted to suspend both Morito and Ouchi in January 1920. The Home Ministry also took them to court. Despite protests from hundreds of university students, Morito was sentenced to three months in jail. Ouchi was sentenced to a year of probation. After serving his sentence, Morito followed Takano to the Ohara Institute for Social Research.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1888 (1888-12-23): Birth of Morito Tatsuo — Pioneering Japanese economist, former Minister of Education, and first president of Hiroshima University.
2. 1914: 1914 Milestone — He graduated in 1914, but became an assistant professor there in 1919.
3. 1919: 1919 Milestone — The Home Ministry made them stop distributing the journal on 27 December 1919, on the grounds that Morito's article advocated for anarchism.
4. 1920: 1920 Milestone — Morito refused to apologize for writing the article, so the economics department faculty voted to suspend both Morito and Ouchi in January 1920.
5. 1984 (1984-05-28): Passing & Historical Legacy — Morito Tatsuo passed away on 1984-05-28, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Morito Tatsuo

True or False: “Morito Tatsuo was never involved in any political controversy during his academic career.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was central to the 'Morito incident' of 1919, where his article advocating for anarchism led to departmental suspension and legal action.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Morito Tatsuo