Nitobe Inazō

Quick Facts: Who was Nitobe Inazō?

Subject:

Nitobe Inazō

Known for:

Japanese diplomat, scholar, and writer known for advocating modernization and Asian civilization.

Born:

1862-09-01

Died:

1933-10-15

Century / Era:

1862s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Nitobe Inazō (新渡戸 稲造; September 1, 1862 – October 15, 1933) was a Japanese agronomist, diplomat, political scientist, politician, and writer. He studied at Sapporo Agricultural College under the influence of its first president William S. Clark and later went to the United States to study agricultural policy. After returning to Japan, he served as a professor at Sapporo Agricultural College, Kyoto Imperial University, and Tokyo Imperial University, and the deputy secretary general of the League of Nations. He also devoted himself to women's education, helping to found the Tsuda Eigaku Juku and serving as the first president of Tokyo Woman's Christian University and president of the Tokyo Women's College of Economics. He was also a strong advocate for Japanese colonialism, and described Korean people as "primitive".

Career & Major Achievements

Nitobe was born in Morioka, Mutsu Province (present-day Iwate Prefecture). His father Nitobe Jūjirō was a samurai and retainer to the local daimyō of the Nanbu clan. His grandfather was Nitobe Tsutō and his great-grandfather was Nitobe Denzō (Koretami). One of his cousins was Nitobe Inao. His infant name was Inanosuke.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Nitobe left Morioka for Tokyo in 1871 to become the heir to his uncle, Ōta Tokitoshi, and adopted the name Ōta Inazō. He reverted to Nitobe in 1889, when his older brother Nitobe Shichirō died. Nitobe was in the second class of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University). He was converted to Christianity under the strong legacy left by William S. Clark, the first Vice-Principal of the College, who had taught in Sapporo for eight months before Nitobe's class arrived in the second year after the opening of the college and so they never personally crossed paths. Nitobe's classmates who converted to Christianity at the same time included Uchimura Kanzō.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1862 (1862-09-01): Birth of Nitobe Inazō — Japanese diplomat, scholar, and writer known for advocating modernization and Asian civilization.
2. 1871: 1871 Milestone — Nitobe left Morioka for Tokyo in 1871 to become the heir to his uncle, Ōta Tokitoshi, and adopted the name Ōta Inazō.
3. 1889: 1889 Milestone — He reverted to Nitobe in 1889, when his older brother Nitobe Shichirō died.
4. 1933 (1933-10-15): Passing & Historical Legacy — Nitobe Inazō passed away on 1933-10-15, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Nitobe Inazō

“A Decaying Nation” (1906)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nitobe Inazō

True or False: “Nitobe Inazō was solely focused on promoting Japanese interests in Asia throughout his entire career.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he advocated for colonialism, he also emphasized the humanitarian aspects of development and later participated in international peace organizations.

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• 1862 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1862
• September 1 (09-01) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 1
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• October 15 (10-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 15

Frequently Asked Questions about Nitobe Inazō