Uchida Kosai

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Uchida Kosai

Role / Field:

Japanese statesman and diplomat active during the Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa periods.

Born:

1865-11-17

Died:

1936-03-12

Century / Era:

1865s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Count Uchida Kōsai (内田 康哉; 17 November 1865 – 12 March 1936) was a statesman, diplomat and interim prime minister, active in Meiji, Taishō and Shōwa period Japan. He was also known as Uchida Yasuya. Uchida was born in what is now Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, as the son of the domain's doctor. After studying English for two years at Doshisha University, Uchida moved to Tokyo Imperial University, graduating from its law school. After graduation, Uchida entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and served as ambassador to Qing dynasty China, then as ambassador to Austria-Hungary, and then to the United States.

Career & Major Achievements

He served as Japanese foreign minister from 1911 to 1912 under the Second Saionji Cabinet. Appointed as ambassador to the Empire of Russia just before the Bolshevik Revolution, Uchida returned to Japan to serve as Foreign Minister again from 1918 to 1923 under the Hara, Takahashi, and Katō administrations. He served as acting Prime Minister of Japan twice – once after the assassination of Prime Minister Hara, and again after the sudden death of Prime Minister Katō, immediately before the Great Kantō earthquake. He was appointed to the House of Peers in the Diet of Japan in 1930, and became President of the South Manchuria Railway company in 1931. In addition to being appointed Prime Minister on 26 May 1932, Saitō Makoto was also appointed to be interim Foreign Minister following the assassination of Inukai Tsuyoshi.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Saitō offered the position of Foreign Minister to Uchida. Under his third term, Uchida called for the formal diplomatic recognition of Manchukuo, and later called for Japan's withdrawal from the League of Nations. He was featured on the cover of Time, 5 September 1932 edition, which also contained an article on his stance vis-à-vis the League of Nations. He died of illness 15 days after the 26 February Incident. His grave is at the Tama Reien at Fuchu, Tokyo.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1865 (1865-11-17): Birth of Uchida Kosai — Japanese statesman and diplomat active during the Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa periods.
2. 1911: 1911 Milestone — He served as Japanese foreign minister from 1911 to 1912 under the Second Saionji Cabinet.
3. 1918: 1918 Milestone — Appointed as ambassador to the Empire of Russia just before the Bolshevik Revolution, Uchida returned to Japan to serve as Foreign Minister again from 1918 to 1923 under the Hara, Takahashi, and Katō administrations.
4. 1930: 1930 Milestone — He was appointed to the House of Peers in the Diet of Japan in 1930, and became President of the South Manchuria Railway company in 1931.
5. 1932: 1932 Milestone — In addition to being appointed Prime Minister on 26 May 1932, Saitō Makoto was also appointed to be interim Foreign Minister following the assassination of Inukai Tsuyoshi.
6. 1936 (1936-03-12): Passing & Historical Legacy — Uchida Kosai passed away on 1936-03-12, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Uchida Kosai

True or False: “Uchida Kōsai served as Foreign Minister immediately after the Great Kantō earthquake in 1923.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He returned to serve as Foreign Minister from 1918 to 1923 under various administrations, but his role was not defined by immediate post-earthquake governance.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Uchida Kosai