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Shibusawa Eiichi

Japanese industrialist, 'father of Japanese capitalism'

Shibusawa Eiichi, known as the 'father of Japanese capitalism', introduced Western capitalism to Japan after the Meiji Restoration. He founded the first modern bank in Japan and established numerous joint-stock corporations. Despite his humble origins, he was granted the title of Viscount and was honored for his contributions to Japanese society. In 2019, it was announced that he would be featured on the Japanese 10,000 yen notes.

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Itō Hirobumi Tokugawa Ieyasu Shinzo Abe Masayoshi Son Fumio Kishida Junichiro Koizumi Kōnosuke Matsushita Toyotomi Hideyoshi Akebono Tarō Emperor Meiji

Timeline

Shibusawa Eiichi's Birth

Shibusawa Eiichi, a leading businessman during the Meiji and Taisho Eras, was born in Saitama as the first son of a wealthy farmer. He later made significant contributions to the modernization of Japan through his involvement in various industries and promotion of moral education.

Birth of Shibusawa Eiichi

Shibusawa Eiichi, the prominent Meiji-era business leader known as the 'father of Japanese capitalism,' was born on February 13, 1840 in the village of Chiaraijima, now part of Fukaya, Saitama Prefecture. He advocated for moral and economic harmony, prioritizing public interest over profits.

Birth of Shibusawa Eiichi

Shibusawa Eiichi, the Japanese industrialist known as the 'father of Japanese capitalism', was born in a farmhouse in Chiaraijima, Japan. He played a significant role in introducing Western capitalism to Japan after the Meiji Restoration.

Birth of Shibusawa Eiichi

Shibusawa Eiichi was born on April 20, 1840. He is known as the 'father of Japanese capitalism' and made significant contributions to the development of modern business practices in Japan.

Eiichi Shibusawa joins the group as a leader of the clansmen

Eiichi Shibusawa, known for his extreme support of the doctrine of 'Revering the Emperor and Expelling the Barbarians,' was added to the group of clansmen selected to guard Akitake Tokugawa during his visit to Paris. Shibusawa's aptitude for arithmetic and business was expected to be beneficial during the trip.

Shibusawa's Reforms in Shizuoka

After the Meiji Restoration, Shibusawa proposed reforms to Shizuoka's commercial practices, establishing the Shizuoka Commercial Association. He encouraged local farmers and merchants to collaborate in a joint stock framework, fostering economic development and entrepreneurship.

Shibusawa Eiichi joins the Japanese government

In October 1869, Shibusawa Eiichi became an official in the tax ministry and contributed to various reforms in currency, tax, weights and measures, and provincial administration.

Becomes officer in charge of Tomioka Silk Mill

In 1871, Shibusawa Eiichi became the officer in charge of the state-owned Tomioka Silk Mill located in Gunma prefecture.

Continues career advancements

In 1872, Shibusawa Eiichi continued his career advancements at a young age of 32.

Presidency of Dai-ichi Bank

Shibusawa Eiichi resigned from the Ministry of Finance and became the president of Dai-ichi Bank (First National Bank) in Japan. This bank, established under his guidance, was the first modern bank in the country.

Founding of Shoshi Kaisha (Paper Manufacturing Company)

In 1875, Shoshi Kaisha, a paper manufacturing company, was established. It later transformed into Oji Seishi (Oji Paper Manufacturing Company), with Eiichi becoming its president.

Becomes president of the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginko

In 1876, Eiichi became the president of Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginko. This marked a significant leadership role for him in the financial sector.

Becomes Secretary General of Tokyo Yoiku-in

In 1877, Shibusawa Eiichi became the Secretary General of Tokyo Yoiku-in, a welfare institution under Tokyo prefecture catering to orphans, elderly, and people with disabilities.

Founds Takuzen-kai

In 1878, Shibusawa Eiichi founded Takuzen-kai, later known as the Tokyo Bankers' Association, and assumed the role of its president.

Becomes Chairman of Tokyo Shoho Kaigi-sho

By 1879, Shibusawa Eiichi had become the chairman of Tokyo Shoho Kaigi-sho, also known as the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, which was newly established.

Named chairman of the Tokyo Committee to Welcome General Grant

In 1880, Shibusawa Eiichi was appointed as the chairman of the Tokyo Committee to Welcome General Grant, the 18th President of the United States.

Begins lecturing on Japanese finance at the University of Tokyo

Starting in 1882, Shibusawa Eiichi started delivering lectures on Japanese finance at the University of Tokyo, a role he continued for three years.

Establishment of Ōsaka Spinning Company

Ten years after founding the Ōji Paper Manufacturing Company, Shibusawa started the Ōsaka Spinning Company, which became a prominent player in the Japanese industrial landscape. This venture solidified his influence in the industrial sector.

Founds Osaka Boseki Kaisha

In 1884, Shibusawa Eiichi founded Osaka Boseki Kaisha, which later became an advisor to the company. This marked a significant milestone in his career.

Becomes board member of Nihon Tetsudo Kaisha

In 1885, Shibusawa Eiichi became a board member of Nihon Tetsudo Kaisha, which later led to his directorship in the Japan Railway Company. This position further solidified his influence in the transportation sector.

Establishment of Ryumonsha

In 1886, young individuals working under Shibusawa Eiichi gathered at the Shibusawa home to hold study meetings with the goal of creating a new Japan. The group was named Ryumonsha, meaning 'association at the gate of the dragon,' symbolizing growth and transformation.

Shibusawa's Involvement in Establishing Companies

In 1898, Shibusawa served on thirty-one boards of directors, playing a key role in establishing companies like Ōji Paper, Osaka Cotton Spinning, Tokyo Electric, the Imperial Hotel, and Japan Rail.

Shibusawa's Call for Intellectual Change in Japan

In the December 15, 1904 issue of Foreign and Domestic Business Newspaper, Shibusawa expressed his intention to gradually step down from his business roles due to poor health. He emphasized the necessity of intellectual transformation to modernize Japan, highlighting the resistance to change in various sectors like politics, finance, and commerce.

Ryūmonsha's Mission Expansion

In 1907, Shibusawa explicitly described Ryūmonsha's mission to spread the Confucian Way of Sages in business and promote benevolent virtue in society.

Business Mission to the United States

In 1909, Shibusawa Eiichi led a group of business people from the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce on a three-month tour of the United States to promote business activity and the joint-stock company structure.

Becomes president of Nippon Jitsugyo Kyokai

In 1914, he becomes the president of the newly founded Nippon Jitsugyo Kyokai (Japan Business Association), taking a leadership role in the organization.

Shibusawa Eiichi's Retirement from Business World

In 1916, Shibusawa Eiichi retired from the business world after serving as a general supervisor and president of the First National Bank, leaving behind a legacy of promoting the harmony of morality and the economy in Japan.

Japan to her Allies: A Message of Practical Sympathy

Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa published a condolence booklet in 1917 to support Allied nations during World War One, providing financial aid for health costs.

Nobel Peace Prize nomination

Shibusawa Eiichi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1926 by the prime minister of Japan.

Becomes chairman of Chuo Mojin Fukushi Kyokai

In 1929, Shibusawa Eiichi becomes the chairman of the newly founded Chuo Mojin Fukushi Kyokai, which is the Central Association for Welfare of the Blind.

Becomes chairman of Chuo Mojin Fukushi Kyokai

In 1930, he assumed the role of chairman in the newly established Central Association for Welfare of the Blind, known as Chuo Mojin Fukushi Kyokai.

Passes away at Asukayama residence

On November 11th, 1931, Shibusawa Eiichi dies at his residence in Asukayama, Tokyo.

Publication of 'The autobiography of Shibusawa Eiichi: from peasant to entrepreneur'

The autobiography co-authored by Shibusawa Eiichi and Teruko Craig narrates the life journey of Shibusawa Eiichi from humble beginnings as a peasant to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Opening of Shibusawa Memorial Museum's New Main Building

In March 1998, the new main building of the Shibusawa Memorial Museum, located in Asukayama Park, Tokyo, was opened. The museum showcases the life and works of Shibusawa Eiichi in an easily understandable manner.

Publication of 'How Eiichi Shibusawa offered models of investment and management to introduce modern business practices into Japan'

In the Japanese Yearbook on Business History, Masakazu Shimada discusses how Eiichi Shibusawa provided investment and management models that facilitated the introduction of modern business practices in Japan.

Publication of Shibusawa Eiichi No Rongo Kōgi

The book 'Shibusawa Eiichi No Rongo Kōgi' containing lectures on the Confucian Analects by Eiichi Shibusawa and Atsushi Moriya was published in Tokyo in 2010.

Establishment of Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Museum

In October 23, 2017, the Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Museum was established in Tokyo. The museum tells the story of Shibusawa Eiichi, a prominent Meiji-era entrepreneur and philanthropist known as the 'father of Japanese capitalism.'

Publication of 'Confucian Capitalism: Shibusawa Eiichi, Business Ethics, and Economic Development in Meiji Japan'

The book 'Confucian Capitalism' by John H. Sagers explores the life of Shibusawa Eiichi, focusing on his business ethics and contributions to economic development during the Meiji era in Japan.

From Farm Boy to Financier: Eiichi Shibusawa and the Creation of Modern Japan

The case study titled 'From Farm Boy to Financier: Eiichi Shibusawa and the Creation of Modern Japan' focuses on the transformation of Eiichi Shibusawa from a humble farm boy to a prominent financier who played a crucial role in shaping modern Japan.

SHIBUSAWA Eiichi's Contribution to Japanese Capitalism

SHIBUSAWA Eiichi was an industrialist who played a key role in shaping Japan's economic system in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. He focused on building a fair and inclusive capitalist economy that prioritized public interests alongside profits.

SHIBUSAWA Eiichi on the 10,000-yen Bill

Due to his significant contributions to Japan's modern economy, SHIBUSAWA Eiichi was chosen to be featured on the new 10,000-yen bill in 2024.

End of the Timeline
Shibusawa Eiichi

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