Born in Hiroshima as the son of a samurai of the Hiroshima Clan. In 1868, he served in Kozan-shi(the Mines Section). In 1874, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the legation in Rome. Later he successively assumed posts as shikibukan (officer of the Imperial Household Ministry) , examination officer of institution of the Imperial household, secretary to the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, jiju(chamberlain) and other posts.