He studied at the Nagasaki Naval Training School and stowed away to England in 1865 with the help of Thomas Blake Glover, whom he met in Nagasaki. While studying English and mathematics, he expanded his knowledge by learning about steam locomotives, telegraph machines, and shipyards. After returning to Japan, he developed Arita ware techniques and opened a private school where he taught English and mathematics. In 1871, he entered the Ministry of Engineering, succeeded in the domestic production of a porcelain insulator needed for the construction of electric wires, and worked to establish a Japanese telegraph organization as the chief of telegraphs. Later served as director of the Osaka Mint, director of Obama Shipyard, and member of the Chamber of Elders.