Diplomat. Born in the family of a Totsuji (Chinese translator) of the Kagoshima domain, he went to Nagasaki at the age of 13 to study Dutch studies and English studies. After the Meiji Restoration, he worked as a Gaikokujimu Goyogakari, resident minister to the United States, Gaimushofu, and, from 1874 to 1879, Minister-Counselor to Britain. In 1880, under INOUE Kaoru, he made efforts to revise treaties as a Gaimudayu (foreign affairs assistant). In 1885, he became a member of the Genroin (Senate).