Imperialist at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and Kogogu-daibu (Master of the Empress’s Household). Born the son of a feudal retainer of the Mito domain, he studied under FUJITA Toko. Served IWAKURA Tomomi and participated in the plan of Oseifukko (Restoration of Imperial Rule). After the Meiji Restoration, he entered the Imperial Household Ministry (later, the Imperial Household Agency) and participated in the Iwakura Mission to investigate the imperial family system in Europe. In 1881, he assisted the Empress as Kogogu-daibu. Also an Advisor to the Privy Councillor and Earl.