Statesman and government official. After studying English, he moved to Tokyo in 1874, and entered Keiogijuku (later, Keio University), but then dropped out. He was imprisoned for his participation in the Freedom and People’s Rights Movement. He was released from prison in 1878 and joined the Choya Shimbun. He published the first issue of “Sanyo shinpo” in 1879. He entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1880, and he was stationed at the Berlin legation in 1884. After returning to Japan, he successively served as the Governor of Saitama Prefecture, Vice-Minister of Justice, and Vice-Minister of the Interior. He became a member of the House of Peers in 1900, and he became the Minister of Education in the 2nd KATSURA Taro Cabinet in 1908. Privy Councillor in 1916.