Maeda Toshika

Toshitoshi Maeda (Maeda Toshiya, June 12, 1841 – July 27, 1920) was a nobleman and politician during the late Edo period and the Meiji and Taisho eras. He was granted the rank of Viscount (-shishi). He served as the last lord (daimyo) and political governor of Kaga Domain, and held multiple official positions, including Chamberlain of the Imperial Court, Imperial Government Official in the Daijokan (Grand Council of State), Civil Officer of the Shūshi-kan, and Director of Ceremonies. He also participated as a nobleman (kazoku) in the House of Peers as a viscount member.

Born as the seventh son of Maeda Nariyoshi, the lord of Kaga Domain, on June 12, 1841 (Bunsei 12). His childhood name is unknown. Initially, he was adopted by Maeda Sadahito, a samurai of Kaga Domain, and in 1854 (Ansei 1), he inherited his family headship. However, following the deaths of his elder brothers, Maeda Norizane and Maeda Norizuki, he, as the youngest, became the adopted son of Norizuki and thus succeeded the family estate in 1855 (Ansei 2).

During the turbulent late Edo period, he promoted the strengthening of the state economy and military by appointing Higashikata Yeshima. He actively supported the pro-shogunate faction, contributing to incidents such as the Tengu Party Revolt, the Kinmon Incident, and the defense duties of the Imperial Palace and Mount Tōei. Following the resignation of domain-related authority during the reshuffling of domains into prefectures (Haihan-chiken) in 1869 (Meiji 2), he briefly held the post of governor (daikan) but was dismissed in 1871 (Meiji 4) when the domains were abolished.

On December 15, 1897 (Meiji 30), he was granted the hereditary title of Viscount. He was elected as a substitute member of the House of Peers in the same year and served until July 9, 1904.

In terms of cultural pursuits, he studied under his father and Toyoho Tomoho of the Hōshō style Noh theater. He developed his skills in Noh, performing on stage at Noh theaters, mastering around 250 plays, and possessing the ability to sing them promptly upon request. Though it is said that in his later years he lost most of his eyesight, he continued to participate actively in Noh performances and song recitations.

He was posthumously awarded the rank of Fourth Imperial Secretary (Shiji-i) on December 26, 1887 (Meiji 20).

His family included his parents Maeda Nariyoshi and his secondary wife Tsuza, who was the daughter of Okumura Yasuhisa, also known as Meikyō-in. His adoptive fathers were Maeda Sadahito and Maeda Norizuki. His main wife was Ito Hisao's daughter, Ito Hisashi, while another wife was Maeda Yoshiko, daughter of Maeda Toshiomi. His concubines included Sakae and Gyokuhō-in. His children included Takako Maeda (who married Viscount Inaba Masanao), and Kinako Maeda (who married Maeda Tokei). He adopted Maeda Tokei, who was the third son of Viscount Maeda Toshiaki.

In October 2022, the Daisho-ji Digital Guide Association erected a stone monument at the entrance of the Rekishimachi Center Building in front of JR Daisho-ji Station, commemorating Toshitoshi Maeda and the scholar of Chinese classics, Higashikata Shiba-yama.

Major references include the "Directory of the Peerage (Type B)," "History of the Parliamentary System in Japan," and "Peerage Encyclopedia."