Itō Hirokuni

Hirokuni Ito (March 3, 1870 (Meiji 3, February 2) – June 9, 1931 (Showa 6)) was a Japanese Imperial Court official, politician, and noble. He held the peerage of duke. His court rank and order of merit were Senior Second Rank and First Class Order of Merit, respectively.

Birth and Family Background

He was born as the fourth son of Mitsunobu Inoue, a samurai of the Chōshū Domain (Gorōzaburō Inoue, elder brother of Inoue Kōzan). From childhood, he was adopted by Hirobumi Ito and raised in the Ito family from the age of three. His elder brother was Kōzan Inoue, who was adopted by Kōzan Inoue. In 1907 (Meiji 40), he changed his name from Yūkichi to Hirokuni at the behest of his adoptive father.

Death of Adoptive Father and Succession to the Peerage

On November 30, 1909 (Meiji 42), following the death of his adoptive father Hirobumi Ito, he inherited the title of duke. Consequently, he became a duke member of the House of Peers and affiliated with the Tuyo Society.

Education and Studying Abroad

After graduating from Gakushūin, he studied abroad in the German Empire. Upon returning, he was appointed Shikibu official in 1891 (Meiji 24), and subsequently served as Vice Director and Director of the Imperial Service, along with roles such as Official in the Funeral Service, and Participation Officer in the Grand Ceremony.

Diplomatic and Government Office Roles

He participated in the coronation of the Russian Emperor and the wedding of the German Crown Prince, accompanying as an attendant for the Fushimi-no-miya and Arisugawa-no-miya families. He also held various positions including:

- Auditor at the Bank of Japan

- President of the Society for Improving People's Lives

- Chairman of the Japan-Germany Cultural Exchange Association

- Chairman of the Kusunoki Society

- President of the Itsukushima Preservation Society

- Chairman of the Azabu Ward Education Association

Honors and Court Ranks

He was awarded the Junior Fifth Rank on February 15, 1890 (Meiji 23).

He was subsequently promoted to the Junior Fourth Rank on June 20, 1900; the Junior Third Rank on July 11, 1910; the Senior Third Rank on July 20, 1916; and the Junior Second Rank on July 31, 1923.

In 1923, he was posthumously elevated to the Senior Second Rank.

Peerage and Decorations

He was elevated to duke on November 30, 1909 (Meiji 42). He was also authorized to wear foreign honors.

Family Relations

His biological father was Mitsunobu Inoue (1828–1869), and his eldest brother was Kōzan Inoue (1836–1915). His adoptive father was Hirobumi Ito (1841–1909), and his adoptive mother was Ume Ito (1848–1924).

His wife was Tamako Ito (1881–1927), the eldest daughter of Yemon Takashima.

His children included his eldest son Hirokazu Ito (1899–1962), a court official and duke, and his eldest daughter Kotoko Ito (1903–1922). He also had a second son, Hiroharu Shimizu (1901–1931), adopted by Shimizu Sadaharu, and other sons and daughters.

Death

He died on June 9, 1931 (Showa 6).