Hata Sadayoshi

Sadayoshi Hata (born August 10, 1864 (July 9, 1864, in the old calendar) – March 11, 1933) was a Japanese educator and businessman. His nickname was Gakuhō. He was the grandfather of Sadayuki Hata, who served as the 80th Prime Minister of Japan.

He was born in Sakurai Village, Kōchi District, Shinano Province (present-day Tōmi City, Nagano Prefecture). His father was the second son of Genzaburō Terajima, and he was from the Terajima family. In 1880, he was adopted by Saburō Hata of Wada Village, Nagano Prefecture (now Nagawa Town). He then graduated from Nagano Prefectural Normal School in 1883 and completed the science department of Tokyo Higher Normal School in 1890. After graduation, he worked as a teacher at Nagano Normal School and later in 1898 was appointed vice-principal of Niigata Normal School.

In 1903, he became the principal of Gunma Normal School, and from 1912 he served as the principal of Kumamoto Normal School. He also served as principal of Chiba Normal School and Fukushima Normal School. He emphasized the ideas of good conduct and devoted himself to local self-governance and social education. During his tenures at Gunma and Kumamoto Normal Schools, he traveled through various municipalities to promote educational activities aimed at improving residents’ livelihoods. The guiding principles he promoted included methods for economic living, hygienic living, orderly living, self-cultivation, and optimistic living. These activities were often recognized by the Ministry of Education, and he was regarded as a person of integrity, intelligence, humility, and humility.

After retiring in 1924, he returned to his hometown. In 1927, he established the Wadanē Automobiles bus company and served as its president, contributing to improving transportation in mountainous areas.

His honors include the Order of the Rising Sun, 7th class (awarded in 1902), 6th class (1903), the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 6th class (1908), 5th class (1914), and 4th class (1924). He also received higher ranks over the years, including the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd class (1910), and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (1921).

His family includes his eldest son, Takeuchi Hata (a graduate of Kyoto University and an employee of Nippon Beer), his third son, Takejiro Hata (a House of Representatives member), Sadayuki Hata (who served as Prime Minister of Japan), and his grandson, Yuichiro Hata, who served as Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and as a member of the House of Councillors. Several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren are active in politics, academia, and industry.

His major works include "Elementary Abacus Guide," "Biology Lecture," "Educational Theory for Mothers," "Practical Ethics Lecture," "National Practical Ethics Lecture," "Municipal Autonomy and Good Conduct," "Social Mind and Life Circulation," and "True Education Centered on Schools," focusing on education and ethics.

References include the "Shinano Jinbutsu Retsushi" and materials preserved in the National Diet Library Digital Collections.