Morishige Hosokawa

Morishige Hosokawa (born September 18, 1868 (Kaei 4, 8th month 3) – August 26, 1914 (Taishō 3)), was a Japanese noble, Marquis, during the early Meiji to Taishō period. He was the eldest son (legitimate) of Morihisa Hosokawa, the last lord of Kumamoto Domain.

Life and Career

In 1885 (Meiji 18), he studied abroad in Britain and France. On September 20, 1893 (Meiji 26), following the death of his father Morihisa, he inherited the family headship and succeeded to the title of Marquis. In the same year, he was appointed as a Marquis member of the House of Peers.

Influenced by his uncle, Viscount Gomi Nagaoka, he developed an interest in Asian affairs. In 1887 (Meiji 20), he became the second director of the Tōa Dōbun Institute in Tokyo and also served as principal of the former Mejiro Junior High School. As vice president of the Tōa Dōbun Association, he traveled around various parts of China.

In 1911 (Meiji 44), he also served as a councilor of the Saiseikai (Relief Society).

Family

His father was Morihisa Hosokawa. His adopted son was his younger brother, Moritachi Hosokawa. His half-brothers include Viscount Gomi Nagaoka and Moromaru Hosokawa; both are his maternal half-brothers.

His wife was the eldest daughter of the Toda family, Takako. They had a daughter named Eiko. Eiko’s husband was Viscount Gota Nagaoka, making him his maternal cousin as he was the son of Gomi Nagaoka.

Honors and Titles

On June 30, 1897 (Meiji 30), he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class. On December 20 of the same year, he was promoted to Senior Fourth Rank.

On December 20, 1902 (Meiji 35), he attained Third Court Rank. Furthermore, on April 1, 1906 (Meiji 39), he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun with Paulownia Flowers (The Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon).

Related Subjects

His classmates during his studies abroad included Yoshirō Fujimura and Buntarō Kashiwabara, who studied with him. Although there is no direct record of a formal connection to Chuo University High School, some sources suggest a related association.

References

- "Kizoku-in Yōran (Type C)", Revised December, Showa 21 (1946), Nobility Bureau, 1947.

- The Congress and House of Representatives: "History of Parliamentary System - Directory of Nobility and House of Peers Members," Dainihon Printing Bureau, 1990.

- Kashi Kaikan Nobility Lineage Compilation Committee: "Heisei Revised Old Nobility Lineage, Volume 2," Kashi Kaikan, 1996.

Additional sources include materials on the Hosokawa family lineage, Japan’s kazoku system, and the history of the House of Peers members.