Makiguchi Yoshikata

Yoshikata Makiguchi (born January 13, 1853 (Kaei 5, December 4) – December 20, 1899 (Meiji 32)), was an industrialist and politician during the Meiji era. He served as a member of the House of Representatives. His childhood name was Shōtarō.

Birth and Family Background

He was born in Arahamamura, Kakêma District, Echigo Province (currently Arahamamura, Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture) as the son of Shōzaburō Makiguchi, who served as the local village chief (kumicho) for generations. The Makiguchi family was engaged in shipping business.

Education

He studied classical Chinese literature under Hoshino Kyōri and later attended Kashiwazaki Prefectural School. He also received instruction from Bokusai Aizawa of Nanjō Village.

Career and Business

He was involved in the shipping industry and held various positions including bank president of Kashiwazaki Bank, chairman of the Naoetsu Trading Office, director of Niigata Commercial Bank, and auditor of Niigata Bank.

Public Offices

In December 1881 (Meiji 14), he was appointed as a school affairs commissioner for the 18th elementary school district in Niigata Prefecture. Additionally, he served as head of Arahamamura, and as an income tax investigation commissioner. In February 1893 (Meiji 26), he was elected as a member of the Niigata Prefectural Assembly and also served as a standing committee member.

Legislative Activities

He was first elected to the House of Representatives in March 1898 (Meiji 31) representing Niigata's 6th district as a Progress Party member in the 5th general election. He was re-elected in August of the same year in the 6th general election representing the same district, this time as a member of the Kensei Main Party, serving consecutive terms. During his tenure, he was hospitalized at the Shibuya Red Cross Hospital in Toyotama District for treatment, but he passed away in December 1899 (Meiji 32) due to stomach cancer.

Relatives

His eldest son, Yoshikazu Makiguchi, also served as a member of the House of Representatives. His fifth daughter, Keiko, was the wife of Kunio Koizumi.

Death

He died of stomach cancer on December 20, 1899, while receiving treatment at the Shibuya Red Cross Hospital in Toyotama District.

References

Compiled sources include "Biographies of House of Representatives Members" (Yamazaki Ken, 1901), "List of General Elections and Members of the House of Representatives" (Volume 1, 1915), "Brief Biographies of General Election House of Representatives Members, 1st to 20th" (1940), Shiro Oe’s "Meiji Past Records" (1971), Rihei Makita’s "Koshisa Jinbutsu Shi, Middle Volume" (1972), Niigata Daily News Publishing’s "Encyclopedia of Niigata Prefecture, Volume 2" (1977), and the House of Representatives and House of Councillors' "Century of Legislative System: Directory of House Members" (1990), among others.