Iwane Hamaguchi

Iwane Hamaguchi (September 21, 1899 – November 8, 1976) was a Japanese banking executive who served as president and chairman of the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan (now Long-Term Credit Bank Holdings). He was born in Tokyo and was the second son of Yuko Hamaguchi. His elder brother was Yuji Hamaguchi.

His career began after attending Tokyo Metropolitan Fourth Middle School and Tokyo Metropolitan High School (the former Fifth High School). He graduated from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Law in 1924. In May 1926, he joined the Bank of Commerce and Industry, where he later held positions such as personnel manager, director, and vice-president. He served as vice-president from 1950 to 1952, during which he experienced internal power struggles and did not always emerge victorious.

At the founding of the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Hamaguchi was appointed as vice-president in 1952, coinciding with the bank’s establishment. His appointment was likely influenced by his close relationship with then-Finance Minister Ichiro Ikeda, especially as Ikeda’s career was ascending to the Ministry of Finance. Hamaguchi was a close associate of Ikeda even after transferring to the new bank.

He became the second president of the bank in November 1957 and served in that position until May 1966. Subsequently, he retired from the presidency and took on the role of chairman of the board of directors, later becoming an advisor. He also played an important role in Japan’s financial sector by serving as a policy committee member of the Bank of Japan until February 1973.

In his personal life, his wife was the daughter of Kesho Mizonouchi. His eldest daughter, Ikuko, married Yukimas Narasaki, a member of the House of Councillors, while his second daughter, Eiko, married Junichi Kurosawa, who served as governor of the Japan Export-Import Bank and as a director of the Bank of Japan.

Hamaguchi was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 1969. After the death of his elder brother Yuji Hamaguchi in 1976, he passed away on November 8 of the same year, less than a month later.

This information pertains to his educational background, family relationships, and executive roles in banking, relating to the history of Japanese corporate management and finance, and influences on the development of postwar financial institutions in Japan.