Genshirō Nishi

Shiro Nishigen (October 25, Bunkyu 2 [December 16, 1862] – January 10, 1928), was a Japanese diplomat. He was born in Nagato Province, Toyoura District, Chōfu, Chōfu. His father was Tsunashi Nishi, and he was born as the second son.

Nishigen moved to Tokyo, where he attended Taka Ryuusui’s private school and studied Chinese Classics. Tametani was also affiliated with this school. In August 1883 (Meiji 16), he was selected as a dispatched student to China by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and traveled overseas. In November 1885 (Meiji 18), he went to Belgium to attend university, graduating in 1891 (Meiji 24) with a Doctorate of Administrative Sciences.

After returning to Japan, in June 1893 (Meiji 26), he began working as a temporary employee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in November of the same year, he was promoted to Assistant Director. In December 1894 (Meiji 27), he was appointed to the Code Study Committee. In April 1897 (Meiji 30), he became a Third Secretary at the German Legation, continuing his specialized diplomatic work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thereafter. In December 1898 (Meiji 31), he was promoted to Second Secretary, and in March 1899 (Meiji 32), he transferred to the Dutch Legation. In March 1903 (Meiji 36), he served at the Austrian Legation, and in December of that year, was promoted to First Secretary.

In April 1912 (Meiji 45), he became a Counsellor at the Tokyo Embassy. In April 1915 (Taisho 4), he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Siam (Thailand). In March 1922 (Taisho 11), he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Romania, serving until 1923.

In April 1924 (Taisho 13), he resigned from government service and returned home to Chōfu for health treatment. On January 10, 1928 (Showa 3), he died of a cerebral hemorrhage at age 65.

He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, in 1924 (Taisho 13). His honors include the Order of the Rising Sun, 6th Class, in 1895 (Meiji 28); the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 1902 (Meiji 35); the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 2nd Class, in 1909 (Taisho 1); and the Order of the Rising Sun, Second Class, with Paulownia Flowers, in 1928 (Showa 3).

As foreign honors, he received the German Iron Cross 4th Class (1900); the Papal Order of St. Sylvester, Commander (1908); the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Francis Joseph Order, Commander with Star (1910); the Order of the Crown of Thailand, First Class (1920); and the Romanian Star of Romania, Grand Cross (1923).

In his personal life, he married Asako, the third daughter of Ito Hirobumi, in December 1893 (Meiji 26), and they had a daughter named Kiyoko. Among his descendants are his daughter, son-in-law Ei Fujii, grandson Banri Fujisaki, and several great-grandchildren, including members of parliament and government officials.