Misako Matsukata

Masako Matsukata (born April 18, 1845 [Kōka 2, March 12] – September 13, 1920 [Taishō 9]) was the wife of Japan’s Prime Minister and the wife of the 4th and 6th Prime Minister Masayoshi Matsukata. She was born in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Early Life and Family Background

She was born as the eldest daughter of Sukhachiro Kawakami, a samurai of the Satsuma Domain. Her birthplace was Arata Village (present-day Kagoshima City).

In 1860 (Man'en 1), Masako became engaged to Masayoshi Matsukata and they married. The couple had four sons and one daughter, and they also raised children born from concubinage.

Relocation and Residence Details

In 1877 (Meiji 10), Masako moved to Tokyo and resided in Mita. Her home was Mita Villa (now Mita 2-chome), which was built on land formerly occupied by the Mikimatsu Matsudaira family’s relay residence, allocated from the Iyo Matsuyama Domain. The land spanned approximately 7,000 tsubo, and within the premises was a garden designed by Zen priest Takuan.

Imperial Visits and Related Facilities

In 1887 (Meiji 20), during the Emperor’s visit, Masako’s residence hosted the event with a new building, “Erokan,” constructed to welcome the Imperial party.

It is also recorded that Emperor Meiji asked about the number of children, and Masayoshi was famously unable to answer immediately because his wife had many children.

Death and Afterwards

Masako Matsukata passed away on September 13, 1920, at the age of 73.