Hisao Kan

Hisao Kan (December 10, 1912 – March 18, 1991) was a Japanese chemical engineer and businessman. His pen name was Mokutō. He was born in Hiroshima Prefecture and originated from Fukuwa-machi, Kuma District, Okayama (present-day Shimokami, Kembomachi, Kita Ward, Okayama City). His family lineage traces back to the Kan family, who served as village headmen during the Edo period. His father, Minoru Kan, was a practicing physician as well as the chairman of the Kuma District Medical Association and a county councilor.

Hisao Kan graduated in 1936 from the Department of Applied Chemistry at Tokyo Institute of Technology (formerly Tokyo Science University). In 1937, he joined Ube Soda Industry (later Central Glass). At the company, he served as Director of the Technical Department and later became a Managing Director of Central Glass in 1965. In 1977, he assumed the role of Auditor, which he held thereafter. His primary business activities centered around Central Glass, where he spent many years working.

In his personal life, he adhered to Nichiren Buddhism. His hobbies included haiku and Noh singing. Regarding his family, his father was politician and doctor Minoru Kan; his mother was Tami (daughter of Sugiharu Shichiro), who was from Okayama. His wife, Junko, was from Hiroshima and was the eldest daughter of Ryozo Mitani; she was a graduate of Fukuyama Girls' High School. His brother-in-law was medical scientist Kenya Tsuge.

His children include his eldest son, Naoto Kan, who served as Prime Minister of Japan and as the top counselor of the Constitutional Democratic Party. His daughter-in-law is Nobuko Kan, the former wife of Prime Minister Naoto Kan and also a relative. His grandson, Gentarō Kan, is a political activist, establishing a political connection across generations.

Hisao Kan's career has been highly regarded in various academic societies and companies for his expertise and managerial accomplishments. While he had political family ties, he primarily dedicated himself to his roles as a businessman and chemical engineer. He passed away on March 18, 1991, due to acute pneumonia.