Ōkubo Toshitake

Toshitake Okubo (born May 7, 1865 [April 13, 1865, Keiō 1] – July 13, 1943 [Showa 18]) was a Japanese civil servant and politician. He served as a director of the Japanese Red Cross Society. His court rank was Senior Second Rank, his decorations included First Class Order of Merit, and he held the Dukedom of Marquis.

Birth and Family Background

He was born on April 13, 1865 (Keiō 1) in Shintōin-dōri, Kagoshima Castle Town, Satsuma Province, as the third son of Iichirō Okubo (Toshimichi) and Manshūko. His childhood name was Mikuma. His father was Satsuma samurai and politician Toshimichi Okubo. His grandfather was Riseye, also a Satsuma samurai, and his grandmother was Manshūko, the second daughter of Minami Kyōhaku, a Satsuma samurai physician.

Educational Background

In 1887 (Meiji 20), after graduating from Daiichi High School, he studied abroad at Yale University in the United States, from which he graduated. He further studied in Germany, attending Halle University, Heidelberg University, and Berlin University.

Career and Biography

After returning to Japan in 1894 (Meiji 27), he served as an interpreter attached to the Imperial Headquarters during the First Sino-Japanese War, followed by a position as a secretary to the Governor-General of Taiwan. In September 1896 (Meiji 29), he joined the Ministry of the Interior and became a Secretary to the Minister of the Interior. He later served as Director of the Prison Bureau within the Ministry.

Local Administration

In January 1900 (Meiji 33), he was appointed Governor of Tottori Prefecture, subsequently serving as governor of Oita and Saitama Prefectures. Notably, during his tenure in Oita in 1901 (Meiji 34), he authorized bonds for irrigation works undertaken by Aso Kanpachi and others at Yawaka Sake Brewery.

Roles in the Home and Commerce Departments

In December 1907 (Meiji 40), he became Director of the Industry and Commerce Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce, later serving as Director of the same bureau. In December 1912 (Taishō 1), he was appointed Governor of Osaka Prefecture. He resigned from this post in 1917 (Taishō 6) and on the 26th of the same month, was appointed as a Privy Council member selected by Imperial decree, affiliating with an academic society. In February 1922 (Taishō 11), he was appointed to the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank (Kinshi-no-Kami).

Adoption into the Marquis Family and Succession of Title

Because his older brother, Toshiwa, had no children, he became his adoptive son. On June 5, 1928 (Showa 3), upon Toshiwa’s retirement, he inherited the family headship, and on June 14, resigned from his position as a Privy Council member. The next day, June 15, he was elevated to Marquis and became a Marquis Peerage member of the Imperial House of Peers.

Other Activities

In 1937 (Showa 12), he served as president of the Japan-Germany Cultural Association, led by Nazi supporter Walter Donart, and was a member of the Historical Preservation Society and a director of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Death and Family

He died on July 13, 1943 (Showa 18), predeceased by his eldest brother Toshiwa, at the age of 78. His grave is located at Aoyama Reien Cemetery. His heir was his eldest son, Toshiaki.

Honors and Titles

He received numerous court ranks: Junior Sixth Rank in 1897, Senior Sixth Rank in 1898, Senior Fifth Rank in 1899, Junior Fourth Rank in 1905, Senior Fourth Rank in 1910, Junior Third Rank in 1915, Senior Third Rank in 1918, and Junior Second Rank in 1936. He inherited the Marquis title in 1928.

Chivalric and Foreign Honors

He was awarded many medals and was authorized to wear foreign decorations as well.

Family and Kinship

His family included grandfather Riseye, father Toshimichi, brother Toshiwa, adopted son Toshiaki, second son Tadayoshi, third son Tōsada, and wife E, the eldest daughter of Baron Kondo Kanpei. His children include the historian Toshiaki, and his grandson is Tadayoshi.

Writings

Specific works are not listed, but his activities suggest involvement in academic and administrative fields.

This document summarizes the main facts regarding Toshitake Okubo’s life and career.