Michitomo Kanamori

Kanamori Michitomo (金森 通倫; October 2, 1857 – March 4, 1945) was a Japanese Christian minister. He also used the English name Paul Kanamori and published under the name Kanamori Tsurin. Shigeru Ishiba, who served as Prime Minister of Japan, is identified as Kanamori's great-grandson.

**Early Life and Education**

Kanamori was born in Higo Province, Japan, which is present-day Tamana in Kumamoto Prefecture, on October 2, 1857. His family belonged to the samurai class. For his early education, he attended the Kumamoto Yogakko, an institution where he was a member of the Kumamoto Band. In 1875, at approximately 18 years of age, he converted to Christianity. He pursued higher education at Doshisha University, from which he graduated in 1879. Kanamori had multiple children, among them Taro Kanamori and Jiro Kanamori.

**Career**

Following his graduation, Kanamori began working as a missionary in Okayama Prefecture. His missionary activities were supported by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Subsequently, he moved to Tokyo to serve as a pastor for a sizable congregation. He was later invited by Joseph Hardy Neeshima to teach theology at Doshisha University.

During his career, Kanamori authored and translated several books. Notably, in 1891, he published "The Present and Future of Christianity in Japan." In the 1890s, Kanamori renounced his Christian faith due to differing interpretations of Christian doctrine among himself and other pastors. In this period, he was involved with the Interior Ministry and engaged in business activities.

Following the death of his wife in 1914, Kanamori returned to active church work. Starting in 1915, he traveled extensively across Japan delivering sermons to large audiences. His evangelistic efforts extended internationally; he traveled to Taiwan, China, Korea, Hawaii, and the United States to preach to Japanese-speaking communities. He became known for his lengthy sermons, particularly a "Three-hour sermon," and for his evangelizing activities.

In 1927, Kanamori joined the Holiness Movement, a Christian theological movement emphasizing sanctification. He left the movement in 1933.

**Death and Burial**

Kanamori passed away in Kōriyama, Japan, on March 4, 1945. He is interred at Tama Cemetery in Tokyo.

**Further Reading**

- 回顧録－金森通倫 自伝. 2006. ISBN 978-4-902937-05-3.

**External Links**

- Works by Kanamori Michitomo at Project Gutenberg

**References**

[*Information based on provided biographical data.*]