Hisaya Iwasaki

Baron Hisaya Iwasaki was born on October 14, 1865, in the area now known as Aki, Kochi Prefecture, Japan. He was the eldest son of Yataro Iwasaki, the founder of Mitsubishi, and his wife Kise.

In 1886, Iwasaki matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree. After completing his education abroad, he returned to Japan in 1891.

In 1894, Iwasaki succeeded his uncle, Yanosuke Iwasaki, as the head of Mitsubishi. He held this position until 1916, when he was succeeded by his cousin, Koyata Iwasaki. During his tenure as head of Mitsubishi, he oversaw the modernization of the Nagasaki shipyard and played a significant role in the development of Marunouchi, transforming it into a modern business district.

He engaged in philanthropic activities, including establishing the Oriental Library, which remains an important institution for Asian studies. He also donated Kiyosumi Gardens and Rikugien Gardens to the City of Tokyo. His former residence, located near Ueno Park, has been preserved and is currently open to the public as Kyū-Iwasaki-tei Garden. Additionally, he donated the Max Müller Collection to the University of Tokyo.

His marital partner was Shizuko Hoshina, the daughter of Viscount Masaari Hoshina, who was the 10th head of the Iino domain.

Baron Hisaya Iwasaki died on December 2, 1955, at the age of 90.