Ito Hirobumi

Born in Hagi, Yamaguchi, Prince It? Hirobumi (?? ?? It? Hirobumi 16 October 1841?26 October 1909, also called Hirofumi/Hakubun and Shunsuke in his youth) was a Japanese politician and the country's first Prime Minister (and the 5th, 7th and 10th).

Early Years

He was a Choshu samurai's adopted son and gained samurai status for himself in 1863, but a visit to England in the same year convinced him of the necessity of modernising Japan by adopting Western ways. He was one of the Choshu Five who studied at University College London.

Related Topics:
Choshu - Samurai - 1863 - England - Choshu Five - University College London

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In 1864 he returned to Japan with fellow student Inoue Kaoru to attempt to warn the Choshu clan against going to war with the foreigners over the right of passage through the Straits of Shimonoseki. At that time he met Ernest Satow for the first time, later a lifelong friend.

Related Topics:
1864 - Inoue Kaoru - Ernest Satow

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