Everyone, do you know about Hirofumi Ito? He was Japan’s first Prime Minister and played a key role in the establishment of the constitution, making it no exaggeration to say he laid the foundations for modern Japan. While Hirofumi Ito is often spotlighted as an elite Prime Minister, did you know that his womanizing ways were so extreme that even Emperor Meiji reprimanded him? Additionally, did you know he made significant contributions to the popularization of beer, women’s education, and fugu cuisine? This time, we will shine a light on the lesser-known aspects of Hirofumi Ito.
Who was Ito Hirofumi?
Ito Hirofumi was a politician who played a significant role during Japan’s Meiji era and greatly contributed to Japan’s modernization as the first Prime Minister. Born into a low-ranking samurai family of the Choshu Domain, he was sent to England in 1863 by his domain to study Western political systems and technologies. Upon returning to Japan, he became a central figure in the Meiji Restoration, promoting domestic reforms such as the abolition of feudal domains (han) and the establishment of prefectures, as well as land tax reforms.
In 1885, when the cabinet system was introduced, Ito became Japan’s first Prime Minister and established the Constitution of the Empire of Japan in 1889. This constitution was created based on the knowledge and experience he gained from his European studies and laid the foundation for Japan’s constitutional monarchy. He also focused on reforming the education system, contributing to the establishment of a modern educational system.
In his later years, Ito devoted himself to diplomatic activities, particularly concerning Korean issues. However, in 1909, he was assassinated in Harbin by Korean independence activist An Jung-geun. Ito Hirofumi’s achievements played a central role in Japan’s modernization, and his influence continues to this day. His political acumen and spirit of reform hold a significant place in Japanese history and are respected by many people.
A Simple Timeline of Ito Hirofumi
Let’s take a look at the life of Ito Hirofumi in a simplified timeline format.
| Year | Event |
| 1841 | Born to a peasant family in Suo Province (present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture), Kumage District. His childhood name was Risuke. |
| 1857 | Studied under Yoshida Shoin at Shokasonjuku. |
| 1862 | Participated in the burning of the British Legation. |
| 1863 | Studied abroad in England with Inoue Kaoru and others. |
| 1864 | Returned to Japan due to the Shimonoseki Campaign, where the fleets of Britain, France, the United States, and the Netherlands attacked the Choshu Domain. Served as an interpreter at the peace conference. |
| 1868 | Became involved in foreign affairs for the Meiji government. |
| 1870 | Went to the United States to study finance and the monetary economy. |
| 1871 | Traveled to Europe as part of the Iwakura Mission. |
| 1881 | Ousted Okuma Shigenobu and others (Political Crisis of 1881). Decided to open the Diet in ten years. |
| 1882 | Traveled to Germany and Austria to study constitutions. |
| 1885 | Established the cabinet system and became the first Prime Minister. |
| 1894 | The First Sino-Japanese War broke out. |
| 1895 | Signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki. |
| 1904 | The Russo-Japanese War broke out. |
| 1905 | Became the first Resident-General of Korea. |
| 1909 | Assassinated by An Jung-geun at Harbin Station. |
Student Days at Yoshida Shoin’s Shokasonjuku
Ito Hirofumi was born in 1841 as the only son of a poor farming family in Sukunamura, Kumage District, Suo Province, Choshu Domain (present-day Suku, Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture). His childhood name was Risuke. In 1849, he moved to Hagi with his mother, where his father had found work. His father was adopted into the Ito family of ashigaru (foot soldiers), and from 1854, he began using the Ito surname.
A major turning point in Ito Hirofumi’s life was his enrollment in Yoshida Shoin’s private school, Shokasonjuku. Here, he began to display his talents, and in 1858, at the age of 16, he was selected by Yoshida Shoin as a member of the delegation to Kyoto. During this period, he met Yamagata Aritomo, and the following year, in 1859, he became an attendant to Katsura Kogoro (later Kido Takayoshi) in Edo and deepened his friendship with Inoue Kaoru.
However, the same year, Yoshida Shoin was executed during the Ansei Purge. Following this, Ito Hirofumi, along with Takasugi Shinsaku, Kusaka Genzui, and Inoue Kaoru, became increasingly devoted to the Sonnō Jōi (Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians) movement. While engaging in radical activities, he also harbored a strong desire to travel abroad and broaden his horizons.
The Burning of the British Legation
Amidst the growing anti-shogunate movement aimed at overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate, a faction of radicals from the Choshu Domain, led by Takasugi Shinsaku, planned to set fire to the British Legation under construction at Goten-yama in Shinagawa as part of the Sonnō Jōi (Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians) movement. Goten-yama was famous for its scenic beauty, and the Shogunate’s decision to build foreign legations there greatly angered the Sonnō Jōi activists. The building was nearly complete and was soon to welcome the British minister, but Takasugi and his group executed their plan just before this happened.
The members of this plot included Takasugi Shinsaku, Kusaka Genzui, Ito Hirobumi (then known as Shunsuke), Inoue Kaoru (then known as Bunta), Terajima Chujiro, Yamao Yozo, Ariyoshi Kumajiro, and Akane Takehito, among others, totaling 12 individuals. They gathered at the Shinagawa brothel, Dozo Sagami, and waited for the planned time of 1 a.m., drinking sake. As they approached Goten-yama, they saw the impressive two-story Western-style building. Since no one was inside yet, it was a perfect opportunity for the attack.
However, large logs fenced off the area, making entry difficult. Even the resourceful Kusaka Genzui was frustrated at not finding a way to break through. At that moment, Ito Hirobumi cleverly pulled out a saw he had bought earlier from a Shinagawa night stall, anticipating the need for such a tool due to the strong defenses.
Using the saw, Ito cut through a couple of logs, creating an opening large enough for people to pass through. The activists entered the legation, removed and stacked sliding doors, and set them on fire. The building soon became engulfed in flames, and confident of their success, they left the scene to avoid suspicion. Some went back to the brothel to drink, while others returned home to sleep.
After the incident, the Shogunate pursued the culprits but never identified them. The arson plan was a remarkable success, thanks in large part to Ito Hirobumi’s quick thinking. This event illustrates how Ito’s ingenuity and resourcefulness, which later contributed to his success as Japan’s first Prime Minister, were evident early in his life.
Studying in England and the Iwakura Mission
In 1863, Ito Hirobumi, along with Inoue Kaoru, traveled to England. While other students of Shokasonjuku were fervently engaged in the Sonnō Jōi (Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians) movement, Ito chose to study in London for six months. Witnessing the vast difference in national power between Britain and Japan firsthand, he abandoned the Sonnō Jōi ideology and shifted towards advocating for the opening of Japan.
Additionally, in 1871, he visited the United States and Europe as part of the Iwakura Mission, led by plenipotentiary ambassador Iwakura Tomomi, alongside Kido Takayoshi and Okubo Toshimichi. During this mission, both Okubo and Ito strongly recognized the importance of domestic reform and industrial revitalization, aligning their views on the necessity of Japan’s modernization.
In 1873, Okubo Toshimichi returned to Japan urgently to quell the Seikanron (debate on invading Korea) issue. He quickly resolved the matter and was appointed as the Minister of Home Affairs. Under Okubo’s administration, Ito Hirobumi served as the Minister of Public Works, playing a crucial role in social infrastructure development and industrial promotion. However, in 1878, Okubo Toshimichi was assassinated by discontented samurai. The following day, Ito Hirobumi was appointed as the Minister of Home Affairs. Thus, Ito began to play a significant role on the stage of Japanese politics.
Establishing the Constitution of the Empire of Japan and Becoming the First Prime Minister
In 1881, amidst rising discussions about constitutional establishment, Okuma Shigenobu, the Minister of Finance, was expelled from the government due to conflicting views on the constitutional system. This resulted in the formation of a Satsuma-Choshu faction-led government centered around Ito Hirobumi, an event known as the “Meiji 14 Coup.”
The following year, Ito Hirobumi, under the orders of Emperor Meiji, traveled to Europe to study constitutions. He primarily studied historical jurisprudence and administration in Berlin, gaining confidence in drafting a constitution. Upon his return to Japan in 1883, he learned that Iwakura Tomomi, a powerful figure in the government who had selected Ito as the Minister of Home Affairs and held significant influence over the court and nobility, had passed away. Iwakura’s death left Ito Hirobumi as the de facto central figure of the Meiji government.
After his return, Ito Hirobumi progressed with the work on drafting the constitution, culminating in the promulgation of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan on February 11, 1889. This period was crucial for establishing the foundation of Japan as a modern state.
In 1885, Japan’s first cabinet was formed, and Ito Hirobumi became the first Prime Minister. He established the cabinet system and implemented its operations. In 1888, he resigned as Prime Minister to become the President of the Privy Council, the highest authority on constitutional deliberations.
The Constitution of the Empire of Japan, issued through Ito Hirobumi’s efforts, was referred to as the “permanent, unchangeable law,” and the Meiji constitutional state under this constitution was called Ito Hirobumi’s “masterpiece.”
Born as the son of a poor farmer, Ito Hirobumi rose to become Japan’s first Prime Minister. He later formed his second cabinet in 1892, the third in 1898, and the fourth in 1900, continually contributing to the establishment of Japan as a modern nation.
From the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War to Becoming the Resident-General of Korea
During the period of Ito Hirobumi’s second cabinet in 1894, Japan won the First Sino-Japanese War, and in the following year, the Treaty of Shimonoseki forced China to recognize Korea’s independence. However, Russia continued to move southward, leaving Japan’s influence on the Korean Peninsula unstable. In response, Japan formally placed Korea under its supervision in 1904 and began the Russo-Japanese War to secure special rights, such as military deployments along the South Manchurian Railway.
After a hard-fought victory in this war, Japan signed the Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty in 1905, effectively making Korea a Japanese colony, an event known as the annexation of Korea. The “Resident-General of Korea” office was established in Seoul, and Ito Hirobumi was appointed as the first Resident-General, giving Japan practical control over Korea.
By signing the Second Japan-Korea Agreement, which made Korea a protectorate of Japan, Japan’s blatant colonial policies were implemented, leading to a rise in anti-Japanese sentiment in Korea. Consequently, terrorism and resistance movements frequently erupted across the country.
Cause of Death of Ito Hirobumi
On October 26, 1909, Ito Hirobumi visited Harbin Station to hold unofficial talks with Russian Finance Minister Vladimir Kokovtsov about issues concerning Manchuria and Korea. During this visit, he was assassinated by An Jung-geun, a nationalist from the Korean Empire.
It is said that immediately after being shot, Ito shouted, “I’ve been hit three times. Who is the assailant?” An Jung-geun was apprehended on the spot by Russian authorities. In the approximately 30 minutes before he succumbed to his injuries, Ito exchanged a few words with his aides, and upon learning that his assailant was Korean, he reportedly muttered, “What a fool, shooting me.” According to his grandson, Ito Mansukio, Ito also asked, “I’m done for. Has anyone else been hurt?” When told that Mori Ogai had also been injured, he said, “Mori has been hit too…” These were reported to be his last words. He was 69 years old. A state funeral was held on November 4 at Hibiya Park.
An Jung-geun was immediately arrested, and his accomplices, Woo Deok-soon, Cho Do-sun, and Yoo Dong-ha, were also detained by Russian authorities. The Japanese government transferred them to the Kwantung Court of Justice, where on February 14, 1910, An Jung-geun was sentenced to death, Woo Deok-soon received a two-year prison sentence, and Cho Do-sun and Yoo Dong-ha were sentenced to one year and six months in prison each.
Ito Hirofumi’s Character
Ito Hirofumi was known for his blunt and honest personality, refusing to flatter others and maintaining strict integrity regarding money. It is said that these traits endeared him to Emperor Meiji. He was also cheerful and open-minded, which made him popular among the public. However, in politics, he did not form a strong faction, which resulted in his influence in domestic politics being less than that of Yamagata Aritomo, who built a broad factional network in his later years.
Despite rising to the position of Japan’s first Prime Minister, Ito did not care much about his living conditions, including food and clothing. Konoe Atsumaro, who lived next door to Ito in Oiso, often found himself troubled by the simple and meager meals when invited to Ito’s house. In his later years, Ito even considered selling his private residence, Souroukaku, and retiring to the Onshikan in Oi, which surprised his wife, Umeko.
Episodes of Ito Hirofumi
Finally, let’s take a look at some episodes from Ito Hirofumi’s life. There are various interesting stories about him that are worth noting!
A Genuine Womanizer
Ito Hirofumi’s fondness for women is symbolized by his nickname “houki,” which means “a broom,” implying that he had so many women that he could “sweep them away.” This nickname stemmed from his frequent relationships with women and his repeated indulgence in such affairs.
Ito boasted that he had relationships with “as many as 1,000 women” and allegedly said, “I don’t need money or a house. I just want to enjoy myself with women.” His freewheeling attitude towards women was widely known. Incidentally, it is said that Ito Hirobumi was the first person in Japan to have intimate relations with a woman inside a car.
Unable to Quit Womanizing Even While Studying in England, Almost Sent Home
In 1863, Ito Hirofumi was sent to England by his domain along with Inoue Kaoru and others to study. During this period, which greatly improved his English skills, Ito was also heavily engaged in womanizing.
He was provided with more funds than other students for research purposes, but it is said that Ito frequently spent this money in red-light districts. His excessive behavior became a problem among the students, and he was nearly sent back to Japan. It was Inoue Kaoru who saved the situation, mediating and managing to resolve the issue.
Rebuked by Emperor Meiji for His Excessive Womanizing
Ito Hirofumi had relationships not only with the daughters of restaurants and married women but was especially fond of geisha. For instance, there is a story that even when he had a high fever of 40 degrees, he had geisha by his side, and another tale that during the negotiations for peace in the First Sino-Japanese War, when he received a report that Li Hongzhang of Qing had been shot, he was spending time with a geisha.
His notorious fondness for women eventually reached Emperor Meiji’s ears, and he was admonished. Emperor Meiji reprimanded him, saying, “Aren’t you too involved with women? Why don’t you be a bit more discreet?” However, Ito boldly replied, “I only call the official geisha officially.” To stand up so openly even when reprimanded by the Emperor shows the audacity of Japan’s first Prime Minister.
A Great Lover of Beer
Ito Hirofumi was actively involved not only in the modernization of Japan’s political system but also in the Westernization of Japanese lifestyle and customs. A symbol of this was the “Rokumeikan,” built as a guesthouse to entertain foreign dignitaries. Constructed under the consultation of Foreign Minister Inoue Kaoru and Ito, this building frequently hosted evening parties and balls to show the diplomats of the major powers that Japan was a civilized nation and to promote the Westernization of Japanese customs.
Ito often attended these events, dressed in a bow tie and dress coat, and especially enjoyed Western alcohol. Ito preferred sampling various alcoholic beverages to participating in social dances, and it is said that he often chatted merrily with those around him while in high spirits. Komatsu Midori, who accompanied Ito as a translator for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the time, also noted that “it was customary during the evening parties to retreat to a separate room with a congenial companion, where they would refresh their throats with punch or beer while conversing.”
It is also said that during evening parties held at his residence, Ito never neglected to ensure that “there were enough cigars in the smoking room and sufficient beer available.” Ito’s ability to conduct himself in this manner likely stemmed from the Western manners and hospitality he had learned during his time in Europe. With a sociable nature and a love for interacting with others, Ito enjoyed parties featuring beer and other alcoholic beverages throughout his life.
Dedicated to the Promotion of Women’s Education
Ito Hirofumi strongly believed in the importance of women’s education and founded the “Women’s Education Promotion Association” in 1887, serving as its inaugural chairman. This committee included notable figures such as industrialist Shibusawa Eiichi, Iwasaki Yanosuke, and Tokyo Imperial University professor James Dixon, who actively worked to promote women’s education, including the establishment of the Tokyo Jogakkan school.
Additionally, Ito supported the university establishment plans of Naruse Jinzo, the founder of Japan Women’s University. He had maintained a connection with Umeko Tsuda since they traveled together to the United States with the Iwakura Mission. Upon their return, Tsuda was employed by the Ito family, where she taught English, served as an interpreter, and tutored Ito’s daughters. She also worked as an English teacher at Momoyojo Girls’ School.
Through Ito’s recommendation, Tsuda became an English teacher at the Peeresses’ School, which was established independently from the Gakushuin Women’s Division in 1885. After returning home, Ito would often discuss the future of the country with Tsuda. To Ito, Tsuda was more like an advisor than a fellow Japanese woman.
The Initiation of Fugu Cuisine
In late 1887, Ito Hirofumi, who was serving as Japan’s first Prime Minister, stayed at the Shunpanro Inn. At that time, the sea was very rough, making fishing impossible, and the chef, in desperation, decided to serve fugu (pufferfish), which was forbidden. Since the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, there had been a ban on eating fugu, and the law stated that “those who eat fugu will be detained and fined.” However, the common people of Shimonoseki had traditionally eaten fugu.
Having eaten fugu with Takasugi Shinsaku and others in his youth, Ito pretended it was his first time trying it and praised it, saying, “This is delicious.” In the following year, 1888, Ito ordered Yamaguchi Prefecture Governor Hara Tarō to lift the ban on fugu. As a result, Shunpanro became widely known as the first officially licensed fugu restaurant. Thanks to Ito Hirofumi’s actions, fugu was recognized for culinary and commercial purposes, marking an important step in Japan’s food culture.
The Puppet Remark to Prince Arisugawa Takehito
In his diary, German physician Erwin von Baelz recorded an incident involving a remark made by Ito Hirofumi to Prince Arisugawa Takehito during a meeting. Ito Hirofumi said to Prince Arisugawa Takehito, “It is very unfortunate to be born as a crown prince. From the moment of birth, one is bound by the chains of etiquette, and as an adult, one dances to the will of one’s close associates.” He then made a gesture as if manipulating a puppet with strings. While this was quite a provocative statement towards a member of the royal family, it also reflects Ito Hirofumi’s straightforward and honest nature.In his diary, German physician Erwin von Baelz recorded an incident involving a remark made by Ito Hirofumi to Prince Arisugawa Takehito during a meeting. Ito Hirofumi said to Prince Arisugawa Takehito, “It is very unfortunate to be born as a crown prince. From the moment of birth, one is bound by the chains of etiquette, and as an adult, one dances to the will of one’s close associates.” He then made a gesture as if manipulating a puppet with strings. While this was quite a provocative statement towards a member of the royal family, it also reflects Ito Hirofumi’s straightforward and honest nature.
The Development of the Randoseru
The sight of elementary school students carrying randoseru backpacks is unique to Japan. The origin of the randoseru can be traced back to the “school bag” presented by Ito Hirofumi to celebrate Crown Prince Yoshihito’s (later Emperor Taisho) entrance into Gakushuin.
At that time, many children from affluent families attended Gakushuin and commuted by horse-drawn carriage or rickshaw. However, shortly before Crown Prince Yoshihito’s enrollment, commuting by vehicle was banned to promote physical fitness among the children and create an equal learning environment. As a result, children were instructed to carry their school supplies themselves.
The model for the school bag was the cloth “ransel” used by soldiers in the military. To celebrate Crown Prince Yoshihito’s entrance into Gakushuin, Ito Hirofumi commissioned a specially made leather box-shaped ransel. This durable, shape-retaining ransel became the prototype for the modern randoseru.
Also Featured on Banknotes
Ito Hirofumi became the face of Japan as the first Prime Minister, and he also appeared on banknotes. Ito Hirofumi first appeared on banknotes in 1963. That year, as a candidate for the new 1,000-yen note, his name was mentioned along with Emperor Meiji and Iwakura Tomomi.
The final candidates were narrowed down to Ito Hirofumi and Shibusawa Eiichi, with Ito ultimately being chosen. At that time, printing technology made Ito’s bearded portrait suitable for preventing counterfeiting. The 1,000-yen note featuring Ito Hirofumi’s portrait was issued until 1986.
Summary
How was it? This time, we explored who Ito Hirofumi was through a timeline, his personality, and various episodes. As we have seen, Ito Hirofumi made significant contributions to Japan’s modernization. As the first Prime Minister, he promoted the establishment of the constitution and the cabinet system, and also dedicated efforts to the spread of women’s education. On the other hand, he had a very human side, such as being reprimanded by Emperor Meiji for his excessive fondness for women, almost being sent back from studying abroad in England, and making the “puppet” remark to Prince Arisugawa Takehito.
This site also introduces various aspects of Japanese history and culture beyond Ito Hirofumi. If you are interested, we would be happy if you read our other articles as well!
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