 |
Iwakura TomomiJapanese politician
Date of Birth: 26.10.1825
Country:  Japan |
Content:
- Tomomi Iwakura: A Statesman of Meiji Japan
- Opposition to the Shogunate and the "Barbarian Expulsion" Movement
- Cooperation with the Shogunate and the Marriage Alliance
- Return to Political Activity and the Fall of the Shogunate
- Mission to Europe and America
- Post-Mission Career and Legacy
Tomomi Iwakura: A Statesman of Meiji Japan
Early Life and Rise to ProminenceIwakura Tomomi was born on October 26, 1825, in Kyoto to an aristocratic family. Known for his unconventional appearance and behavior, he received the nickname "Neotesa" (Iwakichi). In 1838, he was adopted into the aristocratic Iwakura clan, which groomed him as their heir.
Through his study of Japanese poetry, Iwakura gained the patronage of the Kampaku Takatsukasa Masamichi in 1853, propelling his career at the Imperial Court. He held various positions, including servant to Emperor Komei, and became a prominent figure among the aristocratic youth in the capital.
Opposition to the Shogunate and the "Barbarian Expulsion" Movement
Iwakura emerged as a leader of the "Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians" movement, which criticized the Tokugawa Shogunate, advocated for the restoration of direct imperial rule, and demanded the immediate expulsion of all foreigners from the country.
In 1858, he opposed the Shogunate's request for authorization to sign a treaty of friendship and commerce with the United States, arguing that it would transfer the responsibility of an unpopular decision to the Emperor. Together with Ohara Shigetomi, Iwakura drafted a memorandum calling for the strengthening of the country's military forces to resist foreign influence.
Cooperation with the Shogunate and the Marriage Alliance
Following the assassination of senior councilor Ii Naosuke in 1860, the idea of cooperation between the Shogunate and the Imperial Court gained traction. Iwakura supported this collaboration and played a role in negotiating the marriage of Princess Kazu to Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi.
However, this political shift alienated his former radical allies, who accused him of betraying the "Expulsion" movement. Under pressure from his opponents, Iwakura resigned his ranks and positions in 1862, taking monastic vows and adopting the Buddhist name Yuzan.
Return to Political Activity and the Fall of the Shogunate
Despite his withdrawal from active politics, Iwakura continued to monitor events in the country. He became disillusioned with the Shogunate and submitted memorandums to Emperor Komei proposing the creation of a centralized government under the Imperial Court.
In 1867, he reestablished contact with leaders of the radical movement in the Satsuma and Choshu domains, helping them obtain a secret imperial decree to overthrow the Shogunate. Iwakura played a key role in the Imperial Restoration of 1868, which abolished the Shogunate and ushered in the Meiji Restoration.
Mission to Europe and America
In 1871, Iwakura led a delegation of approximately 50 prominent Japanese officials to Europe and America on a diplomatic mission known as the "Iwakura Mission." The delegation studied Western political, economic, and social systems, seeking to modernize Japan.
Post-Mission Career and Legacy
Upon his return to Japan in 1874, Iwakura opposed the plans of samurai factions to launch an immediate military expedition to Korea. After being targeted by a samurai assassin, he gradually withdrew from political life.
Iwakura's image appeared on the 500-yen banknote, a testament to his significant contribution to the development of modern Japan. He is remembered as a statesman who played a crucial role in the transition from feudalism to the modern era.
