Shibusawa Eiichi denki shiryō, Vol. 8

10 August 1880 (Meiji 13) [id: DK080001k] ……… p. 5

Previously, Eiichi, Masuda Takashi (益田孝), and others had started preparations to establish Fūhansen Kaisha (風帆船会社, Shipping Company). On this day, an establishment application is submitted with Tōtake Hideyuki (遠武秀行) as president. Business begins in January of the following year. Eiichi is involved in various ways behind the scenes.

14 July 1882 (Meiji 15) [id: DK080002k] ……… p. 37

Previously, Tōkyō Fūhansen Kaisha (東京風帆船会社, Tokyo Shipping Company), Hokkaidō Un’yu Kaisha (北海道運輸会社, Hokkaido Transport Company), and Etchū Fūhansen Kaisha (越中風帆船会社, Etchū Shipping Company) had each separately petitioned the government for loans for capital. The government, however, encouraged each of the companies to merge and establish one large transport company. Thus, plans were made to establish Kyodo Unyu Kaisha (共同運輸会社). Eiichi became a founding incorporator for the company. On this day, Senior Vice Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大輔) Shinagawa Yajirō (品川弥二郎) calls the representative incorporators to the ministry and grants permission for the establishment of the company. In addition, he issues a directive on 26 July. Thus, the company that is established is done so based on the government’s permission, with the objective of serving both military and economic ends, with 6 million yen in capital, including 2.6 million yen invested by the government, and is expected to pay a yearly dividend of 2 percent.

1 January 1883 (Meiji 16) [id: DK080003k] ……… p. 80

On this day, the three companies Tōkyō Fūhansen Kaisha (東京風帆船会社, Tokyo Shipping Company), Hokkaidō Un’yu Kaisha (北海道運輸会社, Hokkaido Transport Company), and Etchū Fūhansen Kaisha (越中風帆船会社, Etchū Shipping Company) merge to form Kyodo Unyu Kaisha (共同運輸会社), which starts operations. Eiichi continues to support the company behind the scenes. At the beginning of 1884 competition with Mitsubishi Mail Steamship Company (郵便汽船三菱会社) develops and thereafter heats up steadily.

15 August 1885 (Meiji 18) [id: DK080004k] ……… p. 104

The competition between Kyodo Unyu Kaisha (共同運輸会社) and Mitsubishi Mail Steamship Company (郵便汽船三菱会社) causes worries about exhaustion brought on by catastrophic losses for both companies. Because of this, the government replaced the president and vice president of Kyodo and strategized how to deal with the situation. They saw no solution but to merge the two companies and privately prevailed upon them to do so. However, although Mitsubishi accepted the government’s terms, Eiichi and the other Kyodo directors, as well as a few others, initially opposed the plan, but changed their minds and agreed to the government’s advice. Thus, on this day, Kyodo convenes an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders which approves the merger of the two companies into a new shipping company.

1 October 1885 (Meiji 18) [id: DK080005k] ……… p. 126

Kyodo Unyu Kaisha (共同運輸会社) and Mitsubishi Mail Steamship Company (郵便汽船三菱会社) merged to form Nippon Yusen Kaisha (日本郵船会社). On 25 September of this year, Morioka Masazumi (森岡昌純) and other members of the organizing committee submit an establishment application to Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務卿) Saigō Tsugumichi (西郷従道). Permission was received in due course at the same time as a directive and operations begin on this day. Eiichi is a shareholder.

7 November 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK080006k] ……… p. 151

Previously, Eiichi had been thinking about launching regular shipping service to Bombay in order to promote the import of cotton from India. Through Eiichi’s intermediation, a deal was concluded between Tata and Sons Company, the Japan Cotton Spinners’ Association (大日本紡績聯合会), and Nippon Yusen Kaisha(日本郵船会社). On this day the first ship, the Hiroshima Maru, departs Kobe for Bombay.

1 December 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK080007k] ……… p. 168

With the revised Commercial Law going into force on 1 July of this year, the company outlined proposals for revising its articles of incorporation and selecting new directors and auditors with the goal of organizational restructuring. Eiichi participates in this. On this day, an extraordinary meeting of shareholders is held, new articles of incorporation are adopted and new directors selected. Eiichi is appointed as a director.

6 March 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK080008k] ……… p. 184

Previously, the launch of regular service between Kobe and Bombay had shocked Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (彼阿汽船会社; P&O). In an attempt to obstruct the start of the company’s service along the route, P&O and two affiliated shipping companies called on Eiichi to sever relations between the Japan Cotton Spinners’ Association (大日本紡績聯合会) and Tata and Sons Company. Eiichi refused their request and, in an effort to bolster operations of the line in question, worked to strengthen the contract between the company and the Spinners’ Association. As a result, on this day, the two sign additional clauses to the initial contract.
Thereafter, competition with P&O intensifies such that, even though the contract with Tata and Sons is later terminated in 1895, competition with P&O does not end. Finally, in November 1895, P&O petitions Japan’s foreign ministry for mediation. Since the company was planning a Europe line and the issue was of great importance to the Anglo-Japanese relationship at the time, mediation is accepted. A contract on cooperative calculation of rates and fares is concluded in May 1896 and comes into force on 1 July.

15 March 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK080009k] ……… p. 213

In response to high expectations for the expansion of overseas shipping following the end of the Sino-Japanese War, the company decided to set up regular service to Europe, the United States, and Australia. On this day, the Tosa Maru, the first ship to Europe, leaves Yokohama Port. Next, service to the United States is to start in August and to Australia in October. Previously, the eighth session of the Imperial Diet had passed a set of bills concerning the expansion of shipping lanes and protection of vessels and the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所) had submitted a proposal to the government about ways in which to promote Japan’s maritime industry. Then this month [March 1896], the Shipping Promotion Law is promulgated, which also fosters this trend. As a director of the company and the president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, Eiichi contributes greatly to the development of Japan’s maritime industry.

24 January 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK080010k] ……… p. 237

Previously, Eiichi had submitted a request, concerning the operation of ships on certain sea routes by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (日本郵船会社), to Count Ōkuma (大隈) and Marquis Yamagata (山県). On this day, however, Eiichi meets Minister of Communications (逓信大臣) Yoshikawa Akimasa (芳川顕正) and requests a subsidy for the company’s regular service to Europe and the United States. Later, Eiichi often attends meetings of the company’s board of directors and discusses the issue. In March, a bill stipulating subsidies for the operation of regular services on designated routes is passed in the 13th session of the Imperial Diet. On 10 July, the government announces it will provide a subsidy for the company’s operation of European and American lines.

October 1903 (Meiji 36) [id: DK080011k] ……… p. 242

Previously, as the relationship between Japan and Russia had become increasingly stormy, the then Vice Chief of the Army General Staff Office (参謀本部) Kodama Gentarō (児玉源太郎) had had various informal discussions with Eiichi, Company President Kondō Renpei (近藤廉平), and others. On this day the company sends a letter in President Kondō’s name to the minister of communications (逓信大臣), expressing loyalty to the country and determination to do its best in the event of the outbreak of war.

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK080012k] ……… p. 252

Having reached his 70th year this year, Eiichi decides to retire from his business involvements, with the exception of the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行) and a few other companies. He retires from the company on this day.

April 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK080013k] ……… p. 255

Asano Sōichirō (浅野総一郎) establishes Asano Kaisōbu (浅野回漕部, Asano Shipping Department). Eiichi provides assistance.

25 April 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK080014k] ……… p. 258

Eiichi, along with Asano Sōichirō (浅野総一郎) and 32 others, proposes the founding of Tōyō Kisen Kabushiki Kaisha (東洋汽船株式会社, Tōyō Steamship Co., Ltd.) with the goal of launching three regular major international routes linking Japan with Germany, the United States, and Russia. Eiichi is elected as an organizing committee member at a general meeting on this day and later becomes the chairman of the organizing committee. He is also involved in the merger with Daitō Kisen (大東汽船, Daito Steamship).

2 June 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK080015k] ……… p. 267

On this day, the founding general meeting of Tōyō Kisen Kabushiki Kaisha (東洋汽船株式会社, Tōyō Steamship Co., Ltd.) is held and Eiichi presides over the proceedings. He is also elected as an auditor. Then in July, he gives an address at a farewell party for Asano Sōichirō (浅野総一郎), who is about to depart for the United States.

22 March 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK080016k] ……… p. 284

Eiichi resigns as an auditor at the company’s general meeting of shareholders held on this day.

13 February 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK080017k] ……… p. 286

Eiichi and 11 others are appointed by the government as members of the organizing committee of Nisshin Kisen Kabushiki Kaisha (日清汽船株式会社, Nisshin Steamship Co., Ltd.). On this day, the organizing committee holds its first meeting. Eiichi is nominated as the chairman.

25 March 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK080018k] ……… p. 289

On this day the company holds an organizational general meeting. As chair, Eiichi reports on various matters concerning the founding of the company, then the directors and auditors are elected. Eiichi is elected as a director. The company opens for business on 1 April.

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK080019k] ……… p. 317

Having reached his 70th year this year, Eiichi decides to retire from his business engagements, with the exception of the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行) and a few other companies. He resigns as a director of the company on this day.

2 February 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK080020k] ……… p. 318

Eiichi becomes an organizing incorporator of the company and, at a general meeting of incorporators held on this day, is nominated as the chairman of the organizing committee. After this, many organizing committee meetings are held to discuss the founding of the company, but recession hits the business community and, on 6 November, the committee decides it is unable to form a company and will not pursue incorporation.

14 October 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK080021k] ……… p. 346

On this day, Tōkyō Hirano Kisen Kumiai (東京平野汽船組合, Tokyo Hirano Steamship Association), Dai-Ni Bōshū Kisen Kaisha (第二房州汽船会社, Second Bōshū Steamship Company), Miura Kisen Kaisha (三浦汽船会社, Miura Steamship Company), and Naikoku Tsūun Kaisha (内国通運会社, Inland Transport Company) are merged to establish Tōkyō-wan Kisen Kabushiki Kaisha (東京湾汽船株式会社, Tokyo Bay Steamship Co., Ltd.). Eiichi becomes a shareholder.

27 March 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK080022k] ……… p. 357

Previously, some peers of the Jakō no ma (麝香間, Musk Room) rank had planned to form the Tetsudō Kumiai (鉄道組合, Railway Association) and build a railway between Tokyo and Aomori. They had asked Eiichi and Maejima Hisoka (前島密) to draw up a plan for the railway project. A plan is drafted and presented at the first meeting of the Kumiai, held on this day. Then, second and third meetings are held and it is decided that for the first step of the project a railway will be constructed up to Utsunomiya. Takashima Kaemon (高島嘉右衛門) is entrusted with the construction work.

23 April 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK080023k] ……… p. 372

The fourth meeting is held on this day. Along with Eiichi, the meeting is attended by Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), who proposes that the goal to build a railway should be changed to buying the government-owned line from Shinbashi to Yokohama. This is immediately accepted by those in attendance.

8 May 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK080024k] ……… p. 378

At the fifth meeting, the peers and other incorporators of Tetsudō Kaisha (鉄道会社, Railway Company) wanted to nominate Eiichi as the general representative and entrust him with the work related to the purchase of the railway. Before Eiichi accepts this, however, an estimate for purchase of the railway line is presented and a joint written pledge for payment is obtained on this day. Beginning on 19 June, Eiichi applies to Grand Minister of State Sanjō Sanetomi (三条実美) for the purchase of the railway line between Tokyo and Yokohama, proposing payment of 3 million yen in seven yearly installments with annual interest of seven shu (朱).

31 October 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK080025k] ……… p. 398

In response to the previously submitted purchase request for the railway between Tokyo and Yokohama, Tokyo Governor Ōkubo Ichiō (大久保一翁) proposes payment of 3 million yen in six yearly installments with annual interest of six shu (朱). There being a significant difference with the previous proposal, Eiichi redrafted the application, presented it to the membership for deliberation, and, on this day, submits the proposal. In response to this, the matter of interest is set according to the previous proposal, at six shu annually, and the term of repayment is set according to the proposal, at seven years.

14 December 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK080026k] ……… p. 409

On this day the Tetsudō Kumiai (鉄道組合, Railway Association) holds its 12th meeting. The conditions of the contract for purchase of the railway are discussed and approved. Namely, the Kumiai is named the Tōkyō Tetsudō Kaisha (東京鉄道会社, Tokyo Railway Company) and Eiichi is entrusted with the work of drafting the contract to be signed with the government and the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank) and other documents, including agreed-upon rules.

23 December 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK080027k] ……… p. 412

Having received permission from the government to purchase the railway between Tokyo and Yokohama, the Tetsudō Kumiai (鉄道組合, Railway Association) holds a celebration at the Tsukiji Seiyōken on this day. Eiichi, Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), and Maejima Hisoka (前島密) attend and Eiichi gives a speech in reply to congratulatory greetings.

18 February 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080028k] ……… p. 413

Upon completion of the drafts of previously adopted resolutions, the 13th and 14th meetings are held on this day and 3 March. Eiichi presents the drafts to the membership. Regulations for meetings and the range of authority given to directors are first discussed and adopted. Then Eiichi is appointed meeting chairman and directors are appointed, namely Komuro Shinobu (小室信夫) on behalf of Hachisuka Mochiaki (蜂須賀茂韶), Ikeda Yoshinori (池田慶徳), and Date Munenari (伊達宗城). It is also decided to use the association’s name until Tōkyō Tetsudō Kaisha (東京鉄道会社, Tokyo Railway Company) starts business.

8 March 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080029k] ……… p. 421

Continuing on from the previous meeting, the drafts Eiichi had prepared are discussed at the 15th meeting, held on this day. Afterwards, the authority of the general representative and regulations concerning administrative procedures are debated and agreed upon. Additional documents certifying payments to report to the government in relation to the purchase of the Tokyo-Yokohama line, as well as on a contract to sign with the government, are also decided upon. They are submitted to the government on 10 March.

18 March 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080030k] ……… p. 429

The 16th meeting is held on this day. The various terms of the contract to be signed with the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行) are deliberated and agreed upon. The contract is concluded on 4 August.

10 July 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080031k] ……… p. 433

In response to the draft contract submitted for the purchase of the railway between Tokyo and Yokohama, the government unofficially presented a new draft contract that raised payment from 3 million to 3.1 million yen. On this day, Minister of Public Works (工部卿) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文) attends the 18th meeting to explain the reasons for the increase. Questions and answers on the new draft are exchanged with Eiichi. Later the matter is discussed and the draft is accepted by the membership at the next meeting.

18 July 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080032k] ……… p. 445

At the 19th meeting, held on this day, and the next meeting, Eiichi submits for deliberation a draft of the articles of incorporation. Deliberations are not concluded and are left for later meetings.

5 August 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080033k] ……… p. 460

The association signs a contract with the government for the purchase of the new railway between Shimbashi and Yokohama.

18 September 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080034k] ……… p. 466

Previously, on 5 August, the kinroku kōsai (金禄公債, government bonds) ordinance had been issued. With income decreases because of the ordinance, there are nobles in the Tetsudō Kumiai (鉄道組合, Railway Association) who claim that they cannot afford to contribute to payments for the railway. Because of this, there is dissent and confusion at the 22nd meeting, held on this day, and no decisions are made. Eiichi suggests holding an extraordinary session to deal with the issue of government bonds and those attending decide to follow his suggestion.

25 September 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080035k] ……… p. 473

Following the decision made at the last meeting, special meetings are held on this day and then 28 September to discuss measures to secure the stated amount of payments for the railway. As chairman, Eiichi asks each member one by one about their financial situation. In addition to some saying that they would like to continue to invest using the government bonds, ten respond that they will have difficulty in maintaining the stated amount. Thus, for these people it is proposed that the bonds should not be left idle and that the general representative should come up with a way to effectively manage the bonds. The motion is approved and Eiichi gives his assent.

18 October 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080036k] ……… p. 479

The 25th meeting is held on this day. Eiichi presents three proposals on how to manage the government bonds entrusted to him at the previous meeting. The first proposal is to use the bonds as collateral and borrow money for the railroad payments from the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行). The second proposal is to use the bonds as capital and establish a new national bank of their own. The third proposal is to seek a merger with the Dai-Ichi Ginko. The majority of those present prefer the first proposal. Then, at the special meeting held on 25 October, Eiichi suggests that the second plan is the most appropriate one. A decision is left for the following meeting.

28 October 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080037k] ……… p. 492

Previously, there had been a plan for the Kazoku Kaikan (華族会館, Peer’s Club) to collect and manage the peerage’s government bonds. Concerned that the bonds in the possession of the nobles of the Tōkyō Tetsudō Kumiai (東京鉄道組合, Tokyo Railway Association) might be absorbed into this, it is decided at the extraordinary meeting held on this day to call on the supervisor of the Kazoku Kaikan (華族会館督部長), Iwakura Tomomi (岩倉具視), to exclude the bonds for the railway purchase from the Kaikan’s management. Eiichi is entrusted to write the petition. On 31 October Eiichi completes the draft. It is then discussed but rejected.

10 November 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK080038k] ……… p. 497

Because of the plan by the Kazoku Kaikan (華族会館, Peer’s Club) to collect the peers' government bonds and establish a bank and build a railway, at the 28th extraordinary meeting, held on this day, Eiichi suggests that all three proposals he had made be withdrawn because none of them seem practical anymore. Instead, he argues that they should choose whether to devise measures to maintain the association or to merge their finances with the Kaikan. The membership supports the merger plan. On 12 November Date Munenari (伊達宗城) and Ikeda Yoshinori (池田慶徳) visit Peers Supervisor (華族督部長) Iwakura Tomomi (岩倉具視) and give him a detailed account of the decision.

26 March 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK080039k] ……… p. 503

The previous meeting’s proposal of a merger of the association and the Peers Bank (華族銀行) received neither a yes nor a no from Peers Supervisor (華族督部長) Iwakura Tomomi (岩倉具視). Instead, Iwakura proposed in secret that the full amount of the bonds be put into the Peers Bank and, after the founding of the bank, the yearly payments for the purchase of the railroad be paid off at one time, thus making the railway jointly owned by the peers. At the 31st meeting of the association, held on this day, the proposal is submitted for deliberation. Eiichi argues that there are points that do not benefit the association. As an alternative plan, he suggests that the association borrow money from the Bank to make the regular payments to the government and that, after the full payment is made, the railway would be jointly owned by all peers. At the next meeting this is approved and negotiations with the Bank are entrusted to Eiichi and Director Hayashi Atsunori (林厚徳).

1 July 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK080040k] ……… p. 513

Following from the previous meeting, Eiichi goes to the organizing office of the Fifteenth National Bank of Japan (第十五国立銀行; 華族銀行, Peers Bank) with Hayashi Atsunori (林厚徳). They start negotiations on an agreement stipulating annual payments to the government be borrowed from the Bank and, upon full payment, the railroad would be under the ownership of the general membership of peers, but the Bank rejects the proposal. Negotiations continue accordingly. Meanwhile the due date for the third payment was approaching. On this day they agree only to a loan of 214,000 yen for the third payment to the government. The payment is made on 5 July.

18 August 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK080041k] ……… p. 525

At the 37th meeting, held on this day, Eiichi reports that, for some time he has been negotiating with the Fifteenth National Bank of Japan (第十五国立銀行) on an agreement on a loan for the regular payments to the government, but the bank has refused and insisted that a contract be drawn up each time a payment is due. He calls for urgent discussion on the matter, saying this would endanger the very survival of the association. The conclusion reached at the meeting is to ask Peers Supervisor (華族督部長) Iwakura Tomomi (岩倉具視) to use his personal influence to settle the issue.

29 November 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK080042k] ……… p. 529

As a result of the previous meeting, Eiichi circulated a letter he had drafted to Peers Supervisor (華族督部長) Iwakura Tomomi (岩倉具視). The letter explained in great detail the history of the Tetsudō Kumiai (鉄道組合, Railway Association) and suggested obtaining a loan from the Fifteenth National Bank of Japan (第十五国立銀行) for the regular payments to the government and that when fully paid out, ownership would be shared by the peers, as per Iwakura’s reccommendation. The letter was sent on 7 November. Iwakura responded that, because of the reduction in the Bank’s capital due to the decline in value of government bonds, it was difficult for the Bank to offer a loan to repay the government and that the association should deal with the issue itself. On this day [29 November], it is decided unanimously to petition the government to cancel the provisional agreement to purchase the railway. Eiichi is entrusted with finding a good plan for the annual installments that had already been paid.

13 December 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK080043k] ……… p. 536

The 39th extraordinary meeting is held on this day and those who are present review the petition drafted by Eiichi to be submitted to the government requesting termination of the contract to purchase the railway. It is agreed that when the refund is received it be saved for organizing a future project. The petition is submitted to Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) and Minister of Public Works (工部卿) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文) on 19 December. It is approved on 9 March the following year.

18 March 1878 (Meiji 11) [id: DK080044k] ……… p. 543

Having received approval of the cancellation of the agreement to purchase the railway, the 40th meeting is held on this day and, based on the decision at the previous meeting, future objectives are discussed. Eiichi suggests that they enter the maritime insurance industry as a switchover project. The suggestion is accepted and he is asked to start preparations. The association disbands and gives Eiichi 1,000 yen to thank him for his hard work.

24 October 1884 (Meiji 17) [id: DK080045k] ……… p. 557

Previously, in November 1881, Nippon Railway Company (日本鉄道会社) had been founded. Although initially not involved with the company, Eiichi is elected as a managing commissioner at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on this day.

6 April 1898 (Meiji 31) [id: DK080046k] ……… p. 581

Previously, because of a series of incidents at the company including a case of employee embezzlement, the rejection of the application for approval to revise the articles of incorporation, and an employee strike, Company President Ono Gishin (小野義真), and all managing commissioners and inspection commissioners had resigned. On this day an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting is held to elect commissioners to fill the vacancies. Eiichi is recommended as chairman, but the decision is eventually put to a vote because of the presence of reformers among the stockholders. Eiichi is reelected as a managing commissioner.

9 August 1898 (Meiji 31) [id: DK080047k] ……… p. 590

Eiichi presides over the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on this day. After the business report, he proposes that the dividend rate be lowered to 5.5 percent per annum. While some of the shareholders are opposed to this proposal, Eiichi negotiates and eventually his original proposal is approved. Then an extraordinary meeting is held to replace the managing commissioners and inspection commissioners. Eiichi is reelected as a managing commissioner and Viscount Soga Sukenori (曾我祐準) becomes president.

24 December 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK080048k] ……… p. 592

As a result of a revision of the articles of incorporation, the positions of managing commissioner and inspection commissioner are renamed director and auditor. Eiichi becomes a director. Later he is reappointed to serve in the position through October 1904.

28 October 1904 (Meiji 37) [id: DK080049k] ……… p. 593

Eiichi resigns as a director. At a later date he is awarded a retirement bonus of 10,000 yen.

25 May 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK080050k] ……… p. 594

Previously, with interest subsidies from the government set to expire at the end of February, a company celebration had been planned to present cash gifts and other awards to individuals who had provided distinguished service since the company’s founding. Eiichi serves as councilor and chief examiner. On this day the celebration is held at the Ueno Seiyōken.

12 October 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK080051k] ……… p. 595

With the promulgation of the Railway Nationalization Act, an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting is held on this day to approve a proposal concerning procedures for dissolution of the company. Eiichi is elected as a member of the committee to review the dissolution bonus and nominated as its chairman. The committee resolves that the dissolution bonus be 3.8 million yen and entrusts the directors with distribution. Later, the board of directors proceeds to set up a special committee which decides the amounts to be distributed.

28 February 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK080052k] ……… p. 601

Employees of the dissolved company cause a disturbance, claiming that the distribution of the dissolution bonus as previously decided is unfair. In an effort to settle the dispute, Eiichi attends the shareholders’ general meeting of the dissolved company held on this day and makes a motion to create an additional bonus of more than 240,000 yen including donations from the directors. He appoints members of a committee to review the redistribution of the bonus and becomes the chairman of the committee, thereby peacefully settling the dispute.

23 April 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK080053k] ……… p. 616

An extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of the dissolved company is held on this day where the liquidating agent delivers a liquidation report. Distribution of residual assets is then discussed and agreed upon. Representing the shareholders, Eiichi gives a speech of thanks to the directors and liquidating agent.

5 April 1884 (Meiji 17) [id: DK080054k] ……… p. 620

Along with a group of interested individuals from Tokyo, Osaka, and Mie prefectures, Eiichi becomes a founding incorporator and, hoping to construct a railroad between Yokkaichi, in the province of Ise, and Tarui, in the province of Mino, on this day submits an application the governor of Mie prefecture, Iwamura Sadataka (岩村定高). Permission is denied on the grounds that the Ministry of Public Works (工部省) has decided that the government will establish the railroad in question.

25 November 1886 (Meiji 19) [id: DK080055k] ……… p. 624

Taguchi Ukichi (田口卯吉), Asano Sōichirō (浅野総一郎), and sixteen others become incorporators and apply on this day for permission to construct a railroad running from Oyama, in the province of Shimotsuke, through Kiryū to Maebashi, in the province of Kōzuke. Eiichi supports this from behind the scenes. A directive is issued on 17 May 1887 denying permission. On 1 January 1897, the company is dissolved, transferring all railways, land, and buildings, as well as business rights to Nippon Railway Co., Ltd. (日本鉄道株式会社).

19 January 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK080056k] ……… p. 635

Kawasaki Hachiemon (川崎八右衛門) and others attempt to build a railroad running from Mito through Kasama and Yūki to Oyama, in the province of Shimotsuke. On this day they submit an application. Operations begin on 16 January 1889, but the company is dissolved and merged with Nippon Railway Company (日本鉄道会社) on 1 March 1892. Eiichi is a shareholder.

21 June 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK080057k] ……… p. 639

Previously, in April 1887, interested residents of Tochigi prefecture had made plans for the construction of a railroad between Nikkō and Utsunomiya. Eiichi had been asked by the incorporators to consult on various matters and had subsequently been nominated as the chairman of the organizing committee. The company encountered difficulties in construction of the railroad and, after a period of time, decided to abandon the plan. At the Nippon Railway Company (日本鉄道会社) board of directors meeting on this day Railway Bureau Director (鉄道局長官) Inoue Masaru (井上勝) suggests taking on the Nikkō line and Eiichi explains the company's circumstances from start to finish. Based on this, Nippon Railway Company decides to build the branch line in question and later decides to pay Nikkō Tetsudō Kaisha (日航鉄道会社, Nikkō Railway Company) 20,000 yen as research expenses.

9 August 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK080058k] ……… p. 645

Eiichi, along with Marquis Tokugawa Yoshiakira (徳川義礼) and 11 others, becomes an incorporator and plans to construct a railroad between Muroran and Sorachibuto in Hokkaido and a branch line leading to the Yūbari and Sorachi coal mines, as well as purchase the state-owned railroad linking Temiya, Horonaibuto, and Ikushunbetsu. With these railroads, they plan to operate a transportation business and also to work coal mines including those in Ikushunbetsu, Sorachi, Yūbari, and Bibai. On this day they apply to the national and Hokkaido prefectural governments for special permission to establish the company and to receive Railway Division (鉄道部) capital interest subsidies. Permissions is granted on 18 November and business begins on 11 December.

20 November 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK080059k] ……… p. 669

Eiichi becomes a councilor to the company. Later he is reappointed to serve in the post through September 1893.

24 March 1892 (Meiji 25) [id: DK080060k] ……… p. 671

On this day Hori Motoi (堀基) is dismissed as company president on the grounds that the company changed its railway construction plans without government authorization. Eiichi is kept very busy finding a successor. On 4 April, Councilor Takashima Kaemon (高島嘉右衛門) is appointed as the president.

25 May 1892 (Meiji 25) [id: DK080061k] ……… p. 685

At the fourth general meeting of shareholders held on this day, Eiichi acts as chairman in place of President Takashima Kaemon (高島嘉右衛門) and deals with various questions from the shareholders.

24 February 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK080062k] ……… p. 703

Previously, coal mine operators in Kyūshū and others opposing the government’s provision of subsidies to the company presented a petition to the fourth session of the Imperial Diet requesting their abolition. On behalf of the company, Eiichi asked Fukuchi Gen’ichirō (福地源一郎) to draft a rebuttal and distributed it to Diet members in an effort to prevent the petition from being discussed in the Diet. On this day the petition is rejected by the House of Representatives.

27 September 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK080063k] ……… p. 721

Eiichi resigns as a councilor to the company.

23 July 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK080064k] ……… p. 727

Shirai Enpei (白井遠平), the district head (郡長) for Fukushima prefecture, hoped to construct a railroad from the town of Taira in the same prefecture to the town of Mito in Ibaraki prefecture to transport coal from mines in the Iwaki area. He consulted with Eiichi and several others on the matter. Eiichi and the others agreed and, on this day, hold an incorporators meeting. In January the following year, just as they are about to apply for permission, Railway Bureau Director (鉄道局長) Inoue Masaru (井上勝) argues that it is not timely and persuades them to drop their plan. Later, Shirai and others organize the Jōban Tankō Tetsudō Kisei Dōmeikai (常磐炭礦鉄道期成同盟会, Association Aiming for the Construction of the Jōban Colliery Railway) and, in 1893, again ask Eiichi and others for support. They try to realize the plan, but after Nippon Railway Company (日本鉄道会社) indicates its intention to build the railway line in question, their plan is consequently dropped.

15 August 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK080065k] ……… p. 735

Eiichi and 22 other incorporators, propose a railroad for the convenience of pilgrims to Ise Shrine, running from the city of Tsu in Mie prefecture, through the towns of Matsuzaka and Tamaru, to the village of Obata. On this day they apply for permission. A license is granted on 18 August the following year.

25 July 1892 (Meiji 25) [id: DK080066k] ……… p. 737

The company’s groundbreaking is seriously delayed such that some of the shareholders argue for canceling the foundation of the company. Eiichi argues that cancellation would be disadvantageous and works to reform various aspects of the company. At a general meeting of shareholders on this day, Eiichi is nominated as an advisor and takes up the position. He attends several consultations and other meetings and, from then on, various matters move ahead. The company opens for business on 31 December 1893.