Shibusawa Eiichi denki shiryō, Vol. 10

1879 (Meiji 12) [id: DK100001k] ……… p. 5

Previously, following the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, there had been an increase in the import of cotton yarn and cloth. The establishment of a large-scale spinning mill was urgently needed to stem this increase so, at the beginning of the year, Eiichi planned the establishment of a cotton spinning company in consultation with Fujita Denzaburō (藤田伝三郎) and Matsumoto Jūtarō (松本重太郎) of Osaka, and others. Financing is provided from the remainder of the money put aside by Maeda Toshitsugu (前田利嗣) and the rest of the 21 peers to purchase the Keihin railway (京浜鉄道) from the government. Tokyo-based cotton merchant Satsuma Jihee (薩摩治兵衛) and several others also become incorporators.

October 1880 (Meiji 13) [id: DK100002k] ……… p. 17

Previously, through an introduction from Tsuda Tsukane [?] (津田束), Eiichi had had Yamanobe Takeo (山辺丈夫), who was then in Britain, conduct research on the spinning industry. Yamanobe returned to Japan in July of this year and this month Eiichi decides to organize Ōsaka Bōseki Kaisha (大阪紡績会社, Osaka Spinning Company) with 250,000 yen capital. He becomes the organizing manager himself.

May 1881 (Meiji 14) [id: DK100003k] ……… p. 30

This month, as the organizing manager of Ōsaka Bōseki Kaisha (大阪紡績会社), Eiichi employs four people—Ōkawa Eitarō (大川英太郎), Kadota Akitoshi [?] (門田顕敏), Sasaki Toyokichi [?] (佐々木豊吉), and Okamura Katsumasa (岡村勝正)—to be in charge of spinning technologies. From July onwards, he sends them to state-run factories in Aichi and Hiroshima prefectures to learn spinning technologies.

October 1881 (Meiji 14) [id: DK100004k] ……… p. 34

Previously, Yamanobe Takeo (山辺丈夫) had returned from Britain and had first looked for hydraulic power to establish a mill. Eiichi and others had cooperated in searching for an appropriate water source, but had been unable to find one. This month, following an additional meeting of shareholders, the decision is accordingly made to abandon hydraulic power and switch to steam power and to locate the factory in Osaka. Later, through the influence of Osaka-based director Matsumoto Jūtarō (松本重太郎) and others, a site for the plant is chosen in the village of Sangen’ya in the district of Nishinari, Osaka prefecture.

27 April 1882 (Meiji 15) [id: DK100005k] ……… p. 52

Under joint signature with Fujita Denzaburō (藤田伝三郎) and others, Eiichi submits an organization application to Osaka Prefectural Governor Tateno Gōzō (建野郷三). Permission is granted on 3 May. Following this, in June, construction begins on the factory in the village of Sangen’ya in the district of Nishinari, Osaka prefecture, and in December, 30,000 yen is added to the company’s capital and the articles of association are prepared.

12 March 1883 (Meiji 16) [id: DK100006k] ……… p. 54

Eiichi becomes an advisor. The Sangen’ya plant starts operation on 5 July of this year.

15 June 1884 (Meiji 17) [id: DK100007k] ……… p. 72

An opening ceremony is held at the Sangen’ya plant in Osaka. Eiichi attends. In addition, at a general meeting of shareholders this month, it is decided to double the capital to 560,000 yen and expand the factory. In January 1886, after construction has begun, capital is further increased by 40,000 yen for a total of 600,000 yen. Construction is completed in June of the same year. In February 1887, it doubles its capital again, to 1.2 million yen, and initiates a second phase of expansion.

July 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK100008k] ……… p. 85

At Eiichi’s suggestion, company employee Kawamura Rihee (川村利兵衛) is dispatched to China to investigate cotton growing areas with the goal of importing raw cotton. Kawamura is then sent to Indochina the following year. In July 1889, when Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Sano Tsuneki (佐野常樹) visits Bombay to observe the Indian cotton industry, Kawamura is again selected to go on the journey. This expedites the import of raw cotton from Bombay.

1 October 1890 (Meiji 23) [id: DK100009k] ……… p. 91

Ōsaka Shokufu Kaisha (大阪織布会社, Osaka Weaving Company) is acquired as a branch factory and cotton weaving operations are carried out. In July of the following year, weaker demand in the domestic market leads to the export of cotton yarn to China, marking the beginning of foreign exports in the Japanese spinning industry.

February 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100010k] ……… p. 101

On 20 December 1892, factories nos. 1 and 2 were lost in a fire, resulting in damage totaling some 400,000 yen. This month, Eiichi visits Osaka to participate in discussions about rebuilding the factories. Shortly thereafter, in April, corporate bonds worth 260,000 yen are issued and reconstruction begins. Ancillary machinery and 24,000 spindles of the latest improved model of spinning machine are purchased from Britain. Reconstruction is completed in 1894.

14 July 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100011k] ……… p. 106

With the enacting of the Commercial Law, the company is renamed Ōsaka Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (大阪紡績株式会社, Osaka Spinning Co., Ltd.). Eiichi remains as an advisor. This year being the tenth anniversary of the organization of the company, he is presented with an imitation Buddhist ritual gong stand.

January 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK100012k] ……… p. 107

In a period of growth for the spinning industry following the Sino-Japanese War, Yamanobe Takeo (山辺丈夫) is sent to the United States this month to purchase new-model power looms as part of a plan to expand the weaving business. After his return, a weaving factory is built on land belonging to the company’s main office. The following year, in 1901, 8,000 shares of preferred stock worth 400,000 yen are solicited for capital to expand the weaving department, thereby increasing the company’s capital to 1.6 million yen. This expansion is the third phase and is followed by other expansions until capital reaches 5 million yen with the sixth expansion in June 1909. Eiichi participates in important business throughout this period.

27 May 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK100013k] ……… p. 117

On 10 May, Eiichi was granted the title of baron. On this day, the company sends a congratulatory note.

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK100014k] ……… p. 117

Having reached his 70th 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. On this day, he resigns as an advisor to the company. In June 1914, the company merges with Mie Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (三重紡績株式会社, Mie Spinning Co., Ltd.) to form Toyo Cotton Mills Co., Ltd. (東洋紡績株式会社).

3 June 1886 (Meiji 19) [id: DK100015k] ……… p. 121

Previously, Itō Denshichi (伊藤伝七) had requested Eiichi’s aid regarding the poor performance of Kawashima Bōsekijo (川島紡績所, Kawashima Spinning Mill) in Mie prefecture, where Itō was involved in management. In response, Eiichi suggested the establishment of a large spinning company. It was decided to organize Mie Bōseki Kaisha (三重紡績会社, Mie Spinning Company) with 220,000 yen in capital. Eiichi undertook to solicit half of the capital himself. On this day, in the city of Yokkaichi, he attends an organizing incorporators’ meeting and brings the discussion to an agreement. The company opens for business on 1 July of this year.

15 July 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK100016k] ……… p. 139

On this day, Eiichi is elected as an advisor as a result of a decision at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. Previously, in January and November of the previous year, the company had adopted its first and second capital increases. A third increase in August of this year [1889] raises the capital to 700,000 yen.

8 October 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100017k] ……… p. 149

On this day, with the enacting of the Commercial Law, the company is renamed Mie Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (三重紡績株式会社, Mie Spinning Co., Ltd.). On the following day, the 9th, Eiichi is nominated as an advisor at a meeting of the board of directors. Previously, in February of the same year, the company had increased its capital by 140,000 yen and set up a branch factory in Aichi prefecture.

14 April 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK100018k] ……… p. 150

Responding to recent capital increases by rival companies, the growth of the Chinese market, and other developments, an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders is held on this day where it is decided to add 360,000 yen in capital and a new weaving factory is established. During this time Eiichi assists as an advisor.

10 January 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK100019k] ……… p. 160

On the tenth anniversary of the organization of the company, auditor Sabu Shin’ichirō (佐分慎一郎) and two others, representing the shareholders, present letters of gratitude and commemorative items to Eiichi and directors Kuki Monshichi (九鬼紋七), Itō Denshichi (伊藤伝七), and Saitō Tsunezō (斎藤恒三) in recognition of their services since the organization of the company.

11 February 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK100020k] ……… p. 162

An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders is held on this day and it is decided to increase capital by 300,000 yen in order to convert the Tsu plant of the recently dissolved Ise Chūō Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (伊勢中央紡績株式会社, Ise Central Spinning Co., Ltd.) into a branch factory. Following a fire at the no. 1 factory on 9 April 1898, an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in May resolves to purchase approximately 10,000 spindles of new model spinning machines to restore the damaged facility. During this time, Eiichi plays an important role in company affairs as an advisor.

June 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK100021k] ……… p. 167

Eiichi received the title of baron on 10 May and this month [June 1900] the company presents him with a congratulatory letter and two rolls of red and white glossy habutae silk.

5 August 1905 (Meiji 38) [id: DK100022k] ……… p. 168

The state of the financial world following the Russo-Japanese War spurred the consolidation and integration of smaller companies. In the Owari-Ise region [present-day Aichi and Mie prefectures], a proposal arose to combine local spinning businesses. Accordingly, through Eiichi’s efforts, the company was to merge with the Owari and Nagoya spinning companies as decided at a general meeting of shareholders on this day. Furthermore, Nishinari Bōsekijo (西成紡績所, Nishinari Spinning Mill) and Tsushima Bōseki Kaisha (津嶋紡績会社, Tsushima Spinning Company) are acquired the following year.

26 January 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK100023k] ……… p. 174

A regular general meeting of shareholders is held on this day and it is decided to add capital in order to establish mills, increase the number of directors, and revise the articles of association. Also, as a result of an election of officers, Eiichi is elected as a director. Shortly afterward, the company annexes the Kuwana and Chita spinning companies, completing the amalgamation of spinning companies in the Owari-Ise region [present-day Aichi and Mie prefectures].

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK100024k] ……… p. 179

Having reached his 70th year this year, Eiichi decides to retire from his business engagements, with the exception of those at the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行) and a few other companies. He resigns as a director of the company on this day. On 27 February 1910, Saitō Tsunezō (斎藤恒三) visits Eiichi to present him with a letter of gratitude and a retirement bonus.

17 September 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK100025k] ……… p. 181

The Tokyo Cotton Trading Company (東京綿商社) was formed in November 1886 with 100,000 yen in capital by the so-called reformist group within the Tōkyō Kuriwata Toiya Kumiai (東京繰綿問屋組合, Tokyo Ginned Cotton Wholesaler Association) for the purpose of engaging in and improving the cotton trade. The company later developed plans to establish a spinning mill, increasing its capital to 1 million yen on 10 April of this year. On this day [17 September 1887], a discussion is held at a general meeting of shareholders about commissioning Eiichi to serve as an advisor. Later, the company stops trading in cotton and moves to focus the business on spinning. The company changes its name to Kanegafuchi Bōseki Kaisha (鐘淵紡績会社, Kanegafuchi Spinning Company) in August 1888.

January 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK100026k] ……… p. 194

At the start of 1890, affected by an economic recession, business performance fell substantially. This month [January 1891], top management is completely replaced and a loan obtained from Mitsui Bank (三井銀行). Furthermore, at the tenth regular general meeting of shareholders, held on 25 January 1892, Nakamigawa Hikojirō (中上川彦次郎) and Asabuki Eiji (朝吹英二) are appointed as directors in a bid to reorganize. During this time, Eiichi and Masuda Takashi (益田孝) provide guidance on restructuring in their capacity as advisors.

October 1888 (Meiji 21) [id: DK100027k] ……… p. 207

The Bōseki Rengōkai (紡績聯合会, Spinners Association) had been formed by Okada Nobutaka (岡田令高) in October 1882. To accommodate the development of the spinning industry, the Rengōkai was reorganized in June of this year [1888] and renamed the Dai-Nippon Bōseki Dōgyō Rengōkai (大日本紡績同業聯合会, Great Japan Spinners Trade Association). As an advisor to the Rengōkai on administrative affairs, Eiichi had been lobbying Minister of Finance (大蔵大臣) Count Matsukata Masayoshi (松方正義) and other high-ranking government officials on the exemption of raw cotton import duties. This month, Eiichi calls Nanba Jirosaburō (難波二郎三郎), a member of the Rengōkai’s petition committee, to come to Tokyo from Osaka. Together, they meet with Matsukata Masayoshi, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs (外務次官) Aoki Umesaburō (青木梅三郎) [sic; 青木周蔵, Aoki Shūzō], and Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Count Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), arguing for the urgent need for the exemption of cotton import duties if Japan’s spinning industry is to develop. The petition is turned down on the grounds of insufficient research, but, encouraged at the meeting by Inoue Kaoru, discussions move forward to organize a trip to observe the cotton industry in Bombay. Later, Eiichi meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs Count Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) for a similar discussion and they finalize the decision to dispatch observers to Bombay.

July 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK100028k] ……… p. 237

This month, the government dispatches Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce Secretary (農商務省書記官) Sano Tsuneki (佐野常樹) to India to observe the cotton industry in Bombay. Largely through Eiichi’s offices, the association chooses Ōsaka Bōseki Kaisha (大阪紡績会社, Osaka Spinning Company) Assistant Manager Kawamura Rihee (川村利兵衛) and Sugiura Sennosuke [?] (杉浦仙之助) of Mie Bōseki Kaisha (三重紡績会社, Mie Spinning Company) as attendants. The party returns in December of the same year.

28 May 1890 (Meiji 23) [id: DK100029k] ……… p. 328

The Bombay observation team returned in late 1889, completing the research that had been deemed necessary when the petition for the exemption of duties on raw cotton had previously been rejected. Accordingly, this month [May 1890], the association held a general meeting in Tokyo. A proposal for an exemption of import duties was submitted as the first item on the agenda and approved unanimously. On this day, Eiichi attends the general meeting and gives advice on various points of the petition. Three committee members are chosen, Eiichi himself becomes a council member, and they prepare a written petition. Eiichi, together with committee members Okada Nobutaka (岡田令高) and Komai Eitarō [?] (駒井英太郎), submits the petition to the three ministers of foreign affairs, finance (大蔵), and agriculture and commerce (農商務).

15 November 1890 (Meiji 23) [id: DK100030k] ……… p. 338

On this day, an extraordinary general meeting is held at the Ōsaka Shōhō Kaigisho (大阪商法会議所, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Law). It is decided to file an additional petition for the exemption of import duties on raw cotton as well as new petitions for the exemption of export duties and the increase of import tariffs on cotton yarn. The additional petition for the exemption of import duties on raw cotton includes a rebuttal to an argument against duty exemption published by Hiraga Yoshimi (平賀義美), a third-rank engineer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務省). The petition is submitted to Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥宗光) this month. Eiichi expresses his views regarding the additional petition.

8 July 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK100031k] ……… p. 355

On this day, Eiichi requests that Hara Rokurō (原六郎), who is scheduled to leave on a business trip to Europe and North America for Yokohama Specie Bank (横浜正金銀行), investigate the current state of the cotton industry in Bombay, India. Hara sets sail from Yokohama on the 16th of this month and, after visiting the United States and Britain, arrives in Bombay on 28 December. He conducts negotiations with Tata Company (タタ商会) and Sassoon Company (サスーン商会) before returning to Japan on 15 February 1892.

25 December 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK100032k] ……… p. 361

After the opening of the first session of the Imperial Diet, a petition for the exemption of customs duties on cotton yarn exports was submitted to Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥宗光) on 22 January of this year under the name of Director Okada Nobutaka (岡田令高). Following this, it was decided to combine the petitions for the exemption of duties on imports of raw cotton and exports of cotton yarn. On this day [25 December 1891], the combined duty exemptions petition is submitted to the House of Representatives at the time of the opening of the second session of the Imperial Diet, but the House of Representatives is dissolved on the same day. Eiichi devoted his energies to the petition campaign together with Masuda Takashi (益田孝).

1 July 1892 (Meiji 25) [id: DK100033k] ……… p. 368

The matter of duty exemptions on imports of raw cotton and exports of cotton yarn, which the Japan Cotton Spinners’ Association (大日本紡績聯合会) had proposed to the president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所), had been referred to an extraordinary meeting of the chamber on 12 December of the previous year. As president, Eiichi appointed five members to evaluate the matter. On this day [1 July 1892], Eiichi, representing the Chamber, makes a proposal in support of the duty exemptions to Minister of Finance (大蔵大臣) Count Matsukata Masayoshi (松方正義) and Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Kōno Togama (河野敏鎌).

20 February 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100034k] ……… p. 368

Previously, on 1 December 1892, prior to the opening of the fourth session of the Imperial Diet, Director Suganuma Seikei [?] (菅沼政経) had petitioned committee members and others had submitted the duty exemption petition to both the House of Peers and the House of Representatives. Director Suganuma had taken over the position at Eiichi’s recommendation after the death of the former director, Okada Nobutaka (岡田令高).
On this day [20 February 1893], the raw cotton import duty exemption bill passes a third reading in the House of Representatives and is sent to the House of Peers. As a result, the petition committee members visit members of the House of Peers to lobby and Eiichi also campaigns to enable the bill to pass the upper house. On the 22nd of the month, the House of Peers decides to refer the bill to a special committee, but it fails to pass due to lack of time during the session.

May 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100035k] ……… p. 394

As a result of the 1889 observation tour of the cotton industry in Bombay, the road to the import of raw cotton from India was opened. Although imports increased significantly from then on, freight charges were extremely high due to the monopoly of the Japan-India line by the Peninsular and Oriental Company (彼阿会社) of Britain. In 1891, R. D. Tata, of the Indian cotton dealer Tata and Sons Company (タタ・アンド・サンス商会), travelled to Japan. He visited Eiichi and they discussed the import of Indian raw cotton. They discussed the issue of tonnage, but Tata returned to India without the matter being settled. This month [May 1893], the head of the company, J. N. Tata, travels to Japan. He visits Eiichi and they discuss the issue fully. Eiichi then mediates between the association and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (日本郵船会社), on the one hand, and Tata and Sons Company, on the other. On 13 July he accompanies Tata on a visit to Nippon Yusen, where they meet with the directors and agree to establish service to Bombay.

5 August 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100036k] ……… p. 400

An extraordinary general meeting of the association is held from this day until the 10th of the month to decide the conditions required of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (日本郵船会社) in establishing service to Bombay. Five advisorial committee members are chosen and they work on negotiations along with three executive committee members. With Eiichi’s assistance the committee members make an effort at negotiation, but dissent from some of the associated spinning companies prevents an easy consensus. A provisional agreement is finally reached on 9 September between Nippon Yusen Kaisha and a group of five interested companies—the three spinning firms of Kanegafuchi, Osaka, and Mie; Naigai Men Kaisha (内外綿会社, Naigai Textile Company); and Nippon Menka Kaisha (日本棉花[日本綿花]会社, Japan Cotton Company). Over time, more associated spinning companies gradually join.

17 October 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100037k] ……… p. 418

No sooner had it been decided to establish service to Bombay than Joseph [?], the general manager of the Oriental branch office of the Peninsular and Oriental Company (彼阿会社) of Britain, which had until then dominated the Japan-India line, arrived in Japan. Following a visit to Nippon Yusen Kaisha (日本郵船会社) on 16 October, he meets with Eiichi on this day [17 October 1893] to request that plans for the establishment of service to Bombay be canceled. Eiichi explains his reasoning and refuses. Later, on 28 October, Nippon Yusen Kaisha and the spinning association sign their first contract for the transport of Indian cotton. On 7 November, the Hiroshima Maru departs from Kobe as the first steamship on Nippon Yusen Kaisha’s Bombay line.

28 November 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100038k] ……… p. 423

Representing the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所), Eiichi again submits a proposal to Minister of Finance (大蔵大臣) Watanabe Kunitake (渡辺国武) and Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Count Gotō Shōjirō (後藤象二郎) regarding the exemption of duties on the export of cotton yarn and import of raw cotton, as resolved at the second meeting of the chamber of commerce and the association. Eiichi follows this with a petition dated 2 December of the same year to Hoshi Tōru (星亨), the speaker of the House of Representatives, and another dated 4 December to Marquis Hachisuka Mochiaki (蜂須賀茂韶), the president of the House of Peers.

14 February 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK100039k] ……… p. 423

Upon becoming a director of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (日本郵船株式会社) late the previous year, in order to establish the Bombay steamship line, Eiichi sought to revise the first contract on the transport of Indian cotton, signed earlier between Nippon Yusen Kaisha (日本郵船会社) and the Bōseki Rengōkai (紡績聯合会, Spinners’ Association). On this day [14 February 1894], Eiichi attends the Rengōkai’s seventh regular meeting in Osaka and reports on the progress of the establishment of the Bombay line. Moreover, he represents Nippon Yusen Kaisha at an investigation committee meeting over three days, on the 14th, 15th, and 16th, to promote the revision of the abovementioned contract. In accordance with his views, the Rengōkai signs an additional agreement with Nippon Yusen Kaisha on the transport of cotton from India on 6 March. From then on, all shipments of imported Indian cotton by associated spinning companies are entrusted to the shipping company.

August 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK100040k] ……… p. 442

The sixth session of the Imperial Diet passed the cotton yarn export duty exemption bill and the government promulgated it as Act No. 4 on 25 May of this year. Accordingly, this month [August 1894], Association Chairman Saeki Seiichirō (佐伯勢一郎) sends a letter of gratitude to Eiichi.

29 October 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK100041k] ……… p. 447

Previously, the Dai-Nippon Menshi Bōseki Dōgyō Rengōkai (大日本綿糸紡績同業聯合会, Japan Cotton Yarn Spinners Trade Association), Kurashiki Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (倉敷紡績株式会社, Kurashiki Spinning Co., Ltd.), and nine other companies had come together to send a letter to the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所) and request that it make greater efforts to realize the abolition of import duties on raw cotton. In compliance with the request, on this day the chamber puts forward a proposal to Minister of Finance (大蔵大臣) Viscount Watanabe Kunitake (渡辺国武) and Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Viscount Enomoto Takeaki (榎本武揚). Subsequently, on 26 December, the chamber petitions the president of the House of Peers, Marquis Hachisuka Mochiaki (蜂須賀茂韶), and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Kusumoto Masataka (楠本正隆).

25 June 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK100042k] ……… p. 448

The ninth session of the Imperial Diet passed the raw cotton import duty exemption bill and the government promulgated it as Act No. 57 on 29 March of this year. On this day [25 June 1896], Association Chairman Saeki Seiichirō (佐伯勢一郎) accordingly presents a letter of gratitude to Eiichi.

1 July 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK100043k] ……… p. 461

Previously, in February 1895, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (日本郵船株式会社) had canceled their collaborative contract with the Tata Company (タタ商会) of India for the Bombay line and begun operations on the route independently. At the same time, Eiichi had been pouring even greater effort into the partnership between the association and Nippon Yusen. This prompted their British competitor, the Peninsular and Oriental Company (彼阿会社; P&O), to propose concessions to Japan’s foreign ministry. Thus, on 6 May of this year [1896], Nippon Yusen signed an agreement with P&O and two other companies providing for cooperative calculation of rates and fares on voyages between Bombay and Asia. The agreement goes into effect on this day [1 July 1896]. Due to this, the association’s member companies acquire the benefit of being able to load raw cotton on the ships of any of the four companies, but they maintain a special agreement with Nippon Yusen. During this time, Eiichi continues to use his influence to help in many ways and the import of raw Indian cotton to Japan proceeds smoothly.

January 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK100044k] ……… p. 466

This month, the association presents Eiichi with a pair of silver vases to thank him for his efforts in establishing the Bombay line and importing raw Indian cotton.

9 September 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK100045k] ……… p. 496

Eiichi invites leading Indian merchant R. D. Tata to the Fukagawa main residence and holds a dinner party. Later, on 16 October, Eiichi attends a dinner party hosted by Tata at the Imperial Hotel (帝国ホテル).

1 March 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK100046k] ……… p. 497

To boost the export of cotton textiles to Korea, Ōsaka Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (大阪紡績株式会社, Osaka Spinning Co., Ltd.), Mie Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (三重紡績株式会社, Mie Spinning Co., Ltd.), and Kanakin Seishoku Kabushiki Kaisha (金巾製織株式会社, Kanakin Weaving Co., Ltd.) worked together to organize an export alliance, the San’ei Menpu Kumiai (三栄綿布組合, San’ei Cotton Textile Association), which is established on this day. Eiichi, along with Iida Giichi (飯田義一) and others, assisted in setting up the association. Later, he works to arrange for the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行) to provide the association with foreign exchange funds. Not long after the association is established, Kanakin Seishoku is merged into Ōsaka Bōseki. Okayama Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (岡山紡績株式会社, Okayama Spinning Co., Ltd.) joins the association the same year [1906], but withdraws in 1911. This leaves only two remaining members, Ōsaka Bōseki and Mie Bōseki, until they merge in June 1914.

December 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK100047k] ……… p. 525

Previously, dissention arose between the Chūō Menshi Bōsekigyō Dōmeikai (中央綿糸紡績業同盟会, Central Cotton Spinners’ Trade Alliance) and the Hyōgo branch factory of Kanegafuchi Bōseki Kaisha (鐘淵紡績会社, Kanegafuchi Spinning Company) due to the abduction of factory workers. It proved difficult to resolve so Eiichi became an arbitrator between the two sides. Late this month, he mediates between Asabuki Eiji (朝吹英二) and Nakamigawa Hikojirō (中上川彦次郎) of Kanegafuchi Bōseki and Yamanobe Takeo (山辺丈夫) and others from the Chūō Dōmeikai and works towards a settlement.

15 February 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK100048k] ……… p. 528

Previously, as the worker-abduction dispute between the Chūō Menshi Bōsekigyō Dōmeikai (中央綿糸紡績業同盟会, Central Cotton Spinners’ Trade Alliance) and Kanegafuchi Bōseki Kabushiki Kaisha (鐘淵紡績株式会社, Kanegafuchi Spinning Co., Ltd.) remained unresolved, Gōmei Kaisha Mitsui Ginkō (合名会社三井銀行, Mitsui Bank Partnership Company) supported Kanegafuchi against the Dōmeikai, aggravating the situation to the point that Bank of Japan (日本銀行) Governor Baron Iwasaki Yanosuke (岩崎弥之助) intervened. At this juncture, Eiichi and others consulted among themselves and decided to entrust Iwasaki with mediation of the dispute. On 23 January of this year, Iwasaki invited those involved in the incident to the Bank of Japan, judged the dispute, and brought about arbitration. On the same day, eight people, including Eiichi, Kaneko Kentarō (金子堅太郎), and Maeda Masana (前田正名), were assigned to a committee to create management protocols for workers. These were drawn up and completed on this day [15 February 1897].

16 December 1886 (Meiji 19) [id: DK100049k] ……… p. 542

Perceiving the need for a Western-style silk industry, Eiichi sought to promote its development in Kyoto, a city traditionally famous for textiles. On this day, he meets with 32 incorporators, including Takagi Saizō [?] (高木斎造), at Ikegamerō [?] (池亀楼) in Kyoto to discuss plans to establish Kyōto Orimono Kaisha (京都織物会社, Kyoto Textile Company). Later, they decide on 350,000 yen of capital.

27 February 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK100050k] ……… p. 551

This month, Kyōto Somemono Kaisha (京都染物会社, Kyoto Dyeing Company) and Kyōto Nenshi Kaisha (京都撚糸会社, Kyoto Thread Twisting Company) were organized in Kyoto. Eiichi and the other incorporators of Kyōto Orimono Kaisha (京都織物会社, Kyoto Textile Company), realizing that, due to the relatedness of these two businesses to their company, they should not be separate entities, approached the other two companies to discuss a merger. On this day, the three companies are merged under the name of Kyōto Orimono Kaisha with a capital of 500,000 yen. The same day, Eiichi, under joint signature with 12 other incorporators including Tanaka Gentarō (田中源太郎) and Hamaoka Kōtetsu (浜岡光哲), submits an organization application to the prefectural governor of Kyoto.

5 May 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK100051k] ……… p. 578

Previously, on 27 February, an organization application had been submitted for Kyōto Orimono Kaisha (京都織物会社, Kyoto Textile Company). On this day, approval to organize is granted and, on 22 June, the first general meeting of shareholders since the organization approval is held at the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry (京都商工会議所). Eiichi is elected as an advisor, along with Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎) and Masuda Takashi (益田孝). Later, on 1 July, permission is granted for the purchase of a textile factory run by the prefecture. After this, the company operates on a provisional basis until 1 May 1890 and officially opens for business on 1 May 1890.

24 March 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK100052k] ……… p. 597

The changing conditions of the times worked entirely against the company’s starting goals. In addition, a recession in the general business world since the previous year plunged the company into dire straits this year, causing director after director to resign. Eiichi had been trying his best to keep the company going and, on this day, is elected as a committee member and then as chairman of the committee by the other members. After this, he focuses on organizing and reforming the organization, serving until 5 November 1893.

5 November 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100053k] ……… p. 613

Due to the enactment of the Commercial Law, the company is renamed Kyōto Orimono Kabushiki Kaisha (京都織物株式会社, Kyoto Textile Co., Ltd.). Eiichi had previously been reappointed as a committee member at a general meeting of shareholders on 28 July, but, at an extraordinary general meeting on this day [5 November 1893], is elected to the board of directors and then from there chosen as chairman of the board. The extraordinary general meeting on this day resolves to reduce Kyōto Orimono’s capital to 450,000 yen. After this, Kyōto Orimono finally begins to prosper and, in 1896, doubles its capital to 900,000 yen. Throughout this time, Eiichi exerts himself on its behalf.

14 July 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK100054k] ……… p. 621

On this day, Eiichi resigns as chairman of the board of directors of Kyōto Orimono Kabushiki Kaisha (京都織物株式会社, Kyoto Textile Co., Ltd.), after having been reappointed every term since 5 November 1893, and becomes a director. Hereafter he is reappointed as a director for every term until December 1904.

31 December 1904 (Meiji 37) [id: DK100055k] ……… p. 624

Eiichi resigns as a director of the company on this day in order to reduce his workload following a major illness. The company presents him with cash and commemorative gifts in recognition of his services since its inauguration. On 24 January of the following year, a general meeting of shareholders resolves to request Eiichi to participate in company affairs as an advisor. He complies and serves as an advisor until June 1909.

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK100056k] ……… p. 628

Having reached his 70th year this year, Eiichi decides to retire from his business engagements, with the exception of those at the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行) and a few other companies. He resigns as an advisor to the company on this day. On 26 July of this year, a regular general meeting of shareholders resolves to present Eiichi with their thanks and a commemorative item.

December 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK100057k] ……… p. 642

Eiichi becomes chairman of the company’s organizing committee and, after the founding of the company, becomes an advisor.

October 1904 (Meiji 37) [id: DK100058k] ……… p. 645

Eiichi resigns as an advisor to the company.

October 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK100059k] ……… p. 648

Previously, while Hara Rokurō (原六郎) had been in Britain, he had discussed with Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others there the urgent importance of improving the production of raw silk so as to promote Japanese trade. They had developed plans to purchase the Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場) from the government. Consequently, when Hara suddenly returned to Japan in May of this year, he worked toward this objective.
This month [October 1877], Inoue Kaoru entrusts Yokoyama Magoichirō (横山孫一郎) with instructions that Eiichi and Masuda Takashi (益田孝) should be included in the establishment of Tomioka Seishi Kaisha (富岡製糸会社, Tomioka Silk Company), with Eiichi as president and Masuda as general manager. The establishment of the company, however, is never realized.

--- (---) [id: DK100060k] ……… p. 668

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--- (---) [id: DK100061k] ……… p. 668

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1 April 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK100062k] ……… p. 669

Previously, the director of the Hokkaido Agency (北海道庁長官), Iwamura Michitoshi (岩村通俊), and the head of the agency’s second department, Hori Motoi (堀基), had consulted Yoshida Kensaku (吉田健作), an engineer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務省) and an expert in the processing of hemp, to try and start a hemp industry in Hokkaido. Around this time, Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) and Komuro Shinobu (小室信夫) of Tokyo, Hamaoka Kōtetsu (浜岡光哲) and Tanaka Gentarō (田中源太郎) of Kyoto, and others had been planning on establishing a factory in the city of Sapporo to produce hemp yarn and cloth. On this day, Iwamura Michitoshi travels to Tokyo and invites Komuro, Shibusawa, Tanaka, and others to Miharashitei (見晴亭) in Shiba to discuss establishing a company. Minister of Finance (大蔵大臣) Count Matsukata Masayoshi (松方正義) also joins the discussion and the decision is made to organize Hokkaidō Seima Kaisha (北海道製麻会社, Hokkaido Hemp Processing Company) with 800,000 yen capital. Eiichi also approves and, after the first general meeting of shareholders at the Hachisuka residence in Tokyo on 5 November of the same year, is nominated as and becomes an advisor.

December 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK100063k] ……… p. 698

Since November 1887, Eiichi had been involved in the inauguration of the company as an advisor. This month [December 1893], in accordance with the implementation of the Commercial Law, the articles of association are revised, Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) is appointed president, and Eiichi is elected as an auditor along with Yamanaka Riemon (山中利右衛門) and Motono Kohei (本野小平). Eiichi is subsequently reappointed and serves in the post until the organization of Teikoku Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (帝国製麻株式会社, Imperial Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.) in May 1907.

29 July 1902 (Meiji 35) [id: DK100064k] ……… p. 701

The previous year, the company and Ōmi Mashi Bōshoku Kaisha (近江麻糸紡織会社, Ōmi Hemp Spinning and Weaving Company), Shimotsuke Seima Kaisha (下野製麻会社, Shimotsuke Hemp Processing Company), and Ōsaka Mashi Kaisha (大阪麻糸会社, Osaka Hemp Yarn Company) had signed a four-company joint sales agreement as a self-regulating measure to cope with the recession following the Sino-Japanese War. Also this year, Ōmi Mashi executive Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎) and Shimotsuke Seima shareholder Yasuda Zenjirō (安田善次郎) had taken the lead in planning an amalgamation of the four companies. On this day, Ōkura and Yasuda invite the presidents of the four companies to the Imperial Hotel (帝国ホテル) in Tokyo to propose a merger. The company refrains from agreeing to the proposal because Eiichi, the executive with primary decision-making authority, is away on an overseas trip. Afterward, upon Eiichi’s return, executives from the other three companies visit repeatedly to persuade him to agree to the merger of the four companies. At that point, however, he refuses.

June 1903 (Meiji 36) [id: DK100065k] ……… p. 706

This year, since the company alone continued to operate independently while other hemp-processing companies merged to form Nippon Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (日本製麻株式会社, Japan Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.), the company had increasing trouble in securing capital, which had already become difficult because of the overall recession. Eiichi worked to help arrange financing. This month, upon the resignation of President Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作), Eiichi, in response to a request from company executives, nominates Toki Kō (土岐僙), then an auditor of the Dai-Ichi Ginko (第一銀行), as executive director of the Tokyo branch office and Director Tanaka Gentarō (田中源太郎) as president.

23 May 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK100066k] ……… p. 712

This year, because of the economic boom following the Russo-Japanese War, the company doubled its capital of 1.2 million yen, but Nippon Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (日本製麻株式会社, Japan Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.), which had been previously formed through a merger of three companies, also doubled its capital. Thus, with the two companies in favorable conditions, discussion of a merger moved forward between Eiichi and Nippon Seima’s Yasuda Zenjirō (安田善次郎) and Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎). On this day, the companies hold simultaneous extraordinary general meetings and approve the provisional merger agreement.

20 October 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK100067k] ……… p. 715

Eiichi, along with Suzuki Yōzō (鈴木要三), Yokoo Katsuemon (横尾勝右衛門), Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), Yasuda Zenjirō (安田善次郎), and others, proposes the establishment of Shimotsuke Asa Bōshoku Kaisha (下野麻紡織会社, Shimotsuke Hemp Spinning and Weaving Company). On this day, they submit an establishment application to Tochigi Prefectural Governor Kabayama Sukeo (樺山資雄). Permission is granted on 6 November. Later, the company is renamed Shimotsuke Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (下野製麻株式会社, Shimotsuke Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.) in July 1893 and merges with Ōmi Mashi Bōshoku Kabushiki Kaisha (近江麻糸紡織株式会社, Ōmi Hemp Spinning and Weaving Co., Ltd.) and Ōsaka Mashi Kabushiki Kaisha (大阪麻糸株式会社, Osaka Hemp Yarn Co., Ltd.) to form Nippon Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (日本製麻株式会社, Japan Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.) in July 1903.

26 July 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK100068k] ……… p. 744

In order to merge the two companies Hokkaidō Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (北海道製麻株式会社, Hokkaido Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.) and Nippon Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (日本製麻株式会社, Japan Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.) and form Teikoku Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (帝国製麻株式会社, Imperial Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.), a merger and organizational general meeting of shareholders is held on this day at the Tokyo Bankers’ Association (東京銀行集会所). Eiichi is nominated as an advisor.

14 April 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK100069k] ……… p. 759

Busy with important business, Eiichi resigns as an advisor to Teikoku Seima Kabushiki Kaisha (帝国製麻株式会社, Imperial Hemp Processing Co., Ltd.).

February 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK100070k] ……… p. 761

In response to a marked increase in wool muslin imports following the Sino-Japanese War, Sugimura Jinbee (杉村甚兵衛), Mitsui Takayasu (三井高保), and others establish Tōkyō Mosurin Bōshoku Kabushiki Kaisha (東京モスリン紡織株式会社, Tokyo Muslin Spinning and Weaving Co., Ltd.). Eiichi becomes a shareholder.

25 November 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK100071k] ……… p. 766

Eiichi, together with Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), Hibiya Heizaemon (日比谷平左衛門), and others, develops plans to establish Tōkyō Keorimono Kabushiki Kaisha (東京毛織物株式会社, Tokyo Wool Textile Co., Ltd.). On this day, an organizational general meeting is held at the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所). Eiichi is nominated as and becomes an advisor.

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK100072k] ……… p. 769

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

14 February 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK100073k] ……… p. 771

Together with Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), Hibiya Heizaemon (日比谷平左衛門), and others, Eiichi proposes the establishment of Teikoku Bōshoku Kabushiki Kaisha (帝国紡織株式会社, Imperial Spinning and Weaving Co., Ltd.). On this day, an incorporators’ meeting is held at the Tokyo Bankers’ Association (東京銀行集会所). Eiichi becomes the chairman of the organizing committee and appoints organizing committee members.

21 January 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK100074k] ……… p. 773

Eiichi, Masuda Kokutoku (益田克徳), and others propose the organization of Nippon Seibō Kaisha (日本製帽会社, Japan Hat Manufacturing Company). On this day, they submit their application to Tokyo Prefectural Governor Takasaki Goroku (高崎五六). Permission is granted on 21 February and the company opens for business on 12 May 1890.

January 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK100075k] ……… p. 779

Eiichi becomes an advisor to Nippon Seibō Kaisha (日本製帽会社, Japan Hat Manufacturing Company). Having suffered enormous losses since its inauguration, the company makes the decision to dissolve in November 1892.

12 December 1892 (Meiji 25) [id: DK100076k] ……… p. 783

In consultation with Masuda Kokutoku (益田克徳) and others, Eiichi acquired the former Nippon Seibō Kaisha (日本製帽会社, Japan Hat Manufacturing Company) in order to organize Tōkyō Bōshi Kabushiki Kaisha (東京帽子株式会社, Tokyo Hat Co., Ltd.). At an organizational general meeting held on this day, Eiichi is elected as a director and becomes the chief director (the position is later renamed chairman of the board of directors).

5 March 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK100077k] ……… p. 792

The company’s shareholders award Eiichi the sum of 1,500 yen in recognition of his services since its inauguration.

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK100078k] ……… p. 797

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