Shibusawa Eiichi denki shiryō, Vol. 14

29 April 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK140001k] ……… p. 5

Previously, both Itohei (糸平) and Shimakei (島慶) had been dealing with Chūgai Shōkōsha (中外商行社, Chūgai Trading Company) and refused to compromise. Eiichi had been mediating for liquidation, but on the evening of this day, meets with both sides at Masudaya in Yanagibashi and reaches a reconciliation.

Latter half of 1878 (Meiji 11) [id: DK140002k] ……… p. 6

Previously, in October 1876, Tōkyō Shōsha (東京商社, Tokyo Trading Company) was reorganized as Tōkyō Kabutochō Beishō Kaisho (東京兜町米商会所, Tokyo Kabutochō Rice Exchange) in accordance with the Rice Exchange Ordinance. While it is not known in detail whether Eiichi was involved in the reorganization or not, during this time shares of Tōkyō Kabutochō Beishō Kaisho owned by Mitsui Jirōemon (三井次郎右衛門) are transferred to Eiichi, along with Fukuchi Gen’ichirō (福地源一郎), Masuda Takashi (益田孝), Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作), Tanaka Heihachi (田中平八), Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), and others, and his name is listed in the shareholder registry.

29 October 1879 (Meiji 12) [id: DK140003k] ……… p. 27

On this day, Eiichi is invited to a national rice trading exchange gathering held at the Tōkyō Kakigarachō Beishō Kaisho (東京蛎殻町米商会所, Tokyo Kakigarachō Rice Exchange).

5 December 1879 (Meiji 12) [id: DK140004k] ……… p. 28

Previously, on 4 February of this year, Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) Administrative Order 16 A, concerning restrictions on rice exchange brokers, had been issued. Although its enforcement had been postponed, progress toward enforcement finally began to be seen around this time. Taken aback, the Tōkyō Kakigarachō Beishō Kaisho (東京蛎殻町米商会所, Tokyo Kakigarachō Rice Exchange) instructed Yonekura Ippei (米倉一平) to appeal to Yokura Morindo (与倉守人), the director of the Ministry of Finance Jōheikyoku (常平局, Price Stabilization Bureau), for further postponement but it was not successful. Eiichi met with Yokura and attempted to provide an additional explanation of the circumstances. Then, on this day, Yokura writes to Eiichi to indicate that postponement is difficult.

4 January 1880 (Meiji 13) [id: DK140005k] ……… p. 29

On this day, Eiichi is invited to a banquet to mark the first day of business at the Tōkyō Kakigarachō Beishō Kaisho (東京蛎殻町米商会所, Tokyo Kakigarachō Rice Exchange).

Latter half of 1880 (Meiji 13) [id: DK140006k] ……… p. 36

Eiichi sells all the shares of the Tōkyō Kabutochō Beishō Kaisho (東京兜町米商会所, Tokyo Kabutochō Rice Exchange) that he owns and breaks off relations with the exchange.

17 July 1886 (Meiji 19) [id: DK140007k] ……… p. 52

The rice trading community of the time was exceedingly corrupt and calls for reform from in and out of government reached a peak. Having long desired a purge, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務次官) Yoshida Kiyonari (吉田清成) consulted about possible reforms at a meeting of the Zenkoku Beishō Kaisho Kyōdōkai (全国米商会所協同会, National Association of Rice Exchanges) held this month in Tokyo. As responses were received, they were conveyed to Eiichi for his opinion. Then, on this day, Eiichi writes a letter criticizing the proposals, disputing the appropriateness of the structure of a joint-stock company for a rice exchange.

4 January 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK140008k] ……… p. 97

On this day, Eiichi attends the New Year’s banquet of the Tōkyō Beishō Kaisho (東京米商会所, Tokyo Rice Exchange).

24 June 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK140009k] ……… p. 97

On this day, at a general meeting of brokers of the Tōkyō Beishō Kaisho (東京米商会所, Tokyo Rice Exchange) to work out remedial measures to address a case of embezzlement by Exchange President Nakamura Michita (中村道太), Eiichi, along with Masuda Takashi (益田孝), Imamura Seinosuke (今村清之助), Morioka Masazumi (森岡昌純), and Abe Hikotarō (阿部彦太郎), is chosen as a member of the reorganization committee. Eiichi and the others endeavor to fulfill their assignment, solving the problem early the next July.

11 July 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK140010k] ……… p. 110

Eiichi and 11 others make plans to establish a foreign silver exchange in Yokohama in compliance with Grand Council of State Edict No. 105 of 1876, the Rice Exchange Ordinance. On this day, they apply through the Kanagawa prefectural government to the Ministry of Home Affairs (内務省).

15 February 1879 (Meiji 12) [id: DK140011k] ……… p. 111

On the 13th of the month, Grand Council of State Edict No. 8 was issued. Thus, in accordance with the Stock Exchange Ordinance of Grand Council of State Edict No. 8 of 1878, Eiichi, Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作), Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), Mogi Sōbee (茂木惣兵衛), Yoshida Kōbee (吉田幸兵衛), Nakamura Sōbee (中村惣兵衛), Nishimura Kisaburō (西村喜三郎), Tanaka Heihachi (田中平八), Matsuno Kazukuni [?] (松野和邦), Masuda Takashi (益田孝), and Hara Zenzaburō (原善三郎) attempt to establish a foreign silver exchange in Yokohama with 120,000 yen of capital and apply to the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) for permission on this day. They obtain authorization from Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) on the 17th of the month.

20 February 1879 (Meiji 12) [id: DK140012k] ……… p. 123

Previously, alarmed to learn of the application submitted by Eiichi and his associates, over 100 foreign silver brokers and others in Yokohama banded together and stirred up a dispute. Some of them argued for the establishment of a separate exchange and others demanded that the exchange’s stock be offered to the public. After twists and turns in negotiations between the two sides, Eiichi, together with Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作), Masuda Takashi (益田孝), and Tanaka Heihachi (田中平八), goes to Yokohama on this day and, through the mediation of Magoshi Kyōhei (馬越恭平), meets with Hayashi Yūteki (早矢仕有的), Kimura Riemon (木村利右衛門), Nakayama Yasujirō [?] (中山安二郎), and others at Fūkirō to discuss an increase in the number of shares and a public offering of the stock. The two parties reach an agreement.

10 March 1879 (Meiji 12) [id: DK140013k] ……… p. 142

On this day, the Yokohama Yōgin Torihikijo (横浜洋銀取引所, Yokohama Foreign Silver Exchange) opens for business, with Mogi Sōbee (茂木惣兵衛) as president and 200,000 yen of capital. Eiichi is an organizing incorporator and the largest shareholder and attends the forthcoming opening ceremony.

22 May 1880 (Meiji 13) [id: DK140014k] ……… p. 173

Around this time, Eiichi receives an invitation from Yokohama Torihikijo (横浜取引所, Yokohama Exchange) President Mogi Sōbee (茂木惣兵衛) to an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to discuss the discontinuation of futures trading of gold and silver coins. Eiichi’s relationship with the exchange after this point is not known in detail.

13 April 1878 (Meiji 11) [id: DK140015k] ……… p. 183

Eleven people, including Godai Tomoatsu (五代友厚) and Hirose Saihei (広瀬宰平), hold a provisional meeting in order to found a stock exchange in Osaka. Iguchi Shinzaburō [?] (井口新三郎), manager of the Osaka branch of the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank), and kanjō aratame yaku (勘定改役, expenditure comptroller) Kumagaya Tatsutarō (熊谷辰太郎) are also incorporators, apparently under Eiichi’s guidance.

18 June 1878 (Meiji 11) [id: DK140016k] ……… p. 187

Previously, Godai Tomoatsu (五代友厚), Hirose Saihei (広瀬宰平), and others had applied to the minister of finance (大蔵卿) for permission to establish the Osaka Stock Exchange (大阪株式取引所). They received notification of approval on the 17th of this month. On this day [18 June 1878], Eiichi sends a letter to Godai Tomoatsu and informs him of the resignation of Nakayama Nobuyoshi (中山信彬) as a director of the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank) and assumption of the post of an officer of the exchange. Nakayama is elected as a kimoiri (肝煎, manager) at the first meeting of shareholders, held on 8 July, and nominated as president on the 19th. Eiichi provides support in numerous ways to the organization of the exchange.

30 November 1878 (Meiji 11) [id: DK140017k] ……… p. 224

Eiichi receives the transfer of fifty shares of the Osaka Stock Exchange (大阪株式取引所) registered under the name of Iguchi Shinzaburō [?] (井口新三郎) and becomes a shareholder of the exchange.

First half of 1881 (Meiji 14) [id: DK140018k] ……… p. 227

Previously, from late 1879 onwards, Eiichi had been gradually selling off the shares of the Osaka Stock Exchange (大阪株式取引所) that he owned. He finishes selling off all of his shares around this time [first half of 1881] and, along with others including major shareholders who were organizing incorporators of the exchange, breaks off relations with the exchange. Subsequently, in January of the following year, President Nakayama Nobuyoshi (中山信彬) also resigns.

June 1878 (Meiji 11) [id: DK140019k] ……… p. 232

At the request of the Osaka Dojima Rice Exchange (大阪堂島米商会所), Eiichi acts as an intermediary in submitting an application to Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) for permission to substitute bearer government bond certificates for the deposit.

February-March 1880 (Meiji 13) [id: DK140020k] ……… p. 234

With the excessive issue of paper money having led to a surge in the price of rice, Godai Tomoatsu (五代友厚) and others, in compliance with the government’s wishes, attempt to suppress prices by selling rice futures at the Osaka Dojima Rice Exchange (大阪堂島米商会所). But their attempt ends in failure. Eiichi may also have been involved.

20 June 1884 (Meiji 17) [id: DK140021k] ……… p. 236

Eiichi, while on an inspection tour of branches of the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank) in the Keisetsu region [present-day Kyoto and parts of Osaka and Hyogo prefectures], receives an invitation from the Osaka Dojima Rice Exchange (大阪堂島米商会所) and Osaka Stock Exchange (大阪株式取引所) and attends a welcome reception at the Kōnoike villa.

12 November 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK140022k] ……… p. 237

Previously, when the Tōkyō Shōhin Torihikijo (東京商品取引所, Tokyo Commodity Exchange) was being established, a faction led by Hamaguchi Kichiemon (浜口吉右衛門) and another by Tanaka Heihachi (田中平八) submitted rival applications and refused to yield. Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務省) Commerce and Industry Bureau Director (商工局長) Wakamiya Masane (若宮正音), seeking to bring about reconciliation, visited Eiichi in Kabutochō on this day, intending to ask Eiichi and Tokyo Prefectural Governor Miura Yasushi (三浦安) to mediate. Eiichi replied that unless both factions agreed to grant him unconditional authority, he would not undertake the task. However, as neither faction consented to grant unconditional authority, the Commerce and Industry Bureau Director’s mediation efforts seemed destined to prove futile.

1 December 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK140023k] ……… p. 249

Eiichi introduces Kakinuma Tanizō (柿沼谷蔵), who belongs to the Hamaguchi faction, one of the two factions applying for permission to establish the Tōkyō Shōhin Torihikijo (東京商品取引所, Tokyo Commodity Exchange), to Hozumi Nobushige (穂積陳重) to obtain help in interpreting the articles of the Exchange Law.

1 October 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK140024k] ……… p. 249

With the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce’s (農商務省) policy proving successful, the Tōkyō Shōhin Torihikijo (東京商品取引所, Tokyo Commodity Exchange) opens for business in a cooperative manner. Eiichi attends the opening ceremony and delivers a congratulatory address. Also, on one occasion, Eiichi became a shareholder of the exchange at the request of a friend.

10 February 1898 (Meiji 31) [id: DK140025k] ……… p. 265

The inaugural general meeting of the Tōkyō Ginkai Torihikijo (東京銀塊取引所, Tokyo Silver Bullion Exchange) is held and it is decided to appoint five persons, including Eiichi, as advisors. Eiichi accepts.

21 June 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK140026k] ……… p. 274

Previously, owing to the recession following the Sino-Japanese War, the various commodity exchanges in Yokohama likewise declined. At the request of Kanagawa Prefectural Governor Asada Tokunori (浅田徳則), on this day Eiichi invites representatives of the Yokohama Sanshi Hoka Yonpin Torihikijo (横浜蚕糸外四品取引所, Yokohama Exchange for Silk Thread and Four Other Commodities), the Yokohama Yonpin Torihikijo (横浜四品取引所, Yokohama Four Commodity Exchange), and the Yokohama Beien Zakkoku Torihikijo (横浜米塩雑穀取引所, Yokohama Rice, Salt, and Cereals Exchange) to his residence and attempts to discuss a possible merger. Perhaps as a result of this, the Yokohama Yonpin Torihikijo and the Yokohama Beien Zakkoku Torihikijo merge in November of this year to form the Yokohama Kabushiki Beikoku Torihikijo (横浜株式米穀取引所, Yokohama Stock and Rice Exchange).

7 November 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK140027k] ……… p. 278

On this day, Eiichi informally sends Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) a private letter along with a written statement of opinion from bankers concerning the establishment of rental warehouses.

June 1879 (Meiji 12) [id: DK140028k] ……… p. 289

This month, Eiichi, Yagi Tomonao (八木朋直), and others form an association, naming it Hokuetsu Shōkai (北越商会, Hokuetsu Company), and manage a warehousing and moneylending business in Nuttari-machi.

28 July 1882 (Meiji 15) [id: DK140029k] ……… p. 295

On this day, an application is submitted to Tokyo Prefectural Governor Yoshikawa Akimasa (芳川顕正) for permission to establish Sōko Kaisha (倉庫会社, Warehouse Company), jointly signed by Eiichi, Mitsui Shinnosuke [?] (三井宸之助), Hara Rokurō (原六郎), and others. Subsequently, in order to discount promissory notes secured by warehouse receipts issued by the company, Eiichi submits an application to organize Kin’yū Kaisha (均融会社, Financial Company).

7 November 1882 (Meiji 15) [id: DK140030k] ……… p. 315

On this day, Eiichi attends the company’s opening ceremony. He assumes the post of advisor and works hard.

August 1884 (Meiji 17) [id: DK140031k] ……… p. 327

Previously, Eiichi had exerted himself considerably to promote the business of Kin’yū Kaisha (均融会社, Financial Company) and Sōko Kaisha (倉庫会社, Warehouse Company), but with business in a slump, Kin’yū Kaisha suspends business this month and, in July of the following year, Sōko Kaisha also suspends business.

June 1884 (Meiji 17) [id: DK140032k] ……… p. 343

This month, while on a tour of Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank) branches in the Keisetsu region [present-day Kyoto and parts of Osaka and Hyogo prefectures], Eiichi goes to Tsuruga. After viewing harbor warehousing facilities, he talks with Yawata Ginkō (八幡銀行, Yawata Bank) President Nishikawa Teijirō (西川貞二郎) and others about establishing a warehouse company there. Upon his arrival in Fushimi, he inspects a warehouse company there and also apparently advocates for establishing a warehouse company in Yokkaichi.

3 March 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK140033k] ……… p. 346

Intending to establish a rice exchange at Tsuchizaki port in Akita prefecture, Sawamura Tomozō [?] (沢村友蔵) attempts to first set up the necessary warehouse company. He thus pays a visit to Eiichi and, in order to receive guidance on organizing a warehouse company, on this day obtains an introduction to Nagaoka Moriyoshi (長岡護美).

30 March 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK140034k] ……… p. 348

On this day, Shibusawa Sōkobu (渋沢倉庫部, Shibusawa Warehouse Department) opens for business. Eiichi is the proprietor and his eldest son, Tokuji (篤二), serves as head. At first, with the participation of Shibusawa Shōten (渋沢商店, Shibusawa Store) and Yamazaki Shigejirō (山崎繁次郎), it is organized as a silent partnership, but in January 1903, the partnership is dissolved and it is managed independently thereafter.

7 April 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK140035k] ……… p. 366

A garden party is held at the Shibusawa residence in Asukayama to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the opening of Shibusawa Sōkobu (渋沢倉庫部, Shibusawa Warehouse Department).

5 December 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK140036k] ……… p. 374

On this day, Eiichi is appointed as an advisor at the organizational general meeting of Tōkai Sōko Kabushiki Kaisha (東海倉庫株式会社, Tōkai Warehouse Co., Ltd) held at the Nagoya Shōgyō Kaigisho (名古屋商業会議所, Nagoya Chamber of Commerce). In June 1909, he resigns as he does from various other related companies.

28 November 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK140037k] ……… p. 377

Previously, Eiichi and others had worked toward organizing the Yūgen Sekinin Tōkyō Hoteru (有限責任東京ホテル, Tokyo Hotel Limited Liability Company) for the purpose of, among others, providing accommodation for foreign visitors. On this day, as the representative incorporator, Eiichi submits to the governor of Tokyo prefecture a company organization application jointly signed by him and Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎).

14 December 1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK140038k] ……… p. 380

On this day, as the representative incorporator of Tōkyō Hoteru (東京ホテル, Tokyo Hotel), Eiichi submits a report, jointly signed by him and Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), to the Tokyo prefectural governor on the matters of the establishment of a provisional office within Nippon Doboku Kaisha (日本土木会社, Japan Civil Engineering Company) and the starting of operations, as well as listing the names of officers. Eiichi is chairman of the board.

3 November 1890 (Meiji 23) [id: DK140039k] ……… p. 382

On this day Yūgen Sekinin Teikoku Hoteru Kaisha (有限責任帝国ホテル会社, Imperial Hotel Limited Liability Company) opens for business.

24 October 1893 (Meiji 26) [id: DK140040k] ……… p. 386

On this day, an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders is held at the company to deliberate a revision of its articles of incorporation to comply with the implementation of the Commercial Law. Then, on 16 December, it applies for approval of the revision of its articles of incorporation to Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Count Gotō Shōjirō (後藤象二郎). Approval is obtained on the 29th and the company changes its name to Teikoku Hoteru Kabushiki Kaisha (帝国ホテル株式会社, Imperial Hotel Co., Ltd.). Eiichi assumes the post of chairman of the board of directors. Thereafter he is reappointed every term until June 1909.

25 January 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK140041k] ……… p. 399

On this day, Teikoku Hoteru Kabushiki Kaisha (帝国ホテル株式会社, Imperial Hotel Co., Ltd.) and the Metropole Hotel (メトロポール・ホテル) merge to establish the Imperial Hotel, Ltd. (株式会社帝国ホテル). Eiichi continues as chairman of the board of directors.

6 June 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK140042k] ……… p. 406

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. On this day he resigns as the chairman of the board of directors of the Imperial Hotel, Ltd. (株式会社帝国ホテル).

September 1888 (Meiji 21) [id: DK140043k] ……… p. 408

Anjō Junshirō (安生順四郎), Katō Shōichirō (加藤昇一郎), and others establish the Nikkō Hoteru (日光ホテル, Nikko Hotel) in Nikko. Eiichi assists with initial organizational costs.

1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK140044k] ……… p. 412

Maeda Ihachi [?] (前田伊八) [sic, Maeda Matakichi (前田又吉)] and others establish the Kyōto Hoteru (京都ホテル, Kyoto Hotel) in Kyoto. Eiichi assists with initial organizational costs.

1887 (Meiji 20) [id: DK140045k] ……… p. 413

Eiichi, along with Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), Yasuda Zenjirō (安田善次郎), Asano Sōichirō (浅野総一郎), and others, incorporates Nihon Yushutsumai Shōsha (日本輸出米商社, Japan Rice Export Company) with 200,000 yen of capital and the aim of polishing rice from Kyushu for overseas export. Business proves unsuccessful, however, and the company is dissolved in 1889.

1 February 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK140046k] ……… p. 416

Eiichi, along with Morimura Ichizaemon (森村市左衛門) and others, contributes capital to establish Tokumei Kumiai Horikoshi Shōkai (匿名組合堀越商会, Horikoshi Silent Partnership), with Horikoshi Zenjūrō (堀越善重郎) as the business operator.

December 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK140047k] ……… p. 421

Horikoshi Shōkai (堀越商会, Horikoshi Company) suffers from financial difficulties. Eiichi lends funds and oversees its operations in an effort to rescue it.

16 July 1904 (Meiji 37) [id: DK140048k] ……… p. 430

On this day, Eiichi authorizes his heir Tokuji (篤二), as his agent, to sign and affix his seal to a written consent to the continuation of operations following a revision of the silent partnership charter at a general meeting of Horikoshi Shōkai (堀越商会, Horikoshi Company) held on this day.

28 October 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK140049k] ……… p. 433

Eiichi, together with Odaka Junchū (尾高惇忠) and others, sends Aoki Naoji (青木直治) and others to India to investigate the state of Indian indigo. Naoji and the others leave Tokyo on this day and, as a trial, purchase 85,000-yen worth of Indian indigo. They return to Japan on 23 March of the following year and sell the indigo.

16 October 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK140050k] ……… p. 434

Eiichi loans funds to Aoki Naoji (青木直治) who establishes Aoki Shōkai (青木商会, Aoki Company) and engages in the import and sale of Indian indigo. The company performs poorly and is dissolved the following year, on 10 December 1896.

November 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK140051k] ……… p. 437

Eiichi, together with Minister of Finance (大蔵大臣) Sakatani Yoshirō (阪谷芳郎), Minister of Agriculture and Commerce (農商務大臣) Matsuoka Yasukowa (松岡康毅), Commerce and Industry Bureau Director (商工局長) Morita Mokichi (森田茂吉), Trade Bureau Director (通商局長) Ishii Kikujirō (石井菊次郎), and several others, is invited to Tokiwaya restaurant and hears from Shimomura Fusajirō (下村房次郎) about plans to establish Nichi-Ro Bōeki Kabushiki Kaisha (日露貿易株式会社, Russo-Japanese Trading Co., Ltd.). Later, he agrees to become an incorporator of the company and, together with Magoshi Kyōhei (馬越恭平), Murai Kichibee (村井吉兵衛), and others, assists with the work of its organization. However, the representative there [in Russia] Solomon Minkowsky (ソロモン・ミンコフスキー) dies, and when Shimomura Fusajirō (下村房次) also dies in 1913, the undertaking ultimately comes to an end.

ca. June-July 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK140052k] ……… p. 447

Previously, Ono-gumi Itokata (小野組糸方, Ono Group Silk Company) had sent Asano Kōbee (浅野幸兵衛) to Europe and attempted the direct export of silkworm egg cards. Although he was in government service at the time, Eiichi was apparently involved in this undertaking. In addition to facilitating the collection of information, in the spring of 1873, after Asano’s return, he recommended Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作), who was then in Europe under government orders to investigate raw silk production methods, as the person to continue the project. By the time Kisaku returned to Japan, however, Eiichi had already left government service and Kisaku followed Eiichi’s lead and also resigned. Eiichi subsequently recommends Kisaku as a personal adviser to Furukawa Ichibee (古河市兵衛), the general director (総管) of Ono-gumi Itokata.

April 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140053k] ……… p. 459

A branch of Ono-gumi Itokata (小野組糸方, Ono Group Silk Company) is established in Lyon, France; plans are made to undertake the direct export of raw silk; regulations for the handling of raw silk are issued; and Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) is to take charge of the undertaking. This appears to have come from Eiichi’s guidance the previous year. The plan, however, is never realized.

August 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140054k] ……… p. 463

Eiichi takes part in discussion on reforms for Ono-gumi Itokata (小野組糸方, Ono Group Silk Company). It is possible that he was asked to serve as a supervisor around this time.

1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140055k] ……… p. 465

Previously, in May 1873, Eiichi, along with Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and Masuda Takashi (益田孝), had resigned from government service. Then, in December of the same year, Inoue and Masuda established Senshū Kaisha (先収会社, Senshū Company). It appears that both before and after this, there were ways in which Eiichi contributed financially and otherwise to the company. The same appears to have been the case after the organization of Mitsui Bussan Kaisha (三井物産会社, Mitsui Products Company) in July 1876.

December 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK140056k] ……… p. 472

Feeling threatened by the development of Yokohama Kiito Aratame Kaisha (横浜生糸改会社, Yokohama Raw Silk Inspection Company), foreign merchants and others, under the pretext of violations of the commercial treaties, had the diplomatic corps demand the Japanese government that the company be dissolved. However, as the company was one whose establishment Eiichi, while in government service, had earlier advocated for and brought about, he made efforts towards its continuation. At the request of Acting Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔事務心得) and Tax Bureau Director (租税頭) Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥宗光), Kanagawa Prefectural Vice Governor Ōe Taku (大江卓), and officers of the company, Eiichi supports its preservation, including by visiting Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信).

July 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140057k] ……… p. 501

Previously, silkworm diseases had broken out in Europe and silkworm eggs came to be sought from Japan. As a result, production of silkworm eggs in Japan increased year after year. According to submitted estimates of spring silkworm egg production in March of this year, production was on the verge of reaching an unprecedented height. The government issued Ministry of Home Affairs Notice B No. 23 in an attempt to control this and then, in June, issued Grand Council of State Edict No. 60, abolishing the distinction between domestic use and overseas export in silkworm egg card license stamps. By thereby promoting overseas exports, an attempt was made to prevent a crisis among domestic producers arising from overproduction. However, further measures were still required. Accordingly, around this time, Eiichi, in consultation with Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥宗光), Hara Zenzaburō (原善三郎), and others, sought to have Minister of Home Affairs (内務卿) Ōkubo Toshimichi (大久保利通), Industry Promotion Bureau Vice Director (勧業権頭) Kawase Hideji (河瀬秀治), Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信), Tax Bureau Director (租税頭) Matsukata Masayoshi (松方正義), and others convene either a conference of prefectural governors or a general meeting of silkworm egg representatives.

4 August 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140058k] ……… p. 507

Eiichi places an order for the printing of 2,000 copies of the silkworm egg regulations manual from Yō Sonoji (陽其二) of the Yokohama branch of Shōshi Kaisha (抄紙会社, Papermaking Company).

August 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140059k] ……… p. 508

Around this time, Eiichi negotiates with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Senior Secretary (外務大丞) Shioda Saburō (塩田三郎), Ministry of Home Affairs Senior Secretary (内務大丞) Kawase Hideji (河瀬秀治), and others in regards to the trade of silkworm eggs.

7 October 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140060k] ……… p. 508

Previously, silkworm eggs had flooded into Yokohama from all over the country, prices had collapsed, and the situation had become grave. Thus, Furukawa Ichibee (古河市兵衛), Hara Zenzaburō (原善三郎), Ono Zenzaburō (小野善三郎), Uehara Shirōzaemon [?] (上原四郎左衛門), Kaneko Heibee (金子平兵衛), Suzuki Yasubee (鈴木保兵衛), and others, acting as incorporators, met and conferred with Yokohama urikomi toiya (売込問屋, commission wholesalers), representatives of silkworm egg producers from various regions, as well as cargo merchants and others. On this day [7 October 1874], they submit an application to Industry Promotion Bureau Director (勧業頭) Kawase Hideji (河瀬秀治) and set plans to establish, two days later on October 9, the Sanshushi Kaiirejo (蚕種紙買入所, Silkworm Egg Card Purchasing Office) in the former Izukura shop (伊豆蔵店) at 4-chōme Yokochō, Benten-dōri, and formulate a plan whereby purchased silkworm egg cards of superior quality would be directed to foreign export, while the remainder would be destroyed by fire, thus striving to restore the silkworm egg trade.
This was conceived partially through Eiichi’s foresight and is due mainly to the support of Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作), Hara Zenzaburō, Industry Promotion Bureau Director Kawase Hideji, and others. However, perhaps in consideration of international relations, it is presented publicly as an exclusively mercantile affair and both Shibusawas accordingly act behind the scenes.

23 December 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140061k] ……… p. 513

Previously, between 9 October and 20 November, the Sanshushi Kaiirejo (蚕種紙買入所, Silkworm Egg Card Purchasing Office) had bought 448,413 silkworm egg cards, set aside 5,249 good quality cards, and burned all the rest. The expense incurred, amounting to over 85,545 yen, was essentially the responsibility of the government. On this day [23 December 1874], Eiichi sends a letter to Industry Promotion Bureau Director (勧業頭) Kawase Hideji (河瀬秀治), reporting on the results and outcome of the measures for the restoration of the silkworm egg trade, with supporting materials attached.

2 November 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140062k] ……… p. 546

At the request of a group of rural silkworm egg producers staying at the Port of Yokohama, influential silkworm egg merchants and others submit to the Industry Promotion Bureau (勧業寮) a petition that limits be set on silkworm egg production for the following business year and that a conference system bringing together prefectural representatives of silkworm egg producers from around the country be established.
Previously, silkworm eggs from around the country had flooded into Yokohama, prices had collapsed, and losses had become irrecoverable. In an attempt to remedy this and also provide a lesson for the future, Eiichi and others purchased silkworm eggs and burned them. However, concern remained that the same state of affairs would be repeated the following fiscal year. Worried about this, the rural silkworm egg producers staying at the Port of Yokohama attempted to prevent confusion by establishing limits on production and earnestly requested Eiichi’s assistance. Eiichi, in cooperation with Hara Zenzaburō (原善三郎) and others, worked to bring producers together and led them to petition the authorities. The petition was based on a proposal by Eiichi.

15 November 1874 (Meiji 7) [id: DK140063k] ……… p. 548

Hara Zenzaburō (原善三郎), representatives of silkworm egg producers, and others submit a petition, drafted by Eiichi, to the Ministry of Home Affairs (内務省) (presumably the Industry Promotion Bureau (勧業寮)). It may have been an addition to the petition previously submitted to the Ministry’s Industry Promotion Bureau. With things going very slowly, Eiichi thereafter continues to receive frequent requests from Hara and others and exerts himself to encourage progress on the matter despite the upheaval of the bankruptcy of Ono-gumi (小野組, Ono Group).

22 February 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK140064k] ……… p. 550

Through Grand Council of State edict No. 32, the Silkworm Egg Production Association Ordinance and Silkworm Egg Production Association Convention Department Regulations are newly issued. The ordinance and regulation were presumably drafted by Eiichi and others and are the result of his efforts since the previous year in response to the requests from silkworm egg producers.

April-May 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK140065k] ……… p. 563

On 15 April, the Silkworm Egg Production Association Convention Department (蚕種製造組合会議局) is convened. Deliberations continued thereafter and twenty-one items are resolved, including setting the spring silkworm egg production for the fiscal year at approximately 1.74 million cards, regulations for the handling of silkworm eggs for domestic use, regulations for the sale of silkworm eggs for foreign export, and an itemized list of demands for the Yokohama urikomi toiya (売込問屋, commission wholesalers). During this time, Eiichi devotes considerable effort to providing guidance.

13 October 1875 (Meiji 8) [id: DK140066k] ……… p. 596

Previously, from around 1871, improvements in sericulture techniques in Europe led to a decline in silkworm diseases and the gradual production of good-quality silkworm eggs. In contrast, year after year, Japanese production had increasingly fallen into the indiscriminate production of inferior silkworm eggs and, moreover, because they were highly priced, the silkworm eggs cards taken home by European merchants in the autumn of the previous year sold extremely poorly. Thus, this autumn, very few European merchants came to Japan, the production volume decided upon by the Silkworm Egg Production Association Convention Department (蚕種製造組合会議局) was still excessive, and prices remained low despite good quality. Accordingly, from mid-October through early November, representatives of the Yokohama urikomi toiya (売込問屋, commission wholesalers) and resident cargo owners met frequently and discussed measures to address the situation. They resolved to export directly to Italy and silkworm egg handling offices throughout the country submitted a request, under the Silkworm Egg Production Association Convention Department Regulations, to the Industry Promotion Bureau (勧業寮) that the expenses be borne by the government. Permission was not granted. Market prices fell still further, with only foreign merchants reaping the profits, and the situation became even worse than the previous year.
On this day, several representatives of the urikomi toiya representatives visit Eiichi and seek his advice.

1 November 1876 (Meiji 9) [id: DK140067k] ……… p. 608

On this day, Eiichi, together with Masuda Takashi (益田孝) and Hara Zenzaburō (原善三郎), establishes a lending office for loans secured on silkworm eggs and undertakes measures to regulate the export of silkworm egg cards. He then dispatches Shimomura Zentarō (下村善太郎) and Umehara Shingo (梅原親固) to Italy to sell collateral goods.

1 June 1877 (Meiji 10) [id: DK140068k] ……… p. 627

On this day, Eiichi, together with Masuda Takashi (益田孝) and Hara Zenzaburō (原善三郎), sends a letter to the directors of the Silkworm Egg Convention Department (蚕種会議局) reporting on the poor performance of silkworm egg card exports the previous year and urging efforts to control production without counting on exports, citing reduced demand for Japanese-made silkworm egg cards resulting from a decline in silkworm diseases in Europe.