Born into a farming family in Tsushihon village on Awaji (Sumoto, Hyōgo).
He went to Hyōgo and became a sailor, learning the seafaring trade.
He acquired a large ship, the Shin'etsu Maru, and went into business as a shipowner.
He opened a branch in Hakodate, Ezo, and at the shogunate's request opened a sea route to Etorofu and developed fisheries.
For his work in Ezo, the shogunate allowed him a surname and the right to wear a sword.
Around this time, after a great fire in Hakodate, he worked hard to rebuild the town.
In retaliation for Japan's capture of the Russian captain Golovnin, he was seized by a Russian ship off Kunashiri and taken to Kamchatka.
Returning to Japan, he mediated between Russia and the shogunate and secured Golovnin's release.
Handing over his business, he returned home to Awaji.
He died on Awaji.
Santō KyōdenKobayashi IssaJippensha IkkuKyokutei BakinSatō IssaiHirata AtsutaneZusho HirosatoMamiya Rinzō
People of the Edo period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.