Born in Edo, son of Tanuma Okiyuki, a Kii domain man who had become a shogunate retainer.
He became a page to the future ninth shogun Ieshige, serving close at his side.
He was raised to daimyō rank with 10,000 koku and took part in judging the Gujō peasant uprising in Mino.
He became chamberlain to the tenth shogun Ieharu and was permitted a castle at Sagara in Tōtōmi.
He became senior councillor and the centre of shogunate government, seeking to raise revenue by harnessing merchant wealth.
He recognized merchant guilds (kabunakama) in return for fees and issued new silver coins to ease the flow of money.
He began draining Inbanuma marsh in Shimōsa for new rice fields, and at Nagasaki boosted exports of marine products to obtain gold and silver.
The eruption of Mount Asama and bad weather caused the Tenmei famine; uprisings and riots spread, and criticism of rampant bribery grew.
His son Okitomo, a junior councillor, was cut down by a shogunate retainer inside Edo castle and died; Tanuma's power began to wane.
Considering trade with Russia, he sent an expedition to survey Ezo.
When the shogun Ieharu died he was dismissed as senior councillor and his domain greatly reduced.
He died in Edo. Long condemned for bribery, he is now reassessed as a forward-looking statesman who valued commerce.
Mogami TokunaiMatsudaira Sadanobu
Kamo no MabuchiAoki Kon'yōYosa BusonItō JakuchūMaeno RyōtakuIke no TaigaSuzuki HarunobuHiraga Gennai
People of the Edo period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.