Born in Hagi, Chōshū, into a low-ranking samurai family.
He studied at Yoshida Shōin's Shōka Sonjuku.
He joined Takasugi Shinsaku's Kiheitai and later became one of its leaders.
He went to Europe to study the military systems of various countries.
He promoted the Conscription Ordinance and built a modern army.
He commanded government forces in the Satsuma Rebellion.
He helped create the Imperial Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors.
He became prime minister and faced the first Imperial Diet the following year.
He led an army in the Sino-Japanese War.
He became prime minister again and, as an elder statesman, long held great sway over the army and government.
He died.
Yoshida ShōinTakasugi ShinsakuNishi AmaneInoue KowashiKatsura TarōSaionji KinmochiYamamoto GonbeeTerauchi Masatake
Itagaki TaisukeTani TatekiSanjō SanetomiŌkuma ShigenobuEdward S. MorseGoto ShojiroShibusawa EiichiKuroda Kiyotaka
People of the Meiji period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.