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{{Short description|Japanese politician (1863–1940)}}

{{family name hatnote|Tokugawa|lang=Japanese}}
{{family name hatnote|Tokugawa|lang=Japanese}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix = [[Kazoku|Prince]]
| name = Tokugawa Iesato
| name = Tokugawa Iesato
| other_names =
| other_names =
| image = Prince Tokugawa Iesato.jpg
| image = Prince Tokugawa Iesato.jpg
| caption =
| office = [[House of Peers (Japan)|President of the House of Peers]]
| caption =
| office = [[House of Peers (Japan)|President of the House of Peers]]
| monarch = [[Emperor Meiji|Meiji]]<br>[[Emperor Taisho|Taisho]]<br>[[Emperor Showa|Showa]]
| monarch = [[Emperor Meiji|Meiji]]<br>[[Emperor Taisho|Taisho]]<br>[[Emperor Showa|Showa]]
| predecessor = [[Konoe Atsumaro|Prince Konoe Atsumaro]]
| predecessor = [[Konoe Atsumaro|Prince Konoe Atsumaro]]
| successor = [[Konoe Fumimaro|Prince Konoe Fumimaro]]
| successor = [[Konoe Fumimaro|Prince Konoe Fumimaro]]
| term_start = 4 December 1903
| term_start = 4 December 1903
| term_end = 9 June 1933
| term_end = 9 June 1933
| birth_name = Tokugawa Kamenosuke
| birth_name = Tokugawa Kamenosuke
| birth_date = {{birth date|1863|8|24|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1863|8|24|mf=y}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
| death_date = {{death date and age|1940|6|5|1863|8|24|mf=y}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1940|6|5|1863|8|24|mf=y}}
| spouse = Konoe Hiroko (1867–1944)
| spouse = Konoe Hiroko (1867–1944)
| children = [[Iemasa Tokugawa]], Yasuko Tokugawa, Ryōko Tokugawa, Toshiko Tokugawa
| children = [[Iemasa Tokugawa]], Yasuko Tokugawa, Ryōko Tokugawa, Toshiko Tokugawa
| relations =
| relations =
| alma_mater = [[Eton College]]
}}
}}


[[Kazoku|Prince]] {{nihongo|'''Tokugawa Iesato'''|徳川とくがわ 家達いえさと||extra= August 24, 1863 – June 5, 1940}} was the first head of the [[Tokugawa clan]] after the overthrow of the [[Tokugawa bakufu]], and a significant figure in Japanese politics and diplomacy during the [[Meiji period|Meiji]], [[Taishō period|Taishō]] and early [[Shōwa period]] [[Japan]]. When Prince Tokugawa travelled to other nations representing Japan during his diplomatic journeys, he usually presented his name being Prince Iyesato Tokugawa.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=The Art of Peace illustrated biography on Prince Tokugawa|last=Katz|first=Stan S.|publisher=Horizon Productions|year=2019|isbn=978-0-9903349-2-7|location=California|pages=Introduction to the biography}}</ref> Prince Tokugawa held the influential position of president of Japan's upper house of congress the [[National Diet|Diet]] for 30 years. Tokugawa promoted democratic principles and international goodwill. It was only after his passing in 1940 that Japanese militants were able to push Japan into joining the Axis Powers in WWII.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-13|title=The Art of Peace: the illustrated biography of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa - Introduction|url=https://theemperorandthespy.com/2020/04/the-art-of-peace-the-illustrated-biography-on-prince-iyesato-tokugawa/|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Stan. S. Katz|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>Katz, Stan S. (2019). ''The Art of Peace: an illustrated biography on Prince Tokugawa''. Horizon Productions. pp. Chapter 8.</ref>
[[Kazoku|Prince]] {{nihongo|'''Tokugawa Iesato'''|{{linktext|徳川とくがわ}} {{linktext|家達いえさと}}||extra= August 24, 1863 – June 5, 1940}} was the first head of the [[Tokugawa clan]] after the overthrow of the [[Tokugawa shogunate]], and a significant figure in Japanese politics and diplomacy during the [[Meiji period|Meiji]], [[Taishō period|Taishō]] and early [[Shōwa period]] of [[Japan]]. When Prince Tokugawa travelled to other nations representing Japan during his diplomatic journeys, he usually presented his name as Prince Iyesato Tokugawa.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=The Art of Peace: an illustrated biography on Prince Tokugawa|last=Katz|first=Stan S.|publisher=Horizon Productions|year=2019|isbn=978-0-9903349-2-7|location=California|pages=Introduction to the biography}}</ref> Prince Tokugawa held the influential position of president of Japan's upper house of congress the [[National Diet|Diet]] for 30 years. Tokugawa promoted democratic principles and international goodwill. It was only after his death in 1940 that Japanese militants were able to push Japan into joining the Axis Powers in WWII.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-13|title=The Art of Peace: the illustrated biography of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa - Introduction|url=https://theemperorandthespy.com/2020/04/the-art-of-peace-the-illustrated-biography-on-prince-iyesato-tokugawa/|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Stan. S. Katz|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Katz |first=Stan S. |title=The Art of Diplomacy |publisher=Waterside Productions |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-954968-04-2 |location=California}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Tokugawa Iesato was born to the [[Gosankyo|Tayasu]] branch of the [[Tokugawa clan]], under the name '''Kamenosuke''', he became its 16th head, following the resignation of the last ''[[shōgun]],'' [[Tokugawa Yoshinobu]]. His brothers were [[Tokugawa Satotaka]] and [[Tokugawa Takachiyo]], who also held the Tayasu headship at different times. Iesato was also briefly the ''[[daimyō]]'' of the short-lived [[Shizuoka Domain]], before the [[abolition of the han system]] in the early 1870s. His guardian at the time was [[Matsudaira Naritami]], the former lord of the [[Tsuyama Domain]]. He was an adopted son of the fourteenth shogun, [[Tokugawa Iemochi]] and his wife, [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]] or [[Seikan'in no Miya]] (although Iesato was Iemochi's adopted son they only met once. Later Iemochi's foster mother, [[Tenshō-in]], raised Iesato). In 1866 he was sent to [[Edo Castle]] as Iemochi's son and was raised by Tenshō-in and [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]]. In 1868 he was sent to [[Kyoto]] by his mother, [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]] and met with [[Emperor Meiji]]. He married the daughter of [[Konoe Tadafusa]], [[Tokugawa Hiroko|Konoe Hiroko]], who bore him [[Iemasa Tokugawa]], the seventeenth Tokugawa family head, [[Yasuko Takatsukasa|Yasuko Tokugawa]], who married [[Nobusuke Takatsukasa]] and bore him [[Toshimichi Takatsukasa]], [[Ryōko Tokugawa]], and [[Toshiko Tokugawa]].
Tokugawa Iesato was born to the [[Gosankyo|Tayasu]] branch of the [[Tokugawa clan]], under the name '''Kamenosuke''', he became its 16th head on June 19, 1868,<ref>{{cite book|first=Ernest|last=Satow|title=Diplomat in Japan|location=London|year=1921|page=374}}</ref> following the resignation of the last ''[[shōgun]],'' [[Tokugawa Yoshinobu]]. His brothers were [[Tokugawa Satotaka]] and [[Tokugawa Takachiyo]], who also held the Tayasu headship at different times. Iesato was also briefly the ''[[daimyō]]'' of the short-lived [[Shizuoka Domain]], before the [[abolition of the han system]] in the early 1870s. His guardian at the time was [[Matsudaira Naritami]], the former lord of the [[Tsuyama Domain]]. He was an adopted son of the fourteenth shogun, [[Tokugawa Iemochi]] and his wife, [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]] or Seikan'in no Miya (although Iesato was Iemochi's adopted son they only met once. Later Iemochi's foster mother, [[Tenshō-in]], raised Iesato). In 1866 he was sent to [[Edo Castle]] as Iemochi's son and was raised by Tenshō-in and [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]]. In 1868 he was sent to [[Kyoto]] by his mother, [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]] and met with [[Emperor Meiji]]. He married the daughter of [[Konoe Tadafusa]], Konoe Hiroko, who bore him [[Iemasa Tokugawa]], the seventeenth Tokugawa family head, Yasuko Tokugawa, who married [[Nobusuke Takatsukasa]] and bore him [[Toshimichi Takatsukasa]], Ryōko Tokugawa, and Toshiko Tokugawa.


==Family==
==Family==
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* Adoptive Father: [[Tokugawa Iemochi]]
* Adoptive Father: [[Tokugawa Iemochi]]
* Adoptive Mother: [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]]
* Adoptive Mother: [[Kazu-no-Miya Chikako]]
* Wife: [[Konoe Hiroko]] (1867–1944)
* Wife: Konoe Hiroko (1867–1944)
* Children:
* Children:
** [[Tokugawa Iemasa]]
** [[Tokugawa Iemasa]]
** Tokugawa Yasuko married [[Nobusuke Takatsukasa]]
** Tokugawa Yasuko married [[Nobusuke Takatsukasa]]
** Tokugawa Ryoko married Matsudaira Yasumasa
** Tokugawa Ryoko married Matsudaira Yasumasa
** [[Tokugawa Toshiko]] married Matsudaira Naokuni
** Tokugawa Toshiko married Matsudaira Naokuni


==Career and legacy==
==Career and legacy==


In 1877, Iesato was sent to [[Eton College]] in [[Great Britain]] to study. He returned to Japan in 1882, and was given the title of ''kōshaku'' (公爵こうしゃく, prince) under the ''[[kazoku]]'' peerage system. He became a member of the [[House of Peers (Japan)|House of Peers]] of the [[Diet of Japan]] from its creation in 1890, and served as President of the House of Peers from 1903-1933. When the administration of [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Yamamoto Gonnohyōe]] was brought down by the [[Siemens scandal]], there was a strong movement to have Tokugawa Iesato nominated to be his successor as the new Prime Minister.
In 1877, Iesato was sent to [[Eton College]] in [[Great Britain]] to study. He aspired to be matriculated at either the [[University of Cambridge]] or [[University of Oxford|Oxford]], but on Tenshō-in's request, he decided to give up his studies in England and went back to Japan in 1882.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hoshina |first=Junko |title=花はな葵あおい 徳川とくがわ邸ていおもいで話ばなし |publisher=毎日新聞社まいにちしんぶんしゃ |year=1998 |isbn=4620312347}}</ref> In 1884, when the nobility system was reformed to align more with the [[Peerages in the United Kingdom|British system]], he was given the title of ''kōshaku'' (公爵こうしゃく, prince or duke) in the newly-created ''[[kazoku]]'' peerage system. He became a member of the [[House of Peers (Japan)|House of Peers]] of the [[Diet of Japan]] from its creation in 1890, and served as President of the House of Peers from 1903 to 1933. When the administration of [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Yamamoto Gonnohyōe]] was brought down by the [[Siemens scandal]], there was a strong movement to have Tokugawa Iesato nominated to be his successor as the new Prime Minister.

⚫
Japan not only militarily supported her western allies’ in their war efforts, she also aided the Allies’ sick and wounded during and after the war. In 1917, out of empathy for the suffering resulting from the enormous death and destruction in Europe during World War One, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and his close friend and ally [[Shibusawa Eiichi|Baron Shibusawa Eiichi]] (aka Baron Eiichi Shibusawa) along with their other Japanese associates published a condolence booklet honoring their western allies. This 1917 condolence booklet describes the Japanese creating an association that collected a monetary fund that was given to Allied nations to help with their war related health costs. This association was headed by Prince Iyesato Tokugawa its president, and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa and S. Shimada as its vice-presidents. Many of Japan’s top leaders contributed articles to this booklet expressing their support of the Allies. This condolence booklet was published in a French and English edition. The condolence booklet was titled: Japan to her Allies: A Message of Practical Sympathy from the Japan Association for Aiding the Sick and Wounded Soldiers and Others Suffering from the War in the Allied Countries. Published in Tokyo, Japan, 1917. The illustrated biography The Art of Peace by Stan S. Katz highlights the alliance between Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa as they promoted democracy and international goodwill.


⚫
Japan not only militarily supported its western allies in their war efforts, it also aided the Allies’ sick and wounded during and after the war. In 1917, out of empathy for the suffering resulting from the enormous death and destruction in Europe during World War I, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and his close friend and ally [[Shibusawa Eiichi|Baron Shibusawa Eiichi]], along with their other Japanese associates, published a condolence booklet honoring their western allies. This 1917 condolence booklet described the Japanese creating an association to collect a monetary fund which was given to Allied nations to help with their war-related health costs. This association was headed by Prince Iyesato Tokugawa as its president, and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa and S. Shimada as its vice-presidents. Many of Japan's top leaders contributed articles to this booklet expressing their support of the Allies. This condolence booklet was published in a French and English edition. The condolence booklet was titled ''Japan to her Allies: A Message of Practical Sympathy from the Japan Association for Aiding the Sick and Wounded Soldiers and Others Suffering from the War in the Allied Countries, Published in Tokyo, Japan, 1917''. The illustrated biography ''The Art of Peace'' by Stan S. Katz highlights the alliance between Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa as they promoted democracy and international goodwill.{{sfn|Katz|2019}}
The August 21, 1918 press photo illustration to the right presents Prince Iyesato Tokugawa with his wife and children. The rare over one hundred year old photo was taken on the occasion of Prince Tokugawa being honored on the Fiftieth Anniversary of his being the 16th hereditary head of the shogunal branch of the Tokugawas. In 1868, a half-century prior to this photo he ascended to that prestigious leadership position. Iyesato’s son, Iyemasa, sits adjacent to his father. Iyesato and his wife (far left) are also accompanied by their three daughters. Notice in the upper margin of the photo, several individuals respectfully look on as the photograph is taken.


[[File:Kijūrō Shidehara, Tomosaburō Katō and Iesato Tokugawa.jpg|thumb|right|From left to right, [[Kijūrō Shidehara]], [[Katō Tomosaburō]] and Iesato on November 3, 1921, to attend the [[Washington Naval Conference]].]]
[[File:Kijūrō Shidehara, Tomosaburō Katō and Iesato Tokugawa.jpg|thumb|right|From left to right, [[Kijūrō Shidehara]], [[Katō Tomosaburō]], and Iesato on November 3, 1921, to attend the [[Washington Naval Conference]].]]
Following [[World War I]], Iesato headed the Japanese delegation to the [[Washington Naval Conference]]. His support of the [[United States]] position on the 10:10:6 division of naval strength between the United States, [[Great Britain]] and Japan drew considerable wrath from the ultra-rightist movements and conservative factions within the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]].
Following [[World War I]], Iesato headed the Japanese delegation to the [[Washington Naval Conference]]. His support of the [[United States]] position on the 10:10:6 division of naval strength between the United States, [[Great Britain]] and Japan drew considerable wrath from the ultra-rightist movements and conservative factions within the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]].<ref>{{harvnb|Katz|2022|pages=74–76}}</ref>


Iesato is remembered for having recovered the political fortunes and reputation of the Tokugawa family, holding many senior government positions before his retirement, including In 1928, being appointed as the 7th President of the [[Japanese Red Cross]] Society, head of the [[Japan-America Society]], and President of the national organizing committee for the [[1940 Summer Olympics|1940 Olympics]].
Iesato is remembered for having recovered the political fortunes and reputation of the Tokugawa family, holding many senior government positions before his retirement, including in 1928, being appointed as the 7th President of the [[Japanese Red Cross]] Society, head of the [[Japan-America Society]], and President of the national organizing committee for the [[1940 Summer Olympics|1940 Olympics]].<ref>{{harvnb|Katz|2022|pages=420–460}}</ref>


Iesato is quoted as once having said about his adoptive father: "Yoshinobu destroyed the Tokugawa house; I rebuilt it."
Iesato is quoted as once having said about his adoptive father: "Yoshinobu destroyed the Tokugawa house; I rebuilt it."{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}


His grave is at the Tokugawa family cemetery at the temple of [[Kan'ei-ji]] in [[Ueno, Tokyo]]. He was succeeded by [[Tokugawa Iemasa|his son Tokugawa Iemasa]] (also known as Tokugawa Iyemasa).
His grave is at the Tokugawa family cemetery at the temple of [[Kan'ei-ji]] in [[Ueno, Tokyo]]. He was succeeded by his son [[Tokugawa Iemasa]] (also known as Tokugawa Iyemasa).


In 1930, [[Rotary International]] wished to recognize and honor Prince Iyesato Tokugawa’s lifelong devotion to maintaining international goodwill by selecting him to be the Keynote speaker at their Silver (25th) Anniversary Convention celebration. There are 1930 photos available that present the founder of Rotary International, [[Paul Harris (Rotary)|Paul Harris]], along with the current President of Rotary (1929-1930) M. Eugene Newsom, introducing their Keynote speaker Prince Tokugawa to the 15,000 Rotarians attending the event from around the world.<ref name=":1" />
In 1930, [[Rotary International]] wished to recognize and honor Prince Iyesato Tokugawa's lifelong devotion to maintaining international goodwill by selecting him to be the Keynote speaker at their Silver (25th) Anniversary Convention celebration. There are photos available from 1930 that present the founder of Rotary International, [[Paul Harris (Rotary)|Paul Harris]], along with the current President of Rotary (1929-1930) M. Eugene Newsom, introducing their Keynote speaker Prince Tokugawa to the 15,000 Rotarians attending the event from around the world.<ref name=":1" />


One of Prince Tokugawa's close allies during the 1930s in the promotion of goodwill between Japan and the United States was [[Joseph Grew|Ambassador Joseph Grew]]. In 1932, Prince Tokugawa honored Grew with a reception when he first became U.S. Ambassador to Japan.<ref name=":0" />
One of Prince Tokugawa's close allies during the 1930s in the promotion of goodwill between Japan and the United States was [[Joseph Grew|Ambassador Joseph Grew]]. In 1932, Prince Tokugawa honored Grew with a reception when he first became U.S. Ambassador to Japan.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:1930 Tokugawa Iesato.jpg|thumb|[[Autochrome Lumière|Autochrome]] portrait by Georges Chevalier, 1930]]
From late 1933 and into 1934, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa went on a world tour. He first arrived in the U.S. in San Francisco, California. He had only recently retired from his distinguished thirty-year career as President of the Japan's upper house of congress, the ''House of Peers''. He arrived aboard the ''Chichibu Maru'' ocean liner en route to England. During his travels, he stated he wished to renew old friendships. Prince Tokugawa first visited America in 1882, after completing his studies in England. The Prince mentioned he looked forward to visiting the World's Fair being held in Chicago. Besides being a pleasant vacation, Prince Tokugawa's world travels were very much directed at attempting to further strengthen Japan's relationship with its allies in the U.S. and Europe so as to better resist a rising global militarism and fascism. While in the U.S., Prince Tokugawa delivered a radio address to the American public describing the long enduring and friendly relations between United States and Japan; he also met with President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt|Franklin Delano Roosevelt]], as well as other U.S. congressional leaders, encouraging a united front to prevent a potential upcoming war.<ref>{{harvnb|Katz|2022|pages=231–254}}</ref>


<br />From late 1933 and into 1934, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa went on a World Tour. He first arrived in the U.S. in San Francisco, California. He had only recently retired from his distinguished thirty year career as President of the Japan’s upper house of congress, the ''House of Peers''. He arrived aboard the ''Chichibu Maru Ocean Liner'' enroute to England. During his travels, he stated he wished to renew old friendships. Prince Tokugawa first visited America in 1882, after completing his studies in England. The Prince mentioned he looked forward to visiting the World’s Fair being held in Chicago. Besides being a pleasant vacation, Prince Tokugawa's world travels were very much directed at attempting to further strengthen Japan’s relationship with its allies in the U.S. and Europe so as to better resist a rising global militarism and fascism. While in the U.S., Prince Tokugawa delivered a radio address to the American public describing the long enduring and friendly relations between United States and Japan; he also met with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as well as other U.S. congressional leaders, encouraging a united front to prevent a potential upcoming war. During his visit, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa in 1934 received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the [[University of Southern California]]. The president of the university, [[Rufus B. von KleinSmid|Dr. Rufus B. von Kleinsmid]], hands the degree to Prince Tokugawa. Left to right in photo: Prince Iyesato Tokugawa; Iyemasa Tokugawa (Iyesato’s son); George I. Cochran; Dr. Rufus B. von Kleinsmid. This presentation took place during a special luncheon given March 19th, 1934 in Los Angeles, hosted by George I. Cochran, the president of the school's Board of Trustees. The Los Angeles Times<ref>{{Cite news|title=City to Honor Peer of Japan – Nippon Prince to be Greeted – Descendant of Shoguns Will Arrive Here Saturday – Peer Accompanied by Son, New Envoy to Canada – Banquet and U.S.C. Degree on Program for Visit The Los Angeles Times, page 18|date=March 14, 1934|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title="Japan Prince Lauds Peace – Visitor Honored Aboard Liner – Tokugawa Cites Trade Ties with America as Basis of Mutual Friendship – State and Civic Leaders Attend Colorful Banquet for Noted Statesmen" page 15|date=March 19, 1934|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=''Tokugawa Honored by S.C. – Famed Japanese Visitor and Peace Advocate Given Degree Before Departing City." Main Edition, page 32.|date=March 20, 1934|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> stated that this honorary degree was given to Prince Tokugawa “in recognition of distinguished service in international statesmanship,” and for his “support of many philanthropic and educational movements.” In accepting the honor, Prince Tokugawa respectfully said, “He wished to receive it in the name of the Japanese people as a whole rather than as a personal distinction.” Prince Iyesato Tokugawa was accompanied by his son Iyemasa, who was the newly appointed Minister to Canada, and by his grand-daughter Miss Toyo Tokugawa. The Los Angeles Times also stated that a banquet dinner was to be hosted that evening by the Japan-America Society of Los Angeles to honor the Prince Tokugawa's visit. The Japan-America Society of Los Angeles is part of the [[National Association of Japan-America Societies]]. The Los Angeles Times stated that the Governor of California [[James Rolph]] and the former Mayor of Los Angeles John C. Porter planned to attend .<ref name=":0" />
During his visit in 1934, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the [[University of Southern California]]. The president of the university, Dr. [[Rufus B. von KleinSmid]], handed the degree to Prince Tokugawa. This presentation took place during a special luncheon given March 19, 1934 in Los Angeles, hosted by George I. Cochran, the president of the school's board of trustees. The [[Los Angeles Times]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=City to Honor Peer of Japan – Nippon Prince to be Greeted – Descendant of Shoguns Will Arrive Here Saturday – Peer Accompanied by Son, New Envoy to Canada – Banquet and U.S.C. Degree on Program for Visit|page=18|date=March 14, 1934|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Japan Prince Lauds Peace – Visitor Honored Aboard Liner – Tokugawa Cites Trade Ties with America as Basis of Mutual Friendship – State and Civic Leaders Attend Colorful Banquet for Noted Statesmen|page=15|date=March 19, 1934|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Tokugawa Honored by S.C. – Famed Japanese Visitor and Peace Advocate Given Degree Before Departing City|page=32|date=March 20, 1934|work=[[Los Angeles Times]], Main Edition}}</ref> stated that this honorary degree was given to Prince Tokugawa "in recognition of distinguished service in international statesmanship", and for his "support of many philanthropic and educational movements." In accepting the honor, Prince Tokugawa respectfully said, "He wished to receive it in the name of the Japanese people as a whole rather than as a personal distinction."{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} Prince Iyesato Tokugawa was accompanied by his son Iyemasa, who was the newly appointed Minister to Canada, and by his granddaughter Miss Toyo Tokugawa. The Japan-America Society of Los Angeles (part of the [[National Association of Japan-America Societies]]) was to host a banquet dinner that evening to honor Prince Tokugawa's visit; California Governor [[James Rolph]] and former Mayor of Los Angeles John C. Porter planned to attend.<ref name=":0" />


==References==
==References==
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===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1940/jun/11/the-late-prince-tokugawa#S5LV0116P0_19400611_HOL_4 Message of condolences by the British government following the death of Tokugawa, June 11, 1940, ''House of Lords Debates'', vol. 116 cc508-9]
* [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1940/jun/11/the-late-prince-tokugawa#S5LV0116P0_19400611_HOL_4 Message of condolences by the British government following the death of Tokugawa, June 11, 1940, ''House of Lords Debates'', vol. 116 cc508-9]
* {{Cite journal|date=May 2016|title='The Antiquarian and the Creative Writing' journal article highlights the friendship and alliance between Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and a U.S. intelligence agent Colonel Sidney Mashbir.|url=http://sdjewishjournal.com/sdjj/natalie-jacobs/the-antiquarian-and-the-creative-writing/|journal=San Diego Jewish Journal}}
* {{Cite journal|date=May 2016|title='The Antiquarian and the Creative Writing' journal article highlights the friendship and alliance between Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and a U.S. intelligence agent Colonel Sidney Mashbir.|url=http://sdjewishjournal.com/sdjj/natalie-jacobs/the-antiquarian-and-the-creative-writing/|journal=San Diego Jewish Journal}}
*{{Cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/sdut-stan-katz-the-emperor-and-the-spy-2016may18-story.html|title=Novelist brings spy out the shadows|last=Kragen|first=Pam|date=May 18, 2016|work=San Diego Union Tribune}}
*{{Cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/sdut-stan-katz-the-emperor-and-the-spy-2016may18-story.html|title=Novelist brings spy out the shadows|last=Kragen|first=Pam|date=May 18, 2016|work=San Diego Union Tribune}}
*Introduction to illustrated biography about Prince Tokugawa Iesato: {{Cite web|url=https://theemperorandthespy.com/2019/10/the-art-of-peace-the-illustrated-biography-on-prince-iyesato-tokugawa/|title=The Art of Peace|last=Katz|first=Stan S.|date=October 15, 2019|website=TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com}}
*Introduction to illustrated biography about Prince Tokugawa Iesato: {{Cite web|url=https://theemperorandthespy.com/2019/10/the-art-of-peace-the-illustrated-biography-on-prince-iyesato-tokugawa/|title=The Art of Peace|last=Katz|first=Stan S.|date=October 15, 2019|website=TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com |ref=none}}
* {{PM20|FID=pe/036783}}
* {{PM20|FID=pe/036783}}
*Video presentation on U.S. Japan relations that highlights Prince Iesato Tokugawa: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - University of California San Diego <ref>{{Cite web|last=Katz|first=Stan S.|date=January 8, 2020|title=The Emperor and the Spy, The Secret Alliance to Prevent WWII|url=https://drstankatz.com/video|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=drstankatz.com}}</ref>
*Video presentation on U.S. Japan relations that highlights Prince Iesato Tokugawa: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - University of California San Diego: {{Cite web |last=Katz |first=Stan S. |date=January 8, 2020 |title=The Emperor and the Spy, The Secret Alliance to Prevent WWII |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu45j0XoO6k&t=17s |access-date= |website=TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com}}


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{{succession box | title=[[Tokugawa clan|Tokugawa family head]] | before=[[Tokugawa Yoshinobu]] | after= [[Tokugawa Iemasa]]| years=1868–1940}}
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{{succession box | title=[[Tokugawa clan|Tayasu-Tokugawa family head]] | before=[[Tokugawa Takachiyo]] | after= [[Tokugawa Yoshiyori]]| years=1865–1868}}
{{succession box | title=[[Tokugawa clan|Tayasu-Tokugawa family head]] | before=[[Tokugawa Takachiyo]] | after= [[Tokugawa Yoshiyori]]| years=1865 – 1868}}
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{{s-ttl|title=[[House of Peers (Japan)|President of the House of Peers]]|years=1903–1933}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[House of Peers (Japan)|President of the House of Peers]]|years=1903–1933}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Fumimaro Konoe]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Konoe Fumimaro]]}}
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{{s-bef|before=[[Tokugawa Yoshinobu]]}}
{{s-tul|title=''[[Sei-i Taishōgun]]''|years=June 19, 1868 – June 5, 1940|reason=[[Meiji Restoration|Shogunate abolished]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Tokugawa Iemasa]]}}
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Revision as of 20:43, 24 April 2024

In this Japanese name, the surname is Tokugawa.
Prince
Tokugawa Iesato
President of the House of Peers
In office
4 December 1903 – 9 June 1933
MonarchsMeiji
Taisho
Showa
Preceded byPrince Konoe Atsumaro
Succeeded byPrince Konoe Fumimaro
Personal details
Born
Tokugawa Kamenosuke

(1863-08-24)August 24, 1863
DiedJune 5, 1940(1940-06-05) (aged 76)
SpouseKonoe Hiroko (1867–1944)
ChildrenIemasa Tokugawa, Yasuko Tokugawa, Ryōko Tokugawa, Toshiko Tokugawa
Alma materEton College

Prince Tokugawa Iesato (徳川とくがわ 家達いえさと, August 24, 1863 – June 5, 1940) was the first head of the Tokugawa clan after the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, and a significant figure in Japanese politics and diplomacy during the Meiji, Taishō and early Shōwa period of Japan. When Prince Tokugawa travelled to other nations representing Japan during his diplomatic journeys, he usually presented his name as Prince Iyesato Tokugawa.[1] Prince Tokugawa held the influential position of president of Japan's upper house of congress the Diet for 30 years. Tokugawa promoted democratic principles and international goodwill. It was only after his death in 1940 that Japanese militants were able to push Japan into joining the Axis Powers in WWII.[2][3]

Early life

Tokugawa Iesato was born to the Tayasu branch of the Tokugawa clan, under the name Kamenosuke, he became its 16th head on June 19, 1868,[4] following the resignation of the last shōgun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu. His brothers were Tokugawa Satotaka and Tokugawa Takachiyo, who also held the Tayasu headship at different times. Iesato was also briefly the daimyō of the short-lived Shizuoka Domain, before the abolition of the han system in the early 1870s. His guardian at the time was Matsudaira Naritami, the former lord of the Tsuyama Domain. He was an adopted son of the fourteenth shogun, Tokugawa Iemochi and his wife, Kazu-no-Miya Chikako or Seikan'in no Miya (although Iesato was Iemochi's adopted son they only met once. Later Iemochi's foster mother, Tenshō-in, raised Iesato). In 1866 he was sent to Edo Castle as Iemochi's son and was raised by Tenshō-in and Kazu-no-Miya Chikako. In 1868 he was sent to Kyoto by his mother, Kazu-no-Miya Chikako and met with Emperor Meiji. He married the daughter of Konoe Tadafusa, Konoe Hiroko, who bore him Iemasa Tokugawa, the seventeenth Tokugawa family head, Yasuko Tokugawa, who married Nobusuke Takatsukasa and bore him Toshimichi Takatsukasa, Ryōko Tokugawa, and Toshiko Tokugawa.

Family

Career and legacy

In 1877, Iesato was sent to Eton College in Great Britain to study. He aspired to be matriculated at either the University of Cambridge or Oxford, but on Tenshō-in's request, he decided to give up his studies in England and went back to Japan in 1882.[5] In 1884, when the nobility system was reformed to align more with the British system, he was given the title of kōshaku (公爵こうしゃく, prince or duke) in the newly-created kazoku peerage system. He became a member of the House of Peers of the Diet of Japan from its creation in 1890, and served as President of the House of Peers from 1903 to 1933. When the administration of Prime Minister Yamamoto Gonnohyōe was brought down by the Siemens scandal, there was a strong movement to have Tokugawa Iesato nominated to be his successor as the new Prime Minister.

Japan not only militarily supported its western allies in their war efforts, it also aided the Allies’ sick and wounded during and after the war. In 1917, out of empathy for the suffering resulting from the enormous death and destruction in Europe during World War I, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and his close friend and ally Baron Shibusawa Eiichi, along with their other Japanese associates, published a condolence booklet honoring their western allies. This 1917 condolence booklet described the Japanese creating an association to collect a monetary fund which was given to Allied nations to help with their war-related health costs. This association was headed by Prince Iyesato Tokugawa as its president, and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa and S. Shimada as its vice-presidents. Many of Japan's top leaders contributed articles to this booklet expressing their support of the Allies. This condolence booklet was published in a French and English edition. The condolence booklet was titled Japan to her Allies: A Message of Practical Sympathy from the Japan Association for Aiding the Sick and Wounded Soldiers and Others Suffering from the War in the Allied Countries, Published in Tokyo, Japan, 1917. The illustrated biography The Art of Peace by Stan S. Katz highlights the alliance between Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa as they promoted democracy and international goodwill.[6]

From left to right, Kijūrō Shidehara, Katō Tomosaburō, and Iesato on November 3, 1921, to attend the Washington Naval Conference.

Following World War I, Iesato headed the Japanese delegation to the Washington Naval Conference. His support of the United States position on the 10:10:6 division of naval strength between the United States, Great Britain and Japan drew considerable wrath from the ultra-rightist movements and conservative factions within the Imperial Japanese Navy.[7]

Iesato is remembered for having recovered the political fortunes and reputation of the Tokugawa family, holding many senior government positions before his retirement, including in 1928, being appointed as the 7th President of the Japanese Red Cross Society, head of the Japan-America Society, and President of the national organizing committee for the 1940 Olympics.[8]

Iesato is quoted as once having said about his adoptive father: "Yoshinobu destroyed the Tokugawa house; I rebuilt it."[citation needed]

His grave is at the Tokugawa family cemetery at the temple of Kan'ei-ji in Ueno, Tokyo. He was succeeded by his son Tokugawa Iemasa (also known as Tokugawa Iyemasa).

In 1930, Rotary International wished to recognize and honor Prince Iyesato Tokugawa's lifelong devotion to maintaining international goodwill by selecting him to be the Keynote speaker at their Silver (25th) Anniversary Convention celebration. There are photos available from 1930 that present the founder of Rotary International, Paul Harris, along with the current President of Rotary (1929-1930) M. Eugene Newsom, introducing their Keynote speaker Prince Tokugawa to the 15,000 Rotarians attending the event from around the world.[1]

One of Prince Tokugawa's close allies during the 1930s in the promotion of goodwill between Japan and the United States was Ambassador Joseph Grew. In 1932, Prince Tokugawa honored Grew with a reception when he first became U.S. Ambassador to Japan.[9]

Autochrome portrait by Georges Chevalier, 1930

From late 1933 and into 1934, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa went on a world tour. He first arrived in the U.S. in San Francisco, California. He had only recently retired from his distinguished thirty-year career as President of the Japan's upper house of congress, the House of Peers. He arrived aboard the Chichibu Maru ocean liner en route to England. During his travels, he stated he wished to renew old friendships. Prince Tokugawa first visited America in 1882, after completing his studies in England. The Prince mentioned he looked forward to visiting the World's Fair being held in Chicago. Besides being a pleasant vacation, Prince Tokugawa's world travels were very much directed at attempting to further strengthen Japan's relationship with its allies in the U.S. and Europe so as to better resist a rising global militarism and fascism. While in the U.S., Prince Tokugawa delivered a radio address to the American public describing the long enduring and friendly relations between United States and Japan; he also met with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as well as other U.S. congressional leaders, encouraging a united front to prevent a potential upcoming war.[10]

During his visit in 1934, Prince Iyesato Tokugawa received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Southern California. The president of the university, Dr. Rufus B. von KleinSmid, handed the degree to Prince Tokugawa. This presentation took place during a special luncheon given March 19, 1934 in Los Angeles, hosted by George I. Cochran, the president of the school's board of trustees. The Los Angeles Times[11][12][13] stated that this honorary degree was given to Prince Tokugawa "in recognition of distinguished service in international statesmanship", and for his "support of many philanthropic and educational movements." In accepting the honor, Prince Tokugawa respectfully said, "He wished to receive it in the name of the Japanese people as a whole rather than as a personal distinction."[citation needed] Prince Iyesato Tokugawa was accompanied by his son Iyemasa, who was the newly appointed Minister to Canada, and by his granddaughter Miss Toyo Tokugawa. The Japan-America Society of Los Angeles (part of the National Association of Japan-America Societies) was to host a banquet dinner that evening to honor Prince Tokugawa's visit; California Governor James Rolph and former Mayor of Los Angeles John C. Porter planned to attend.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b Katz, Stan S. (2019). The Art of Peace: an illustrated biography on Prince Tokugawa. California: Horizon Productions. pp. Introduction to the biography. ISBN 978-0-9903349-2-7.
  2. ^ "The Art of Peace: the illustrated biography of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa - Introduction". Stan. S. Katz. 2020-04-13. Retrieved 2021-09-21.
  3. ^ Katz, Stan S. (2022). The Art of Diplomacy. California: Waterside Productions. ISBN 978-1-954968-04-2.
  4. ^ Satow, Ernest (1921). Diplomat in Japan. London. p. 374.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ Hoshina, Junko (1998). 花はな葵あおい 徳川とくがわ邸ていおもいで話ばなし. 毎日新聞社まいにちしんぶんしゃ. ISBN 4620312347.
  6. ^ Katz 2019.
  7. ^ Katz 2022, pp. 74–76
  8. ^ Katz 2022, pp. 420–460
  9. ^ a b "Introduction to The Art of Peace: an illustrated biography about Prince Iyesato Tokugawa". Stan. S. Katz. 2019-10-15. Retrieved 2019-10-17.
  10. ^ Katz 2022, pp. 231–254
  11. ^ "City to Honor Peer of Japan – Nippon Prince to be Greeted – Descendant of Shoguns Will Arrive Here Saturday – Peer Accompanied by Son, New Envoy to Canada – Banquet and U.S.C. Degree on Program for Visit". Los Angeles Times. March 14, 1934. p. 18.
  12. ^ "Japan Prince Lauds Peace – Visitor Honored Aboard Liner – Tokugawa Cites Trade Ties with America as Basis of Mutual Friendship – State and Civic Leaders Attend Colorful Banquet for Noted Statesmen". Los Angeles Times. March 19, 1934. p. 15.
  13. ^ "Tokugawa Honored by S.C. – Famed Japanese Visitor and Peace Advocate Given Degree Before Departing City". Los Angeles Times, Main Edition. March 20, 1934. p. 32.

Bibliography

  • Katz, Stan S. The Emperor and the Spy, is an historical novel that honors the accomplishments of Prince Tokugawa Iesato as he strove to maintain good relations between Japan and America during the first 40 years of the 20th century. (2015 and 2017 Revised Edition) ISBN 978-0-9903349-4-1
  • Banno, Junji. The Establishment of the Japanese Constitutional System. Routledge (1992). ISBN 0-415-00497-7
  • Fraser, Andrew. Japan's Early Parliaments, 1890–1905. Routledge (1995). ISBN 0-415-03075-7
  • Lebra, Sugiyama Takie. Above the Clouds: Status Culture of the Modern Japanese Nobility. University of California Press (1995). ISBN 0-520-07602-8
  • Sims, Richard. Japanese Political History Since the Meiji Renovation 1868–2000. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 0-312-23915-7

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tokugawa Iesato.


Preceded by Tokugawa family head
June 19, 1868 – June 5, 1940 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Tayasu-Tokugawa family head
1865 – 1868 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by President of the House of Peers
1903–1933 		Succeeded by
Military offices
Preceded by — TITULAR —
Sei-i Taishōgun
June 19, 1868 – June 5, 1940
Reason for succession failure:
Shogunate abolished 		Succeeded by
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