■ Kaishu Katsu (1823-1899) Born in Honjo, Sumida-ku Late Edo/ Early Meiji Period Politician
First son of Kokichi Katsu, a low-ranking official in the Shogun's administration. His real name was Yoshikuni Katsu, but he was also called Rintaro Katsu and, most famously, as Kaishu.
He was a childhood playmate of Hatsunojo, grandson of Shogun Ienari Tokugawa.
He was an accomplished swordsman and studied Western Knowledge.
He was raised in Honjo, but moved to Akasaka to study. He also founded Heigaku Juku, a military academy.
He sent a letter to the government seeking recognition as a top student and acceptance to the Nagasaki Naval Training Center.
After that, he sailed to the U.S. aboard the Rinkaimaru, which he owned. This achievement was instrumental in his being appointed Gunkan Bugyo, the government official responsible for naval matters. He was one of the key players in the bloodless overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, he played an active role as Sangi (associate counselor), naval lord, and council adviser. He also contributed significantly to the editing and publication of Edo Government records.
■ Hokusai Katsushika (1760-1849) Ukiyoe painter
His actual family name was Kawamura. He was born in Honjo.
Hokusai is one of the 30 different names he used during his life.
His "Fugaku Sanjuroku Kei" and "Hokusai Manga" are considered masterpieces.
■ Mokuami Kawatake (1816-1893) Kabuki playwright
Pen name of Yoshisaburo Yoshimura. He was born in Nihonbashi.
After being disowned by his family when he was 14 years old, he found work with a book-lender, which exposed him to books and led him toward the world of drama.
He authored a total of 360 stories.
He was living in Sumida-ku when he died.
■ Kozukenosuke Kira (1641-1702) Government official in the mid Edo Period
His real name was Yoshinaka Kira, but he is remembered as Kozukenosuke.
He was immortalized in the play, "Chushingura."
He succeeded his father as Koke, an Edo Period noble, and worked as Kimoiri, a government organizer.
At Edo Castle, he was attacked by Takuminokami (Naganori) Asano, lord of the Ako Clan, who had a grudge against him.
Naganori was ordered to commit hara-kiri (ritual suicide). Samurai faithful to Naganori took revenge by attacking and killing Yoshinaka Kira at his home. The residence was located in what is now Honjo Matsuzakamachi Park.
■ Rohan Koda (1867-1947) Novelist
Pen name of Shigeyuki Koda. He also wrote under the name of Kaguan.
He was born in Shitaya, Tokyo. His older brother was Shigetada Gunji, Chishima explorer. His younger brother was the historian Shigetomo Koda. His sisters were Nobu Koda and Ko Ando, both musicians.
From childhood, he enjoyed reading Japanese and Chinese literature on his own and acquired knowledge over a wide range of fields.
He received the 1st Order of Culture.
■ Issa Kobayashi (1763-1828) Haiku poet in the late Edo Period
Pen name of Yataro Kobayashi.
He went to Edo (Tokyo) as an apprentice. He learned Haiku, traveled for seven years, and returned to Edo.
He liked to write, leaving a number of diaries and haiku poems that expressed his feelings and views during his daily life.
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