born April 17, 1837, K 014D; chi, Japan
died July 11, 1919, Tokyo
Founder of Japan's first political party, the Liberal Party (Jiy 016B; t 014D; ).
In the 1860s he became military leader of the domain of Tosa , and under his command Tosa's troops participated in the Meiji Restoration . He served sporadically in the new government, but discontent led him to found first a political club and then a national "Society of Patriots" in support of greater democracy. In 1881 he formed the Liberal Party. Though he retired in 1900, he remained its symbolic leader. See also It 014D; Hirobumi ; Meiji Constitution ; Meiji period .