Born in 1905 (Meiji 38 / 明治38年)

Politics & Economy

• End of Russo-Japanese War / Treaty of Portsmouth - After victory at the Battle of Tsushima, peace was mediated by the US. Public dissatisfaction arose over no war reparations
• Hibiya Incendiary Incident - Riots broke out due to dissatisfaction with the peace treaty. Martial law was declared
• Second Japan-Korea Agreement - Diplomatic agreement signed between Japan and Korea regarding foreign affairs

Society & Lifestyle

• Victory mood from Russo-Japanese War - Lantern parades and celebrations held nationwide, though citizens struggled under war debt
• “I Am a Cat” serialization begins - Natsume Soseki’s serialization in “Hototogisu” magazine. A masterpiece of modern Japanese literature
• Streetcars spread - City trams expanded in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities, becoming the main urban transportation
• Phone subscribers exceed 10,000 - Still a tool for the wealthy, but growing as communication infrastructure
• Female students’ hakama style established - Arrow-pattern kimono with maroon hakama became the symbol of female students

Sports & Entertainment

• Waseda-Keio Baseball rivalry begins - Baseball matches between Waseda and Keio universities started, becoming the highlight of student sports
• Rokyoku (Naniwabushi) gains popularity - Performers like Tochuken Kumoemon flourished. Peak era of popular entertainment
• Motion pictures spread - Permanent theaters appeared nationwide. Entertainment became established
• Gidayu-bushi becomes popular - Female Gidayu performers gained popularity
• Sumo popularity rises - The “Hitachiyama-Umegata Era” with two champion wrestlers