Born in 1911 (Meiji 44 / 明治44年)

Politics & Economy

• Japan-US Commerce Treaty revised - Complete abolition of unequal treaties. Tariff autonomy restored
• Xinhai Revolution - Qing Dynasty fell in China, Republic of China established. Major impact on Asian situation
• Second Saionji Cabinet formed - Saionji Kinmochi became Prime Minister again

Society & Lifestyle

• Hiratsuka Raicho founds “Seito” magazine - Starting point of women’s liberation movement. “In the beginning, woman was the sun”
• Urban streetcar network expands - Trams in Tokyo and Osaka became established as citizens’ transportation
• First elevator operates at Asakusa Ryounkaku - Japan’s first electric elevator became a sensation
• “Daigoso” (predecessor to Calpis) developed - Research on lactic acid beverages progressed
• City gas spreads - Transition from gas lamps to gas stoves in Tokyo, Osaka, etc.

Sports & Entertainment

• Japan’s first Olympic athlete selection - Consideration of dispatch to Stockholm Olympics
• Kabuki overseas performance - Introduced Japanese culture in London
• Motion pictures become main entertainment - Movie theaters increased nationwide
• Baseball becomes highlight of student sports - Secondary school baseball thrived nationwide
• Mori Ogai publishes “The Wild Goose” - Evaluated as masterpiece of modern literature