Okubo Toshimichi Related Documents: A Window into the Birth of Modern Japan

Among the vast holdings of the National Museum of Japanese History (Rekihaku) in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, lies one of the most significant collections of primary historical sources in Japan — the Okubo Toshimichi Related Documents. Designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2004, this remarkable assemblage of over 3,000 items offers an unparalleled glimpse into the political upheavals, personal relationships, and visionary ambitions that shaped the Meiji Restoration and the founding of modern Japan.

Okubo Toshimichi (1830–1878) is widely regarded as one of the chief architects of Japan's transformation from a feudal society into a modern nation-state. Together with Saigo Takamori and Kido Takayoshi, he is celebrated as one of the "Three Great Nobles of the Meiji Restoration" (Ishin no Sanketsu). The documents he left behind — and those his family carefully preserved after his assassination — tell the story of an era when Japan reshaped itself at breathtaking speed.

What Are the Okubo Toshimichi Related Documents?

The collection consists primarily of correspondence: letters that Okubo received from fellow statesmen and political figures, as well as copies and drafts of letters he sent. Beyond the written documents, the collection also includes personal belongings such as Go stones, a Go board, combs, a soap case, toothbrushes, and a washbasin — everyday items that bring the statesman's private life into vivid focus.

A total of 3,053 items held at the National Museum of Japanese History were designated as Important Cultural Property. Additional related materials are preserved at the Reimeikan (Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical Material), with the two collections together forming the complete picture of Okubo's life and legacy. The Kagoshima portion includes 1,595 letters in both scroll-mounted and unmounted forms.

Among the most notable items are letters from Saigo Takamori that reveal the inner workings of the Satsuma domain during the turbulent final years of the Tokugawa shogunate. Letters from the Meiji period include correspondence from key government figures such as Sanjo Sanetomi, Iwakura Tomomi, Kido Takayoshi, and Ito Hirobumi, offering a firsthand account of the challenges and decisions involved in building a new nation.

Why Were These Documents Designated as an Important Cultural Property?

The designation reflects the extraordinary historical and academic value of the collection. These documents serve as primary sources for understanding the political history of the Bakumatsu (late Edo) and early Meiji periods — one of the most transformative eras in Japanese history.

The collection includes materials spanning from 1853, when Okubo wrote to his brother-in-law Ishihara Chikamasa requesting a loan, through to the final years of his life. One particularly fascinating letter, dated July 19, 1872, was sent from London to Saigo Takamori during the Iwakura Mission, in which Okubo describes his inability to meet Queen Victoria and shares observations about Bismarck's reputation in Europe.

Official documents in the collection include a policy outline from December 1876 calling for administrative reform and fiscal reconstruction on the tenth anniversary of the new government's establishment, as well as negotiation drafts prepared in Beijing for post-expedition diplomacy with the Qing dynasty regarding the Taiwan Expedition.

Remarkably, some of the letters still bear scorch marks from a fire that struck the Okubo family residence in Shiba Nihon-enoki in 1889. These documents survived because they were rescued from the blaze, and the burn marks serve as physical reminders of how close these irreplaceable records came to being lost forever.

Okubo Toshimichi: The Man Behind the Documents

Born in Kajiyamachi in the castle town of Kagoshima in the Satsuma domain, Okubo grew up alongside Saigo Takamori and received a traditional education combining military training, Confucian scholarship, and Zen Buddhist philosophy. His career began modestly as an aide in the domain's archives, but through determination and political acumen, he rose to become one of the most powerful figures in Japan.

Okubo played a central role in forging the Satcho Alliance between the Satsuma and Choshu domains, which proved decisive in overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, he served as a senior councilor and later as the first Minister of Home Affairs, a position from which he drove Japan's industrialization and modernization programs.

As a key member of the Iwakura Mission (1871–1873), Okubo traveled extensively through the United States and Europe, visiting factories, railways, shipyards, and government institutions. The experience profoundly influenced his vision for Japan's future and reinforced his commitment to Western-style modernization. His policies focused on strengthening the nation through industrialization and internal development rather than military expansion abroad.

On May 14, 1878, Okubo was assassinated by a group of discontented samurai while traveling by carriage to the Imperial Palace. He was only 47 years old. Among the documents he carried at the time was a letter that still bears bloodstains — a poignant reminder of his violent death and his unwavering dedication to duty until the very end.

Highlights and Must-See Items

While the collection is vast, several items stand out as particularly compelling for visitors. The correspondence exchanged between Okubo and Saigo Takamori provides a fascinating window into one of the most famous relationships in Japanese history — two childhood friends who worked together to overthrow the shogunate but ultimately found themselves on opposite sides during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877.

The personal effects in the collection bring an intimate, human dimension to a figure often perceived through the lens of political history alone. Seeing Okubo's Go stones, combs, and toiletry items reminds visitors that behind the towering statesman was a man of everyday habits and personal tastes.

The bloodstained letter carried by Okubo at the time of his assassination is perhaps the most emotionally powerful artifact in the entire collection, connecting visitors directly to the moment of his death and the turbulence of the early Meiji era.

The academic legacy of the collection is also noteworthy. The Okubo family recognized the scholarly value of these documents early on and published them systematically. The diaries appeared as "Okubo Toshimichi Nikki" (1927), the outgoing correspondence as "Okubo Toshimichi Bunsho" (10 volumes, 1927–1930), and the incoming letters as "Okubo Toshimichi Kankei Bunsho" (5 volumes, 1965–1971).

The National Museum of Japanese History (Rekihaku)

The National Museum of Japanese History, affectionately known as Rekihaku, is Japan's premier institution for the comprehensive study and exhibition of Japanese history and folk culture. Established in 1981 and opened to the public in 1983, it is located on the grounds of the former Sakura Castle in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. The museum covers approximately 130,000 square meters and features six permanent exhibition galleries that trace Japanese history from prehistoric times to the modern era.

As an inter-university research institute, Rekihaku conducts advanced research in collaboration with universities across Japan and around the world. Its collection of approximately 230,000 items includes archaeological finds, historical documents, ethnographic materials, and detailed scale models that bring the past to life. The museum is particularly notable for its innovative use of full-scale reconstructions and dioramas that help visitors visualize historical periods in vivid detail.

Please note that the Okubo Toshimichi Related Documents, being delicate historical manuscripts, are not always on permanent display. Special exhibitions featuring selections from the collection are organized periodically. Visitors interested in viewing specific items are encouraged to check the museum's website for current exhibition schedules before planning their visit.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

The museum is situated within Sakura Castle Park, the site of the former Sakura Castle that served as the seat of the Hotta clan during the Edo period. After exploring the museum, visitors can stroll through the park to see remnants of the castle's earthworks, dry moats, and stone walls. In spring, the park is renowned for its spectacular cherry blossom displays.

Adjacent to the museum is the Kurashi no Shokubutsuen (Botanical Garden of Everyday Life), which showcases plants historically used in Japanese daily life and culture. The garden is organized into six themed sections covering food, textiles, dyeing, medicine, tool-making, and painting.

The historic Sakura samurai district, a short walk from the museum, preserves several original samurai residences that are open to the public. Sakura City is also home to the former Hotta House and the Sakura Juntendo Memorial Hall, which commemorates one of the earliest Western-style medical schools in Japan.

Access and Practical Information

Sakura City enjoys convenient access from both central Tokyo and Narita Airport. From Keisei Ueno Station, take the Keisei Line to Keisei Sakura Station (approximately 55 minutes), then walk about 15 minutes to the museum. From Narita Airport, Keisei Sakura Station is only about 20 minutes away by train. Alternatively, from JR Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line to JR Sakura Station (approximately 60 minutes), then take a bus for about 15 minutes to the museum entrance.

An express bus service also operates directly from Tokyo Station to the museum, taking approximately 90 minutes. For those arriving by car, the Sakura Interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway provides access, with free parking available at the museum.