Tsuda Sen

Tsuda Sen was a politician, educator and entrepreneur in Meiji period. In 1867 he opened the first western hotel in Tsukiji. During his visit of Vienna Exposition he received a lesson on Western agricultural techniques. After returning to Japan in 1874 he opened the Gakunosha Nogakko (Gakunosha School of Agriculture) in Azabu and worked to introduce and promote Western vegetables (particularly corn) and fruits.

He sold the corn by mail advertisement and thus he is the first such entrepreneur in Japan. Tsuda also played an important role in establishing Christian schools in the early Meiji period, such as Aoyama Gakuin, Doshisha, Friend’s Girl’s School, and Tokyo Moua Gakuin. The Friend’s Girl’s School, which he named, started from a temporary school within Tsuda’s house. He was involved in most of the work to create the early foundation of Aoyama Gakuin. His funeral was held in the auditorium of that school.