Katsu Kaishu

ModernGeneralJapan1823 — 1899

Shogunate naval officer who negotiated Edo's surrender.

Compare:vs Napoleon vs Julius Caesar

Quick Facts

Born

1823

Died

1899

Country

Japan

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)49

Political (20%)71

Influence (20%)74

Legacy (20%)72

Leadership (15%)81

Strategy (15%)57

Total Score68.8

Katsu Kaishu — Complete Timeline

1862 AD

Studied Naval Science in the NetherlandsCultural

Katsu was sent by the shogunate to study Western naval science and shipbuilding in the Netherlands. He returned with knowledge that he applied to modernize Japan's navy, including the construction of modern warships.

EducationWesternizationNaval Reform

Impact: nationalconstructive

1864 AD

Commanded the Shogunate NavyWar◆ Major

Katsu was appointed commander of the Tokugawa shogunate's navy. He modernized the fleet and trained officers, including future leaders of the Imperial Japanese Navy, but was unable to prevent the shogunate's eventual defeat.

Naval CommandModernizationBakumatsu

Impact: national

1868 AD

Negotiated the Surrender of Edo CastlePolitical Action

Katsu Kaishu, as the shogunate's representative, met with Saigo Takamori of the imperial forces to negotiate the peaceful surrender of Edo Castle. This prevented a destructive battle in the capital and facilitated the transition to imperial rule.

Meiji RestorationNegotiationPeaceful Transition

Impact: nationalconstructive

1872 AD

Served as Minister of the Navy in the Meiji GovernmentReform◆ Major

After the Restoration, Katsu served as Minister of the Navy in the new Meiji government. He oversaw the consolidation of the imperial navy and the adoption of Western naval practices, but resigned in 1873 due to political disagreements.

Meiji GovernmentNaval ReformModernization

Impact: nationalconstructive