The New International Encyclopædia/Okuma, Shigenobu

OKUMA, ō′kụ-mȧ, Shigenobu (1837—). A Japanese statesman, born in the province of Hizen, Kiushiu, in 1837. Okuma was one of the younger leaders in the restoration of the Emperor (1867-68), and upon the conclusion of peace received prominent official positions, distinguishing himself especially by his work in putting the finances of the Empire on a sound basis. In 1881 Okuma seceded from the company of men who were governing Japan and established the Progressive Party, advocating a more rapid advance toward constitutional and parliamentary government. In addition to his work as statesman he established a large school for the teaching of law and political economy and literature, which exerts a wide and an increasing influence. After the establishment of the Parliament Okuma again held high office and continued to be a powerful factor in the public affairs of the nation.