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First Japanese Students at Rutgers

By Stephanie Loy and Priya Agarwal

The connections between Rutgers and Japan were solidified by the arrival of numerous students to New Brunswick to complete studies at both the Rutgers College and Rutgers Grammar School. After experiencing the effects of Western dominance and numerous military defeats, many patriotic Japanese were interested in studying abroad to learn how to strengthen their defenses. New Brunswick went on to develop a lively community of Japanese students, most of whom are recorded to have immensely enjoyed their time abroad. These students were often supported by the Dutch Reformed Church, and some converted to Christianity after experiencing the Church’s impact. Students who came to Rutgers were often samurai from upper class families. Many of them adopted alternative names as it was illegal for them to leave Japan to go abroad under the Tokugawa government. When they arrived, those who did not know English studied at the Grammar School to study the language. At Rutgers, the Japanese students thrived. Many of them were highly regarded in their classes and joined various organizations, including the football team! As we examine the connections between Rutgers and Japan, it is crucial to acknowledge the lives and contributions of these students.

The following are some of the first Japanese students who came to Rutgers to study. Interestingly, they are all mentioned in the preface of William Elliot Griffis’ The Mikado’s Empire as his “friends or pupils in New Brunswick, New Jersey” and other notable Japanese students, with many of them being tutored by Griffis before he left to teach in Japan.

Yokoi Saheita and Yokoi Daihei

The first Japanese students in New Brunswick were brothers Yokoi Saheita and Yokoi Daihei, who also went by the names Sataro Ise and Saburo Numagawa, respectively. Nephews of Yokoi Shonan, a scholar and political reformer during the early Meiji period, the Yokoi brothers had studied under Guido Verbeck in Nagasaki, Japan. They were able to secretly leave Japan in 1866 and study at the Rutgers Grammar School to work on their English and prepare for college. In 1869, Sataro Ise entered the Naval Academy in Annapolis, but would leave the Academy in 1872. Unfortunately, Saburo Numagawa would leave New Brunswick after contracting tuberculosis in 1869.

Kusakabe Taro

Kusakabe Taro, born as Yagi Yasohachi, was the first Japanese student to graduate from Rutgers University in 1870. He was a gifted student studying mathematics and physical sciences. During his studies, he also became the first Japanese student to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Notably, he developed a strong connection with William E. Griffis who later traveled to Japan. Unfortunately, Kusakabe contracted tuberculosis and passed away just weeks before his graduation. His loss was a great one to the Rutgers community, and he was awarded his degree posthumously. He is buried in the Willow Grove Cemetery in New Brunswick.

Hatakeyama Yoshinari

Hatakeyama was a samurai who assumed the name Kozo Soogiwoora to attend Rutgers College in 1867. His mission was to learn about the military and technological advancements in the West so that he could help bring his clan forward. Hatakeyama faced financial difficulties that might have caused him to leave his studies; however, he managed to get support from the Dutch Reformed Church. He converted to Christianity and graduated from Rutgers in 1871. He returned to Japan in 1873 and became an officer in the Japanese Government Departments of the Interior, Education and Foreign Affairs. He then went on to become director of Imperial University at Tokyo.

Matsumura Junzo

After travelling through Europe, Matsumura Junzo went to the United States along with other Japanese students including Mori Arinori and Hatakeyama Yoshinari. Matsumura entered Rutgers College in 1868, studying English. In 1869, Matsumura enrolled at the Naval Academy in Annapolis along with Ise Sataro and became the first Japanese student to graduate from the Naval Academy. After graduating, he returned to Japan where he was dedicated to Naval education, later becoming the president of Japan’s Naval Academy.

Takagi Saburo

Takagi Saburo traveled to the United States with Tetsunosuke Tomita to accompany Katsu Koroku in his studies. He studied at Rutgers Grammar School in 1869 and remained in the US as a diplomat. He would serve as the first consul general to New York as well as a vice general to San Francisco. In addition to studying in New Brunswick, Takagi has many other ties to the city. His infant daughter is buried in the Willow Grove Cemetery in New Brunswick along with seven other Japanese students. Additionally, Takagi’s time at Rutgers Grammar School marks the beginning of the relationship between New Brunswick and Tsuruoka, Japan. The two cities would officially become sister cities on June 10, 1960.

(Pictured is Takagi Saburo, standing, and Tetsunosuke Tomita, sitting)

Katsu Koroku

Katsu was the son of Katsu Awa (Kaishu), a powerful statesman of late Tokugawa and Meiji Japan. He went to study at Rutgers Grammar School where his purpose was to learn enough about the West to remove the foreigners from Japan. During his time at Rutgers, Katsu studied grammar for two years. He spent time in the small but vibrant Japanese community that was growing in New Brunswick. Katsu went on to the Annapolis Naval Academy in Maryland and then returned to Japan and joined the Imperial Japanese Navy. His education in America allowed him to become an officer.

Iwakura Tomosada and Iwakura Tomotsune

Iwakura Tomosada and Iwakura Tomotsune came to the United States under the aliases Asahi and Tatsu. Their father was Iwakura Tomomi, a highly respected government official who is well-known for leading the Iwakura Mission. They both studied at the Rutgers Grammar School for two years. While at Rutgers, the brothers grew close to David Murray, who would later join the Ministry of Education in Japan. Tomosada would go on to serve in the Japanese government. Tomotsune would study at Oxford University as one of the first Japanese students and then return to Japan to work in the Japanese government as well.

(Iwakura Tomosada is fourth from the right, standing. Iwakura Tomotsune is eighth from the right, sitting)

Matsudaira Tadaatsu and Matsudaira Tadanari

Matsudaira Tadaatsu and Matsudaira Tadanari are the sons of Matsudaira Tadakata who was the Daimyo of the Ueda domain. They traveled to the USA as a part of the Iwakura Mission, and later joined Rutgers College for their studies. Matsudaira Tadanari excelled at Rutgers, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He graduated in 1879, and returned to Japan where he pursued various governmental positions. Matsudaira Tadaatsu, on the other hand, took quite a different path. He transferred from Rutgers to Harvard, graduating in 1877. He married an American woman and started a family in the USA. He worked as an engineer on railroads and as a miner. He was even appointed to civil office, becoming the first person of Japanese descent to do so.

(Pictured is Matsudaira Tadanari)