Eiichi Shibusawa (Eiichi Shibusawa)

Eiichi Shibusawa

Multi-talented businessman. He developed several business  enterprises that established a groundwork for the future development of business and promoted the social welfare of Japan. Among his businesses were the Daiichi Kokuritsu Ginko Bank (now the Daiichi Kangyo Ginko Bank) and the Fukaya Brick Manufacturing Company. Shibusawa called for the “unity of morality and the economy,” urging businessmen to hold “the Analects of Confucius in one hand, an abacus in the other.” Although allowing that businessmen must earn money, Shibusawa cautioned against the use of unethical practices to do so. Shibusawa said, “[A business that] founders by holding to morals is not a failure. [A business that] prospers without holding to morals is not a success.” He also said, “[He who] seeks fame and fortune through immorality, misconduct, and deception will never achieve it. Even if he achieves temporary fame and fortune through some stroke of luck, it will be only as a floating cloud in the heavens, soon to be dispersed by a gust of wind.”  He is the subject of a biographical novel by Saburo Shiroyama entitled “Brave and Fearless.” Tokyo’s Shibusawa Memorial Museum was established in his honor. (bio by: Warrick L. Barrett)

Born

  • February, 13, 1840

Died

  • November, 11, 1931

Cemetery

  • Yanaka Cemetery
  • Japan

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