Dr. Inazo Nitobe

NITOBE, Dr. Inazo On the 75th Anniversary of his death in Victoria, BC Dr. Inazo Nitobe was one of Japan's best known authors, educators and statesmen, born 1862 of a samurai family in Victoria's twin-city of Morioka. In 1891, Nitobe became a Quaker through his marriage to an American woman, Mary Patterson Elkinton. His book Bushido: The Soul of Japan" written in 1899 became essential reading in the West for understanding the Japanese psyche. Nitobe's academic posts included those at the Universities of Hokkaido and Kyoto. In 1918, he became the first president of Tokyo Women's University. He later served as the first Assistant Director General for the League of Nations before becoming Japan's Chief Director to the Institute of Pacific Relations. He became a vocal critic of growing militarism. Nitobe died in Victoria at Royal Jubilee Hospital on October 15th, 1933 while returning home to Japan from a meeting of the Institute for Pacific Relations in Canada. A memorial garden at the Royal Jubilee Hospital created by Friendship Societies in Victoria and Morioka honours the memory of Dr. Inazo Nitobe, a man who expressed the desire to be a bridge across the Pacific". 504896