14 Facts About Fukushima Yasumasa

Baron Fukushima Yasumasa was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army.

Fukushima Yasumasa participated in the government forces in the Satsuma Rebellion.

Fukushima Yasumasa was a staff officer of the Japanese First Army when the First Sino-Japanese War broke out.

Fukushima Yasumasa, who spoke 10 languages fluently, was a popular figure in German society during his stay in Berlin.

Fukushima Yasumasa made a reputation during his stay in Berlin, for winning all manner of wagers involving feats of arms or physical strength.

Fukushima Yasumasa later claimed that the reason for his long ride across Russia was a wager made over drinks against some German cavalry majors.

Fukushima Yasumasa shared Burnaby's political views that Russia was the chief enemy of both Great Britain and Japan.

Fukushima Yasumasa subsequently saw service in the Boxer Rebellion, where he was in command of Japanese forces in Tianjin, as well as the Foreign Legation.

Fukushima Yasumasa stopped his special train just east of Regina, Saskatchewan to view the prairies.

Fukushima Yasumasa served with distinction in the First Sino-Japanese War, and in the Russo-Japanese War.

In 1907, Fukushima Yasumasa was elevated to the title of danshaku under the kazoku peerage system.

Fukushima Yasumasa was on good terms with fellow poet General Akashi Motojiro, and although not close friends, the two men shared ideas on the long term needs of the Japanese secret services in the Asian area.

Fukushima Yasumasa even composed a poem titled "From Fallen Petal to Rising Star", in which he honored a prostitute who became a patriot through her intelligence-gathering activities.

Fukushima Yasumasa died at age 66 and his grave is located at Aoyama Cemetery, Tokyo.