11 Facts About Nabeshima Naomasa

Nabeshima Naomasa was the 10th and final daimyo of Saga Domain in Hizen Province, Kyushu, Japan.

Nabeshima Naomasa's wife was the 18th daughter of shogun Tokugawa Ienari, and one of his concubines was the 19th daughter of Tokugawa Narimasa.

Nabeshima Naomasa inherited a domain on the verge or bankruptcy, due to high expenses associated with its role in guarding the foreign settlement at nearby Dejima and due to the profligate spending habits of Nabeshima Naomasa's father.

When Nabeshima Naomasa was appointed daimyo in Edo and prepared to make a journey back to his domain, a mob of creditors besieged his Edo residence demanding repayment on outstanding debts before he departed the city.

Nabeshima Naomasa was only able to take full control after the 1835 fire at Saga Castle.

Nabeshima Naomasa built the first reverberatory furnace in Japan and invited competent artisans, including swordsmiths and metal casters, from around Japan to migrate to Saga regardless of their social standing.

Nabeshima Naomasa sponsored the development of steam engines and steam-powered warships.

Nabeshima Naomasa officially retired from the position of daimyo in 1861.

Nabeshima Naomasa introduced smallpox vaccination into Japan, experimenting first on his own son.

Nabeshima Naomasa was appointed a councilor to the new Meiji government.

Nabeshima Naomasa died in 1871 at the Saga domain residence in Tokyo.