10 Facts About Sano Tsunetami

Sano Tsunetami's son, Admiral Sano Tsuneha, was a leading figure in the establishment of the Scout Association of Japan.

Sano Tsunetami accompanied his step-father to Edo in 1837, where he studied Confucianism, but returned to Saga in 1839 to continue his medical education.

Sano Tsunetami then returned to Edo in 1849 to study under Ito Gemboku, Totsuka Seikai, and others.

Sano Tsunetami was selected by the domain as one of its first students.

The goal of Saga Domain was to build a western-style steam warship, which Sano Tsunetami helped complete in 1865.

Sano Tsunetami accompanied the Japanese delegation to the Paris Exposition of 1867, and while in Paris learned of the International Red Cross.

Sano Tsunetami's organization became the Japanese Red Cross Society in 1887, with Sano Tsunetami as its first president.

Sano Tsunetami created the Ryuchikai, the forerunner of the Japan Art Association in 1879, in an attempt to stem the outflow of Japanese important cultural properties to overseas collectors.

In 1887, Sano Tsunetami was recognized for his accomplishments with elevation to the kazoku peerage with the title of viscount and was appointed a member of the Privy Council in 1888.

In 1895, Sano Tsunetami was elevated to the title of count.