A Local Hero Who Dedicated His Life to Flood Control and Reforestation
Meizen Kimpara
Meizen Kimpara
Born on June 7, 1832, in Anma Village, Tōtōmi Province (now Anma-chō, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu City). His childhood name was Yaichirō, which he later changed to Meizen in 1873. His family served as village headmen for generations and also ran a pawnshop and a sake brewery.Throughout his life, Kimpara initiated numerous projects that contributed to Japan’s modernization. He is especially renowned for his lifelong dedication to flood control on the Tenryū River and his reforestation efforts.
Meizen Kimpara's Biographical Summary
1832Jun 7
Born in Anma Village, Tōtōmi Province (now Anma-chō, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu City).
1868Mar
Traveled to Kyoto and submitted a proposal on Tenryū River flood control to the Meiji government (age 37).
1872Dec
Established an elementary school by offering his own home.
1875Mar
Founded the Chiga Kyōryokusha (Flood Control Cooperation Society).
1877
Established a water management school.
Textbook of the Water Management School Dec
Met with Interior Minister Toshimichi Ōkubo.
1878Aug
Completed financial reorganization and donated over 63,000 yen of his personal wealth to the Chiga Kyōryokusha.
Nov 1
Emperor Meiji visited the Chiga Kyōryokusha, and Kimpara and his wife were granted an audience.
1879Jun
Donated his entire fortune to the Chiga Kyōryokusha and was awarded a gold cup in recognition of his efforts to prevent flood damage (Shizuoka Prefecture).
1880
Co-founded a prisoner rehabilitation initiative with Kyōichirō Kawamura in Shizuoka and Hamamatsu.
(It was later reorganized into the Shizuoka Prefecture Prisoner Protection Association in 1888 and became the Shizuoka Prefecture Kanzenkai Foundation in 1911.)
To support the operation of the rehabilitation project, Meizen engaged in fundraising activities by writing calligraphy. *He began learning calligraphy at the age of 69.
1884–90
Mediated the Ono-gumi Dispute.
1884
Managed the liquidation of Maruya Bank.
1885
Established Tōri Kawase-ten, which was reorganized into Kimpara Bank in 1899.
Dec
Received approval for afforestation of government-owned forests in Sejiri Village, Toyoda District, Shizuoka Prefecture.
1886
Took over a sawmill and introduced modern machinery, later leading to the establishment of Maruten Tenryū Lumber Co., Ltd.
1887
Began managing approx. 1,200 hectares) of forestland in Sejiri Village, adjacent to the Sejiri government forest.
Sep
Donated 11,000 yen for coastal defense.
1888May
Was conferred the rank of Jugo-i (Senior Fifth Rank) but declined the title.
1890
Established the Japan Flood Control Association, with its office in Tōri Kawase-ten.
Launched the Flood Control Journal.
Launched the Flood Control Journal.
1891
Undertook afforestation management of the Amagi Imperial Forest.
1892
Founded Tenryū Transport Co., Ltd., marking the origins of Maruwn Corporation.
Tenryū Transport Office
Tenryū Transport Office1897Jul
Following the Great Nōbi Earthquake, surveyed Neodani in Motosu District, Gifu Prefecture, and developed a reforestation plan for the region.
1898Mar
Passed down family leadership to his eldest son, Akitoku, while his adopted grandson, Misaburō, took over the business (age 67).
1899Feb
Completed and donated the afforestation project of the Sejiri Imperial Forest, receiving official recognition.
1900Feb
Established Kimpara Farm in Setana District, Hokkaido (3,000 hectares).
Jun
In recognition of his contributions to the Sejiri Imperial Forest restoration, was awarded a set of gold cups and 50,000 yen by the Imperial Household Agency.
To support the operation of the rehabilitation project, Meizen engaged in fundraising activities by writing calligraphy. *He began learning calligraphy at the age of 69.
1904May
Donated approx. 1,200 hectares of forestland to establish the Kimpara Irrigation Foundation, later renamed the Kimpara Erosion and Flood Control Foundation in 1938.
1907Apr
Appointed mayor of his hometown, Wada Village (age 76); resigned in May 1909.
Donated over 263 hectares (officially measured at 800 hectares) of afforestation land in Shizuoka Prefecture and was awarded a set of gold cups by the Bureau of Decorations.
Donated over 263 hectares (officially measured at 800 hectares) of afforestation land in Shizuoka Prefecture and was awarded a set of gold cups by the Bureau of Decorations.
1911Feb
Donated 50,000 yen to the Imperial Gift Foundation Saiseikai (a public welfare organization).
1914Apr
Was granted the rank of Shōgo-i (Senior Fifth Rank) by special decree.
1922May
Awarded a set of gold cups by the Minister of Justice for his longstanding contributions to prisoner rehabilitation.
Jan 14
Passed away at his residence in Hanesawa, Shimo-Shibuya, Shibuya Town, Toyotama District, Tokyo.
1923Apr
Conferred the rank of Junior Fourth Rank and Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class.Posthumous Buddhist name: Tenryūinden Meizen Nikkun Daikoji.
About Meizen Kimpara Memorial House (Birthplace Museum)
The birthplace of Meizen Kimpara, an industrialist and philanthropist, has stood for approximately 200 years and now serves as a museum showcasing his numerous contributions to society.
The exhibition features historically valuable artifacts and personal belongings that highlight his lifelong dedication to public service.
Visitor Information
- Phone Number+81-53-421-0550
- Address1 Anma-chō, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 435-0012
- Opening Hours9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- ClosedMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and New Year's holidays
- AdmissionFree
- ParkingSpace for 10 standard vehicles
- InquiriesKimpara Erosion and Flood Control Foundation, Meizen Memorial House (Birthplace), Director: Toshiyuki Kimpara
Kimpara Erosion and Flood Control Foundation Official Website
http://wm-meizen.jp/ -
Directions
By JR Train & Bus
From JR Hamamatsu Station, take the bus from Pole No. 9 (Anma-machi Bus Stop) and get off at Anma Bus Stop (approx. 25 min), then walk 2 min.
By JR Train & Car
Alternatively, a 3-minute drive from JR Tenryūgawa Station.
By Car
Approx. 10 minutes from Hamamatsu I.C. on the Tōmei Expressway. - Route from the Bus Stop
- Location Map
The house's foundation, main pillars, and beams remain as they were from the original construction.
Various personal belongings are on display.
Biographical books and publications discussing Meizen Kimpara.
Mountain palanquin (used by Meizen at age 91 during his final inspection of the Kimpara forest).