Author, Politician. He was a 19th-century Japanese author, who is recognized in the 21st century, and a politician. Born the son of a samurai of the Kochi Clan, he studied Chinese Classics at his domain school, Bunbukan, and the Keio Gijuku, before going to England from 1870 to 1878 to study law. He mastered the English language before leaving Japan. He wrote some books in English between brief returns to Japan. In 1873 he published "An Elementary Grammar of the Japanese Language," which is available in the 21st century on Kindle or hardcopy. He published the second edition of the grammar book in 1888 after moving to the United States. His book gave an excellent example of how the 19th-century Japanese spoke, yet the language has changed a great deal since that time. Politically, he became a democratic rights activist. After becoming a member of Kyozondoshukai, he organized in 1881 the Kokuyukai and became a member of the Liberal Party. In 1882, he became the chief editor of the party's magazine "Jiyu Shimbun," but was removed from this position for what most considered a radical viewpoint. In 1885, Baba was arrested and detained in jail on suspicion of violating the rules for regulating explosive materials, but was found innocent later and released in 1886. He eventually left Japan in political exile for the United States where he died. His original burial site Woodlands Cemetery in Pennsylvania has some remains and an obelisk marker, but his primary burial site is in Japan.
Author, Politician. He was a 19th-century Japanese author, who is recognized in the 21st century, and a politician. Born the son of a samurai of the Kochi Clan, he studied Chinese Classics at his domain school, Bunbukan, and the Keio Gijuku, before going to England from 1870 to 1878 to study law. He mastered the English language before leaving Japan. He wrote some books in English between brief returns to Japan. In 1873 he published "An Elementary Grammar of the Japanese Language," which is available in the 21st century on Kindle or hardcopy. He published the second edition of the grammar book in 1888 after moving to the United States. His book gave an excellent example of how the 19th-century Japanese spoke, yet the language has changed a great deal since that time. Politically, he became a democratic rights activist. After becoming a member of Kyozondoshukai, he organized in 1881 the Kokuyukai and became a member of the Liberal Party. In 1882, he became the chief editor of the party's magazine "Jiyu Shimbun," but was removed from this position for what most considered a radical viewpoint. In 1885, Baba was arrested and detained in jail on suspicion of violating the rules for regulating explosive materials, but was found innocent later and released in 1886. He eventually left Japan in political exile for the United States where he died. His original burial site Woodlands Cemetery in Pennsylvania has some remains and an obelisk marker, but his primary burial site is in Japan.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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