平賀栄治　顕彰碑

Who was the driving force behind Japan’s economic rise? Here, at the statue of Shibusawa Eiichi in Tokiwabashi Park, we find a piece of that answer. This bronze figure, sculpted by the “Rodin of the Orient”, Asakura Fumio, commemorates the man known as the “father of Japanese capitalism.” Tokiwabashi Park itself holds a piece of Shibusawa’s legacy, renovated by the Shibusawa Seieno Memorial Foundation in 1933. This isn’t the original statue. The first one, also by Asakura, was erected in 1933, the anniversary of Shibusawa’s death. Sadly, it was melted down for metal during World War II. This second-generation statue stands as a testament to Shibusawa’s enduring impact. Shibusawa Eiichi, born in 1840, wasn’t always destined for business. He began his career serving Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun. After the Meiji Restoration, he worked in the government on financial policy. A clash with another official, Okuma Shigenobu, led Shibusawa to leave public service. This turned out to be a pivotal moment for Japan’s economy. He then embarked on a remarkable journey as an entrepreneur. Shibusawa helped establish over 500 companies. These included the Daiichi National Bank (now part of Mizuho Bank), the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Tokyo Gas, the Imperial Hotel, and even Kirin Beer. His contributions stretched far beyond business, into philanthropy and diplomacy. He was even nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize. Shibusawa Eiichi died in 1931 at the age of 91, leaving behind a transformed Japanese economy. As you stand before his statue in Tokiwabashi Park, remember, you’re not just in a park. You’re standing in the presence of a legacy that shaped modern Japan. This park, with its connection to Shibusawa and the remnants of Edo Castle’s Tokiwabashi-mon Gate, is a quiet reminder of the powerful forces that have shaped this nation.