Block+E+Okuma+Shigenobu+Subin+Ahn+&+SooWan+Yang

1838 - 1922 __ Basic Information __ 
 * Okuma Shigenobu was a statesman in Japan
 * He was the 8th and 17th Prime Minister of Japan
 * He was also a n early advocate of** Western science and culture in Japan **
 * Okuma moves to Dutch studies institution in 1861
 * Founder of Waseda University
 * He studied // rangaku // (Dutch studies) and learned English and international law
 * Even though Okuma ** was neither a samurai, nor from Satsuma or Choshu **, he helps Japan to interact with the western force.

** AS FIT AS THE WEST ** __ What did Okuma Shigenobu do? __
 * During his trip to Nagasaki, he met a Dutch Missionary, Guido Verbeck. He influenced Okuma a lot in political thinking and support ** abolishing feudal system ** for a constitutional government.
 * During his last years, he authored the book ** "The harmony of Eastern and Western Civilizations" ** (Tozai bunmei no chowa)
 * In 1868, Meiji Restoration, Okuma was placed in charge of foreign affairs for the new Meiji government.
 * Okuma by negotiating with Harry Smith Parkes, the British diplomat, Christianity was open to Japan in 1873.

sources: Beasley, W.G. (1963). The Making of Modern Japan. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson. Borton, Hugh (1955). Japan's Modern Century. New York: The Ronald Press Company. "Okuma Shigenobu å¤§ééä¿¡ (1838-1922)." //Japan Glossary//. Web. 06 May 2012. . Images: "Google Images." //Google Images//. Web. 06 May 2012. .