Minoura Katsundo

was a journalist, entrepreneur, politician and cabinet minister in the pre-World War II Empire of Japan.

Biography Minoura was from Usuki, Bungo Province (present-day Oita Prefecture). He attended the Keio Gijuku, (the predecessor to Keio University), where he was a disciple of Fukuzawa Yukichi. After graduation, he joined the Yubin Hochi Shimbun in 1875 as a reporter, and rose rapidly ranks to become president of the company in 1890. He was once jailed for an editorial supporting greater public rights.

Joining the Rikken Kaishintō political party, he was elected to the House of Representatives of Japan in the 1890 General Election. While a member of the Diet of Japan, he was a driving force in attempts to reform the Press Law, and to remove censorship regulations and press bans, especially concerning political debates and issues. His proposals were continually defeated, until a compromise bill was passed in 1897 allowing for reduced fines and punishments.