Shinmura Izuru

was a Japanese linguist and essayist. He is best known for his many contributions to Japanese linguistics and lexicography. In honor of him, the Shinmura Izuru Prize is annually awarded for contributions to linguistics.

Background Shinmura was born in Yamaguchi prefecture on October 4, 1876. He graduated from the Tokyo Imperial University in 1899 where he studied philology under the instruction of Ueda Kazutoshi. Between 1906 and 1909 he studied abroad in England, Germany, and France where he studied linguistics. In 1919 he received a Doctor of Letters.

Career In 1902, Shimura taught at Tokyo Higher Normal School, and in 1904 at Tokyo Imperial University. After returning from studying abroad, he taught at Kyoto Imperial University for a number of years.

Shinmura introduced western linguists to Japan and created the fundamental foundation of modern Japanese linguistics. His research included a study of the historical development of the Japanese language, a comparative study of Japanese with neighboring languages, and etymology. He also made important contributions to the study of 16–17th-century Christian missionaries in Japan.

During his career, Shinmura compiled a number of Japanese dictionaries: in 1935, in 1949, and in 1955, for which he is most known.

In 1956 Shinmura was awarded the Order of Culture for his many contributions.

Major works Nanban Sarasa, Kaizōsha, 1924 Nanban Kōki, Iwanami Shoten, 1925 Tōhō Gengoshi Sōkō, Iwanami Shoten, 1927 Tōa Gogen Shi, Oka Shoin, 1930 Genrin, Zenkoku Shobō, 1949 Kōjien, Iwanami Shoten, 1955