Takahira Kogorō

Ambassador Takahira Kogoro leaving the U. S. State Department, Washington, D. C. in 1908

Baron was a Japanese diplomat and ambassador to the United States from 1900 to 1909.

Biography Takahira was born in what is now Ichinoseki, Iwate. From relatively modest beginnings, Takahira was to become a graduate of Kaisei Gakkō (the predecessor to Tokyo Imperial University).

Career diplomat In 1876, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His first posting to the United States in 1879 was as an attaché; and he was promoted to secretary in 1881. During a return to Asia, he served briefly as chargé d'affaires in Korea and as Consul General in Shanghai. In 1887, he returned to the United States as Consul General in New York City. He had postings in Europe as Minister-Resident to the Netherlands and Denmark, and as Minister Plenipotentiary at Rome, Vienna, and Bern, before his 1901 return to Washington, D.C. He then continued as Japan's minister in the United States from 1901 through 1905.

In 1907, Takahira was named Ambassador to Rome. The Foreign Ministry called him back to Washington, D.C. in 1908-1909.

Hon. Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) (20 February 1906) Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (1 April 1906)