Yanosuke Iwasaki (1851-1908)

The two Iwasaki brothers were close, despite their opposing personalities. Where Yataro was hotheaded and emotional, always accepting a challenge, Yanosuke was mild, collected, and accommodating. Yataro influenced his brother's education by enrolling him in a Tosa clan school, where the younger Iwasaki proved an astute student.

At 18, Yanosuke went to study in Osaka where his brother was working. At Yataro's urging, Yanosuke later traveled to study in the United States. Yanosuke is said to have studied U.S. history and English with a private instructor in New York.

The death of his father meant that Yanosuke was needed in Japan. Yanosuke joined the newly formed Mitsubishi Shokai, where his elder brother promptly appointed him vice president.

Knowledge of the workings of Mitsubishi, along with first-hand dealings with people from other nations, helped Yanosuke in business. He proved an invaluable resource to Yataro. And he strove to modernize the company.

Loss of Mitsubishi's shipping operations motivated further diversification. Yanosuke shifted from a sea- to land-based operation. He formed Mitsubishi Sha, or Mitsubishi Company, in 1886. It centered its business around the mining and shipbuilding operations that Yataro started.

Yanosuke's Mitsubishi put a lot of effort into the mining business. It purchased coal and metal mines and invested in modernizing equipment and mining techniques. The Nagasaki shipyard, which Yataro had leased from the government, also became Mitsubishi property in 1887.

In perhaps his most famous act as president, Yanosuke purchased a field near the Imperial Palace in 1890. Construction started two years later on Japan's first modern business street. People would come to call the Marunouchi area a block of London.

Yanosuke also took over management of the 119th National Bank. Mitsubishi Bank would later absorb its operations. He also established the forerunner of Mitsubishi Logistics, Tokyo Warehouse.

With the enactment of Japan's commercial code in 1893, Mitsubishi reorganized into Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha (Limited Partnership). Yanosuke then stepped down as president in favor of his nephew, Hisaya. Although president for only eight years, Yanosuke had considerable influence for years to come. Hisaya sought his advice on important Mitsubishi affairs.

Yanosuke also held government positions. He represented the business community in the Imperial Assembly. And the prime minister recommended him for the post of governor-general of the Bank of Japan. There he oversaw Japan's changeover to the gold standard.

Yanosuke Iwasaki had set Mitsubishi on the course of diversity that enlivens the community of companies today. He passed away in 1908 at 57 at his Tokyo home.