Background
Heigoro Shoda was born in Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture) on November 8, 1847. The eldest son of Masataro, Confucian official of the Usuki Clan (Oita Prefecture).
平五郎 荘田
Heigoro Shoda was born in Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture) on November 8, 1847. The eldest son of Masataro, Confucian official of the Usuki Clan (Oita Prefecture).
He went to Edo to learn the English language at the order of his lord (1867). Studied at the Keio Gijuku School of Yukichi Fukuzawa.
Joined the Mitsubishi Company (1875). He was much trusted by Yataro Iwasaki, and was promoted to chief of the Audit Bureau (1876). Organized the Meiji Life Insurance Company (1881) and became one of its executives. It was the first modern company of its kind to be organized in Japan.
When the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (N.Y.K.) was established (1885), he became one of its directors. Earlier, Yataro Iwasaki died and his younger brother, Yanosuke, became the head of the Mitsubishi Company. The 19th State Bank, predecessor of the Mitsubishi Bank, was established by Yanosuke at the advice of Shoda. Resigned from the N.Y.K. (1886) and returned to the Mitsubishi Company and participated in the planning for the organization of the Sanyo Railway and Meiji Fire Insurance companies.