Background
Takataya Каhё was born in Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, 1769.
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Takataya Каhё
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Career
He began life by trading with Matsumae in Hokkaido.
Is responsible for having opened Etorofu (Kurile Islands) and making it a fruitful fishing ground. Did much to build up Hakodate.
He was also a pioneer in shipbuilding, being credited with the building of several large ships. Played an important role in the release of the Russian ship that was captured while on a survey of Kurile Islands. The very next year (1812), he was himself captured by the Russians while on his way from Etorofu and was interned at Kamchatka. His captives were impressed with the calm and cool demeanour of their prisoner and he was released after being held for a year.
When he returned home he handed over his business to a younger brother and retired to Awaji.
