Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835 – 1901) was a Japanese samurai, author, writer, teacher, translator, entrepreneur, political theorist, and founder of the Keio University whose ideas about government and social institutions made a lasting impression on a rapidly changing Japan during the period known as the Meiji Era. He is regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in Japan and during the Meiji Restoration, which is a source of pride for many modern day Japanese people. He is regarded as one of the founders of modern Japan, and is highly respected in Japan. The Tokugawa bakufu decided to send envoys of the Shogun to the United States, and Fukuzawa volunteered his services to Admiral Kimura Yoshitake. Kimura's ship, the Kanrin Maru, which arrived in San Francisco, California in 1860. The delegation stayed in the city for a month, during which time Fukuzawa had himself photographed with an American girl (one of the most famous photographs in Japanese history). Starring Shibata Kyohei (Taikoki) and Enoki Takaakai (Heaven and Earth) Don't miss this amazing samurai drama, based on a true story. (TV Broadcast quality)
