Baron Kamimura Hikonojō | |
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Japanese Admiral Baron Kamimura Hikonojō
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Native name | 上村 彦之丞 |
Born |
Kagoshima, Satsuma Domain Japan |
1 May 1849
Died | 8 August 1916 Tokyo, Japan |
(aged 67)
Allegiance | Empire of Japan |
Service/branch | Imperial Japanese Navy |
Years of service | 1871–1914 |
Rank | Admiral |
Commands held |
Maya, Chōkai, Akitsushima IJN 2nd Fleet, IJN 1st Fleet |
Battles/wars |
Boshin War First Sino-Japanese War Battle of the Yalu River (1894) Russo-Japanese War Battle off Ulsan Battle of Tsushima |
Other work | Supreme War Council |
Baron Kamimura Hikonojō (上村 彦之丞?, 1 May 1849 – 8 August 1916) was an early admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy later commanding the IJN 2nd Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War, most notably at the Battle off Ulsan and Tsushima.
Born to a samurai family in the Satsuma Domain (present-day Kagoshima Prefecture), Kamimura served as a foot soldier during the Boshin War. After the Imperial government was established in 1871, Kamimura became one of the first cadets of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy, later earning a commission as an ensign following his graduation in 1879.
Serving as a junior officer aboard various ships throughout the 1880s, Kamimura’s first command was the gunboat Maya in 1891; he later captained the Chōkai in 1893.
After the outbreak of the First Sino-Japanese War the following year, Kamimura was given command of the new cruiser Akitsushima, winning distinction at the Battle of the Yalu River on 17 September 1894. In his heyday, he was known throughout Imperial Navy as a gruff and bold combat leader in the old samurai tradition.