SHIBUNKAKU ONLINE SHOP | Rai Sanʼyō

Late Edo-period Confucian scholar and a supporter of the restoration of imperial power. Born in Osaka as the son of the Hiroshima-based Confucian scholar Rai Shunsui, he began his education in Hiroshima but soon moved to Edo to study with Bitō Jishū and Hattori Rissai. He later settled in Kyoto, where he operated a private school and a calligraphy studio, called Sanshi Suimeisho. In addition, San’yō traveled extensively throughout Japan and maintained a large network of literati friends. Among his most renowned works are Unofficial History of Japan (Nihon Gaishi), Records of Japan's Government and various anthologies of his poetry.