Yamagata Bantō

Who is Yamagata Bantō?

Yamagata Bantō was a well-known resident of Osaka who was both a scholar and a merchant as well. He was an able head clerk of the money exchange merchant Masuya. He studied Confucianism from Nakai Chikuzan and his brother Nakai Riken, and astronomy from Asada Goryu at the Kaitokudo School during its golden age. Despite his poor eyesight, he devoted 18 years to writing the book titled "Yumenoshiro" which had as many as 12 volumes. In this book he supported the heliocentric theory, criticized the age of gods and advocated for atheism. He played a pioneering role of bringing about modern thought.

Osaka Prefecture recently established a prize of international culture named the Yamagata Banto Prize.