Toyomatsu Shimoda


Toyomatsu Shimoda, born in Iwanai District, Hokkaidō, helped to establish what became the Scout Association of Japan. He was Japan's first Chief Scout.

Background

His father, Shimoda Nisaburō, participated in the "Kigyōsha" organization from the Kanezawa han, which developed land to make it suitable for habitation. After graduating from Hakodate Commercial High School, he worked as an army officer.

Scouting

In 1914, during the fall season training of the Army Seventh Division, he was asked by Lieutenant General Utsunomiya Tarō, to set up a youth organization and in 1916, he founded the Hokkaido Iwanai Youth Organization.
In 1920, from July 30 to August 7, he participated in the first World Scout Jamboree, held in London. The other participants from Japan were Koshiba Hiroshi and Richard Suzuki. He also met Sir Robert Baden-Powell.
After returning from the jamboree, he established the Nihon Kenjidan in 1921, and worked as Japan's first Chief Scout, using his own home as the organization's office.
In 1928, while climbing the Niseko mountain range, he discovered a beautiful marsh area. Moved by its beauty, he named it Shinsennuma, meaning "a marsh where gods and sennin live."

Legacy

In 1964, the Japanese Scout Association awarded him the title of Senior Scout. The Shimoda Toyomatsu Memorial Hall, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaidō is named in his honor.

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