Koji Sugi: A Nagasaki Scholar and the Dawn of Statistics in Japan

Introduction: The Dawn of Statistics in Japan

The history of statistics in Japan is closely linked to Koji Sugi, a scholar from Nagasaki who played a crucial role in its development. His efforts and achievements laid the foundation for the practice of statistics in Japan today.

As a hub of international exchange, Nagasaki exposed Sugi to Western knowledge and ideas. This international environment inspired him to bring the field of statistics to Japan.

Koji Sugi’s Early Life and Encounter with Statistics

Koji Sugi was born in 1828 in Honkago-machi, Nagasaki. His early years were marked by hardship; he lost both parents at a young age and worked as a servant for a clockmaker and as a live-in assistant for Murata Tetsusai, a physician from Omura. Despite these hardships, Sugi developed a passion for learning. He later studied at Ogata Koan’s school in Osaka and moved to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), where meeting Kaishu Katsu proved a pivotal moment in his life.

Sugi’s interest in statistics was sparked while working at the Kaiseijo (the predecessor of the University of Tokyo), where he translated foreign newspapers. One article about education in Bavaria described the proportion of people in a group of 100 who could read, write, and perform arithmetic. This inspired Sugi to recognize the need for similar surveys in Japan and to dedicate himself to popularizing statistics.

The Lantern Festival and Statistics: A Connection Through Data-Driven International Exchange

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, inspired by Chinese New Year traditions, fills the city with vibrant lanterns of various colors and shapes. This festival symbolizes Nagasaki’s historic role as an international gateway between Japan and the continent.

Similarly, the international environment of Nagasaki influenced Sugi’s journey into statistics. He was inspired by data found in foreign newspapers and used this knowledge to provide new perspectives on Japanese society. His actions serve as an example of how international exchange can spark transformative ideas.

The Lantern Festival also highlights the value of statistical analysis in modern times. By analyzing visitor numbers at different lantern display locations, studying the demographics (age, gender, residence) of attendees, or evaluating the economic impact on local businesses, organizers can better understand the festival’s influence on cultural exchange and regional development. These data-driven insights embody the spirit of "decision-making based on data" that Sugi advocated.

A Pioneer in Statistical Surveys: The Suruga Census

Koji Sugi pioneered statistical surveys in Japan. His groundbreaking effort, the "Suruga Census" in 1869 (the second year of the Meiji era), meticulously recorded people’s attributes and living conditions, demonstrating the importance of data collection as the basis of statistical analysis.

In 1872, he published the First Volume of the Statistical Yearbook of Japan (Nihon Seihyo Dai Ikkan), which summarized Japan’s socio-economic conditions. In 1881, he conducted the “Kai Province Census,” further advancing Japan’s statistical capabilities. These initiatives marked a significant step forward in the country’s development of statistics.

The Significance of Nagasaki and Statistics

Nagasaki, Sugi’s birthplace, played a pivotal role in his intellectual development. The city’s openness to international exchange allowed him to absorb advanced knowledge from abroad, which in turn enabled him to introduce statistics to Japan.

Sugi's impact went far beyond data collection. He introduced a new way of thinking—"decision-making based on data"—that laid the groundwork for modern policymaking, economics, and social sciences. His legacy reminds us that events like the Lantern Festival can reach and inspire even more people through the effective use of data analysis.

Conclusion

The development of statistics in Japan was made possible by the vision and dedication of Koji Sugi, a scholar from Nagasaki. International cultural events like the Nagasaki Lantern Festival can expand their significance by utilizing statistical data to maximize their impact. When you next visit Nagasaki, take a moment to reflect on Sugi's achievements as you stroll through the city illuminated by lanterns.