A Visionary’s Journey: From Scotland to Nagasaki

Born in the coastal village of Fraserburgh, Scotland, on June 6, 1838, Thomas Blake Glover grew up with the sea as his constant companion. His father, a naval officer, imparted to him a strong sense of adventure and a technical education that would later shape his future. In 1859, just months after Japan’s historic opening to the outside world, the 21-year-old Glover arrived in Nagasaki via Shanghai, brimming with ambition and curiosity.

He began his career working for a Scottish trading company owned by Kenneth R. Mackenzie. When Mackenzie left Japan in 1861, Glover seized the opportunity to take over the business, founding the Glover Trading Company. His company quickly became a hub for importing Western technology, ships, and arms, while exporting Japan’s tea, silk, and silver to Western markets. These ventures not only enriched Glover but also established him as a central figure in Japan’s budding relationship with the global economy.

Building the Foundations of Modern Industry in Japan

Glover's contributions extended far beyond trade. He introduced Western technology and expertise that laid the groundwork for Japan's modernization:

• Japan’s First Steam Locomotive (1865): Glover facilitated the introduction of the steam locomotive, running its first trial along Nagasaki’s Oura coastline. This moment sparked the imagination of a nation and paved the way for Japan's love affair with railroads.

• Western-Style Dock at Kosuge (1866): Recognizing Japan's potential as a maritime powerhouse, Glover oversaw the construction of its first Western-style dock in Nagasaki, which transformed the city into a hub for shipbuilding and repair.

• Takashima Coal Mine (1868): Glover introduced innovative mining techniques that turned Takashima into a model of modern coal extraction. The coal mined there powered Japan's industrial revolution and fueled ships traversing global trade routes.

These groundbreaking initiatives showcased Glover’s ability to merge his Western expertise with Japan’s ambition to modernize, helping the nation transition from feudal isolation to industrial prominence.

An Ally to Change: Supporting Reform in Tumultuous Times

During the volatile late Edo period, Thomas Blake Glover’s sharp instincts as a merchant flourished amidst the shifting political landscape. By 1863, Japan was deeply divided: the Satsuma and Aizu domains had formed an alliance to promote unity between the imperial court and the Tokugawa shogunate, while Choshu adopted an increasingly hostile stance, advocating for imperial supremacy.

Glover, foreseeing the likelihood of conflict between pro-shogunate and anti-shogunate forces, positioned himself as a key supplier of arms and ships to both sides. He provided much-needed resources, including modern rifles, warships, and gunpowder, cementing his reputation as a daring arms dealer. That same year, Glover built his now-iconic residence overlooking Nagasaki Harbor, which later became a historic landmark known as Glover Garden.

In addition to his commercial ventures, Glover took significant risks to support reformist samurai. In 1863, he facilitated the secret overseas journey of the Choshu Five, including future prime minister Hirobumi Ito and influential leader Kaoru Inoue, arranging their passage to England to study Western technologies and governance. This knowledge became instrumental in Japan's modernization.

Glover’s connections extended to Satsuma samurai such as Tomomi Goto, for whom he secured covert transport to Europe in 1865. His role as a supplier of advanced weaponry, such as the Minié rifles used during the Second Choshu Expedition, proved decisive. These weapons enabled Choshu’s outnumbered forces to achieve unexpected victories over the shogunate's much larger army.

While Glover’s primary role was that of a merchant, his foresight, resourcefulness, and willingness to take risks made him an influential figure in Japan’s journey toward modernization.

Father of Japan’s Beer Industry: The Kirin Brewery Legacy

Glover’s entrepreneurial spirit also extended into more unexpected areas, like Japan's beer industry. He recognized beer’s potential to become a staple in Japanese culture and helped establish the Japan Brewery Company, later known as Kirin Brewery, in 1885.

To ensure the quality of their product, Glover and his partners imported German brewing equipment and expertise. The result was Kirin Lager Beer, launched in 1888 with its now-iconic label featuring the mythical "Kirin." The logo’s elegant design reflected Glover’s understanding of both Eastern aesthetics and Western branding.

Kirin Lager Beer quickly gained popularity, marking a turning point in Japan’s beverage industry. It became a symbol of Japan’s ability to merge traditional values with modern practices, much like Glover himself.

A Legacy Honored and Remembered

In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to Japan’s modernization, Glover was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in 1908, becoming the first non-Japanese individual to receive this prestigious honor. By this time, Glover had relocated to Tokyo with his Japanese wife, Tsuruko, and continued to serve as an advisor to Mitsubishi.

Glover passed away on December 16, 1911, at the age of 73. His remains were transported to Nagasaki, where he was laid to rest at Sakamoto International Cemetery (坂本国際墓地). His grave, alongside those of his wife and son, is a testament to his deep ties to Japan. Nearby, the graves of his siblings, including his brother Alfred and sister Mercer Anne, tell a lesser-known story of family bonds that endured across continents.

Today, Glover’s former residence, Glover House and Garden, is a treasured historical site in Nagasaki. Visitors can walk the halls where revolutionaries once gathered and gaze upon the harbor that inspired his vision for Japan’s future.

Visit Glover’s Legacy in Nagasaki

To experience the life and achievements of Thomas Blake Glover, start with these iconic sites in Nagasaki:

• Glover House and Garden: This beautifully preserved Western-style residence offers a glimpse into the life of a man who helped shape modern Japan. Its stunning views of Nagasaki Harbor make it a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

• Sakamoto International Cemetery: Pay your respects at Glover’s gravesite, located in a serene setting that honors the legacies of international figures who shaped Nagasaki’s history.

Access Information:

• Glover House and Garden: 8-1 Minamiyamate, Nagasaki City

• Sakamoto International Cemetery: 1-2 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City

Both sites are a short drive or tram ride from Nagasaki Station, making them easily accessible for visitors.

A Legacy That Transcends Borders

Thomas Blake Glover was more than a merchant—he was a visionary who bridged cultures and played a critical role in shaping modern Japan. His story is one of adventure, innovation, and collaboration, a reminder of how individuals can forge connections that transcend time and geography.

For more about Glover’s final resting place, visit our blog on Sakamoto International Cemetery.