[M-ZZ39] Studies of Geoscience : historical, philosophical and STS studies

[MZZ39-04] The connection between Matajiro Yokoyama and the Ueno Family

*Daisuke Nakatani¹, Junichi Himeno², Isabel Tanaka-van Daalen³, Shota Kodaira¹, Masahiro Hayakawa¹ (1.Nagasaki City Dinosaur Museum, 2.Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies, 3.Historiographical, Institute, The University of Tokyo)

Keywords:Matajiro Yokoyama, Hikoma Ueno, Niwa, Ueno, Nagasaki City, Paleontology, Photograph

Matajiro Yokoyama (1860–1942), known as the "father of Japanese Paleontology," was born as the second son of Matajiemon Yokoyama (Tokusai), who served as an official Dutch Interpreter at Dejima in Nagasaki City. After studying in Germany, he became an expert in paleontology and was the first Japanese professor to give a paleontology lecture at Tokyo Imperial University. He is recognized not only for documenting numerous fossils but also for fostering the growth of future paleontologists and promoting science to the general public.
On the other hand, Hikoma Ueno (1838–1904), regarded as one of the "fathers of Japanese Photography" along with Gyokusen Ukai and Renjo Shimooka, took many portraits at his photography studio established along the Nakashima River in Nagasaki City. Notable figures such as Ryoma Sakamoto and Thomas Blake Glover were among those photographed. Prior to working as a commercial photographer, Hikoma had a background in chemistry and education, having taught chemistry at the school "Yuzokan" in Tsu Domain and authored the chemical textbook "Seimikyokuhikkei."
As Japan underwent modernization, both Matajiro Yokoyama and Hikoma Ueno became pioneers in their respective fields, having a lasting impact on various academic and cultural fields that persist today. The woman who connected them was Niwa Ueno, Hikoma's elder sister. This presentation will report on recent discoveries regarding Niwa Ueno and examine Hikoma's role in Matajiro's life.