Abe Masahiro was the 7th Abe clan lord of Fukuyama domain, and Tairô, known for his role in ending the Tokugawa shogunate's policy of maritime restrictions and "opening" Japan to the West in the 1850s.
The fifth son of Abe Masakiyo, he became lord of Fukuyama in 1836, after his elder brother Abe Masayasu retired on account of illness.[1] Masahiro served as sôshaban from 1838 to 1843. From 1841 to 1843, he served concurrently as jisha bugyô.[2]
He was then appointed to the rôjû in 1843, at the age of 25.[3] He served as Tairô from 1845 until 1855, taking the place of Mizuno Tadakuni. Initially, as Western encroachment expanded, and visits from Western ships became more frequent, Abe oversaw the strengthening of coastal defenses while simultaneously encouraging a somewhat conciliatory stance. After the so-called "Black Ships" of Commodore Perry arrived in 1853, he took the very controversial step of asking for the opinions or suggestions of the Imperial Court, and of the various daimyô, essentially abdicating the decision-making power (and, the appearance of competency and strength) of the shogunate.
In 1853, he married Makoto, a daughter of Matsudaira Naoharu (lord of Itoigawa han) and adoptive daughter of Matsudaira Yoshinaga (lord of Fukui han).[4]
After his death in 1857, Masahiro was succeeded by his younger brother Abe Masanori.[5]
References
- ↑ "東京都台東区 谷中霊園/福山藩阿部家墓所," 試撃行、blog post, 12 April 2023.
- ↑ Ryûei bunin 柳営補任, vol. 1, 87.
- ↑ Plaque on statue of Abe Masahiro, at Fukuyama castle.[1]
- ↑ Ishin Shiryô Kôyô 維新史料綱要, vol 1 (1937), 402.
- ↑ Ishin Shiryô Kôyô 維新史料綱要, vol 2 (1937), 395.
| Preceded by: Abe Masayasu |
Lord of Fukuyama han | Succeeded by: Abe Masanori |