- Japanese: 笹森儀助 (Sasamori Gisuke)
Sasamori Gisuke was the fifth Meiji period governor of Amami Ôshima, serving in that position for four years, from 1894 to 1898. He is also known as an explorer, who surveyed and mapped areas of Japan.
Born in Hirosaki han, he became governor of Amami Ôshima in 1894. He undertook a number of extensive surveys of the situation on the island, and made efforts to relieve people of their debt burdens and to curb usury by sugar magnates. He led reforms of the sugar industry, promoted education, and attempted policies to combat the spread of epidemics.[1]
During his time overseeing Amami Ôshima, he led efforts to get monuments or historical markers erected on the island in honor of Saigô Takamori and Katsu Kaishû. In addition to those, a monument in his honor has since been erected on the island as well.[2]