− | Matsumae Takahiro was the son of [[Matsumae Akihiro]], and was adopted by [[Matsumae Masahiro]]. In his younger years he studied martial arts, particularly horsemanship. He became the 12th head of the [[Matsumae clan]] in [[1849]], and was succeeded by his adopted son [[Matsumae Norihiro]] on his death in 1866. | + | Matsumae Takahiro was the son of [[Matsumae Akihiro]], and was adopted by [[Matsumae Masahiro]]. In his younger years he studied martial arts, particularly horsemanship. He invited many experienced scholars to [[Matsumae han]], studying English, military strategy, western politics and affairs, and developed a great interest in Western culture, studying physics and chemistry, and collecting various western devices including cameras. |
| + | He became the 12th head of the [[Matsumae clan]] in [[1849]], when Matsumae Masahiro became ill, and his son [[Matsumae Norihiro]] was still too young to take over as head of the clan. Takahiro adopted Norihiro, and was succeeded by him on his death in 1866. |