Mikimoto Kōkichi
1858–1954 (age 96)
Biography
Mikimoto Kōkichi was a visionary Japanese engineer and entrepreneur whose innovations revolutionized pearl cultivation. His pioneering work in culturing pearls transformed a traditional craft into a modern industry, earning him international recognition.
Mikimoto's legacy as an innovator and engineer extends far beyond Japan's borders, as his techniques became the foundation for the global pearl industry. He is honored at Aoyama Cemetery as a transformative figure whose ingenuity shaped both Japanese commerce and world trade.