Iowa Law
First International Students

Kizo Ishikawa's Timeline

  • historical map of Japan

    Kizo Ishikawa born.

    1864

    Tatebayashi, Gunma prefecture. His father, Naritaka Ishikawa, was a samurai.
     

  • Emperor Meiji in 1872

    Samurai class abolished.

    1876

    At some point, Kizo’s family moves to Sendai, Japan.

  • English grammar books, historical

    Proficient in English.

    1877 - 1879

    Kizo was one of three students who could understand English when starting Sendai junior high school. He withdrew from the second session in October 1879.
     

  • Photo of Hideo Izumida

    Imperial College of Engineering.

    1880 - 1886

    We are unsure how long Kizo attended, or if he received a degree.

    Founded in Tokyo in October 1873. The staff were initially all from the UK. Students were required to take notes and complete assignments in English.

  • Collage of historical map and painting of Satsuma rebellion

    Travels in Japan.

    1886 - 1888

    Kizo travels with friends to visit historic battle sites in Japan. Afterward, a friend participated in one of the many uprisings against the Meiji Restoration. He was tried, found guilty, and hanged at age 25.

  • collage containing Iowa City Republican newspaper and S.U.I seal.

    Iowa Law School.

    1888 - 1890

    Kizo was a popular law student. He was active in the Aldine Society and his speeches were highly praised.

    Kizo wrote articles about Japan for the Iowa City Republican newspaper. His articles stopped when he became ill with malaria in September 1889.

  • Collage of a historical postcard of Cornell University and a steamboat.

    Returns to Japan.

    1890

    Diagnosed with consumption (tuberculosis), he returned home to Japan in December 1890. He cancelled plans to study Political Science at Cornell University in New York.

  • Drawing of the first basketball game and historic photo of Genzaburo Ishikawa

    First Basketball Game.

    1891

    Basketball invented December 21, 1891, at Springfield College. The players include Genzaburo Ishikawa, a possible relative of Kizo's from Tatebayashi, Gunma prefecture.

  • English grammar books, historical

    Teaches English.

    1891 - 1892

    After returning to Japan, Kizo worked as an English teacher in Gifu. His illness did not respond to treatment.

  • A nio statue, or temple guardian, outside a temple.

    Died Sunday, October 23, 1892.

    1892

    Kizo was about 27 years old when he died. His grave is at Shorakuji Temple in Shintera Koji, Sendai.