Matsukata
MASAYOSHI, MAR- QUIS, Japanese statesman; born in Satsuma, Kagoshima, in the island of Kiushiu in 1835, he soon entered politics and took part in the movement for the tax reform of 1875. Five years later attained cabinet rank becoming minister of commerce, then minister of finance (1881), and president of the cabinet (1891).
After a period of retirement he, in 1896, became head of the finance department and introduced gold standard. He later took much interest in the Red Cross Society and received the title of Marquis from the emperor.
MATSUMAI (mat-sö-mī'), a seaport of Japan, situated at the S. W. extremity of the island of Yesso, at the W. entrance to the strait of Tsugaru. Formerly the principal town of the island, it has in recent times been outstripped by Hakodate; generally called Fukuyama. Pop. about 15,000.