Komura, Jutaro (1855-1911)

Japanese politician and diplomat. Komura was foreign minister at the time of the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05), which broke out over control of the northern Chinese province of Manchuria. Before the war, he had taken an uncompromising position toward Russia, and, when Japan emerged victorious, secured sole Japanese control over the important South Manchuria Railway.

Komura was born in Miyazaki on the island of Kyushu. He went abroad to study in the USA, graduating from Harvard University in 1877. He was appointed minister of foreign affairs in 1901. He later negotiated new, favourable commercial treaties with Japan's trading partners.