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Private company

Kaientai

Japanese trading and shipping company and private navy

The Kaientai (海援隊, Kaientai; "Maritime Support Force") was a trading and shipping company and private navy, considered to be the first corporation in modern Japan. Kaientai, originally named Kameyama Shachū (亀山社中, "Kameyama Troupe"), was founded by Sakamoto Ryōma in Nagasaki in 1865 during the Bakumatsu, and it was initially funded by the Satsuma Domain and other groups and domains.2 It ceased to exist in 1868.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

May 1865Founded1
  • HeadquartersNagasaki1
  • Founded inNagasaki1

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Kaientai
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons3

The Kaientai (海援隊, Kaientai; "Maritime Support Force") was a trading and shipping company and private navy, considered to be the first corporation in modern Japan.2

The story

Founded by Sakamoto Ryōma on May 1865, in Nagasaki.1

Leadership

Who has led Kaientai, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Timeline

  1. Jun 17, 1868Dissolved Dissolved1
  2. May 1865Founded Founded in Nagasaki1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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