The Story of Hiroshi Morishita, Founder of Morishita Jintan, and His Hometown Tomonoura

Tomonoura Historical Chronicles Vol. 1

Tomonoura, which flourished as a port for waiting out tides, preserves countless stories of people who visited, departed from, and dearly cherished this town.
"Tomonoura Historical Chronicles" is a 12-part series introducing notable historical figures and events connected to Tomonoura.

Part 1 features Hiroshi Morishita.

Hiroshi Morishita was an entrepreneur born and raised in Tomonoura, best known as the founder of Morishita Jintan, famous for its mouth-refreshing "Jintan" pills.
While achieving great success as a businessman, he held a lifelong love for his hometown of Tomonoura, dedicating immense effort to its development by establishing schools and public infrastructure.
Owing to these contributions, locals still affectionately honor him today as "Tomonoura's Great Benefactor."

A Life Beginning in the Port Town of Tomonoura

On November 3, 1869, Hiroshi Morishita was born in present-day Tomo-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

At that time, Tomonoura was a bustling port town filled with ships navigating the Seto Inland Sea. Growing up in a town where people and cultures gathered from across Japan significantly influenced the young boy who would later dream big.

However, his family business faced severe hardship. Leaving school at age 9 to work as an apprentice at a tobacco merchant in Bingo Fuchu, Hiroshi worked diligently not only making tobacco products, but also performing farm work and tending cattle, learning the harsh reality of labor from an early age.

These early trials became the foundation for Hiroshi Morishita, the future entrepreneur who founded Morishita Jintan.

A Passion for Learning Forges the Future

After completing his apprenticeship, Hiroshi gained another opportunity to study.

During this time, he encountered Yukichi Fukuzawa's influential work, An Encouragement of Learning. The revolutionary idea of forging one's own path through self-driven education regardless of social status deeply moved young Hiroshi.

Yet his studies were cut short. His father's illness forced him to return to Tomo. Following his father's passing when Hiroshi was just 15, he assumed responsibility for the family business as the 15th head of the Morishita family.

Even so, his burning desire for knowledge never waned.

After completing the two-year memorial service for his father, he moved alone to Osaka seeking greater opportunities. Stepping into a new era, this decisive move served as his first step toward becoming the entrepreneur who would found Morishita Jintan.

Succeeding in Business, Yet Always Mindful of Hometown Tomonoura

Achieving major business success in Osaka, Hiroshi Morishita became a household name across Japan with the launch of "Jintan."

Despite his fame, his heart remained firmly rooted in Tomonoura, where he was born and raised.

Expressing his gratitude to his roots, he consistently supported projects that shaped the town's future, including sponsoring the Tourist Sea Bream Netting, establishing primary school educational funds, and donating toward shrine and temple restorations.

Because of these enduring achievements, Hiroshi Morishita is still remembered by locals today as "Tomonoura's Great Benefactor."

Hiroshi Morishita's Footsteps Living On in Tomonoura Today

The legacy Hiroshi Morishita left his hometown remains visible throughout Tomonoura today.

Strolling through Tomonoura, you can discover a bronze statue of Hiroshi Morishita, stone monuments commemorating his achievements, and historical sites associated with his life. Visiting these locations offers a quiet connection to his devotion to loving this town and building its future.

In addition to enjoying historic streetscapes and calm Seto Inland Sea scenery, encountering these historical narratives enriches the appeal of Tomonoura on a much deeper level.

When visiting Hotel Ofutei, why not include historical sightseeing in your travel plans and visit sites associated with Hiroshi Morishita?

Vintage Enamel Signs of "Morishita Jintan" Still Remaining on Street Corners

The bond between Hiroshi Morishita and Tomonoura remains vibrant within the town.

In 2014, as part of a regional revitalization project with Tomo-cho--the birthplace of founder Hiroshi Morishita--Morishita Jintan donated 15 enamel street signs featuring local district names. The signs prominently display the famous "Court Dress Uniform" trademark logo of Morishita Jintan.

Installed across various locations in town, these donated signs can still be seen today on the street corners of Tomonoura. These retro enamel signs add nostalgic charm to the historic streetscapes.

When walking through Tomonoura, look beyond historic buildings and stone monuments to spot these vintage enamel signs on street corners. Finding a "Jintan sign" in unexpected places adds a fun discovery element to your town walk.
*Enamel signs: Signs made by baking glassy glaze onto metal plates. Highly durable, they were widely used as outdoor advertising signs throughout Japan's Showa period.

Souvenirs Bringing Morishita Jintan Closer to You

After enjoying your historical walk, why not pick up a souvenir that connects you closer to Morishita Jintan?

The gift shop at Hotel Ofutei sells Morishita Jintan throat lozenges. They make excellent travel keepsakes as well as thoughtful gifts for family and friends.

Reflecting on the life of Hiroshi Morishita, the entrepreneur born in Tomonoura, please feel free to browse them at our gift shop.

Understanding History Makes Town Walks Even More Delightful

Tomonoura carefully preserves historic locations associated with figures such as Hiroshi Morishita, Sakamoto Ryoma, Ashikaga Takauji, and Korean Envoys (Joseon Tongsinsa).

Walking through town with historical context gives newfound meaning to unassuming stone monuments, traditional streetscapes, and harbor views. Imagining events that transpired on these exact spots or sharing the same view creates a unique way to enjoy Tomonoura.

When staying at Hotel Ofutei, alongside beautiful Seto Inland Sea vistas and historic streetscapes, take time to experience the rich stories of Tomonoura preserved by past generations.

In our next issue of "Tomonoura Historical Chronicles," we will share stories connecting Sakamoto Ryoma with Tomonoura.

【Reference Sites】

▷ Morishita Jintan 100-Year Story | Morishita Jintan Co., Ltd.
▷ Morishita Jintan Continues Sponsorship of Early Summer Tradition "Tomonoura Tourist Sea Bream Netting" | Press Release
▷ Kyoto Jintan Rakukai: Tomonoura Jintan Exploration Notes (5)

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