Mitsubishi Acquires Takashima and Draws on Glover’s Advice

Steamships increased demand for coal around Japan. Glover and the Hizen domain invested in Takashima’s development in 1868, introducing Western mining methods. Financial problems later forced him to sell his stake, although he continued managing the mine for a period.

Mitsubishi acquired Takashima in 1881 as a major expansion beyond shipping. The purchase brought the mine into a different ownership and investment structure. The earlier venture and the acquisition were separate decisions; Glover’s past participation did not make him Mitsubishi’s founder.

He maintained business relationships with Iwasaki Yatarō and Yanosuke and provided advice on international commerce. Coal supply, mining knowledge and foreign contacts had value to their growing enterprise. The event joins a Japanese company’s acquisition to an existing industrial project and an adviser’s work, with ownership, management and consultation held by different participants.