 Watsuji Tetsurō (1889–1960) was one of a small group of philosophers in Japan during the twentieth century who brought Japanese philosophy to the attention of the world. In terms of his influence, exemplary scholarship, and originality he ranks with Nishida Kitarō, Tanabe Hajime, and Nishitani Keiji. The latter three were all members of the so-called Kyoto School, and while Watsuji is not usually thought of as being a member of this school, the influence and tone of his work clearly shows him to be a like-minded thinker. 