 He began learning the Chinese classics at age 7, and on the recommendation of his uncle, starting at age 12 he studied swordsmanship "(Jikishinkage ryū" and "Shingyōtō-ryū)," archery, and horse riding.At age 14, he entered the Shogunate's academy at "Shoheizaka," and at age 18, he began to study Western-style gunnery.He began his career in the Shogunate at age 20, entering into Dutch studies ("rangaku)," and was posted as an instructor at the Nagasaki Naval Training Center.