Science Fair Project Encyclopedia Saionji Kinmochi (西園寺 公望
Saionji Kinmochi October 23 1849–November 24 1940) was a
Japanese politician and the 12th (January 7 1906–July 14 1908)
and 14th (August 30 1911–December 21 1912) Prime Minister of
Japan. As a statesman, he influenced the opinion of the Imperial
Court. He was born in Kyoto as the son of a Tokudaiji kuge, and
was adopted by another kuge family, the Saionji. However, he
grew up near his biological parents. Since the Tokudaiji and
Saionji lived very near the Imperial Palace, the young Saionji
was frequently ordered to visit the palace as a playmate of the
young prince who was the future Emperor Meiji. Over time they
became close friends. Kinmochi's biological brother Tokudaiji
Sanetsune later became the Chief Chamberlain of the Emperor
Meiji. Kinmochi's close relationship to the Imperial Court
helped him in his political career. In his later political life,
he was an influence on both the Taisho and Showa emperors. As
the heir of a noble family, Saionji