Mutsu Munemitsu is a statesman in the Meiji era and is well known for his active roles as Foreign Minister. Mutsu Munemitsu took charge of the revision of unequal treaties and played an important role in the Japanese diplomacy concerning the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 and the Triple Intervention . After the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, his chronic tuberculosis worsened and Mutsu Munemitsu stayed in Hawaii for recuperation. After returning, he died in 1897 (30th year of Meiji) at the age of 53.
　The Japan Center for Asian Historical Records retains collection of materials relating to Mutsu Munemitsu.

As for underlined characters in the texts or chronological tables, small type is linked with related materials and bold-faced type is linked with the glossary, respectively.

Year Occurrence
1844 (1st year of Koka) Born in current Wakayama Prefecture
1878 (11th year of Meiji) Mutsu Munemitsu was arrested for suspicion of secret communication with Saigo’s Force during Satsuma Rebellion.
1888 (21st year of Meiji) Appointed as minister to the USA.
　Holding the concurrent position as Minister to Mexico, Mutsu Munemitsu succeeded in revising the unequal treaty with Mexico.
1892 (25th year of Meiji) Appointed as Foreign Minister.
1894 (27th year of Meiji) Outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895; Mutsu Munemitsu concluded the Anglo-Japanese Commercial Treaty of 1894 and succeeded in revising the unequal treaty with Britain.
1895 (28th year of Meiji)

Signed the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty.

Title: The negotiation in Shimonoseki (1 of 2); (Kenkenroku)
 Reference code: B03030024500
Title: The negotiation in Shimonoseki (2 of 2); (Kenkenroku)
 Reference code: B03030024600
　It is the materials relating to the negotiation in Shimonoseki recorded in "Kenkenroku" (as mentioned later).
(Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

"Kenkenroku" written by Mutsu Munemitsu

Title: "Kenkenroku"
 　"Kenkenroku" is a book written by Mutsu Munemitsu by using a number of secret materials on diplomatic matters, in which he was involved, such as the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 and the facts about the Triple Intervention. Under the circumstances of the times when diplomatic documents were not disclosed, the book was attached a great importance to as virtually the only material mentioning the diplomatic situations in the days of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895.
(Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

1897 (30th year of Meiji)

Died (at the age of 53).

Title: Count Mutsu Munemitsu, Minister of Foreign Affairs relieved of the principal office at his request
 Reference code: A03023349600
　Sino - Japanese Peace Treaty Mutsu Munemitsu resigned as Foreign Minister in May 1896 (29th year of Meiji) on his own accord after the conclusion of Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty since his chronic tuberculosis worsened. And he died in Hawaii in August of next year where he stayed for recuperation. This is a document accepting the request of Mutsu Munemitsu for resignation. Also included is a medical certificate dated right after the resignation.