DescriptionTaro Kusakabe (Yasohachi Yagi) was the first Japanese student to go to Rutgers College, where he studied mathematics and the physical sciences. Kusakabe died prematurely from tuberculosis, two weeks before his intended graduation as a member of the class of 1870. His degree was awarded posthumously. He was the first Japanese student to graduate from an American college, and the first Japanese member of Phi Beta Kappa. Kusakabe's burial began the Japanese section of the Willow Grove Cemetery in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His plot was purchased by the Japanese Consulate on behalf of the Imperial Government. His funeral was attended by other Japanese students at Rutgers including Kozo Soogiwoora (second from the left), and Saburo Takaki (fourth from the left).
CollectionPhotographs from the William Elliot Griffis Collection
Organization NameRutgers University. Libraries
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