He was a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was married to the younger sister of statesman Kaneko Kentarō.

Frank A. Vanderlip and his American and Japanese allies strove to encourage increased business and trade between their nations, which could also enhance the mutual respect and understanding between the U.S. and Japan.

The 1908 photo illustration to the right is linked to Frank A. Vanderlip during his U.S. business delegation’s visit to Japan, where they were greeted by Baron Shibusawa Eiichi, Prince Tokugawa Iesato (aka Prince Iyesato Tokugawa), and Baron Dan Takuma and other Japanese representatives.

During their U.S. visit, the Japanese were greeted by the Vanderlip family and top representatives of American Industry, such as General Electric and Westinghouse.

[3] On March 5, 1932, Dan was assassinated by right-wing nationalist Gorō Hishinuma [ja] for his role in Mitsui's betting against the Japanese economy in favor of Britain, as part of the League of Blood Incident.