Mori Koben

As a young man, Mori migrated from Japan to Chuuk, where he helped to establish Japanese businesses in Micronesia.

[1] Mori's guidance and direction helped to expand Japanese business interests throughout Micronesia during the Spanish and German colonial-era.

[2] Mori was born in Tosa Province (part of modern-day Kōchi Prefecture), Shikoku to a Samurai family.

Mori attempted to steal evidence that was used against Oi in the prosecution, but was caught red-handed and convicted to prison for a year.

Mori left Gotō's household in May 1891 to work for the Ichiya company, a trading firm which had business interests in Micronesia.

[4] Mori was selected to work as a resident representative of the company's branch in Micronesia, and left Japan from Yokohama, on board the Tenyu Maru in November 1891 with eight other employees.

The Tenyu Maru headed for Truk Lagoon, and Mori left the ship's company and armed himself with a sword and two daggers.

After leading a successful attack against a rival tribe, Manuppis facilitated Mori's efforts to assimilate with Chuukese society.

Mori tended to his own wounds in spite of the great pain, and remained in Chuuk for several weeks before leaving for Yokohama by a merchant ship.

[10] Shortly after Japan seized the Micronesian islands from Germany, Mori was hired as a civil affairs adviser by the Japanese military administration.

He was ranked among the wealthiest men in the Carolines in the 1920s, having built his wealth from revenues that he received from coconut and copra plantations that he had established.

[11] During the opening ceremony for a new athletic field at Dublon, Mori was awarded the 8th class[12] of the Order of the Sacred Treasure.