In 1880, Ohara Magosaburo was born as a third son in a wealthy merchant family, whose wealth was established through the cotton business in the Yedo period (1603 - 1867). In 1888, he inherited Kurashiki Spinning Factory which was established by his father, Koshiro. Magosaburo was only 24 years old at the time. He demonstrated his ability as an entrepreneur, which was comparable to his father's, and held top positions in both industrial and financial fields while managing many different companies including a bank, an electric company, as well as a newspaper publishing company. His efforts greatly served to modernize Okayama prefecture. As a faithful Christian, he also devoted himself to social and cultural work by financially aiding orphanage, establishing a scholarship fund, improving labor conditions for workers, building hospitals, and founding a museum. His contribution was such that, in a sense he demonstrated how a business man should be responsible to society, that even now he is highly recognized.
