Kuroda Yoshitaka (黒田 清隆) was a prominent Japanese military leader and politician during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. Born in 1840, he played a significant role in the Boshin War, which was a civil war in Japan that led to the Meiji Restoration. Kuroda was known for his strategic skills and leadership, which helped the Imperial forces gain control over the country. After the Meiji Restoration, Kuroda became the first governor of Fukuoka Prefecture and later served as a member of the House of Peers. His contributions to the modernization of Japan were notable, as he supported various reforms that helped shape the nation during its transition into a modern state.