Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901) was a prominent Japanese educator, author, and advocate for modernization in Japan during the Meiji era. He founded Keio University, one of Japan's leading institutions of higher education, and emphasized the importance of Western knowledge and ideas to help Japan progress and compete globally. Fukuzawa is best known for his book, An Encouragement of Learning, which encouraged Japanese people to pursue education and embrace new technologies. His ideas played a significant role in shaping Japan's modernization efforts, promoting the values of independence, self-reliance, and the importance of education in society.