Biography Born in 1698, Matsumae Kinhiro was the son of Matsumae Norihiro (松前則広), the 5th daimyō of the Matsumae Domain. He belonged to the Matsumae clan, which was unique among Japanese feudal lords for its specialized role in managing relations and trade with the indigenous Ainu people of Ezo.
Daimyō of Matsumae Domain Kinhiro inherited the leadership of the domain upon his father's retirement in 1721. His tenure was characterized by the ongoing challenges of maintaining economic stability for the remote domain, which relied heavily on its monopoly over trade with the Ainu. This trade, primarily in furs, marine products, and other natural resources, was crucial for the domain's finances but also involved complex administrative duties and the potential for conflict with the Ainu.
During his rule, Kinhiro focused on administrative efforts to manage the domain's finances and to oversee the complex system of trade and governance in Ezo. The Matsumae Domain's unique position meant its policies directly influenced the interactions between Japanese settlers and the Ainu, as well as the flow of resources from the northern territories to the main islands of Japan.
Succession Matsumae Kinhiro died in 1729 at the age of 31. He was succeeded by Matsumae Kunimasa (松前邦広), whom he had adopted to ensure the continuation of the Matsumae lineage as the 7th daimyō.