MURAI, Kichibei (KYOTO), Merchant and Banker; b. 1864, at Kyoto. Started a tobacco manufacturing business in a small way at Kyoto, 1885; subsequently entered into partnership with an American firm and started a large tobacco manufacturing Co. in Japan under the name of Murai Brothers; this concern was purchased by the Government when the tobacco monopoly \vas established, 1903; Murai brothers then started a bank in their name with the capital of Yen 1,000,000.; are also engaged in cotton thread' manufacture. Address: Kyoto, Japan.