(1729–79, or Kyōhō 13–Anei 13) is an Edo period Japanese pharmacologist, student of Western studies, physician, author, and inventor who is well known for his Erekiteru, Kandankei and Kakannpu. He also wrote the satirical essay "On Farting."

His father was Shiraishi Mozaemon (Yoshifusa), his mother was from the Yamashita clan, and he had many siblings. His real name was , but he also went by the pen names , and . He is most well known by the name "Gennai," however.

Appearances in fiction

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Hiraga makes an appearance in the anime Read or Die, along with many other historical and legendary figures. In Read Or Die, Hiraga uses his elekiter as a very high powered destructive weapon that he uses to destroy the White House and eradicate an entire fleet of combat helicopters. Another anime making reference to him is Mai HIME.

1729 births | 1779 deaths | Japanese essayists | Japanese inventors | Japanese physicians | Japanese scientists

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