Named for Kibi-no Makibi (695–775), a Japanese scholar and statesman, who travelled to T’ang-dynasty China to study in 717. Upon his return to Japan 17 years later, he presented many books on various fields (including astronomy and surveying) to the Japanese government and introduced Chinese technology into Japan. He subsequently served as an ambassador to China and also achieved the high post of minister. (M 22509) _ _.