A Meiji-era politician and soldier from Satsuma domain. During the Boshin War he directed the assault on the old shogunate's Goryokaku fortress in Hakodate, contributing to the establishment of the Meiji government. In the Meiji government he served as Director of the Hokkaido Development Commission, leading the development of Hokkaido: he invited Dr. W.S. Clark and promoted agricultural technology introduction and immigration policy. The invitation of the famous Dr. Clark — known for "Boys, be ambitious!" — was Kuroda's achievement. He became Japan's second Prime Minister in 1888, following the first Ito Hirobumi cabinet. He presided over the promulgation ceremony of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan. However, he fell from power over the Okuma Shigenobu diplomatic secret leak. He also suffered criticism for the Hokkaido Development Commission property sale scandal of 1881.

A politician with the action-oriented and breakthrough spirit of a Satsuma samurai. His passion for Hokkaido development was genuine, but politically he lacked cleanliness in some aspects. His love of drink and robust personality were characteristic of Satsuma men.

The invitation of Dr. W.S. Clark and the foundation of Hokkaido agriculture are still valued. The phrase "Boys, be ambitious!" has become embedded across Japan as part of the legacy of Kuroda's Hokkaido development enterprise.