51.Last true samurai (1)

Today, I write about “Last true samurai “.
Saigo Takamori is the general of the new government army who ended samurai’s time.
He was a national hero.

His bronze statue is in Ueno Park in Tokyo.
However, the model of the bronze statue is his younger brother, Saigo Tsugumichi.
He disliked photography.
There is not his photograph.
Clothes of the bronze statue are not military uniforms.
It is relaxed and takes a walk with a dog.

His real name is not Saigo Takamori.
His real name is Saigo Takanaga.
Saigo Takamori is his father’s name.
New government was wrong and announced officially.
He said like this, ” No problem.”
Then, his name became ” Saigo Takamori.”

1828, He was born as lower-class samurai’s son of Satsuma domain .
He becomes a tax revenue Officer at the age of 18.
Saigo is enraged to the coworker who receives a bribe.
He submits an accusation document.
He continued having right belief.
Saigo became a close adviser of lord at the age of 28.
1858, The lord, Shimazu Nariakira dies.
Shimazu Hisamitsu became new lord.
Saigo continued having right belief.
Saigo often offended the lord.
He was be downgraded to the twice distant island.
Once, He was put in the prison.

1864 , Saigo was pardoned.
Saigo was appointed as the army commander of Satsuma Domain.
Saigo built the friendly relationship with hostile Domain and tried to overthrowing the Shogunate.

1868, Saigo were the generals of the new government army.
The new government army was under movement in order to attack Edo castle.
Ktsu Kaishu (high official of the Shogunate) visited Saigo.
Katsu said to Saigo.
“The Tokugawa family evacuate Edojo Castle, please stop an attack.”
Saigo accepted the proposal.
The Edo castle attack was avoided.
April 11, 1868, Edo castle surrendered without bloodshed.
Saigo become a hero.

The story will continue next week.