Today, I write about “Last true samurai (2) “.
Bronze statue of Saigo Takamori is in Ueno Park in Tokyo.
Clothes of the bronze statue are not military uniforms.
He is relaxed and takes a walk with a dog.
After he won a battle, Saigo Takamori did not take important position in the government.
He refused request.
He relaxed in his hometown (Kagoshima).
1871, The younger brother (Saigo Tsugumichi) called on Saigo Takamori (elder brother).
The younger brother respected his elder brother.
The younger brother said to elder brother.
“A governmental reform is not progressing.”
“Please work for the government.”
Lord was still a ruler.
The Meiji government made lord resign by Takamori Saigo’s cooperation.
There was no resistance of lord by the dignity of Saigo.
The Meiji government took the conscription system.
The samurai lost the job.
Saigo Takamori advocated the Korean invasion in order to employ a samurai.
However, the opinion was not accepted.
1873, He resigned and returned to the hometown again.
1877, The students of the school, which Saigo founded, attacked the governmental powder magazine.
Hot-blooded young man committed an error.
Saigo was not going to cause a civil war.
Saigo should have said, “It doesn’t concern me.”, and should have handed over a ringleader.
However, Saigo did not do so.
Furthermore, former samurais had gathered.
Saigo knew, former samurai was unnecessary in the new period.
Saigo knew, they wanted to die as a samurai.
Saigo was said like this.
“My life is in your hands.”
Saigo Tsugumichi , the younger brother, was a commander of the government troops.
The younger brother made it dispatch troops.
Saigo Takamori did not lead a rebel army.
He was only a symbol.
September 24, 1877, 40,000 government troops cornered the rebel army.
Saigo was hit.
He turned to and prayed for the direction of Tokyo.
After that,he killed himself.
Saigo Takamori died as a traitor.
Many people lamented his death.
Ukiyoe which laments the death of Saigo was published 12 days after his death.
After that, Saigo Tsugumichi, the younger brother, became army minister ,navy minister and others.
The younger brother is said to have resembled the elder brother gradually.
1889, Saigo Takamori was granted an amnesty,and redeemed his honor.
1898, People who adore Saigo built the bronze statue in Ueno Park in Tokyo.
The bronze statue does not wear the military uniform.
He is called last true samurai.
Please visit to my web site.
If you can’t find items you’re looking for, please feel free to contact me.
I will find the item that you want and display it there.
Thank you.