73.The second life of the Last Shogun

Today, I write about “The second life of the Last Shogun.”
1868, 15th Shogun and Tokugawa Yoshinobu lost the battle and Edo castle came back.
He placed himself under voluntary confinement, and indicated his submission to the imperial court.
April 11, 1868, Edo Castle was handed over to the imperial army, and the city spared from all-out war.
The samurai’s time was over.
After that, Edo castle became “Tokyo Imperial Palace.”

Tokugawa Yoshinobu narrowly escaped death.
He moved to Shizuoka and barred from political activities at the age of 32.
His life was restricted.

He was free except for political activity.
He lived for the hobby.
For example, photography,
He went to take photos frequently and contributed his photos to photographical magazine.
However the photographical magazine didn’t carry almost his photos.
It seems that his photograph was unattractive simply.

For example, oil painting,
His oil painting was exhibited in the Shizuoka art museum the other day.

He went to hunting and kyudo every day.
And he went cycling by bicycle, which was rare at that time.
He had some other hobby, fishing, handicrafts,Go (game), falconry and others.

1898, he visited the Imperial Palace (former Edo castle) and had and audience with Emperor Meiji.
Emperor Meiji gave him a warm welcome.
1902, he became a member of the House of Peers.
He joined political activity for the first time in 35 years.

1913, He died aged 77 years.

He liked taking photos but couldn’t improve.
Now, his great-grandchild and Tokugawa Yoshitomo has been active as photographer.

Thank you.