Is there an American equivalent of Saigo Takamori in the Last Samurai?
This Battle of Shiroyama was the basis for the Tom Cruise movie, The Last samurai, with Watanabe Ken playing the equivalent of Saigo Takamori. There was no American or foreign equivalent of the fictitious Tom Cruise character.
How did Saigo Takamori die?
Saigo Takamori helped to usher in the modern era in Japan, serving as one of the three most powerful officials in the early Meiji government. However, he was never able to reconcile his love of samurai tradition with the demands of modernizing the nation. In the end, he was killed by the imperial army he organized.
How did Saigo Takamori get his first sword?
At age six, Saigo Takamori started at the local goju—or samurai elementary school—and got his first wakizashi, the short sword used by samurai warriors. He excelled more as a scholar than a warrior, reading extensively before he graduated from school at 14 and was formally introduced to the Satsuma in 1841.
Who is Saigō Takamori in the chrysalids?
Saigō Takamori. Written By: Saigō Takamori, original name Kichibē, or Kichinosuke, literary name Nanshū, (born Jan. 23, 1828, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan—died Sept. 24, 1877, Kagoshima), a leader in the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate who later rebelled against the weaknesses he saw in the Imperial government that he had helped to restore.
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Why was Saigo Takamori The Last Samurai?
Saigō's association with traditional values in a modernizing Japan is why he has been called the “last samurai.” Just 12 years after his failed rebellion, he was pardoned by the Meiji government, and in 1898 a famous statue of Saigō and his dog was erected in Tokyo's Ueno Park.
Who is Saigo in Japan?
Saigō Takamori, original name Kichibē, or Kichinosuke, literary name Nanshū, (born Jan. 23, 1828, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan—died Sept. 24, 1877, Kagoshima), a leader in the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate who later rebelled against the weaknesses he saw in the Imperial government that he had helped to restore.
Is Saigo Takamori a hero?
Saigo Takamori is considered one of the great heroes of Japanese history. Originally from Satsuma domain in Kyushu, one of the most important domains to lead the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Saigo played a key role in overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate.
What clan was Saigo Takamori from?
Saigō Kokichi (西郷 小吉) was born in Kajiya, Kagoshima, Satsuma Domain, the eldest son of samurai squire (koshōkumi) Saigō Kichibē and his wife Masa. He had six siblings and his younger brother was Marshal-Admiral Marquis Saigō Jūdō. His childhood name was Kokichi and he received the given name Takamori in adulthood.
Who was the last true samurai?
Saigo Takamori ofSaigo Takamori of Japan is known as the Last Samurai, who lived from 1828 to 1877 and is remembered to this day as the epitome of bushido, the samurai code. Although much of his history has been lost, recent scholars have discovered clues to the true nature of this illustrious warrior and diplomat.
What Saigo mean in Japanese?
last; end; conclusionMeaning: last; end; conclusion.
Who is considered the greatest samurai?
1. Oda Nobunaga (織田 信長) While Miyamoto Musashi may be the best-known "samurai" internationally, Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582) claims the most respect within Japan.
What does Takamori mean in Japanese?
According to a user from the United Kingdom, the name Takamori is of Japanese origin and means "Tall Forest".
Who is the first samurai?
Taira no Masakado was a powerful landowner in the Kantō region. He is regarded as the first samurai of Japan because he was the first to lead a self-governing party.
Are there any samurai families left?
However, samurai clans still exist to this day, and there are about 5 of them in Japan. One of which is the Imperial Clan, the ruling family of Japan, and is headed by Emperor Naruhito since his ascension to the Chrysanthemum throne in 2019.
Are there any Samurais left?
Although samurai no longer exist, the influence of these great warriors still manifests itself deeply in Japanese culture and samurai heritage can be seen all over Japan - be it a great castle, a carefully planned garden, or beautifully preserved samurai residences.
What was The Last Samurai clan?
This event, depicted in the Tom Cruise film “The Last Samurai,” marked the end of the Shimazu clan and of the Samurai Era.
What was Saigo Takamori's last stand?
A leader of Japan’s 19th-century drive to modernize, and at the same time a defender of its ancient samurai values, Saigo Takamori's dramatic last stand embodied his nation’s identity crisis. Samurai were a caste of warriors prevalent in Japanese society from the 12th to the 19th century.
How tall is Saigo Takamori?
Standing six feet tall, Saigo Takamori—seen here in a statue from 1898 in Ueno Park, Tokyo—would not be considered an especially tall man now. But he was a giant compared with the Japanese average at that time, an effect heightened by his broad neck, square shoulders, and large, penetrating eyes with bristly eyebrows.
Who led the Samurai?
Political change brought about the end of their era, but the samurai did not go down without a fight. They were led by Saigo Takamori, who both embraced and fought the forces of modernism and became one of Japan’s great national heroes in the process.
What is the samurai known for?
The stuff of legends and Hollywood movies, Japan's samurai are known for tradition and swordsmanship. But their last defender came to symbolize a conflict over modernization.
What are the virtues of the Samurai?
Possessing all the samurai virtues—bravery, generosity, and excellent swordsmanship —he attracted friends and followers in great numbers.
Who was the commander of Satsuma Han?
Before reaching the age of 40, Saigō had achieved prominence as commander of the forces of Satsuma han (fief) stationed in Kyōto, the Imperial capital. One of the inner group of decision makers in his own han, he also had wide contacts among the Imperial loyalist element throughout the country that was soon to overthrow the shogunate government. He was experienced in the complicated internal diplomacy of the time, having arranged the surrender of the fief of Chōshū to the authority of the shogunate in 1864–65, and was one of the small group who negotiated the secret alliance of Satsuma and Chōshū in 1866. He also worked secretly to force the shogun’s resignation, which occurred Nov. 8, 1867.
What was the most daring step taken by the leaders of the restoration?
With a reliable military force under their control for the first time, the leaders of the restoration were able to take a vital step, which they considered the most daring taken so far: the abolition of the han and their replacement by prefectures.
Was it unwise to deprive the samurai class of their ancient monopoly on warfare?
Others felt that it was unwise to deprive the samurai class of their ancient monopoly on warfare. While the debate raged, Saigō, the leading military figure in the nation, declined to commit himself publicly.
What is Saigo Takamori's legacy?
Saigo's Legacy. Saigo Takamori helped to usher in the modern era in Japan, serving as one of the three most powerful officials in the early Meiji government. However, he was never able to reconcile his love of samurai tradition with the demands of modernizing the nation.
Where was Saigo Takamori born?
Saigo Takamori was born on January 23, 1828, in Kagoshima, Satsuma's capital, the oldest of seven children. His father, Saigo Kichibei, was a low-ranking samurai tax official who only managed to scrape by despite his samurai status. As a result, Takamori and his siblings all shared a single blanket at night even though they were large people, ...
What did Saigo do in the 1800s?
From humble beginnings in the capital of Satsuma, Saigo followed the path of the samurai through his brief exile and would go on to lead reform in the Meiji government, eventually dying for his cause —leaving a lasting impact on the people and culture of 1800s Japan.
Why did Saigo Takamori's parents borrow money?
Takamori's parents also had to borrow money to buy farmland in order to have enough food for the growing family. This upbringing instilled a sense of dignity, frugality, and honor in young Saigo. At age six, Saigo Takamori started at the local goju—or samurai elementary school—and got his first wakizashi, the short sword used by samurai warriors. ...
How was Saigo shot?
Saigo was shot through the femur in the last suicide charge and one of his companions cut off his head and hid it from the imperial troops to preserve his honor. Although all of the rebels were killed, the imperial troops managed to locate Saigo's buried head.
What happened to Saigo Sasuke?
He changed his name to Saigo Sasuke, and the domain government declared him dead. Other imperial loyalists wrote to him for advice on politics, so despite his exile and officially dead status, he continued to have an impact in Kyoto. By 1861, Saigo was well-integrated into the local community.
When did Saigo leave Satsuma?
He was settling happily into island life but reluctantly had to leave the island in February of 1862 when he was called back to Satsuma. Despite a rocky relationship with the new daimyo of Satsuma, Nariakira's half-brother Hisamitsu, Saigo soon was back in the fray.
Why did Saigo Takamori go to Edo?
Takamori had been among the delegation sent to Edo (Tokyo) to assist the Satsuma daimyo, Shimazu Nariakira, in his efforts to improve relations between the former anti-Tokugawa domain and the Shogunate. Leadership problems within the Shimazu clan led to Saigo Takamori’s rise from a low ranked assistant clerk to the lord’s personal attendant, ...
Who was the last samurai?
Saigo Takamori, the “Last Samurai” (January 23, 1828 – September 24, 1877) Saigo Takamori, remembered as “The Last Samurai”, was a low ranking samurai official born in Kajiya-cho in the castle town of Kagoshima, Satsuma Domain on January 23, 1828.
Why did Shimazu Nariakira die?
The sudden death of Shimazu Nariakira due to heat stroke in the summer of 1858, and the Ansei Purge, in which over 100 samurai were forced out of their positions ...
What weapons did the samurai use in the Battle of Shiroyama?
Having exhausted their ammunition and supplies, they resorted to swords, spears and the bow, the traditional weapons of the samurai. Statue of Saigo Takamori in Ueno Park, Tokyo. This Battle of Shiroyama was the basis for the Tom Cruise movie, The Last samurai, ...
Why did the government send warships to Kagoshima?
A large number of samurai followed him back to Kagoshima, and fearing rebellion, the government sent warships and military to quell any potential uprising. This was seen by those samurai as an act of war, and Saigo Takamori found himself at the head of this revolt.
Where is the statue of Saigo Takamori?
Statue of Saigo Takamori in Ueno Park, Tokyo. This Battle of Shiroyama was the basis for the Tom Cruise movie, The Last samurai, with Watanabe Ken playing the equivalent of Saigo Takamori. There was no American or foreign equivalent of the fictitious Tom Cruise character.
Who led the Imperial forces against the Shogunate supporters at the Battle of Toba Fushimi?
Saigo Takamori led the Imperial forces against the shogunate supporters at the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, and then to Edo to accept surrender of Edo Castle from Katsu Kaishu. Saigo had a key role in the ending of the feudal system, and in establishing a conscript army.
Saigo Takamori Younger Years
He was born under the Satsuma Domain which is now the modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture. Following the Japanese calendar, he was born in the 10th year of the Bunsei era.
A Man of Character
As a samurai warrior, Saigo Takamori possesses all the necessary virtues of the samurai these include the following:
Saigo Takamori Life during the Edo Period
Saigo Takamori was enlisted to travel to Edo to work under Shimazu Nariakira, who was part of the Kobu Gattai movement. The goal of this movement was to promote closer ties between the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Imperial Court.
Moving On
With the new Satsuma Daimyo, Shimazu Hisamitsu he granted Saigo Takamori pardon. He also gave him the responsibility of handling the domain’s interest in the Imperial Court.
Saigo Takamori At Boshin War
Saigo Takamori led the Imperial forces during the Battle of Toba-Fushimi. After he led the army towards Edo, they became victorious and he was able to conquer Edo Castle which was protected by the Shogun’s Army Minister, Katsu Kaishu.
Administrative Role Of Saigo Takamori
Saigo Takamori assumed a major role in the replacement of the Satsuma Han system which reformed the way things were run under the Empire of Japan.
Taxation
Each of these domains was allowed to keep ten percent of tax revenues. Taxes were taken from actual rice production. The amount collected as a whole was greater than those under the Shogunate government.
Who was Saig Takamori?
Officially, Saigō Takamori was a gardener in Edo, but this role was merely a cover that allowed him to meet with Nariakira without suspicion. His network helped ensure the position of Nariakira as daimyō, and he eventually became a trusted advisor. When Nariakira died in 1858, his younger brother, Shimazu Hisamitsu, became regent. Even with his former friend and protector’s brother as regent, others’ political machinations resulted in self-exile among Okinoerabujima and Amami Ōshima islands.
Who was the last samurai?
Most often remembered for his role in overthrowing the shogunate in 1868, Saigō Takamori is also usually known as “The Last Samurai.” Born in 1828, Takamori enjoyed a meteoric rise to power around 1854. He was recruited by a daimyō of the Satsuma region named Shimazu Nariakira to act as an official in Tokyo. While he might have begun his career inspecting rice and working with construction projects, he became a spymaster that built up a network of loyalists. Learn more about Takamori, his role in the Meiji Restoration, and his later rebellion here.
What was Takamori's position in the war?
While Takamori effectively removed anti-shogunate forces from Chōshū during his first battle and was promoted to a high level, he and other samurai were experiencing dissatisfaction with the modern direction Japan’s government was taking. The social classes and warrior classes were being abolished, and many samurai found themselves in uncertain positions. The shift in language, dress, and culture felt like a betrayal of traditional ideals.
Why was the Last Samurai pardoned?
Even though he was on both sides of the Meiji government, pushing for and fighting against modernization, the government pardoned him for his failed rebellion only 12 years after his death. They erected a statue of him and his faithful dog in a Tokyo park. He maintains his status as a popular cultural and historical icon forever known as The Last Samurai.
Who was the commander of the army in Kyoto?
His exile became government imposed when he was critical of Hisamitsu. He was held on a penal island until he reconciled with Hisamitsu in 1864. Takamori eventually returned to the political stage in Kyoto and was named commander of the army.
Early Life of The Last Samurai
Politics in Edo
- Shortly thereafter, Saigo was promoted to the post of daimyo's attendant in 1854 and accompanied his lord to Edo on alternate attendance, taking a 900-mile-long walk to the shogun's capital, where the young man would work as his lord's gardener, unofficial spy, and confident. Soon, Saigo was Daimyo Shimazu Nariakira's closest adviser, consulting other national figures o…
The Last Samurai in Exile
- The shogun's men were still hunting him, so Saigo went into a three-year internal exile on the small island of Amami Oshima. He changed his name to Saigo Sasuke, and the domain government declared him dead. Other imperial loyalists wrote to him for advice on politics, so despite his exile and officially dead status, he continued to have an impact in Kyoto. By 1861, Sa…
Return to The Capital
- In the Emperor's capital, politics had changed significantly during Saigo's exile. Pro-emperor daimyo and radicals called for an end to the shogunate and the expulsion of all foreigners. They saw Japan as the abode of gods—since the Emperor descended from the Sun Goddess—and believed that the heavens would protect them from the western military and economic might. Sa…
Fall of The Shogun
- At the same time, the shogun's government in Edo was increasingly tyrannical, trying to keep a hold on power. It threatened an all-out attack on Choshu, even though it did not have the military might to defeat that large domain. Bonded by their distaste for the shogunate, Choshu and Satsuma gradually formed an alliance. On December 25, 1866, the 35-year-old Emperor Komei s…
Forming The Meiji Government
- After the Boshin War, Saigo retired to hunt, fish, and soak in hot springs. Like all other times in his life, though, his retirement was short-lived—in January of 1869, the Satsuma daimyo made him a counselor of the domain's government. Over the next two years, the government seized land from the elite samurai and redistributed profits to lower ranked warriors. It began to promote samura…
Debate Over Korea
- Meanwhile, the Joseon Dynasty in Korearefused to recognize the Mutsuhito as an emperor, because it traditionally recognized only the Chinese emperor as such—all other rulers were mere kings. The Korean government even went as far as having a prefect publicly state that by adopting western-style customs and clothing, Japan had become a barbarian nation. By early 1873, Japa…
Another Brief Respite from Politics
- Saigo Takamori had led the way in Meiji reforms including the creation of a conscript army and the end of daimyo rule. However, disgruntled samurai in Satsuma viewed him as a symbol of traditional virtues and wanted him to lead them in opposition to the Meiji state. After his retirement, however, Saigo simply wanted to play with his kids, hunt, and go fishing. He suffered …
The Satsuma Rebellion
- By ending the samurai class's privileges, the Meiji government had essentially abolished their identity, allowing small-scale rebellions to erupt all over Japan. Saigo privately cheered on the rebels in other provinces, but stayed at his country house rather than returning to Kagoshima for fear that his presence might spark yet another rebellion. As tensions increased, in January 1877…
The Death of The Last Samurai
- Saigo's troops marched out confidently, sure that samurai in other provinces would rally to their side, but they faced an imperial army of 45,000 with access to unlimited supplies of ammunition. The rebels' momentum soon stalled when they settled into a months-long siege of Kumamoto Castle, just 109 miles north of Kagoshima. As the siege wore on, the rebels ran low on munitions…