Statue of Saigō Takamori

Saigō Takamori was the Samurai who most famously opposed Japan's opening up to the West in the 1870's after the Emperor was restored to power. He was essentially a King Canute-like individual unable to stop the inevitable, but he is revered by the Japanese as one of the better examples of Samurai virtues. The film 'The Last Samurai' was loosely based upon the Satsuma Rebellion he led (and no, it didn't get that name because they were all wearing orange).

Tokyo

November 27th 2008
Politeness and the culture clash I've been a sucker for all things Japanese since I was at school. The TV broadcast James Clavell's Shogun and Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha in rapid succession and I was rather taken with the place. So I am a little disappointed in myself that it took so long to come here. I think I know why this is though. To a large extent, writing a ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo

In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more

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