Strength and dignity! The real life of Saigo
Lord Nariakira Shimazu, who established the foundation for the Meiji Restoration
Satsuma culture: An indispensable asset to Japanese history
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| Takamori Saigo | ||||||||||
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| Saigo was born into the home of a poor, low-ranking samurai warrior in the castle town of Kagoshima. Receiving instruction from his superior, the capable Lord Nariakira Shimazu, Saigo was actively involved in the great task of overthrowing the feudal shogunate and participating in the Meiji Restoration. During his life, he suffered extreme hardships, such as being exiled to Amami-Oshima and Okino-erabujima Island. He was profoundly instrumental in forcing the surrender of Edo castle (the seat of the feudal government) without any loss of blood and in orchestrationg the establishment of the new Meiji government. In 1873, when his proposal to send envoys to Korea was rejected, he retired from public office. He established a private academy and devoted himself to teaching his disciples. Thereafter, as a leader in the Southwestern Satsuma Rebellion, he fought against the troops of the newly established government. He was defeated, however, at Tabaru-zaka hill. Consequently, he committed ritual suicide at Shiroyama. This great man ended his passionate and illustrious life at the age of 50. |
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| The Site of the Private Academy | ||||||||||
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The academy was established in the area that was once the barn at Tsurumaru castle. There were 800 students and 136 branch schools throughout the prefecture. |
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| Nanshu Cemetery | ||||||||||
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This is the burial site of Saigo Takamori and his Satsuma troops, who were defeated in the Southwestern Satsuma Rebellion. Takamori Saigo's grave is a large plot that is in direct view of Sakurajima. Many people visit his grave to pray for the repose of the great Saigo and to gain an understanding of his virtue. It is a particularly popual spot for viewing cherry blossoms in springtime. |
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| Shiroyama (Saigo Cavern) | ||||||||||
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Defeated at Tabaru slope, Saigo and his troops returned to Kagoshima and entrenched themselves in Shiroyama. Succumbing to the powerful attack of the government troops, Saigo committed ritual suicide through disembowelment. Following Saigo's request, Shinsuke Beppu assisted him in his last ritual by beheading him. |
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| Saigo Nanshu Exhibit Center (Saigo Nanshu Kensho-kan) | ||||||||||
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The Saigo Nanshu exhibit center was established within the cemetery grounds. Historical artifacts are displayed here to describe Saigo's life, from his birth and upbringing to his death at Shiroyama. Using videos and dioramas, the exhibit on the first floor consists of items and information from Saigo's childhood through his accomplishments as a central figure in the downfall of the feudal government and in the establishment of the new Meiji hegemony. The exhibit on the second floor follows the period characterized by his unsuccessful efforts to promote the establishment of an envoy system of Korea, his resignation from public office and his demise in the Southwestern Satsuma Rebellion. |
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