Saigo Takamori was one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, living during the late Edo Period and early Meiji Era. He has been dubbed the last true samurai. He was born Saigo Kokichi, and received the given name Takamori in adulthood. He wrote poetry under the name Saigo Nanshu. His younger brother was Gensui The Marquis Saigo Tsugumichi.

Many legends sprang up concerning Saigo, many of which denied his death. Many people in Japan expected him to return from British Raj India or Qing Dynasty China or to sail back with Tsesarevich Alexander of Russia to overthrow injustice. It was even recorded that his image appeared in a comet near the close of the 19th century, an ill omen to his enemies. Unable to overcome the affection that the people had for this paragon of traditional samurai virtues, the Meiji Era government pardoned him posthumously on February 22, 1889.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... D_Takamori View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Protest • Soldiers • 1870s • Industrial Revolution • Japan • Japanese • Opposition • Samurai • Warriors • All Events • People