HAGI’S STORY

Remarkable Talent

Yoshida Shōin was born into a lower-class samurai family in the present-day city of Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture. His birthplace was located on the highland of Dangoiwa, overlooking Hagi City. Raised strictly as a samurai by his uncle, Tamaki Bunnoshin, from an early age. His talent was so exceptional that it even astonished Mōri Takachika, the lord of Chōshū Domain. Upon learning of China’s defeat by Britain in the Opium War, Shōin developed a deep sense of crisis regarding the safety of Japan.

The Decision to Defect

Suddenly, Shōin defected from the domain. This action shocked the entire domain. As intellectuals across Japan were grappling with the dire fate of China, Shōin also felt a deepening sense of crisis, fearing the nation's downfall. In order to see and learn from a broader world, Yoshida Shōin planned a journey to the Tōhoku region (northern part of Japan). However, unable to wait for the domain's procedural period, he left the domain. It was expected that he will be severally punished for this act but surprisingly Shōin received a lenient judgment. This reflects the Chōshū Domain's tolerant attitude towards those pursuing scholarly endeavours.

The Attempt to Stow Away

In 1853, at the age of 24, Yoshida Shōin, together with Kaneko Shigenosuke, attempted to stow away on Perry's fleet during its second visit to Japan. However, their attempt failed, and they were sent to prison.
Perry acknowledged their brave actions and requested the shogunate for a lenient treatment. Kaneko, of lower status, died in harsh prison conditions, a loss deeply mourned by Shōin. To honor Kaneko, Shōin even reduced his own food expenses in prison to fund the construction of Kaneko's grave.

The Foundation of Shōka Sonjuku

After his release, Yoshida Shōin established the Shōka Sonjuku, a private school offering his teachings free of charge open to individuals regardless of social status. Here, he nurtured approximately 80 disciples, including notable individuals such as Takasugi Shinsaku and Ito Hirobumi. Despite being located in a small town, 900 km away from the central Edo shogunate, this modest private school played a crucial role in producing numerous historically significant figures. The school is still situated within the grounds of the Shōin Shrine.

Go mad, My Friends!

This was one of the phrases spoken by Yoshida Shōin at his Shōka Sonjuku academy. At first listen, it may seem somewhat alarming, but there's a preceding context to it: "One should love the mad and foolish and fear the clever and wise. Go mad, my friends." The idea conveyed is that individuals who exhibit passionately unconventional and seemingly mad actions are to be cherished. The most frightening thing is to act solely based on reason without any passion. He urged his students to act first with passion. His students, who listened to these spirited words with a straightforward gaze, embarked on passionate and even radical revolutionary actions. It was a moment of the first cry of the great revolution.

Capital Punishment

The Ansei Purge was a political repression that occurred in Japan from 1858 to 1859. Led by the shogunate's chief minister, Ii Naosuke, it targeted court nobles, feudal lords, shogunate officials, and activists who were critical of the shogunate. This crackdown resulted in the death penalty for Yoshida Shōin, a thinker and reformist of the time. His death heralded the beginning of a new era, and his life is deeply engraved in Japanese history. Yoshida Shōin was the man who sowed the seeds of revolution.

Encounter with Yoshida Shōin

Born in Hagi, a man of the distinguished Takasugi family, Takasugi Shinsaku’s path was not destined for the path of an ordinary samurai. Dissatisfied with the academic education at Meirinkan, his heart yearned for greater challenges, leading him to the Shōka Sonjuku, where he met Yoshida Shōin, a man with the flame of revolution burning within him. Despite the disapproval of his conservative family, Shinsaku chose to study under Shōin, igniting and sharing in the flame of revolution.

Yoshida Shōin, the man who sowed the seeds of revolution, found in Takasugi Shinsaku a sapling that sprouted from those seeds. Until the moment Shoin's life faded away in the land of Edo, Shinsaku tirelessly supported and devoted himself to those revolutionary ideals. Concealing the stirrings of revolution within, Shinsaku burned through his 27-year lifespan, embodying the fervour of change.

‘Once he moved, he was like lightning; when he spoke, he vanished like the wind and rain.Those around were merely astonished, left dumbfounded, with none daring to look directly at him.’

Hirobumi Ito, a fellow student at the Shōka Sonjuku and the first Prime Minister of Japan, who shared the path of revolution with Takasugi Shinsaku, described him as follows:

“Takasugi Shinsaku was a man who committed multiple acts of leaving his domain (A samurai leaving the domain to go elsewhere was a serious offense during that era). He vanished like the wind. However, when he appeared, history began to move dramatically. When the Chōshū domain faced crisis and everyone deemed the situation hopeless, Shinsaku emerged on the scene. He exhibited a miraculous strength, overcoming adversity. And once his mission was accomplished, he disappeared again. He truly was a man of the turbulent times, a true child of the storm.”

Overseas Journey

In 1862, at the age of 22, Takasugi Shinsaku set foot overseas for the first time. He visited Shanghai in Qing (present-day China) and witnessed firsthand the dire state of Qing under colonization by Western powers. He realised that a one-sided and ideological approach to "Jōi" (expelling foreigners) alone was insufficient to strengthen the nation. He felt the necessity of interacting with foreign countries and acquiring modern technologies.

Formation of Kiheitai

In 1863, the Chōshū domain's faction advocating the expulsion of foreigners abruptly attacked American, French, and Dutch ships. Six months later, the domain suffered severe repercussions.
Amidst this crisis, a messenger unexpectedly arrived at Takasugi Shinsaku's doorstep.
The Chōshū domain was struggling to devise a strategy to handle the situation, and in the silence, a voice emerged suggesting, “Let's appoint Shinsaku.”
The strategy he adopted was groundbreaking for Japan at the time. Years of peace had weakened the regular forces of the Chōshū domain, diminishing the fighting spirit of the samurai. On the other hand, those of lower status bravely stood up against foreign ships.
Based on this reality, Takasugi made the bold decision to form an irregular military unit, the ‘Kiheitai.’ This was an innovative idea unimaginable to the domain’s high-ranking officials, shaking the foundations of the feudal order.
The distinguishing feature of this military force was its inclusiveness, allowing peasants and townspeople to participate equally, regardless of social status. Responding to Takasugi's call, the force grew to 200 units, amassing 2,000 troops, and became renowned as the ‘Kiheitai.’ Takasugi's achievements were recognised by the domain, leading to his unprecedented promotion to a high-ranking position and a substantial salary. However, he renounced this position and, just six months later, left the domain to pursue his own path.

The greatest crisis of the Chōshū domain

Though the formation of the Kiheitai temporarily fortified the domain's defenses, the following year brought a full-scale retaliation from the combined fleets of the United States, Britain, France, and the Netherlands.

In this dire situation, Takasugi Shinsaku reemerged as the savior of the domain. Despite being imprisoned for desertion having gone to Kyoto without permission, Shinsaku was urgently released by the domain to handle surrender negotiations with the foreign powers.

Posing as a high-ranking official of the domain, he skillfully negotiated, rejecting the leasing of Hikoshima and shifting the burden of indemnity to the Edo Shogunate. However, he had to concede to the foreign ships docking at Moji, leading the Chōshū Domain to shift its policy from expulsion of foreigners to opening the country. This decision, however, incited the wrath of the radical anti-foreign faction, and Shinsaku found his life threatened by them.

Civil War

In a sudden turn of events, the conservative faction within the Chōshū domain, demonstrating submission to the shogunate, seized control, and in the shadows, the anti-foreign faction faced successive suppressions.
Takasugi Shinsaku foresaw that the domain's shift towards conservatism would not only strengthen the shogunate's power but also hinder Japan's modernisation and lead the country into crisis under Western powers.
He returned to Moji yet hesitated to rise against the domain government due to fear of its immense power. Nonetheless, those who decided to stand with Shinsaku were a small force led by Ito Hirobumi, comprising 30 Sumo wrestlers (rikishi-tai) and about 50 fishermen (yugekitai). Although they were a modest force against the domain's 4,000 troops, Shinsaku believed that a small number of like-minded individuals could become a formidable force.

"It's time to show the true mettle of Chōshū's men."

This statement by Shinsaku during this period symbolises his courage and determination and continues to inspire many admirers even today.

Towards the Future

Takasugi Shinsaku led a mere 80 soldiers to a staggering victory that amazed the world. However, he declined high positions and salaries offered by the Chōshū domain and planned to study in England. He envisioned a new future for Japan, one that transcended the confines of the anti-foreigner sentiment.

His declaration to Ito Hirobumi, “I will make Chōshū a nation that rivals the world's great powers,” left Ito astounded. However, Shinsaku’s words were imbued with deep insight into the transformative times. He was reimagining Japan's future, beyond the traditional anti-foreigner ideology.

Even Shinsaku couldn't foresee everything. The shogunate's invasion of Chōshū happened sooner than he anticipated. His plans to travel Europe became known by the anti-foreigner faction, forcing him to flee. Despite these adversities, he returned to Shimonoseki and defeated the shogunal fleet. He then besieged Kokura Castle in Kitakyūshū, achieving victory against the shogunal army. Shinsaku climbed its walls and raised the Mōri clan's "One Character Three Stars" flag. In that quiet moment, while his feelings remained unreadable, the view before him undoubtedly intertwined his dreams and hopes with a historical epoch.

Uninterested in power and with limited funds, Shinsaku's actions during this era were overwhelming. He changed the course of society, shook organisations, and moved the era. Each of its actions breathed visionary thought and charismatic appeal, making his journey not just historical footprints but a driving force that transformed the era itself.

His bold plans were temporarily interrupted by the shogunate's unexpected invasion. Nonetheless, Shinsaku bravely overcame adversity, defeating the shogunal fleet at Moji and capturing Kokura Castle in a fierce battle. This victory was a testament to his visionary thinking and charismatic leadership, propelling a change in Japan's history.

Death

As he besieged Kokura Castle, Takasugi Shinsaku was aware that his body was nearing its limit. With the fervor of battle, his body temperature soared abnormally high. After witnessing the fall of the castle, he could no longer stand, and from the next day, he was confined to bed.

Time stood still, and the spring of 1867 arrived. The disease ravaged Shinsaku's lungs and eventually extinguished the life of this passionate patriot. His life, like a shooting star, blazed brilliantly but traced a short and poignant path.

The poem he is said to have composed in his final moments encapsulated the tumultuous 27 years of his life. The poem remained, but his soul embarked on a journey beyond the annals of history.

Shinsaku's death resonated in people's hearts like the tolling of a bell signaling the end of an era. Though his life was brief, spanning only 27 years, its brilliance continues to illuminate our hearts to this day.

"Omoshiroki koto mo naki yo o omoshiroku." ("In this world where nothing is interesting, make it interesting.")

The Hidden Wise Ruler

The Meiji Restoration is considered a miraculous event for rapidly transforming the country's political system and laying the foundation for a modern nation. Among this, the role of Chōshū Domain’s (also known as Hagi Domain) was extraordinarily notable, overshadowing other domains. Despite facing numerous challenges, new leaders and heroes emerged at crucial moments, leading the way in the Meiji Restoration.

At that time, Lord Mōri Takachika, did not enjoy as much fame as other well-known feudal lords.
Often agreeing to his vassals’ proposals with a simple “Sōsei”, meaning “Do as you think”, he was mockingly called the ”Sōsei Kō”, ”Lord Sōsei”.

However, it’s an undeniable fact that Chōshū produced many prominent individuals. Takachika may not have possessed strong personal convictions, but it was precisely because of this lack of firm beliefs that he succeeded as a wise ruler who accomplished the great revolution of the Meiji Restoration.

Nevertheless, the Chōshū Domain under his leadership eventually overthrew the shogunate and played a central role in the Meiji Restoration. His willingness to accept others' opinions and appoint capable individuals marks him as an ideal ruler. While other domains often suffered from rulers with half-baked ideologies, Takachika avoided this pitfall. Moreover, he was a compassionate and kind lord, loving the domain and his retainers like family, not swayed by emotions or personal ambition. He highly valued and rejoiced in the talents of others, fairly and justly assessing the abilities of his vassals, rarely making misguided judgements.

His policy of promoting talented young individuals and enriching Meirinkan (the domain school) was a significant achievement. The domain’s elders were notably lenient towards young scholars. Within this context, Takachika discovered a talented young man, eleven-year-old Yoshida Torajiro (later Yoshida Shōin). Impressed by his abilities, Takachika passionately supported Torajiro's development. However, the arrival of American Black Ships in Uraga (present-day Kanagawa Prefecture) in 1853, demanding treaty negotiations, plunged Japan into chaos.

Torajiro (Shōin) attempted to travel to America to deepen his military knowledge for national defense, but the plan failed and led to severe punishment for his illegal act. Captured by the shogunate and handed over to the Choshū Domain, Shōin would have faced death under normal circumstances. However, Takachika, valuing him, confined him in jail for about a year before putting him under house arrest. As a result, Shōin established the private academy Shōka Sonjuku, nurturing young anti-foreign thinkers, rapidly turning Chōshū into a center for the anti-foreign movement.

Subsequently, Chōshū domain engaged radical activities, experiencing the ebb and flow of the times.
During the time when the anti-foreigner movement progressed successfully or faced backlash from the shogunate due to excesses, Takachika remained consistent in responding with ”Sōsei" to the prevailing factions of the time.
However, his decisions were not merely going along with the tide; each time he genuinely believed it was the right course of action. His remarkable lack of fixed opinions appears evident. Yet, paradoxically, this might have been what saved the Chōshū domain. If it were not for Lord Takachika, who remained resilient amidst the turbulent currents of the era, the domain might have disintegrated mid-course in the drastic shifts of the time.

During the crisis of retaliation from the Four Nations - France, Britain, America, and the Netherlands - Takachika pardoned Takasugi Shinsaku for repeated desertions, appointing him to a high position where he could fully utilise his talents.
Simultaneously, the Kiheitai, a militia organised and led by Shinsaku, emerged, leading to intense internal conflicts between the anti-foreign and pro-shogunate factions within the domain. Takachika navigated these crises by persistently saying “Yes, do as you think.” avoiding disasters for Chōshū Domain. Eventually, Chōshū emerged as a leading force in the movement to overthrow the shogunate, becoming a protagonist in the era’s currents.

While the great revolutionaries Shōin and Shinsaku played pivotal roles, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that their successes were backed by Takachika’s flexible adaptation to the turbulent times as well as the environment and local cultural and geographical characteristics of Hagi.

There is an episode that illustrates this:

Even in his later years, Takachika continued to reflect on the significance of certain days, such as “Shōin’s Day”, anniversary of the death of Yoshida Shōin. On such occasion, he refrained from eating fish, respecting the Buddhist custom of avoiding meat or fish offerings for an anniversary of the deceased individuals. Such a people-oriented lord supported Hagi.

Remarkable Talent

Yoshida Shōin was born into a lower-class samurai family in the present-day city of Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture. His birthplace was located on the highland of Dangoiwa, overlooking Hagi City. Raised strictly as a samurai by his uncle, Tamaki Bunnoshin, from an early age. His talent was so exceptional that it even astonished Mōri Takachika, the lord of Chōshū Domain. Upon learning of China’s defeat by Britain in the Opium War, Shōin developed a deep sense of crisis regarding the safety of Japan.

The Decision to Defect

Suddenly, Shōin defected from the domain. This action shocked the entire domain. As intellectuals across Japan were grappling with the dire fate of China, Shōin also felt a deepening sense of crisis, fearing the nation’s downfall. In order to see and learn from a broader world, Yoshida Shōin planned a journey to the Tōhoku region (northern part of Japan). However, unable to wait for the domain’s procedural period, he left the domain. It was expected that he will be severally punished for this act but surprisingly Shōin received a lenient judgment. This reflects the Chōshū Domain’s tolerant attitude towards those pursuing scholarly endeavours.

The Attempt to Stow Away

In 1853, at the age of 24, Yoshida Shōin, together with Kaneko Shigenosuke, attempted to stow away on Perry’s fleet during its second visit to Japan. However, their attempt failed, and they were sent to prison.
Perry acknowledged their brave actions and requested the shogunate for a lenient treatment. Kaneko, of lower status, died in harsh prison conditions, a loss deeply mourned by Shōin. To honor Kaneko, Shōin even reduced his own food expenses in prison to fund the construction of Kaneko’s grave.

The Foundation of Shōka Sonjuku

After his release, Yoshida Shōin established the Shōka Sonjuku, a private school offering his teachings free of charge open to individuals regardless of social status. Here, he nurtured approximately 80 disciples, including notable individuals such as Takasugi Shinsaku and Ito Hirobumi. Despite being located in a small town, 900 km away from the central Edo shogunate, this modest private school played a crucial role in producing numerous historically significant figures. The school is still situated within the grounds of the Shōin Shrine.

Go mad, My Friends!

This was one of the phrases spoken by Yoshida Shōin at his Shōka Sonjuku academy. At first listen, it may seem somewhat alarming, but there’s a preceding context to it: “One should love the mad and foolish and fear the clever and wise. Go mad, my friends.” The idea conveyed is that individuals who exhibit passionately unconventional and seemingly mad actions are to be cherished. The most frightening thing is to act solely based on reason without any passion. He urged his students to act first with passion. His students, who listened to these spirited words with a straightforward gaze, embarked on passionate and even radical revolutionary actions. It was a moment of the first cry of the great revolution.

Capital Punishment

The Ansei Purge was a political repression that occurred in Japan from 1858 to 1859. Led by the shogunate’s chief minister, Ii Naosuke, it targeted court nobles, feudal lords, shogunate officials, and activists who were critical of the shogunate. This crackdown resulted in the death penalty for Yoshida Shōin, a thinker and reformist of the time. His death heralded the beginning of a new era, and his life is deeply engraved in Japanese history. Yoshida Shōin was the man who sowed the seeds of revolution.

Encounter with Yoshida Shōin

Born in Hagi, a man of the distinguished Takasugi family, Takasugi Shinsaku’s path was not destined for the path of an ordinary samurai. Dissatisfied with the academic education at Meirinkan, his heart yearned for greater challenges, leading him to the Shōka Sonjuku, where he met Yoshida Shōin, a man with the flame of revolution burning within him. Despite the disapproval of his conservative family, Shinsaku chose to study under Shōin, igniting and sharing in the flame of revolution.

Yoshida Shōin, the man who sowed the seeds of revolution, found in Takasugi Shinsaku a sapling that sprouted from those seeds. Until the moment Shoin’s life faded away in the land of Edo, Shinsaku tirelessly supported and devoted himself to those revolutionary ideals. Concealing the stirrings of revolution within, Shinsaku burned through his 27-year lifespan, embodying the fervour of change.

‘Once he moved, he was like lightning; when he spoke, he vanished like the wind and rain.Those around were merely astonished, left dumbfounded, with none daring to look directly at him.’

Hirobumi Ito, a fellow student at the Shōka Sonjuku and the first Prime Minister of Japan, who shared the path of revolution with Takasugi Shinsaku, described him as follows:

“Takasugi Shinsaku was a man who committed multiple acts of leaving his domain (A samurai leaving the domain to go elsewhere was a serious offense during that era). He vanished like the wind. However, when he appeared, history began to move dramatically. When the Chōshū domain faced crisis and everyone deemed the situation hopeless, Shinsaku emerged on the scene. He exhibited a miraculous strength, overcoming adversity. And once his mission was accomplished, he disappeared again. He truly was a man of the turbulent times, a true child of the storm.”

Overseas Journey

In 1862, at the age of 22, Takasugi Shinsaku set foot overseas for the first time. He visited Shanghai in Qing (present-day China) and witnessed firsthand the dire state of Qing under colonization by Western powers. He realised that a one-sided and ideological approach to “Jōi” (expelling foreigners) alone was insufficient to strengthen the nation. He felt the necessity of interacting with foreign countries and acquiring modern technologies.

Formation of Kiheitai

In 1863, the Chōshū domain’s faction advocating the expulsion of foreigners abruptly attacked American, French, and Dutch ships. Six months later, the domain suffered severe repercussions.
Amidst this crisis, a messenger unexpectedly arrived at Takasugi Shinsaku’s doorstep.
The Chōshū domain was struggling to devise a strategy to handle the situation, and in the silence, a voice emerged suggesting, “Let’s appoint Shinsaku.”
The strategy he adopted was groundbreaking for Japan at the time. Years of peace had weakened the regular forces of the Chōshū domain, diminishing the fighting spirit of the samurai. On the other hand, those of lower status bravely stood up against foreign ships.
Based on this reality, Takasugi made the bold decision to form an irregular military unit, the ‘Kiheitai.’ This was an innovative idea unimaginable to the domain’s high-ranking officials, shaking the foundations of the feudal order.
The distinguishing feature of this military force was its inclusiveness, allowing peasants and townspeople to participate equally, regardless of social status. Responding to Takasugi’s call, the force grew to 200 units, amassing 2,000 troops, and became renowned as the ‘Kiheitai.’ Takasugi’s achievements were recognised by the domain, leading to his unprecedented promotion to a high-ranking position and a substantial salary. However, he renounced this position and, just six months later, left the domain to pursue his own path.

The greatest crisis of the Chōshū domain

Though the formation of the Kiheitai temporarily fortified the domain’s defenses, the following year brought a full-scale retaliation from the combined fleets of the United States, Britain, France, and the Netherlands.

In this dire situation, Takasugi Shinsaku reemerged as the savior of the domain. Despite being imprisoned for desertion having gone to Kyoto without permission, Shinsaku was urgently released by the domain to handle surrender negotiations with the foreign powers.

Posing as a high-ranking official of the domain, he skillfully negotiated, rejecting the leasing of Hikoshima and shifting the burden of indemnity to the Edo Shogunate. However, he had to concede to the foreign ships docking at Moji, leading the Chōshū Domain to shift its policy from expulsion of foreigners to opening the country. This decision, however, incited the wrath of the radical anti-foreign faction, and Shinsaku found his life threatened by them.

Civil War

In a sudden turn of events, the conservative faction within the Chōshū domain, demonstrating submission to the shogunate, seized control, and in the shadows, the anti-foreign faction faced successive suppressions.
Takasugi Shinsaku foresaw that the domain’s shift towards conservatism would not only strengthen the shogunate’s power but also hinder Japan’s modernisation and lead the country into crisis under Western powers.
He returned to Moji yet hesitated to rise against the domain government due to fear of its immense power. Nonetheless, those who decided to stand with Shinsaku were a small force led by Ito Hirobumi, comprising 30 Sumo wrestlers (rikishi-tai) and about 50 fishermen (yugekitai). Although they were a modest force against the domain’s 4,000 troops, Shinsaku believed that a small number of like-minded individuals could become a formidable force.

“It’s time to show the true mettle of Chōshū’s men.”

This statement by Shinsaku during this period symbolises his courage and determination and continues to inspire many admirers even today.

Towards the Future

Takasugi Shinsaku led a mere 80 soldiers to a staggering victory that amazed the world. However, he declined high positions and salaries offered by the Chōshū domain and planned to study in England. He envisioned a new future for Japan, one that transcended the confines of the anti-foreigner sentiment.

His declaration to Ito Hirobumi, “I will make Chōshū a nation that rivals the world’s great powers,” left Ito astounded. However, Shinsaku’s words were imbued with deep insight into the transformative times. He was reimagining Japan’s future, beyond the traditional anti-foreigner ideology.

Even Shinsaku couldn’t foresee everything. The shogunate’s invasion of Chōshū happened sooner than he anticipated. His plans to travel Europe became known by the anti-foreigner faction, forcing him to flee. Despite these adversities, he returned to Shimonoseki and defeated the shogunal fleet. He then besieged Kokura Castle in Kitakyūshū, achieving victory against the shogunal army. Shinsaku climbed its walls and raised the Mōri clan’s “One Character Three Stars” flag. In that quiet moment, while his feelings remained unreadable, the view before him undoubtedly intertwined his dreams and hopes with a historical epoch.

Uninterested in power and with limited funds, Shinsaku’s actions during this era were overwhelming. He changed the course of society, shook organisations, and moved the era. Each of its actions breathed visionary thought and charismatic appeal, making his journey not just historical footprints but a driving force that transformed the era itself.

His bold plans were temporarily interrupted by the shogunate’s unexpected invasion. Nonetheless, Shinsaku bravely overcame adversity, defeating the shogunal fleet at Moji and capturing Kokura Castle in a fierce battle. This victory was a testament to his visionary thinking and charismatic leadership, propelling a change in Japan’s history.

Death

As he besieged Kokura Castle, Takasugi Shinsaku was aware that his body was nearing its limit. With the fervor of battle, his body temperature soared abnormally high. After witnessing the fall of the castle, he could no longer stand, and from the next day, he was confined to bed.

Time stood still, and the spring of 1867 arrived. The disease ravaged Shinsaku’s lungs and eventually extinguished the life of this passionate patriot. His life, like a shooting star, blazed brilliantly but traced a short and poignant path.

The poem he is said to have composed in his final moments encapsulated the tumultuous 27 years of his life. The poem remained, but his soul embarked on a journey beyond the annals of history.

Shinsaku’s death resonated in people’s hearts like the tolling of a bell signaling the end of an era. Though his life was brief, spanning only 27 years, its brilliance continues to illuminate our hearts to this day.

“Omoshiroki koto mo naki yo o omoshiroku.” (“In this world where nothing is interesting, make it interesting.”)

The Hidden Wise Ruler

The Meiji Restoration is considered a miraculous event for rapidly transforming the country’s political system and laying the foundation for a modern nation. Among this, the role of Chōshū Domain’s (also known as Hagi Domain) was extraordinarily notable, overshadowing other domains. Despite facing numerous challenges, new leaders and heroes emerged at crucial moments, leading the way in the Meiji Restoration.

At that time, Lord Mōri Takachika, did not enjoy as much fame as other well-known feudal lords.
Often agreeing to his vassals’ proposals with a simple “Sōsei”, meaning “Do as you think”, he was mockingly called the ”Sōsei Kō”, ”Lord Sōsei”.

However, it’s an undeniable fact that Chōshū produced many prominent individuals. Takachika may not have possessed strong personal convictions, but it was precisely because of this lack of firm beliefs that he succeeded as a wise ruler who accomplished the great revolution of the Meiji Restoration.

Nevertheless, the Chōshū Domain under his leadership eventually overthrew the shogunate and played a central role in the Meiji Restoration. His willingness to accept others’ opinions and appoint capable individuals marks him as an ideal ruler. While other domains often suffered from rulers with half-baked ideologies, Takachika avoided this pitfall. Moreover, he was a compassionate and kind lord, loving the domain and his retainers like family, not swayed by emotions or personal ambition. He highly valued and rejoiced in the talents of others, fairly and justly assessing the abilities of his vassals, rarely making misguided judgements.

His policy of promoting talented young individuals and enriching Meirinkan (the domain school) was a significant achievement. The domain’s elders were notably lenient towards young scholars. Within this context, Takachika discovered a talented young man, eleven-year-old Yoshida Torajiro (later Yoshida Shōin). Impressed by his abilities, Takachika passionately supported Torajiro’s development. However, the arrival of American Black Ships in Uraga (present-day Kanagawa Prefecture) in 1853, demanding treaty negotiations, plunged Japan into chaos.

Torajiro (Shōin) attempted to travel to America to deepen his military knowledge for national defense, but the plan failed and led to severe punishment for his illegal act. Captured by the shogunate and handed over to the Choshū Domain, Shōin would have faced death under normal circumstances. However, Takachika, valuing him, confined him in jail for about a year before putting him under house arrest. As a result, Shōin established the private academy Shōka Sonjuku, nurturing young anti-foreign thinkers, rapidly turning Chōshū into a center for the anti-foreign movement.

Subsequently, Chōshū domain engaged radical activities, experiencing the ebb and flow of the times.
During the time when the anti-foreigner movement progressed successfully or faced backlash from the shogunate due to excesses, Takachika remained consistent in responding with ”Sōsei” to the prevailing factions of the time.
However, his decisions were not merely going along with the tide; each time he genuinely believed it was the right course of action. His remarkable lack of fixed opinions appears evident. Yet, paradoxically, this might have been what saved the Chōshū domain. If it were not for Lord Takachika, who remained resilient amidst the turbulent currents of the era, the domain might have disintegrated mid-course in the drastic shifts of the time.

During the crisis of retaliation from the Four Nations – France, Britain, America, and the Netherlands – Takachika pardoned Takasugi Shinsaku for repeated desertions, appointing him to a high position where he could fully utilise his talents.
Simultaneously, the Kiheitai, a militia organised and led by Shinsaku, emerged, leading to intense internal conflicts between the anti-foreign and pro-shogunate factions within the domain. Takachika navigated these crises by persistently saying “Yes, do as you think.” avoiding disasters for Chōshū Domain. Eventually, Chōshū emerged as a leading force in the movement to overthrow the shogunate, becoming a protagonist in the era’s currents.

While the great revolutionaries Shōin and Shinsaku played pivotal roles, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that their successes were backed by Takachika’s flexible adaptation to the turbulent times as well as the environment and local cultural and geographical characteristics of Hagi.

There is an episode that illustrates this:

Even in his later years, Takachika continued to reflect on the significance of certain days, such as “Shōin’s Day”, anniversary of the death of Yoshida Shōin. On such occasion, he refrained from eating fish, respecting the Buddhist custom of avoiding meat or fish offerings for an anniversary of the deceased individuals. Such a people-oriented lord supported Hagi.