In recent posts I told you more and more about the Japanese Restoration (明治維新) also referred to as Bakumatsu Period (幕末時代), which translates to “end of the Shogunate”. You might think that I have studied the time from history books, but in fact I got most of my knowledge from a very excellent Manga, which I’d like to introduce today together with its main character
The Manga features one of the revolution’s main characters, without whom the revolution could not have taken place: Sakamoto Ryouma 坂本龍馬.
(I quoted the following text from my 長崎 Nagasaki post)
Sakamoto Ryouma was born 1835 in 土佐藩 Tosa Province (now 高知県 Kouchi Prefecture) on the island of 四国 Shikoku. In Tosa Province a couple of 上司 Joushi (upper class samurai) ruled with iron hand and Ryouma had to experience many cruelties during his youth. He was the son of a family of 郷士 Goushi (lower class samurai), which became wealthy in the Sake business. He was known around town for bed wetting until his adolescence, his bad writing and slow learning and was generally considered an idiot.
When he witnessed how the 大名 Daimyou (feudal lord) or Tosa killed friends of him, because of showing improper politeness when he was crossing a bridge, his life changed. He sought for a way to have an influence in the world and change it and what he found was swordsmanship. His simple childish plan was to become the best swordsman of Japan and by that gain influence. And so he did, with the burning passion and motivation of dreams behind him. Also 乙女 Otome his bigger sister played an important role, always seeing a great man in him and personally teaching him sword fighting lessons.
http://dwellingindreams.blogspot.com/2008/08/review-oi-ryouma.html
MAG.MOE - The MAG, The MOE.