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2011/03/10

Takamori SAIGO


His name is Takamori SAIGO (西郷隆盛). He was one of the Samurai who played major roles in Meiji Restoration (明治維新). I photographed his bronze statue at Ueno Park, Tokyo. He's also known as a dog lover!


Image from Wiki


His last stand against the Meiji government in the Battle of Shiroyama was the historical basis for the 2003 film The Last Samurai. Katsumoto, played by Ken Watanabe in the movie, is based on SAIGO.


This is a Sky Watch Friday and Walk In The Street.


 

Have a wonderful weekend.

23 comments:

  1. Somehow, to me, that photo makes me think of a person pondering his future.

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  2. Great photo and Boomer certainly likes him. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  3. Marvellous statue in a lovely blue sky!

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  4. Encore une belle statue, j'aime bien l'angle de prise de vue

    Publicity ;o) Every Friday (and the Weekend), The Challenge "Walk In The Street Photography"

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  5. I like your point of view on this image Yoshi. The light also works well with the colors. Good to know also a fearsome samurai had a soft spot in his heart for dogs.

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  6. No kidding! I had no idea. He was my grandmother's hero. She wanted a boy baby so much that she kept looking at Saigo's picture when she was pregnant. My grandmother laughed later and said maybe that's why my aunt was born with such fierce eyes.

    I've been picking up quite bit about Saigo Takamori after watching all the historical dramas (Ryoma, Atsuhime, etc.).

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  7. I love the idea of a great warrior with a dog at his side... my dog rests beside me through all of my battles too! Beautiful photo Yoshi!

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  8. Wonderful post and such a terrific photo, Yoshi, as always! Happy SWF! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    Sylvia

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  9. Thank you for showing two photos of the statue. I like the first photo best but the second is a bonus.

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  10. I really thought it's Hachiko. I just watched that movie and it's original movie is from Japan.
    SWF

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  11. Wonderful perspective of the statue. As always, your post is enlightening Yoshi.

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  12. A striking monument, made more appealing by the statue of dog. Like it so much that I have posted the link on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1355527123

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  13. Nice perspective. Nice blue sky, too!

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  14. Nice click of a beautiful statue.

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  15. A dog lover samurai! Very interesting.
    Nice photo about a nice statue!
    Have a good weekend!

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  16. I'm just watching the news coverage of the devastating earthquake and tsuanmi. I don't know if you can read this or where you are located in relation to the quake but I pray for your safety and that of all your countrymen. Blessings.

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  17. dear Yoshi,
    heard and see the news
    hope that you and your family are ok... I pray for you...
    please take care of you
    can't wait to hearing good news from you
    your friend,
    victor

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  18. Yoshi,
    産経ニュースで宇都宮市 震度6強とかいてあります。ご家族、ご親戚、お友達すべての方がご無事でありますことを心からお祈りしております。

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  19. Beautiful figure highlighted by a dramatically blue sky!

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  20. You took the picture from the nice angle. I like his broad, round shoulder.

    I'm praying that you, your families, your friends, all are safe and not damaged by that massive earthquake.

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  21. Quite a tribute to the man and to include his beloved dog. Thank you for that history lesson.

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  22. Great shot of the statue.
    My prayers are with the people of your country for the unfortunate act of nature Tsunami. Take care.

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日本語でのコメント大歓迎です。