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!
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| 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.
Somehow, to me, that photo makes me think of a person pondering his future.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo and Boomer certainly likes him. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous statue in a lovely blue sky!
ReplyDeleteEncore une belle statue, j'aime bien l'angle de prise de vue
ReplyDeletePublicity ;o) Every Friday (and the Weekend), The Challenge "Walk In The Street Photography"
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.
ReplyDeleteNo 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.
ReplyDeleteI've been picking up quite bit about Saigo Takamori after watching all the historical dramas (Ryoma, Atsuhime, etc.).
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!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and such a terrific photo, Yoshi, as always! Happy SWF! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Thank you for showing two photos of the statue. I like the first photo best but the second is a bonus.
ReplyDeleteI really thought it's Hachiko. I just watched that movie and it's original movie is from Japan.
ReplyDeleteSWF
Wonderful perspective of the statue. As always, your post is enlightening Yoshi.
ReplyDeleteA 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
ReplyDeleteNice perspective. Nice blue sky, too!
ReplyDeleteNice click of a beautiful statue.
ReplyDeleteA dog lover samurai! Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteNice photo about a nice statue!
Have a good weekend!
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.
ReplyDeletedear Yoshi,
ReplyDeleteheard 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
Yoshi,
ReplyDelete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。
Beautiful figure highlighted by a dramatically blue sky!
ReplyDeleteYou took the picture from the nice angle. I like his broad, round shoulder.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying that you, your families, your friends, all are safe and not damaged by that massive earthquake.
merci pour ta participation au challenge "Walk In The Street Photography"
ReplyDeleteQuite a tribute to the man and to include his beloved dog. Thank you for that history lesson.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the statue.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with the people of your country for the unfortunate act of nature Tsunami. Take care.