Nov 22, 2013 - 1 min read

Statues of Kagoshima

Find historical figures in every part of the city

By Peter Sidell

Community writer

Two local samurai discuss the future of Japan

Okubo Toshimichi, a prominent modernizer in Meiji-era Japan

I have no idea who this is

In 1865 some students from the area were secretly sent to study in Britain

I don't know who this is either

The foreigners are coming! Townsfolk run to the port when the British fleet arrives following the Namagumi Incident

Artist Kuroda Seiki heads to the port to paint Sakarujima erupting

Shimadzu Shigehide discusses astronomy with a family retainer

Two more samurai discuss the ramifications of a minister's recent assassination

Shimadzu Tadayoshi, lord of the Satsuma domain (after which Mandarin oranges were renamed)

Shimadzu Hisamitsu, clan lord, reformer and historian

Saigo Takamori, leader in the Meiji Restoration, commander of the Imperial Guard, exile and rebel

Shimadzu Nariakira, leader in industry and education

This is more interesting than your standard bridge railing

Ryoma Sakamoto and his wife introduce to Japan the practice of honeymooning

Komatsu Tatewaki, samurai and government official

Godai Tomoatsu, one of the students smuggled away to study in Britain

British doctor William Willis teaches Western medicine to naval physician Takaki Kanehiro

Princess Atsuhime

These people are near Atsuhime, but I don't know who they are

Kagoshima takes a lot of pride in its prominent role in Japanese history, and has become better known domestically with the success of national TV drama shows about figures such as the samurai politician Ryoma Sakamoto and Shogun's wife Atsuhime. It seems that around every corner there's a statue of a historical figure or other local worthy, and many of them have English explanations so we can see what role they played in the region's past. Even if you have no interest in the history, however, they add a lot of charm and character to the city.

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Peter Sidell

By Peter Sidell

Community writer

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

A very fun photo story!!

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Peter Sidell

Peter Sidell Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you! These statues do make it more interesting to stroll around the city.

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