The "Last Samurai", Saigo Takamori.

The "Last Samurai", Saigo Takamori.

Saigo Takamori was born in Kagoshima on January 23, 1828. His family were of samurai class, but were impoverished, living more like rural samurai, surviving off the land.

Saigo Takamori's career began as a minor samurai official for the Satsuma clan before being sent to Edo to assist in smoothing relations between the shogunate and the Imperial court. Sent into exile by Ii Naosuke as part of his supposed anti-shogunate activities during the Ansei Purge, Saigo was pardoned and sent to Kyoto to assist in the Satsuma domains' interests regarding the Imperial Court. He became one of the major influences and commanders of the Boshin War.

Saigo Takamori's last stand in the Battle of Shiroyama (1877) was used as the basis for the 2003 Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai. Ken Watanabe's character, Katsumoto, was based on Saigo Takamori.

While fighting to maintain the status and preservation of the samurai, Saigo was shot in the hip, and badly wounded. It is widely believed that he committed seppuku, with his comrade, Beppu Shinsuke taking his head. Modern studies suggest he didn't actually commit seppuku, but died, and was beheaded by Beppu to make it look as though he had died honourably. Saigo was 49 years old.

This statue was unveiled in 1898 in Ueno Park, Tokyo. It is now a matter of contention as to whether this is an accurate depiction of Saigo Takamori based on the few surviving photographs, or possibly his clean shaven brother. Saigo Takamori always had a beard.

Incidentally, Saigo's dog was called Tsun.