Hugging the shore of Kinko Bay, this southernmost city of Kyushu is warm, sunny and relaxed. It features palms, flowering trees and bushes, and broad avenues. With the omnious volcano of Sakurajima overlooking Kagoshima across the bay, the city is often called the Naples of Japan. Kagoshima's history was dominated by a single family, the Shimazu clan, who ruled over the city for nearly 700 years. As an important trading center for China, outside contact played a significant part in this port city. An important local figure during the Meiji Restoration was a samurai by the name of Saigo Takamori. He was an educator, scholar, philosopher, and poet, and played a major role in the restoration of the Emperor Maiji and the advancement of technology. When the ancient rights of the samurai class was rescinded, Takamori became disillusioned. He led a brief and unsuccessful rebellion, and eventually committed ritual suicide. To this day, he is remembered by many Japanese who visit the spot on Shiroyama Hill where he died. |
