Saigo+Takamori+JJ





**-Saigō Takamori**

Saigo Takamori, also known as the last samurai," is a classic example of a tragic hero. He was the fearless leader of the Satsuma clan who worked together with the Chōshū clan to restore order in Japan, leading to what is known today as the Meiji Restoration. As the Shogun resigned and a new bureaucracy was formed, Saigo's role and voice in society diminished; nevertheless, he fought to preserve his samurai class until the end.



Saigo showed strength until the last moment. He led the Satsuma Rebellion, and fought vigorously until he was left with no choice but to surrender, or take his own life. He decided to take his own life via seppuku, a form of suicide that the samurais used. By taking his own life via seppuku, he was able to prevent his enemies from getting the best of him. He is remembered today as the last samurai, and a statue of him exists in Ueno, Tokyo.

__**Sources**__ http://hararie-japan-tokyo-tokyo.com/kanji_symbols/assets_c/2009/07/Takamori%20Saigo-thumb-580x700.jpg http://www.squidoo.com/saigo-takamori http://www.flickr.com/photos/flowizm/136737982/