Sakuma Shozan

Sakuma Shōzan, (佐久間象山 March 22, 1811—August 12, 1864) sometimes called Sakuma Zōzan, was a Japanese politician and scholar of the Edo era.

Related Topics:
March 22 - 1811 - August 12 - 1864 - Japanese politician - Edo era

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Knowledgeable on naval and coastal defense issues, Shozan was imprisoned by the Tokugawa Bakufu from 1854 to 1862. He advocated opening Japanese ports to foreign traders.

Related Topics:
Tokugawa Bakufu - 1854 - 1862

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Shōzan was assassinated for his opinions by some radical anti-foreigner groups. The groups hired an assassin, or hitokiri named Kawakami Gensai who felled Shozan with one strike in broad daylight.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~