Shimazu family

The Shimazu family, a prestigious family from Satsuma that built the history of Kagoshima

When talking about Kagoshima, the Shimazu family always comes to the forefront.
The Shimazu clan, which ruled Satsuma (present-day Kagoshima Prefecture) for approximately 700 years, from the Kamakura period until the Meiji Restoration, is known as one of the daimyo families with an extremely long history in Japanese history.

Its history is marked by many dramatic events, such as the exploits of heroes during the Warring States period, economic development through unique feudal government, and the promotion of modernization at the end of the Edo period. If you are visiting Kagoshima, following in the footsteps of the Shimazu clan will deepen and enrich your trip.

Fierce warriors of the Sengoku period: the exploits of the four Shimazu brothers

During the Sengoku period, the Shimazu clan grew into a major power that dominated southern Kyushu. The driving force behind this was the "Four Shimazu Brothers": Shimazu Yoshihisa, Yoshihiro, Toshihisa, and Iehisa.

In particular, his second son, Shimazu Yoshihiro , was known as a fierce warrior nicknamed "Oni Shimazu" and participated in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea. His fighting style was praised by both allies and enemies, and he later came to be highly regarded by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The Shimazu clan submitted to Hideyoshi as he was on the verge of unifying Kyushu, but continued to maintain its military power and independence even during the Tokugawa period.

The Edo Period - The Satsuma Domain, Distinguished from Other Domains

During the Edo period, the Satsuma domain was a unique domain that maintained strong independence and diplomatic power while outwardly obeying the Tokugawa shogunate.

He built a huge financial base through overseas trade, dual rule with the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a monopoly on brown sugar in the Amami Islands, and increased the power of the entire domain through policies that emphasized the education and practical skills of samurai.

Another characteristic is the strong spirit of the samurai class , and the family tradition that "men of Satsuma must adhere to Bushido" has been deeply rooted in the Kagoshima temperament since the Meiji period.

Reformers of the late Edo period: The master-disciple relationship between Shimazu Nariakira and Saigo Takamori

Towards the end of the Edo period, an outstanding feudal lord named Shimazu Nariakira appeared.
He is known for being one of the first to introduce Western technology and for building the foundations for modern industries such as the construction of reverberatory furnaces and steamships, glass manufacturing, and spinning, and he raised the Satsuma domain to a level where it was called the ``pioneer of Japan's modernization.''

The man Nariakira discovered was Saigo Takamori, who would later become a key figure in the Meiji Restoration. Saigo inherited Nariakira's spirit of reform and devoted himself to the movement to overthrow the shogunate. He combined the political power of the Shimazu clan with the power of the samurai to open the door to a new era.

The culture and spirit of the Shimazu clan that remains to this day

In present-day Kagoshima City, there are many facilities that convey the history of the Shimazu clan.

One of the most well-known examples is Sengan-en , the villa of the Shimazu clan, which boasts a beautiful Japanese garden overlooking Sakurajima and precious architecture from around the time of the Meiji Restoration, which has been preserved to this day in its original form.

The adjacent Shoko Shuseikan Museum displays modern industry and lifestyle culture developed by the Shimazu family, making it a valuable spot to learn about the enterprising spirit of Satsuma.

You can also get a real feel for the Satsuma spirit and the deep influence of the Shimazu clan by actually walking through historical sites such as the ruins of Tsurumaru Castle (Kagoshima Castle) and Terukuni Shrine.

Experience history while sightseeing in Kagoshima

It is thanks to the Shimazu family that many tourists who visit Kagoshima are captivated not only by its nature and cuisine, but also by its history and people.

The culture of the "Satsuma Hayato" was strong-willed and warm even in the midst of harsh conditions. This spirit still lives on today in the townscape, the language of the people, and in the proud tourist attractions.

For history buffs and those visiting Kagoshima for the first time, the story of the Shimazu family is sure to add a memorable touch to your trip.