An Illustrated Story
The Battle Between England and Kagoshima

The British fleet is attacking Kagoshima Bay!
Orders received, they now hurry to the port.
The figures of Oyama Iwao, Saigo Judo, and Yamamoto Gonnohyoe.

It all started one year earlier in 1862.
Some lords of Kagoshima with their retainers were on their way home from visiting the Tokyo government.

Then, 3 British men on horses crossed in front of them.

Riding your horse in front of a lord was disrespectful, so the Kagoshima warriors were angered and cut down the men.
During the event, 1 man died and the other 2 were injured.

In response, England demanded compensation money and the execution of the attackers, but Kagoshima refused.

England became angry, sending a fleet of 7 ships to Kagoshima Bay to start a battle.

An intense bombardment ensued and both sides received heavy damage.
The British fleet was unable to reach land and withdrew after 2 days.

During the battle, England saw the strength of Kagoshima, while Kagoshima learned of the modern military power of England.

After peace negotiations, Kagoshima decided to adopt some British culture, and the two nations became friendly.

This is an example of the saying, “The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.”
The samurai of Kagoshima had realized that being cut off from foreign diplomacy had led to Japan falling behind the rest of the world.
After that, Kagoshima played a large role in the revolution of Japan.

• Tokishirube1:The Battle Between England and Kagoshima
• Tokishirube2:Kabayama and Kuroda in a Great Discussion
• Tokishirube3:The Painter and Sakurajima
• Tokishirube4:A Young Revolutionist on His Honeymoon
• Tokishirube5:Kagoshima’s Roots of Modernization
• Tokishirube6:Samurai and Government Change
• Tokishirube7:Kagoshima Meets Western Medicine