Yoshitoshi Taiso’s image of Saigo

On 24 September 1877, the Battle of Shiroyama catapulted and intensified after the imminent retirement of Saigo and the rise of other retired samurais, who proved to be Yamagata’s strongest competitors.

The Imperial Army, led by General Yamagata Aritomo, resolutely wanted to end the reign of Saigo. During the launch of their attack, they surrounded the mountain that harbored Saigo and the other samurais. They dug trenches to keep the rebels, above, at bay. They erected obstacles and ensured that the naval vessels were patrolling around the mountain, ensuring that Saigo and his men didn’t escape. Saigo’s men attempted all methods of disorienting the armies frontlines including the use of bullets that were melted from bronze statues found within the temples.

Yamagata also sent Saigo a letter requesting his surrender. It is imperative to note that, during this time in history, it was deemed foolish and degrading to bow down to such requests. In a bid to honor the bushido code, Saigo and his men chose to die on the battlefield while fighting off their enemies. After the refusal, Yamagata was determined to end the rebellious samurais and thus ordered the attack from all directions. The men were asked to close in on the supposed enemies of the central government. The command issued by Yamagata entailed shooting indiscriminately. No regard for the army’s position was given as long as the samurais did not escape.

On the offensive side and under pressure from the army’s attack, Saigo changed tactics. His team managed to attack weak points in the army’s lines. As they tore through the armies with their famous swords, Saigo’s men continued to resist attack until the army’s lines restrained them from further advancement.
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With his men drastically reduced, they lost to the Imperial Army. Saigo injured by a bullet. He died by the same hands of the government he helped to create. History is unclear as to whether Saigo, the last samurai, performed the suicide seppuku or was struck by one of his trusted allies.

–John Robert Hubbard

Meet the Author

I am a veteran of military service and, as a student, I find military history fascinating. I am a bit of a history buff but by no means an expert on the historical record. I don’t plan to major in history. However, it is my sincere hope that my work is found useful by others.