NHK's program "Heroes' Choices," which spotlights heroes who made decisions that dramatically changed history, will air "Brother or Nation? ~Saigo Tsugumichi, Takamori's Younger Brother, and the Meiji Restoration~" on NHK BS on May 18th at 9 PM. This special feature focuses on Saigo Tsugumichi, the younger brother of Saigo Takamori, a leading figure of the Meiji Restoration, who eventually rose to become one of the Meiji elder statesmen. What decision was he forced to make during the Satsuma Rebellion, which was started by his great brother, Takamori...?
For Saigo Tsugumichi, his older brother Takamori, who was 16 years his senior, was a hero who ushered in a new era, and like a father figure who raised him in place of their deceased parents.
Tsugumichi, who fought alongside Takamori in the Boshin War, rose to prominence after the Meiji Restoration by studying in Europe and America to observe the latest military developments, eventually becoming a leader in the army. It was in this context that the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877 occurred. A major crisis arose when Takamori and others raised an army, and disgruntled samurai throughout the country were in danger of joining forces. Tsugumichi, the younger brother of a "rebel general," was forced to make a choice...
