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For 700 years of the Shimazu regime in Kagoshima, from the end of Kamakura period (1185-1333) to the end of Yedo period (1603-1868), it produced competent feudal lords, generation after generation. They kept a good reputation that said, "There are no stupid lords in Shimazu".
Exceptionally capable among them was the 28th lord, Nariakira, who, in his wise perspective, advocated the opening of the country. In his policy, modern industries such as shipbuilding, steel-making, ceramics, and glass-making were greatly enhanced, thus achieving great accomplishments of the time. Under his regime, Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi demonstrated their ability, and both of them together, fought for the overthrow of the Shogunate. However, after they accomplished the great deed of Meiji Restoration, they split up. Saigo Takamori favored seikan-ron, or sending an expeditionary force to Korea, while Okubo Toshimichi opposed it. Saigo, returning to his hometown in a rage, established a private institution to train military officers. In 1877 he fought the Satsuma Rebellion against the new government.
In spite of the size of his military, with about 30,000 warriors, he was decisively defeated. Saigo confined himself in a cave in Mt.Shiroyama before he was attacked by the government's full force, and committed hara-kiri (suicide). A year after, Okubo was also killed by assassination. This was how the two heroes concluded their stormy lives.
