Our first stop for the day is Shoin Shrine (松陰神社, Shōin Jinja) which
enshrines Yoshida Shoin, an important figure from Hagi
who inspired revolutionary ideas
during the twilight years of Japan's feudal age
(mid 1800s). Mr Yoshida Shoin
advocated learning from the west and the restoration of power to the emperor
, thereby openly challenging the
ruling shogunate . Although he
did not live to see the Meiji Restoration
(1868), many of his students
were pioneers of the creation of modern Japan, and he is regarded by many
as a patriot who sacrificed himself for the good of his country.


--
亮(ryo)