Our first stop for the day is Shoin Shrine (松陰神社, Shōin Jinja) which
enshrines Yoshida Shoin, an important figure from Hagi
<https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6150.html> who inspired revolutionary ideas
during the twilight years of Japan's feudal age
<https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2128.html> (mid 1800s). Shoin advocated
learning from the west and the restoration of power to the emperor
<https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2135.html>, thereby openly challenging the
ruling shogunate <https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2128.html>. Although Shoin
did not live to see the Meiji Restoration
<https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2130.html> (1868), many of his students
were pioneers of the creation of modern Japan, and Shoin is regarded by
many as a patriot who sacrificed himself for the good of his country.

--
亮(ryo)