JapanUp! magazine

1839 – 1867 高杉晋作 Shinsaku Takasugi The Visionary Leader of Choshu-Han Who Defied Social Status to Protect Japan Birth of a Future Leader Shinsaku Takasugi was born in 1839 in Choshu (modern-day Yamaguchi Prefecture), into a family that had long served the local feudal lord. Demonstrating remarkable intelligence from an early age, Takasugi dedicated himself to martial arts, laying the foundation for his future as a military and political leader. Entering Shoka Sonjuku At the age of 19, Takasugi was invited by his childhood friend, Genzui Kusaka, to join Shoka Sonjuku, a private school founded by Shoin Yoshida, a prominent…

574-622 厩戸皇子 Umayado no Oji (Prince Umayado)  AKA Shōtoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku) 聖徳太子 The Enigmatic Statesman Who Shaped Japan’s Future Mysterious Beginnings Prince Umayado, born in 574 as the son of Emperor Yōmei, entered the world under a cloud of mystery. He became known as Shōtoku Taishi (Prince Shōtoku) after his death. Even the origins of his birth have sparked intriguing stories. One legend suggests his mother nearly gave birth to him outside a stable, while another claims he was born in a stable, evoking comparisons to figures of spiritual significance. As a child, Prince Umayado would not only witness…