Masashige Statue: Sign
Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336) is an eduring symbol of loyalty and honor in Japan for his self-less act of obedience during the Kamakura period. Despite attempts to advise Emperor Go-Daigo to retreat to the mountains when their forces were betrayed by Ashikaga Takauji, Go-Daigo refused. Kusunoki lead his army into battle against impossible odds. He and hundreds of his men comitted seppuku. His final words are now famous, and they are quite similar to those of American patriot, Nathan Hale who is believed to have said "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Kusnoki's last words echoed the same sentiment: Shichisei hokoku (I wish I had seven lives to give for my country).
The battle took place in Kobe, an area I am quite familar with. The Minatogawa shrine in Kobe houses the grave of Masashige. I have photos of that shrine in my photostream.
Masashige Statue: Sign
Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336) is an eduring symbol of loyalty and honor in Japan for his self-less act of obedience during the Kamakura period. Despite attempts to advise Emperor Go-Daigo to retreat to the mountains when their forces were betrayed by Ashikaga Takauji, Go-Daigo refused. Kusunoki lead his army into battle against impossible odds. He and hundreds of his men comitted seppuku. His final words are now famous, and they are quite similar to those of American patriot, Nathan Hale who is believed to have said "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Kusnoki's last words echoed the same sentiment: Shichisei hokoku (I wish I had seven lives to give for my country).
The battle took place in Kobe, an area I am quite familar with. The Minatogawa shrine in Kobe houses the grave of Masashige. I have photos of that shrine in my photostream.