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MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY ILIGAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES


DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

The Causes and Effects of the Satsuma Rebellion
In partial fulfillments of the requirements in
HIST 125, Modern Japan








Submitted by:
Ruhollah AL-Husseini J. Alonto


Submitted to:
Prof. Jamelyn B. Palattao







August 2013
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I. Introduction
The Tokugawa era was characterized by the rigid policies of Ieyasus line to the strict
adherence in preserving the culture and tradition of Japan. As such, during this time, Japan was
closed from the rest of the world and as a result became backward in terms of the scientific
advancements that were taking place in the west. For almost three centuries, Japan maintained its
isolationist policy. However, this was soon ended when Commodore Perrys superior fire power
forced Japan to submit to terms and open itself to trade with the west. With this, internal turmoil
was at hand and the Tokugawa government began to crumble and lose its control over the
Daimyos. At the outset of the decline of the Tokugawa regime, Japanese feudalism was also in
its final moments and thus the beginning of a new era, the Meiji Restoration.
During the Meiji Restoration, the government was forced to open itself to the West, thus,
Japan entered into the period of modernization and industrialization. Western ideas were being
imported to Japan and the new government tried its best to cope up with the rest of the world. In
this regard, Japan was fast tracking its development in order to compete with the rest of the
world. However, not all Japanese were subscribed to the idea of change. In fact, there were
remnants of the old feudal order who opposed change. One of them was the Satsuma uprising in
which the new Emperor was faced with a challenge from one of its closest allies, the Satsuma
clan. As such, it is in these circumstances that I would argue that the changes brought about by
the Meiji Restoration to the social structure of the old Japanese Society resulted to the uprising of
the Satsuma clan led by Saigo Takamori. The Satsuma Rebellion can best be described as a clash
between the remnants of the old feudal order and that of the new order, characterized by the
looming influences of western ideas and technology. The Satsuma rebellion was thus one of the
last futile efforts of traditional Japan against the advent of westernization.
II. Theoretical Framework
In studying the Satsuma insurrection, we must take into consideration that Japan at that time
was in the transition from the old feudal order to a more industrial form of society. Thus,
different social classes had emerged from this already rigidly stratified society. We are tempted
as such to use Marxist models into our inquiry, however, it proves quite fallacious to use such
concepts as Marxists social theories does not necessarily apply to Asian societies for it was
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designed for the societies in the European continent. Marx (1848) points out that the modern
bourgeois society has sprouted from the ruins of feudal society has not done away with class
antagonisms. It has but established new classes, new conditions of oppression, new forms of
struggle in place of old ones. Drawing on the ideas of Hegel and the young Hegelian, Marx
argued that that it was neither religion nor ignorance of the Mind, but the main current economic
and material conditions that prevented human from achieving freedom (Warrington, 2008, p.
243). As such, to Marx, in achieving this, what is needed is a social revolution is needed led by a
class supported by a large part of the society opposed to the prevailing system. In Japan however,
the transition from feudalism to industrialization was augmented from a very much different
circumstances. It is from this however, that we would like to capsulize it in a Marxist point of
view. Accordingly, there are three preconditions for the development of industrial capitalism
during the demise of feudalism. These are:
there were large numbers of labourers who were free in the double sense that
neither they [formed] part and parcel of the mean of production as in the case of the slaves,
bondsmen, etc., nor [did] the means of production belong to them, as in the case of peasant
proprietors Second, there was a considerable mass of merchant capital (private wealth)
Third, urban craft outgrew the guild system. (Warrington, 2008, pp. 246-247).
Where all these conditions present in Japan? As I pointed out before, Marxist theories do not
necessarily apply here, but only a few of its elements may be observed. Thus, in this regard, at
the outset of the decay of Japanese feudalism, initially, we saw the start of Japanese capitalism
also. Old feudal lords began to transfer their powers into a more commercial basis especially
when Japan at that time was on the outset opening its markets to the rest of the world. Thus, the
revolution that took place in Japan did not necessarily come from the bourgeoisie. But it began
with the feudal lords themselves, who in turn evolve into the Japanese bourgeoisie. Moreover,
the Meiji Restoration also can see the flourishing of Zaibatsu or the business companies that
flourished in Japan.
At this juncture, we can observe the transitions in which Japan was at the point coping up
with the rest of the world and began to industrialize. Going back to our point of interest, we
would like to come up with a theoretical framework that will best suite our inquiry. In this
regard, we would like to apply few of Marxist elements, namely its dialectical materialism in
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addressing the issues observed in the Satsuma Rebellion. Hence, the Satsuma rebellion was one
of the last futile attempts of the old feudal order against the growing popular notion of
westernization masked in the name of industrialization and modernisation. Eventually, the old
classes of the Samurais, would lose its appeal to the new order in Japan at the face of a more
modern army with it more advance and powerful fire power.
III. Satsuma Domain and its Role During the Restoration
The Satsuma principality, located at the southern extremities of Kyushu consists of the
provinces of Hizen, Chikuzen, Buzen, Chikugo , Higo, Bungo, Satsuma, Hiuga, and Osumi. The
capital of the principality of Satsuma is Kagushima which is famous for its products like cotton,
silk, pottery and glass. Also, it is quite popular with its tobacco and horses. The Satsuma
provinces are famous for its production of rice, tea, camphor and cedar wood.
The family that had ruled the Satsuma principality were the Shimazu. They are one of the
richest and most influential families in Japan with assessed revenue of 770, 800 koku of rice
(Mounsey, 1879, p. 15). During the Tokugawa era, they were defeated by the forces of Ieyasu,
but in the end maintained autonomy over their domains. From then on, the Satsuma principality
became one of the ardent opponents of the Tokugawa rule and their people were highly
marvelled for their military prowess. Also, people from the Satsuma principality has this attitude
of considering themselves as superior compared to those from the other provinces. With this,
there is an old saying that each of its inhabitants considered himself a Satsuma man first then a
Japanese (Mounsey, 1879, p. 17).
By 1858, the present head of the Satsuma clan was Shimazu Saburo. Moreover, when
westerners began to force Japan into accepting them, the Satsuma clan utilized that in weakening
the Shoguns power. In fact, it was from the Satsuma that the idea of abolishing the Shogun
came. What commenced afterwards was a civil war which need not be discussed lengthily in this
paper. The Satsuma clan however, was ensured of prominent position in the government that will
be established for they played actively in deposing the Shogun. Moreover, it is much more likely,
that the some of the Satsuma might have thought of acquiring the power and influence amassed
by the Shogun, although of course under the name of the Emperor. But as will be seen later, this
proved quite the contrary.
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IV. Implication of the Meiji Restoration
One of the most significant changes brought about by the Restoration was the abolishment of
the Bafuku or feudalism. It was a necessity in order to strengthen the central control of the
emperor and so, this was supported by the four feudatories namely, the Choshu, Satsuma, Hizen
and Tosa. However, ending a system which has already existed in the society for a few centuries
proved to be quite troublesome to the new government. Moreover its planned compensation
proved to be quite inept in solving issues. Thus more problems emerged and the will eventually
become complicated.
Basically, what took place during the Restoration was a remodelling of the existing social
structures and institutions which had the characteristics of Western prototypes. The results were:
the daimyo were appointed governors of their former estates and were assigned
one-tenth of their former revenues, while the cost of local government formerly borne by
them and the pensions of the samurai were to be paid out of taxes and were no longer to be
met by feudal lords For a time pensions were given the ex-daimyo and ex-samurai. Since
the cost proved a heavy burden on the national exchequer, in 1873 commutation of these was
begun by payment of a lump sum. In 1876 commutation was made compulsory. (Latourette,
1965, p. 398)
Another significant change would be the remodelling of the army. Indeed, the restoration
ended the basic privilege that the samurais had enjoyed and so they needed to recruit more for
their new army. Japan at that time began to modernize its army and thus the samurais were
replaced by the standing armies. Indeed the end of feudalism meant the end of special military
class of the samurais. By 1876, they were all required to lay aside their swords, the symbol of
their social rank. Thus the distinction between the court nobility, or kuge and the military was
cancelled and the two groups were merged into one nobility. The hereditary dishonour imposed
upon the eta or hinin was abolished (Latourette, 1965, p. 400). Although respect and admiration
for those who descendent from the long lines of samurais persisted after its abolishment; the
Restoration nonetheless stripped them from the power that they once held.

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V. Outbreak of Hostilities
The rate of which these changes were brought by the restoration antagonized many,
especially the samurais whose privileges were stripped from them. Moreover, they were
deprived of their swords, which symbolized the pride that they have inherited from their
ancestors and were soon replaced by the regular army, an idea which at that time for most
traditional and conservative persons was scandalous. Another significant matter which would
fuel a conflict between the samurais and the new Meiji government would be the relaxed policy
towards Korea. Japan pushed for a more friendly relationship with their Korean neighbours.
Unfortunately, Korea did not reciprocate these advances. Missions were sent to open diplomatic
relations but all were rebuffed by the Koreans. This inaugurated a strong war party which
advocated for a more punitive action. However, moderate opinions prevailed and war with Korea
was averted. Eventually all these grievances culminated in the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877.
The leader of the rebellion was Saigo Takamori. According to Mounsey, Saigo was:
Born at Kagoshima in 1826, to a simple Samurai parents, he was educated chiefly at
Kioto [Kyoto], and as a young man appears to have been in constant communication with a
school of politicians composed of men of different clans, which desired either the expulsion
of foreigners, or if this were impossible, such a change in the constitution as would give the
chief clans a voice in the nations relations with them and would, above all, relieve these
clans from arbitrary subjection to a ruler who was not the sovereign of the country, but
merely a subject of the Mikado [emperor]. (Mounsey, 1879)
Thus, when Saigo returned home, he quickly rose to prominence gaining the trust of the
Daimyo. He was convinced that it was only through force that the country could be changed with
that the Daimyo agreed. Hence preparations were made in the development of the clans military
spirit and as well as its organization. Eventually, Saigo got into trouble with the Shogun,
especially after he harboured his friend Gassho after escaping prison. Fearing for the ire of the
Shogun, Satsuma authorities banished Saigo to Oshima.
By 1863, Saigo was recalled from banishment by Shimazu Saburo and placed him as the
head of the administration of the principality. With this he began to be active in politics and his
new position as chief councillor of the Satsuma chieftain gained him prominence among the
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other clans. As a result, he successfully united all the feuding clans and placed them against the
Tokugawa Shogunate. With the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Restoration of the
emperor, his role in the Japanese politics was ensured. Moreover, he would prove quite crucial to
the establishment of a new government as his opinions were highly valued. For this he was to be
rewarded by the Emperor:
You have been the strongest upholder of my cause, and you have for years been
zealously endeavouring to secure my restoration. By your skill as military commissioner in
obtaining possession of Yedo Castle, in gaining the victories of Echigo, and by your
diligence in all affairs connected with my service, you have gained for me the peace I enjoy
to-day. I honour your actions, and as a reward therefore decree to you a pension of 2000
koku of rice. (Emperor Meiji as cited by Mounsey, 1879, p. 52)
Eventually, many members of the Satsuma clan were appointed to important offices. In fact,
Saigo himself was appointed to the ministry of war. Unfortunately, a rift between the emperor
and the Satsuma clan would soon brew. After, the restoration, troops from the Satsuma clan
remained in Tokyo (the new name of Edo) in order to serve as guard to the emperor. By
November 1870, they petitioned the Emperor to be relieved from duty as they deem it necessary
to return home since maintaining troops to be garrisoned proved to be quite expensive for the
Satsuma clan. Moreover, the debt that they had incurred during their campaigns against the
remnants of the old Tokugawa already surmounted to a huge sum. However, Mounsey (1879)
argues that there is little doubt that the real grounds of the request which it contained were the
discontent and disappointment of the two former statesman [Saigo and Shimazu] at finding that
the part in the government of the country was allotted to them indefinitely less than what they
had a right to expect. This was shared by most of the clans member and would become one of
the reasons for the outbreak of hostilities.
Virtually, the Satsuma clan was divided between those who support the emperor and those
who support Saigo and Shimazu. Rebellion was brewing and this would be aggravated when the
central government attempted to confiscate arms from the private samurai school established by
Saigo. Moreover, the peaceful resolution of the conflict with Korea left Saigo very dissatisfied.
By February, 1877, Saigo was on the march to the west coast of Kyushu on his way to Tokyo.
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Along with him is a force of 14,000 men. It is estimated that around 30,000 would take part in
expedition.
The first encounter with the government troops would be that in the castle of Kumamoto.
There General Tani along with 2,000 to 3,000 men was garrisoned. The castle held Saigo and his
rebels for several weeks and this proved quite an advantage for the government troops. Prince
Akihito was appointed as commander in chief and established his headquarters in Fuokoka
(Murray, 1894, p. 390). Aside from that, General Saigo Tsugumichi, Saigo Takamoris brother
was the one in charge with the equipment of the governments troops. When the rebel troops
finally reduced the castle of Kumamoto, relief came and the government forces pushed the rebels
back. The rebels in turn had no choice but to withdraw.
VI. Defeat of the Satsuma Rebels
After the withdrawal of the rebels from Kumamoto, they were forced to form a defensive
position to the east coast with the objective reaching north through Hyuga or Bungo. The
government troops followed them and in turn fighting continued. Accordingly, desperate battles
were fought in this part of the campaign (Murray, 1894, p. 391). Although largely outnumbered,
the rebels fought bravely. There last stand would be in Nobeoka, in the northeast corner of
Hyuga. Seeing that all was lost for their cause, Saigo along with two hundred of his loyal
soldiers fled to Kagoshima. Those who were left surrendered on August 19, 1877.
Meanwhile, Saigo had entrenched himself on the summit of the hill of Shiroyama
overlooking Kagoshima. Here he was surrounded by the government forces and was bombarded
day and night. Eventually he was wounded and with that he had realized that it was futile to
resist. Seeing that there was no way that he could fight, he requested one of his faithful
lieutenants to honourably behead him. Thus by September, 24, 1877, the Satsuma Rebellion, the
last and most serious attempt to the establishment of the Meiji government came to an end.
VII. Aftermath
It is hereby made known that on the 24
th
inst. Akihito, Imperial Prince of the second
rank (commonly called as Arisugawa-no-Miya), and commander-in-chief of the army of
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chastisement, reported to his Imperial Majesty that the rebels of Kiushu have been
reduced to quiet. (Prince Akihito as cited by Mounsey, 1879, p. 218)
With those statements, there was a feeling of relief that engulfed Japan. It is said that there
were no celebrations, no signs of triumphal rejoicing. Moreover, the general sentiment towards
the band of warriors was that of admiration and regret. Clearly, the last traces of the feudal order
of the Samurais diminished with the death of its last champion, Saigo.
Once the government troops in Tokyo returned, there was no elaborate display of grand
welcome. Only the officers were received with a brief ceremony and were awarded gallantly by
the Emperor. Prince Akihito in turn was highly awarded by the emperor for his services during
the war. On November 2, 1877, the Emperor conferred to the prince the following:
I, who, by will of Heaven, am Emperor of Japan, descending in an unbroken line for
10,000 years, confer on you, Prince Arisugawa, a man of the highest merit, commander-in-
chief of the army, president of the senate, this decoration of the highest class of the Order of
the Chrysanthemum, and you are herewith invested with all dignities and privileges
appertaining to the said Order. (Emperor Meiji as cited by Mounsey, 1879, p. 223)
Indeed, the Emperor rewarded his men greatly. In fact those who were engaged in the battle
against the rebels were conferred to the same Order. Moreover, they were rewarded with money.
On the other hand, the rebels who were taken as prisoners were tried in a special court-martial by
Prince Akihito in Nagasaki. These trials were held during the months of September and October.
The number of persons accused before it, of complicity in the rebellion, was 42,740. Of these,
246 were declared innocent of the charges brought against them, and 39,632 were pardoned and
discharged. Of the remainder, 2718 were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, with hard labour,
varying from five years to thirty days or to deprivation of ranks and fines, and only 124 to
imprisonment for periods of from five to ten years. Twenty persons were condemned to
decapitation. (Mousney, 1879, pp. 226-227)
For the cost of the war, we turn to the data provided by Mousney as his account was
contemporary to the events that took place during the Satsuma Rebellion. Moreover, he was in
Japan while the insurrection took place. According to him the total numbers of troops employed
by the government to suppress the rebels are as follow:
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Men
Infantry, 58 battalion 56, 318
Engineer, 2 do. 1,512
Military train, do. 310
Police 7,000
Total 65,140
Artillery, 4 battalions, 48 guns.
Table 1. Government troops used during the Satsuma rebellion. Mounsey, Augustus H., The
Satsuma Rebellion: An Episode of Modern Japanese History, 1879, p. 231.
The casualties for both sides on the other hand are presented in the following table:
Imperial Army
Killed Wounded
Soldiers 6,220 10,000
Coolies 147 528
Missing 32
6,399 10,523
Satsuma Rebels
7,000 11,000
Table 2. Casualties for both sides. Moubsey, Augustus H., The Satsuma Rebellion: An
Episode of Modern Japanese History, 1879, p. 233.
The cost of the properties lost would somehow be impossible as the war rages on, numerous
properties were destroyed. However, Mousney (1879) gives an estimate of 350,000. However,
the destruction of life and livelihood was more than that. For the government side however,
accounts from the war department state that 42,000,000 yen or 8,400,000 was spent during the
whole campaign. The expenditure incurred during that time was quite crucial as Japan was still
developing. Mousney provides more detail on the expenses incurred during the rebellion:
Now, according to the minister of finances statement for the fiscal year, July 1, 1875
June 30, 1876, the public revenue and expenditure of Japan were, in round numbers,
13,700,000; whereas, in the statement of the year 1877-78, both are reduced to about
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10,250,000. Thus in two years the revenue had fallen off to the extent of above three
millions, and the expenditure had to be reduced by the same amount. There had been a
change equally remarkable in the state of the national debt. (Mousney, 1879, pp. 237-238)
When Japan opened up to the rest of the world, not only was it link to the global market, but
also had to supress internal unrest. Thus, in its early stages, Japan faced many debts especially to
the European countries.
VIII. Conclusion
At the outset of the Meiji Restoration, the opening of Japan to western commerce and influx
of western ideas antagonized the more conservative and traditional factions of Japan. What
transpired in the Satsuma Rebellion was merely the clash between the remnants of the old feudal
order and that of the new modern society. The rebellion tested the government to the utmost, but
while it lasted, political agitation ceased in the face of the danger which threatened both to
overthrow the government and to restore some of the worst features of feudalism and of dual
executive of the Shogunate (Longford, 1913, p. 58).

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Latourette, Kenneth S. (1965). A Short History of the Far East. New York: The MacMillan
Company.
Longford, Joseph H. (1913). The Evolution of New Japan. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
Marx, Karl. (1848). Manifesto of the Communist Party. Retrieved from
http://www.anu.edu.au/polsci/marx/classics/manifesto.html.
Mounsey, Augustus H. (1879). The Satsuma Rebellion: An Episode of Japanese History.
London: John Murray.
Warrington, Hughes Marnie. (2008) Fifty Key Thinkers on History, 2
nd
ed. New York:
Routledge.

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