A cord of Samurai (7) 2015/07/05

Yoshida Shoin, who was from a powerful Choshu domain, urged passionately common young Samurais to stand up at the risk of their lives for building a fresh modern government. Shoin was executed by Tokugawa Shorgunate just before Meiji restoration, however he influenced many young Samurais so successfully that he was honored as one of great heroes of the restoration.

 

Fukuzawa Yukichi, who was from a small domain in north Kyushu, was a founder of famous Keio university and educated so many young common people and raised countless number of businessmen.

 

Shoin emphasized Samurai should stand up at the risk of his life for the course when it is required.

Fukuzawa emphasized young leaders should act imposingly according to their beliefs and should not be disturbed by others.

 

Those Samurai spirits were handed over to young students at high schools newly established just after abolition of Samurai class in early Meiji era.

 

Unfortunately the old high school system for creating and educating young

leaders was demolished after the defeat of world war second to destroy old existing values in Japan and to realize even opportunity in education.

However there are many who miss strict but refined educating system at the old high schools for hatching young responsible leaders who put first priority on public interests rather than self interest.

d141ab56_640　old high school