In 1928, fourteen years after the publication of Chikami’s biography mentioned in Part 2 of this series, this famous statue was unveiled at Katsurahama beach in Ryoma’s hometown of Kochi, further strengthening the foundation of “The Ryōma Phenomenon” in the 21st century. Looking out at the Pacific Ocean that he had intended to sail with his Kaientai (“Naval Auxiliary Corps”), precursor to the Mitsubishi, Ryōma, wearing boots, has his right hand inside his kimono. The boots and the pose were inspired by the famous standing photograph taken in Nagasaki in 1866, the year before his death.
Samurai Swordsmen: The Definitive History of the Shinsengumi (Helion, 2026) is now in production.
For professional guidance on Bakumatsu–Meiji Restoration history, see Historical Consulting.
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