Bakumatsu Era Loyalist Sakamoto Ryoma

"Let's reform Japan once more." This is a very famous line from a letter written by Sakamoto Ryoma, a historical figure from Japan's Bakumatsu period, to his older sister Otome in Tosa. Recently, as I've been seeing various news, I truly feel the importance of people with this kind of mindset who enable leaders to function properly. Ryoma questioned the existing feudal system (Bakuhan Taisei) with its outdated values and aspired to establish a political and economic system suited to the times, aiming to transform Japan into a new nation. After meeting Katsu Kaishu and leaving his domain, he played a part in historical events that moved Japan forward, such as modernization, the formation of the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, and the Great Restoration of Imperial Rule. He also established Kameyama Shachu, Japan's first trading company (in present-day Nagasaki). Although he didn't achieve all his dreams, he successfully executed many things to achieve his goals. It makes me wonder if the power of words truly resides in strong-willed individuals... this episode makes me feel that sense of wonder. The image is from the PS5 game [Like a Dragon: Ishin!]