Sakamoto Ryoma

ModernRevolutionaryJapan1836 — 1867

Samurai who brokered the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance.

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Quick Facts

Born

1836

Died

1867

Country

Japan

Era

Modern

Occupation

Revolutionary

Score Overview

Military (10%)42

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)38

Strategy (15%)30

Total Score50.1

Sakamoto Ryoma — Complete Timeline

1865 AD

Founded the Kameyama Shachu (Trading Company)Political Action

Ryoma established a trading company in Nagasaki with the goal of modernizing Japan's economy and military. The company imported Western weapons and ships, and served as a base for anti-shogunate activities.

Economic ReformModernizationTrade

Impact: nationalconstructive

1866 AD

Brokered the Satsuma-Choshu AlliancePolitical Action

Ryoma mediated between the Satsuma and Choshu domains, which had been hostile to each other. Through his negotiations, the two domains agreed to cooperate against the Tokugawa shogunate, forming a key alliance that enabled the Meiji Restoration.

Meiji RestorationAlliancePolitical Reform

Impact: nationalconstructive

1867 AD

Formulated the Eight-Point Plan (Senchu Hassaku)Reform◆ Major

Ryoma drafted a political reform plan proposing a new government structure for Japan, including a bicameral legislature, a constitution, and the return of power to the imperial court. The plan influenced the Meiji government's early policies.

Political ReformConstitutionMeiji Restoration

Impact: nationalprogressive

Assassinated at OmiyaPolitical Action◆ Major

Ryoma was assassinated at the Omiya inn in Kyoto by agents of the shogunate. His death at age 31 cut short his political influence, but his ideas continued to shape the Meiji Restoration.

AssassinationMeiji RestorationPolitical Violence

Impact: nationaltragic