Last Samurai Describes Final Days of Old Japan

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Edited and Image Curation by Manuel Rubio - check out his amazing channel for more: @ArtandContext
Narrated and Script Edited by David Kelly
Music from Epidemic Sound and Artlist
Thumbnail Art by Ettore Mazza

[VoicesofthePast]

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[HistoryDose]

Japan speed running from medieval to an industrial age is one of the most endlessly fascinating occurrences in history

[ferretyluv]

The author of this, Itoh Hirobumi, was Japan’s first prime minister and longest serving prime minister. He modeled Japan’s government on that of Prussia.
Edit: he served in the capacity as a prime minister in the Meiji government before the title “prime minister” existed. Hence why he’s the longest serving, above Abe Shinzo.

[gierokd]

The Englishman named "Girl" was probably actually named Joe. The character for girl (女) is pronounced じょ (or Jo). Got a good laugh from that one.

[alexandertran]

I then realized the one recounting this is none other than Japan's first Prime Minister

[MidWitPride]

12:22 "Someone's planning on assassinating us? Better kill ourselves!"
That seems to be the one-size-fits-all solution to most problems Samurai had.

[simontoppin]

"If you don't let us on the ship, we'll disembowel ourselves where we stand"

"Erm, ok. I guess you can go then"

[misfortunemate]

Hirobumi Ito was a former samurai, but as a politician he was far more moderate and prudent than his fellow Samurai. Unlike Saigo, who wanted to restore the samurai way of life, and the militarist Aritomo Yamagata, Ito hoped to solve problems through international cooperation and diplomacy, Especially opposed to war with Russia. He wanted Korea to remain a buffer state with Russia rather than annex by force, but he was assassinated by a nationalistic Korean, his death ironically aided Japan's annexation of Korea.

[Mk-qbny]

Japan transitioned to modern times in a blink of an eye. The emperor, after the decision was made to open the country up, said to his nation (paraphrasing here) on the lines of: "Go to all the world and learn everything there is to know about everything, bring it back an apply it here"

[IndicatedGoodLife]

This one is absolutely crazy. Its beautifull that these accounts still exist, wow. What a wild trip for these gentleman and what impact that they may had in turning the final tide.

[thebreadbringer]

These videos are a unique delight for someone fascinated by the history of more ordinary people and how they experienced it, like myself.

[connorperrett]

The difference between America or Europe in 1824 and America or Europe now are stark, but to think of what Japan was like in 1824 versus what it is like only 200 years later is just astounding.

[cpt.honklerofrdkekistania]

Hearing him talk about america was so wholesome and flattering

[clarkh]

The narrating is articulate. Thank you for giving us all such a gift

[scotbotvideos]

An upload from Voices of the Past is like a correspondence from a long lost friend.

[FutureMythology]

The rapid transition from the Middle Ages to the Industrial Revolution in Japan is one of the most enthralling events in human history.

[lopezalehandro]

A magnificent narration. The aesthetics of the animation are commendable.

[PutItAway]

19:45 flawless photo retouching, replacing whatever was originally there with those totally accurate hand drawn leaves, no one noticed a thing!

[patrickcosgrove]

Brilliant storytelling and enjoyed the illustration's and photograph's of Japan. Thanks for sharing 🙏

[D]

“If you don’t let me go on your ship I’m gonna kms”