The Journey Home: A Samurai's Return from Europe

🛳️The samurai and his companions embark on a journey from Japan to Europe, witnessing the greatness of European civilization.

💣The samurai discusses the danger and unrest in Japan at the time, as the country was torn between the principles of seclusion and opening up to trade with foreigners.

🌍The samurai shares the impact of European civilization on his perspective, including the abundance of scientific and literary works and the availability of translations.

⛵The samurai highlights the challenges they faced, such as disguising themselves as merchants and navigating the political climate to safely travel abroad.

⚔️The samurai and his companions risked their lives to return to Japan and advocate for a central government and peaceful settlement with foreign powers.

What were the samurai's experiences in Europe?

—The samurai witnessed the greatness of European civilization, including the abundance of scientific and literary works, as well as the availability of translations.

What challenges did the samurai face in traveling abroad?

—The samurai and his companions had to disguise themselves as merchants and navigate the political climate to safely travel abroad. They also faced danger and unrest in Japan at the time.

What was their goal in returning to Japan?

—Their goal was to restore the Imperial Power and advocate for a central government and peaceful settlement with foreign powers.

Why did the samurai risk their lives to return to Japan?

—They believed that it was better to face danger and potential assassination in Japan than to die as spies abroad. They were determined to save their country.

What impact did the journey have on the samurai's perspective?

—The journey opened their eyes to the greatness of European civilization and gave them a deeper understanding of the need for change in Japan.

00:00The samurai reminisces about his past and reflects on the differences in student life between his time and the present.

02:28The samurai recalls the political climate in Japan and the debates surrounding seclusion and opening up to trade with foreigners.

06:22The samurai shares the challenges they faced in disguising themselves as merchants and obtaining passage abroad.

09:59The samurai describes their experiences in Europe, including visits to important buildings and witnessing the power of European nations.

11:20The samurai returns to Japan, where they encounter excitement and unrest within their clan.

12:15The samurai recounts the danger they faced from the Dao's guards and their determination to restore the Imperial Power.

12:45The samurai discusses their decision to await the assassins rather than ending their own lives, emphasizing their commitment to their cause.