In 1863, he participated in Anglo-Satsuma War for the first time at the age of 17. he learned the importance of the Navy that why he joined in the Navy since his town has destroyed by Britain Royal Navy. Since then, he has gained a lot of experience in Japan's revolutionary war.
After the Japan's revolutionary war, he admired Britain so he insisted to the government that he wants to study in Britain as a Railway Engineer. Unfortunately, his offer has refused but he accepted to study in Britain as Navy.
In Britain, he experienced racial discrimination at school. he went to study in Britain at the age of 26, but he was bullied by other students those who were 10 years younger than Togo. However, he was a diligent student that he achieved the superior grade. Eventually he has become the leader at school.
After his 7 years study in Britain, Togo returned to Japanese Navy. He was dispatched to Hawaii to save Japanese people those who lives in Hawaii from annexation of the Kingdom of Hawaii by the United States. He also performed brilliantly in Shino-Japanese War.
Nevertheless, Togo was compelled to leave from his job due to the contracted tuberculosis. Everybody said that he is going to die. He was loved by everyone because was always faithful and humble no matter who they are. Everybody wish his recovery from illness. Eventually he was able to recover from his illness and went back to the Navy for the first time in 3 years.
Togo was appointed supreme commander of the combined fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy in Rosso-Japanese War and finally forced at the destruction of the Russian Navy's Fleet. His name was famous throughout the world and encouraged the people across the colonies throughout Asia and Africa.
In 1934, Togo died at the age of 86. A state funeral was held for him. The warships from the other countries concentrated in a Tokyo Bay hoisted a flag at half-mast and fired funeral salute.
And a shrine which enshrines Togo was built, Togo Shrine.
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Access:
From JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station Takeshita-Dori Exit.
Across the traffic light in front of the Harajuku station, and take a walk down on the very busy Takeshita-Dori Street.
Take your turn left like this arrow.
This way
This way
Togo Shrine, You are already there!
Togo left his house for participate in Anglo-Satsuma War for the first time at the age of 17 in 1863.
Actual entrance to Togo Shrine is here.
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Japanese Emperor asked Navy Minister that why Togo was appointed before the Rosso-Japanese War. The Navy Minister replied " Because Togo is a man of good fortune ".
During a battle between the warships, Togo commanded in the battle directly on the bridge of a warship which is the most dangerous place. but the cannonballs pass through being avoids him. The warships which boarded Togo never goes down that why Togo was told by everyone that he is a man of good fortune.
For those reasons, The people those who want to be shared in the good luck of Togo comes to Togo Shrine. It is said that the prayers who chosen to represent Japan at the Olympic games comes to Togo shrine and make a wish to win before the game.
Togo admitted that he was lucky person but considered that sincerity can move heaven. Togo was a person of character who always continued to winning but not forgot to pay respect for the defeated.
So please come to Togo Shrine and pray your wishes. Your dreams will come true some day when you are being faithful person.
