In-depth article
Fukuyama, Hiroshima
Fukuyama Castle
福山城
Walk around to the north side, and the white keep turns into a wall of black iron.
Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 71CastleHilltop
Japan Castle Atlas
Abe Masahiro
阿部正弘
Lord of Fukuyama who became a senior councilor (roju) of the shogunate at 25 and its chief councilor soon after. He led the shogunate's response from Commodore Perry's arrival in 1853 to the 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa that opened Japan to the United States.
Historical record
Story
He promoted people on ability rather than rank, including Katsu Kaishu. In his own domain he opened the Seishikan school in Edo (1854) and Fukuyama (1855), opening a path for retainers to rise by merit rather than birth. He died in office at 39.
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In-depth article
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lord of the Fukuyama domainRecord source: article
Sources
- 1福山藩主について(阿部家)Checked:
- 2阿部正弘と幕末クイズChecked: