Murata Shinpachi

Murata's grave at the Nanshû Cemetery

• Japanese: 村田新八 (Murata Shinpachi)

Murata was named Kunaidainojô (a post in the Imperial Household Ministry) in 1871, and joined the Iwakura Mission, traveling to Europe and the US. Returning to Japan in 1874, he quit his post in the government and returned home to Kagoshima, where he became the head of the Shigakkô artillery crew.

In the battle of Shiroyama which marked the end of the Satsuma Rebellion, Murata committed suicide after witnessing Saigô Takamori's death. He is buried along with Saigô at the Nanshû Cemetery in Kagoshima.

References

• Plaque on-site at Nanshû Cemetery.