The Saga Domain, also known as Hizenhan, was a Tozama domain situated in Saga District, Hizen Province. The Nabeshima clan held the position of the domain's lord, leading to it being commonly referred to as the Nabeshima Domain. This domain played a significant role in the Meiji Restoration, being part of the Satsumacho Toi. Presently, it is encompassed within Saga Prefecture and Nagasaki Prefecture, with the domain office situated in Saga Castle, which is now known as Saga City.
Initially, the feudal lord of the Saga Domain was the Ryuzoji clan, later succeeded by the Nabeshima clan. The domain boasted a substantial stone height of 357,000 koku, signifying its importance and wealth. Additionally, there were subsidiary domains under its jurisdiction, including the Hasunoike Domain
, the Ogi Domain, and the Kashima Domain, further showcasing the domain's influence and power.
Front view of Saga Castle
Nabeshima Naohiro (Saga), final daimyo of Saga Domain
Nabeshima Naomasa
Armstrong gun used by troops of the Saga Domain at the Battle of Ueno against the Shogunate's Shōgitai.
The Meiji Restoration, referred to at the time as the Honorable Restoration , and also known as the Meiji Renovation, Revolution, Regeneration, Reform, or Renewal, was a political event that restored practical imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji. Although there were ruling emperors before the Meiji Restoration, the events restored practical abilities and consolidated the political system under the Emperor of Japan. The goals of the restored government were expressed by the new emperor in the Charter Oath.
Tokugawa Yoshinobu informs officials of his decision at Nijō-jō in 1867.
Emperor Meiji receives Dutch Minister-Resident Dirk de Graeff van Polsbroek in 1868.
Allegory of the New fighting the Old, in early Japan Meiji, around 1870