Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 409 - The Anglo-Satsuma War
Apr 13, 2026
A murder on the Namamugi road sparks a story of samurai law, cultural clash, and diplomatic brinkmanship. The show traces Bakumatsu-era power struggles, Western unequal treaties, and Satsuma’s mix of tradition and drive for modern arms. Tensions build from legal customs and insults to a British ultimatum, a naval expedition to Kagoshima, and a dramatic bombardment with wide political fallout.
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How Foreign Pressure Collapsed Tokugawa Order
- The Bakumatsu collapse began when Western powers forced Japan open, shattering centuries of isolation and provoking court factionalism.
- Joe explains Matthew Perry's 1854 arrival and unequal treaties created economic pain and political splits between Fudai (old) and Tozama (outsider) factions.
Unequal Treaties Triggered Japan's Precious Metal Drain
- Unequal treaty exchange rates drained Japan's precious metals because Japanese coinage redeemed far more gold/silver than foreign currencies.
- Joe and Josh note merchants exchanged Japanese currency for bullion, accelerating an outflow that destabilized the economy.
Samurai Violence Became A Regular Political Tool
- Samurai from domains like Satsuma carried out frequent murders of foreigners as political acts against treaty concessions.
- Joe and Brian describe at least one foreign death per month by 1861, often committed by Isshin Shishi samurai targeting treaty-era collaborators.
