Hello and welcome to the final OneSamurai: Dusk blog of 2022. In this blog we will be taking a look at the city of Kagoshima.
Kagoshima is one of the larger settlements of the Kamakura Shogunate. Situated on the south western island of Kyushu. It is ruled by the Shugo, Shimazu Hisatsune (島津久経), the third head of the Shimazu Clan. It is the southernmost settlement in OneSamurai: Dusk, and one with a specific tropical feel.
In OneSamurai: Dusk, communities can range from small villages to large sprawling towns. A village will likely feel more personable, with a feeling you know everyone’s name. While a city will have many more anonymous faces.
Merchant District
The first place you’ll find yourself in Kagoshima is the merchant district, which is where the majority of Kagoshima’s shops and entertainment are found.
As well as the shops themselves, the merchant district is also home to a busy market. The market operates during the day and closes at night. In cities most shops open until very late, whereas the opening times of shops in villages are left to the whims of the individual shop keepers. Those seeking distraction can head to the local tavern, or find one of the city’s entertainment houses.
If you want a quieter route through the city, then the main street backs off into housing away from the hustle and bustle. However, these tight streets are also home to the city’s rogues and troublemakers.
Clan District
The Clan District of Kagoshima is located atop a hill next to the ocean. Named for the Shimazu Clan Manor which sits upon its highest peak. The Shimazu also have a larger estate in the countryside, from which the clan takes its name.
One of the major draws in the Clan District is the Armourer’s Shop. This merchant sells a larger range of armour compared to a general merchant. Most towns and villages have a general merchant who sells a wide range of stock but there are specialist shops to be found among the various settlements.
Kawakami Tenman-guu
The main shrine in Kagoshima is Kawakami Tenman-guu, which takes up the majority of this district.
This Shrine is ruled by the Kawakami Family, under the service of the Shimazu. They built the Shrine to pray for good harvests and good health.
Kawakami Tenman-guu enshrines Tenjin, who in his former life was the poet Sugawara no Michizane. He was exiled from Heian (Kyoto) to Dazaifu in Kyushu after being accused of plotting against the will of the Emperor by Fujiwara no Tokihira. After his death the imperial city was beset by disasters of floods and storms. When the imperial palace itself was struck by lightning, the court decide to revoke Sugawara’s exile, and praise him as the kami Tenman-Tenjin.
Visiting various shrines and praying at them can add beneficial effects to body and mind. The kami prayed to alters which blessing is received.
Dockland District
The last main district of Kagoshima is the dockland district. This port is where most of the visitors to Kagoshima embark or arrive.
The docks have many warehouses used to store the goods which arrive along trade routes. In most major ports, you can get a job guarding ships as they move back up the coast. Whilst this may save on cost, you will be forced to defend the ship were it to be attacked by pirates.
The docks in Kagoshima are set up for the many visitors it receives from both Japan and overseas, with a fish market and an onsen for weary travellers.
Other
One of the other notable areas of Kagoshima sits just outside the city limits itself. The volcano Sakurajima forms an island sitting in Kagoshima Bay. The volcano is famous for its large radishes, known as Daikon. Word in Kagoshima is that a not so intrepid merchant is looking to recruit someone to acquire some for him. The effect of Sakurajima can also be seen on the streets of Kagoshima itself. Compared to other places in Kyushu, there is a notable amount of ash in the air and on buildings.
Thank you for reading this OneSamurai: Dusk blog about Kagoshima. We hope everyone reading has an enjoyable end to 2022. In the next blog we will be taking a greater look at the historic setting of OneSamurai: Dusk.
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