The Russo-Japanese War (1904-05), horrible enough in its own time, seems almost quaint in ours. World Wars I and II have redefined “horrible.”

It began abruptly and was soon over. “The victories on land and sea were dramatic and clear-cut," writes historian Richard Storry in "A History of Modern Japan." "Both sides fought with remarkable courage, and with some chivalry. Japanese treatment of Russian prisoners was more than correct: it was generous and humane.” The West looked on, intrigued and impressed, as “‘Gallant Little Japan’ (stood) up to the Russian Bear.”

Gen. Maresuke Nogi (1849-1912) is the name that, above all others, survives from that distant clash.