A photograph believed to be that of the wife of Sakamoto Ryoma, a pro-Imperial activist assassinated in 1867, was discovered recently and is expected to revive an old controversy.
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| This recently found photo is believed to be that of Oryo, the wife of historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma. |
The photo believed to be of Oryo, wife of Ryoma (1835- 1867), was found in Tokyo and is being shown at an exhibition on Ryoma running until Sept. 2 at the Kyoto National Museum, along with two other photographs also thought to be of Oryo, museum officials said.
Ryoma is a popular historical figure in Japan. His independent way of life and devotion to the national cause attracted great popularity after writer Ryotaro Shiba made him the hero of a novel he wrote in 1963. Oryo, Ryoma's beloved wife, has also become a popular character.
The woman in the newly found photograph is identical to one of the previous pictures and is expected to revive the controversy over the earlier photograph, the museum officials said.