Gesshō was a Buddhist priest, scholar and poet. Because he was zealous in advocating strengthening Japan's coastal defenses, he was called Kaibō-so, or Coastal Defense Priest.
Background
Gesshō was born in 1817.
At 14, he left his native place and made friends with many noted scholars and advocated emperor worship and expulsion of foreigners. Together with Shoin Yoshida and Mikisaburo Rai Gesshō plotted to restore the Imperial regime and carry out reforms of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Education
At 14, he left his native place and made friends with many noted scholars and advocated emperor worship and expulsion of foreigners. Together with Shoin Yoshida and Mikisaburo Rai Gesshō plotted to restore the Imperial regime and carry out reforms of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Career
Gesshō was Chief priest of the Myoenji Temple in Suō (Yamaguchi Prefecture).
