坂本龍馬を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、坂本龍馬に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 時代背景
- 1800年代半ば、日本は約200年続いた鎖国政策の終わりを迎えていた
- 欧米列強からの開国圧力が強まっていた時期
- 徳川幕府の支配体制が揺らぎ始めていた
- 坂本龍馬の立場
- 土佐藩出身の下級武士
- 身分制度の制約がある中で、藩の枠を超えて活動
- 幕府打倒を目指しつつ、暴力的な倒幕運動とは一線を画した
- 主な功績
- 薩長同盟の成立：対立していた薩摩藩と長州藩を仲介して協力させる「薩長同盟」を結んだ
- 海援隊の設立：「海援隊」という貿易やビジネス活動を行う組織を作り、経済活動の重要性を示した
- 船中八策：龍馬が考案した日本の近代化を見据えた改革案
- 龍馬のエピソード
- 日本初の新婚旅行：龍馬はお龍と霧島温泉に旅行に行き、これが日本初の新婚旅行とされている
- ピストルの所持：ピストルを持ち歩き、自己防衛に使っていた
2人が坂本龍馬について話しています。
坂本龍馬の龍馬の革新的な思想、薩長同盟の仲介、海援隊の設立、お龍との新婚旅行、最期の暗殺などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Key, I’ve been really interested in Sakamoto Ryoma recently. He sounds like such a fascinating person.
Ah, Ryoma! He’s definitely one of the most admired historical figures in Japan. What got you interested?
I was reading about how he pushed for Japan to open up and learn from the West. For a samurai, that seems like such an unusual and modern idea.
Exactly! Ryoma was quite unique. Back then, Japan was mostly closed off to other countries, but Ryoma saw that Japan needed to modernize and adapt. He believed that learning from Western nations could make Japan stronger.
And I heard he helped form an alliance between Satsuma and Choshu. That must have taken some serious negotiation skills!
Yes, the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance was huge. Satsuma and Choshu were rivals, but Ryoma managed to bring them together to challenge the Tokugawa shogunate. That alliance was a big step toward ending the old government and starting the Meiji Restoration.
It sounds like he was really skilled with people. I read he was also trusted by a lot of people.
True. Ryoma was known for his charisma. He built strong relationships and was trusted by people from different backgrounds. That’s a big reason he was able to achieve so much.
Did he have any other interesting ideas?
Definitely. He created a group called Kaientai. It was different from typical samurai groups because it focused on both samurai values and business. Ryoma believed trade and economic activity were crucial for Japan’s future.
That sounds progressive. So he was mixing samurai tradition with modern business ideas?
Exactly. Kaientai showed a new way of thinking, where samurai could be involved in business too. He even came up with the Eight Plans, which were ideas for a modern government. Those ideas influenced Japan’s future reforms.
I didn’t know he was so involved in politics too. It’s like he had a vision for Japan’s future.
That’s right. He wanted Japan to be a strong, modern country. And he worked hard to make that happen, even though he knew it was risky.
Speaking of risks, I read he was assassinated. That must have been a huge shock back then.
Yes, it was. He was killed in Kyoto in 1867. His death really fueled the movement to end the shogunate. People saw him as a symbol of change.
It’s such a tragic ending. But I guess it made him even more admired.
Absolutely. People still respect him for his courage and his vision. He had this bold spirit, willing to do what others wouldn’t dare.
I also read about his honeymoon with his wife, Oryo. Wasn’t that Japan’s first honeymoon?
Yes! Ryoma and Oryo went to Kirishima Hot Springs in Kyushu. That’s considered Japan’s first honeymoon, and it shows his modern, romantic side.
And he carried a Western-style pistol, right? That seems unusual for a samurai.
It was. Ryoma wasn’t afraid to adopt foreign ideas and technology. His pistol was a Smith & Wesson, and he used it for self-defense. It’s another example of his open-mindedness.
I really admire how he was so forward-thinking. Do you think there’s somewhere I could visit to learn more about him?
Definitely! If you go to Kochi Prefecture, where he was born, there’s a museum and statues dedicated to him. You can learn a lot about his life there.
That sounds amazing. I’d love to visit and see the places connected to him. Thanks for sharing all this, Key. I feel like I understand him much better now.
You’re welcome! Ryoma’s story really is inspiring. He’s a reminder that sometimes, changing the world starts with a bold vision and a fearless spirit.
関連情報 / related information
「坂本龍馬」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
坂本龍馬
Who was Sakamoto Ryoma?
Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai from Tosa, which is now Kochi Prefecture in Japan. He was born in 1836 during the Edo period, a time when Japan was closed off to most of the world. Ryoma is famous for his role in opening Japan and moving it toward modernization.
Ryoma’s Important Achievements
One of Ryoma’s biggest achievements was helping to create the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance. This alliance brought together two powerful regions, Satsuma and Choshu, which had been rivals. Ryoma’s skill in negotiation made this alliance possible. This alliance became a strong force to end the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan’s old government, and start the Meiji Restoration.
Ryoma’s Unique Ideas
Ryoma had many forward-thinking ideas. He believed Japan needed to open up and learn from Western countries to become stronger. He even started a group called Kaientai that focused on trade and business, which was rare for a samurai. His ideas, like the Eight Plans, inspired Japan’s future government.
Ryoma’s Legacy
Ryoma was assassinated in 1867, but his ideas and actions live on. Today, he is seen as a symbol of courage, freedom, and change. Many people in Japan still admire his vision and bravery. Statues and museums in Kochi honor his memory, and his life continues to inspire others.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「坂本龍馬」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: Who was Sakamoto Ryoma?
Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai from Tosa, now Kochi Prefecture in Japan. He is known for helping modernize Japan and promoting the country’s openness to the West.
2: Why is Sakamoto Ryoma famous?
He is famous for his role in the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, which united two rival regions to help end the Tokugawa shogunate and start the Meiji Restoration.
3: What was the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance?
It was an alliance between Satsuma and Choshu, two powerful regions. With Ryoma’s help, they united to oppose the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to major changes in Japan.
4: What was Ryoma’s role in Japan’s modernization?
Ryoma believed Japan needed to learn from Western countries. He promoted ideas for a modern government and economic activities, which helped inspire future reforms.
5: What was the Kaientai?
Kaientai was a group founded by Ryoma that combined samurai values with trade and business, showing a new way for samurai to contribute to Japan’s future.
6: What were the Eight Plans?
The Eight Plans were ideas Ryoma created for a modern Japanese government. These ideas later influenced some of Japan’s reforms during the Meiji era.
7: Why is Ryoma considered a symbol of change?
Ryoma is seen as a symbol of change because he challenged traditional ideas, promoted openness, and helped Japan become a more modern country.
8: Where did Ryoma go on his honeymoon?
Ryoma and his wife, Oryo, went to Kirishima Hot Springs in Kyushu. This is considered Japan’s first honeymoon and shows Ryoma’s romantic side.
9: Why did Ryoma carry a pistol?
Ryoma carried a Western-style pistol for self-defense. This was rare for samurai and showed his openness to foreign technology.
10: How can people learn more about Sakamoto Ryoma today?
People can visit Kochi Prefecture, where there are museums and statues dedicated to Ryoma. These places honor his life and achievements.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Key, I’ve been really interested in Sakamoto Ryoma recently. He sounds like such a fascinating person.
キー、最近坂本龍馬にすごく興味があるんだ。とても魅力的な人みたいだね。
Ah, Ryoma! He’s definitely one of the most admired historical figures in Japan. What got you interested?
ああ、龍馬！彼は間違いなく日本で最も尊敬されている歴史的人物の一人だよ。どうして興味を持ったの？
I was reading about how he pushed for Japan to open up and learn from the West. For a samurai, that seems like such an unusual and modern idea.
日本が開国して西洋から学ぶべきだって彼が主張していたって読んだんだ。侍にしては珍しくて、現代的な考え方だよね。
Exactly! Ryoma was quite unique. Back then, Japan was mostly closed off to other countries, but Ryoma saw that Japan needed to modernize and adapt. He believed that learning from Western nations could make Japan stronger.
まさにその通り！龍馬はとてもユニークだったんだ。当時、日本はほとんど他の国と関わっていなかったけど、龍馬は日本が近代化して適応する必要があると考えたんだよ。西洋から学ぶことが日本を強くすると信じていたんだ。
And I heard he helped form an alliance between Satsuma and Choshu. That must have taken some serious negotiation skills!
それから、薩摩と長州の同盟をまとめたって聞いたよ。すごい交渉力が必要だったんだろうね！
Yes, the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance was huge. Satsuma and Choshu were rivals, but Ryoma managed to bring them together to challenge the Tokugawa shogunate. That alliance was a big step toward ending the old government and starting the Meiji Restoration.
うん、「薩長同盟」は大きな出来事だったよ。薩摩と長州はライバルだったけど、龍馬は彼らをまとめて徳川幕府に対抗させたんだ。この同盟は旧体制を終わらせて明治維新を始めるための大きな一歩だったよ。
It sounds like he was really skilled with people. I read he was also trusted by a lot of people.
彼は本当に人付き合いが上手だったんだね。多くの人に信頼されていたって読んだよ。
True. Ryoma was known for his charisma. He built strong relationships and was trusted by people from different backgrounds. That’s a big reason he was able to achieve so much.
そうだね。龍馬はカリスマ性で知られていたよ。いろんな背景の人たちと強い関係を築いて、信頼されていたんだ。だからこそ、たくさんのことを成し遂げることができたんだね。
Did he have any other interesting ideas?
他に面白い考えとかもあったの？
Definitely. He created a group called Kaientai. It was different from typical samurai groups because it focused on both samurai values and business. Ryoma believed trade and economic activity were crucial for Japan’s future.
もちろん。彼は「海援隊」というグループを作ったんだ。侍のグループとは違って、侍の価値観とビジネスの両方に焦点を当てていたんだよ。龍馬は貿易と経済活動が日本の未来にとって重要だと考えていたんだ。
That sounds progressive. So he was mixing samurai tradition with modern business ideas?
すごく先進的だね。侍の伝統と現代的なビジネスのアイデアを融合させていたの？
Exactly. Kaientai showed a new way of thinking, where samurai could be involved in business too. He even came up with the Eight Plans, which were ideas for a modern government. Those ideas influenced Japan’s future reforms.
その通りだよ。海援隊は侍もビジネスに関わることができる新しい考え方を示したんだ。彼は「船中八策」っていう、近代的な政府のためのアイデアも考案していて、それが後の日本の改革に影響を与えたんだよ。
I didn’t know he was so involved in politics too. It’s like he had a vision for Japan’s future.
政治にもそんなに関わっていたとは知らなかったよ。まるで日本の未来に対するビジョンがあったみたいだね。
That’s right. He wanted Japan to be a strong, modern country. And he worked hard to make that happen, even though he knew it was risky.
その通りだよ。彼は日本を強くて現代的な国にしたかったんだ。それを実現するために、リスクがあると分かっていても一生懸命頑張ったんだよ。
Speaking of risks, I read he was assassinated. That must have been a huge shock back then.
リスクと言えば、彼は暗殺されたって読んだよ。当時は大きな衝撃だったんだろうね。
Yes, it was. He was killed in Kyoto in 1867. His death really fueled the movement to end the shogunate. People saw him as a symbol of change.
そうだね。彼は1867年に京都で暗殺されたんだ。彼の死は幕府を終わらせる運動に本当に火をつけたよ。人々は彼を変革の象徴と見ていたんだ。
It’s such a tragic ending. But I guess it made him even more admired.
なんて悲劇的な結末なんだろう。でも、そのおかげで彼はさらに尊敬される存在になったんじゃないかな。
Absolutely. People still respect him for his courage and his vision. He had this bold spirit, willing to do what others wouldn’t dare.
確かに。彼の勇気とビジョンは今でも尊敬されているよ。彼には他の人がやらないことをやる勇敢な精神があったんだ。
I also read about his honeymoon with his wife, Oryo. Wasn’t that Japan’s first honeymoon?
それから、彼が奥さんのお龍と行った新婚旅行についても読んだよ。あれって日本初の新婚旅行だったんだよね？
Yes! Ryoma and Oryo went to Kirishima Hot Springs in Kyushu. That’s considered Japan’s first honeymoon, and it shows his modern, romantic side.
そう！龍馬とお龍は九州の霧島温泉に行ったんだ。それが日本初の新婚旅行とされていて、彼の現代的でロマンチックな一面を示しているよね。
And he carried a Western-style pistol, right? That seems unusual for a samurai.
それに、西洋風のピストルを持ってたんだよね？侍としては珍しいよね。
It was. Ryoma wasn’t afraid to adopt foreign ideas and technology. His pistol was a Smith & Wesson, and he used it for self-defense. It’s another example of his open-mindedness.
そうだよ。龍馬は外国のアイデアや技術を取り入れることを恐れなかったんだ。彼のピストルはスミス＆ウェッソンで、自衛のために持っていたんだよ。これも彼の柔軟な考え方を表しているよね。
I really admire how he was so forward-thinking. Do you think there’s somewhere I could visit to learn more about him?
彼の先進的な考え方には本当に感心するよ。もっと学べる場所ってどこかあるかな？
Definitely! If you go to Kochi Prefecture, where he was born, there’s a museum and statues dedicated to him. You can learn a lot about his life there.
もちろん！彼の生まれ故郷の高知県に行くと、彼に捧げられた記念館や銅像があるんだよ。そこでは彼の人生についてたくさん学べるよ。
That sounds amazing. I’d love to visit and see the places connected to him. Thanks for sharing all this, Key. I feel like I understand him much better now.
それは素晴らしいね。ぜひ訪れて、彼にゆかりのある場所を見てみたいよ。いろいろ教えてくれてありがとう、キー。彼のことがずっとよくわかった気がするよ。
You’re welcome! Ryoma’s story really is inspiring. He’s a reminder that sometimes, changing the world starts with a bold vision and a fearless spirit.
どういたしまして！龍馬の物語は本当に刺激的だよね。時には、世界を変えるのは大胆なビジョンと恐れない精神から始まるってことを思い出させてくれるよ。
関連情報 / related information
坂本龍馬
Who was Sakamoto Ryoma?
Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai from Tosa, which is now Kochi Prefecture in Japan. He was born in 1836 during the Edo period, a time when Japan was closed off to most of the world. Ryoma is famous for his role in opening Japan and moving it toward modernization.
坂本龍馬は土佐、現在の高知県出身の侍でした。1836年に江戸時代、日本が世界からほとんど閉ざされていた時代に生まれました。龍馬は、日本を開国し、近代化へと進めた功績で有名です。
Ryoma’s Important Achievements
One of Ryoma’s biggest achievements was helping to create the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance. This alliance brought together two powerful regions, Satsuma and Choshu, which had been rivals. Ryoma’s skill in negotiation made this alliance possible. This alliance became a strong force to end the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan’s old government, and start the Meiji Restoration.
龍馬の大きな功績の一つは、「薩長同盟」を成立させたことです。この同盟は、対立していた強力な藩である薩摩と長州を結びつけました。龍馬の交渉力がこの同盟を可能にしました。この同盟は、旧体制である徳川幕府を終わらせ、明治維新を始める強力な力となりました。
Ryoma’s Unique Ideas
Ryoma had many forward-thinking ideas. He believed Japan needed to open up and learn from Western countries to become stronger. He even started a group called Kaientai that focused on trade and business, which was rare for a samurai. His ideas, like the Eight Plans, inspired Japan’s future government.
龍馬には先進的な考えが多くありました。彼は、日本が開国して西洋から学ぶことで強くなると信じていました。彼は「海援隊」という、貿易とビジネスに注力する組織も立ち上げましたが、これは侍としては珍しいことでした。彼の「船中八策」などのアイデアは、後の日本政府に影響を与えました。
Ryoma’s Legacy
Ryoma was assassinated in 1867, but his ideas and actions live on. Today, he is seen as a symbol of courage, freedom, and change. Many people in Japan still admire his vision and bravery. Statues and museums in Kochi honor his memory, and his life continues to inspire others.
龍馬は1867年に暗殺されましたが、彼の考えや行動は今も生き続けています。今日、彼は勇気、自由、そして変革の象徴とされています。日本では彼のビジョンと勇気を今でも尊敬している人が多く、高知には彼を讃える銅像や記念館があります。彼の人生は今も多くの人々に影響を与えています。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: Who was Sakamoto Ryoma?
坂本龍馬とは誰ですか？
Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai from Tosa, now Kochi Prefecture in Japan. He is known for helping modernize Japan and promoting the country’s openness to the West.
坂本龍馬は土佐（現在の高知県）出身の侍で、日本の近代化と西洋への開国を推進したことで知られています。
2: Why is Sakamoto Ryoma famous?
なぜ坂本龍馬は有名なのですか？
He is famous for his role in the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, which united two rival regions to help end the Tokugawa shogunate and start the Meiji Restoration.
彼は薩長同盟を結び、幕府を終わらせて明治維新を始める助けをしたことで有名です。
3: What was the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance?
薩長同盟とは何ですか？
It was an alliance between Satsuma and Choshu, two powerful regions. With Ryoma’s help, they united to oppose the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to major changes in Japan.
薩長同盟は、薩摩と長州という強力な藩の同盟です。龍馬の助けで彼らは幕府に対抗するために協力し、日本に大きな変化をもたらしました。
4: What was Ryoma’s role in Japan’s modernization?
龍馬は日本の近代化においてどんな役割を果たしましたか？
Ryoma believed Japan needed to learn from Western countries. He promoted ideas for a modern government and economic activities, which helped inspire future reforms.
龍馬は日本が西洋から学ぶ必要があると信じ、近代的な政府や経済活動のアイデアを提唱し、後の改革に影響を与えました。
5: What was the Kaientai?
海援隊とは何ですか？
Kaientai was a group founded by Ryoma that combined samurai values with trade and business, showing a new way for samurai to contribute to Japan’s future.
海援隊は龍馬によって設立された、侍の価値観と貿易やビジネスを融合させた組織で、侍が日本の未来に貢献する新しい方法を示しました。
6: What were the Eight Plans?
船中八策とは何ですか？
The Eight Plans were ideas Ryoma created for a modern Japanese government. These ideas later influenced some of Japan’s reforms during the Meiji era.
船中八策は、龍馬が考案した近代的な日本政府のためのアイデアです。これらのアイデアは後に明治時代の日本の改革に影響を与えました。
7: Why is Ryoma considered a symbol of change?
なぜ龍馬は変革の象徴と見なされているのですか？
Ryoma is seen as a symbol of change because he challenged traditional ideas, promoted openness, and helped Japan become a more modern country.
龍馬は伝統的な考え方に挑戦し、開放性を推進し、日本がより近代的な国になるのを助けたため、変革の象徴とされています。
8: Where did Ryoma go on his honeymoon?
龍馬は新婚旅行でどこへ行きましたか？
Ryoma and his wife, Oryo, went to Kirishima Hot Springs in Kyushu. This is considered Japan’s first honeymoon and shows Ryoma’s romantic side.
龍馬と妻のお龍は九州の霧島温泉に行きました。これは日本初の新婚旅行とされ、龍馬のロマンチックな一面を表しています。
9: Why did Ryoma carry a pistol?
なぜ龍馬はピストルを持っていたのですか？
Ryoma carried a Western-style pistol for self-defense. This was rare for samurai and showed his openness to foreign technology.
龍馬は自衛のために西洋風のピストルを持っていました。これは侍としては珍しく、彼の外国技術に対する柔軟さを示しています。
10: How can people learn more about Sakamoto Ryoma today?
今日、坂本龍馬についてもっと学ぶにはどうしたらいいですか？
People can visit Kochi Prefecture, where there are museums and statues dedicated to Ryoma. These places honor his life and achievements.
高知県を訪れると、龍馬に捧げられた記念館や銅像があり、彼の人生や業績を讃えています。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
close off: 動詞句
意味: 閉鎖する、遮断する。To block access to or isolate an area, often to restrict entry or movement.
（日本が鎖国をしていたため、他国との交流が制限されていたことを指す）
例文：
- The road was closed off due to construction.
「道路は工事のため閉鎖されていました。」 - Japan closed itself off to most countries during the Edo period.
「江戸時代、日本はほとんどの国との交流を閉ざしました。」 - They decided to close off the park for safety reasons.
「安全のために公園を閉鎖することにしました。」
modernize : 動詞
意味: 近代化する。To update or make something more current, often by adopting new ideas, methods, or technology.
（日本を近代化し、西洋の技術や考え方を取り入れることを指す）
例文：
- They plan to modernize the old building.
「彼らは古い建物を近代化する計画を立てています。」 - Sakamoto Ryoma wanted to modernize Japan.
「坂本龍馬は日本を近代化したいと考えていました。」 - The company decided to modernize its equipment.
「その会社は設備を近代化することを決めました。」
bring together : 動詞句
意味: 団結させる、一緒にする。To unite or gather people or groups for a common purpose.
（坂本龍馬が薩摩藩と長州藩を協力させたことを指す）
例文：
- The event brought together people from different communities.
「そのイベントは異なるコミュニティの人々を団結させました。」 - Ryoma helped bring together Satsuma and Choshu.
「龍馬は薩摩と長州を団結させるのを助けました。」 - They want to bring together artists for a new project.
「彼らは新しいプロジェクトのためにアーティストを集めたいと思っています。」
back then : 副詞句
意味: 当時、その頃。Refers to a past time or period in history.
（江戸時代の日本が鎖国していた時期について説明する際に使われる）
例文：
- People used to write letters more often back then.
「その頃はもっと頻繁に手紙を書いていました。」 - Japan was closed off to other countries back then.
「当時、日本は他国との交流を断っていました。」 - Life was very different back then.
「当時の生活は今とは大きく異なっていました。」
dare : 動詞
意味: あえて～する、挑戦する。To have the courage to do something risky or unusual.
（坂本龍馬が当時の侍にとっては異例の行動を取った勇気を指す）
例文：
- He didn’t dare to speak up in the meeting.
「彼は会議であえて発言しませんでした。」 - Ryoma dared to challenge traditional ideas.
「龍馬は伝統的な考えに挑戦する勇気がありました。」 - She wouldn’t dare go there alone at night.
「彼女は夜に一人でそこに行く勇気はありませんでした。」