The Byakkotai 白虎隊, "White Tiger Unit"
白虎隊墓前祭 会津若松 飯盛山 Today's rememberance celebration for the Byakkotai (白虎隊, "White Tiger Unit") was a group of around 305 young teenage samurai of the Aizu Domain, who fought in the Boshin War (1868–1869) on the side of the Tokugawa shogunate. They all committed ritual suicide, seppuku. (Wilkipedia) The eagle was a present from the Italin gouvernment in the 1935 as sign of respect and profound appreciation for the bravery of the young samurai. Their memory is still alive to this days. Photos © Flavio Gallozzi - All rights reserved.
