Ueno Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at Ueno ParkUeno Koen,Taito,Tokyo,Japan on April 7,2017:Bronze statue of Prince Ko

Prince Komatsu Akihito Komatsu-no-miya Akihito shinno 1846-1903 was a masterful military tactician in the Imperial Army, a prominent and higly decorated commander during the Boshin War, and former potential heir to the throne. The Prince led a fascinating life which included time as a buddhist priest in Kyoto, a term as Chief of Staff of the Imperial Army, and also an ambassador, of sorts, who traveled all over Asia and Europe as a representative of the Emporer. At one time he was even arranged to be married to Princess Kaʻiulani in order to seal plans of an Imperial alliance with the former kingdom of Hawai`i, but these plans never panned out.