Ryoma Sakamoto was a prominent Japanese samurai and political activist during the late Edo period. Born in 1836 in Tosa (now part of Kochi Prefecture), he played a crucial role in the movement to modernize Japan and end the feudal system. Sakamoto was known for his vision of a unified Japan and his efforts to promote democracy and reform. He was instrumental in forming the Sonnō jōi movement, which advocated for the restoration of imperial rule. Sakamoto's life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1867, but his legacy continues to influence modern Japan, and he is celebrated as a national hero.