Shoin Yoshida was imprisoned on the charge of stowaway to Pohatan ship led by Perry.
After being pardoned, in 1855, he established a private school in his hometown Hagi, called "shouka-son-juku" which means the private school of the village under the pine tree.
It was only 3 years in effect for him to run it until his execution in the Ansei no Taigoku, but it is well known that many students who studied here took part in great role in Meiji restoration.
Nevertheless, why was a small private school in countryside able to produce so many talented people at once? Of course, it is unlikely that many geniuses were born in that small village at the same time.
Some people say it was because of Shoin's excellent qualities as an educator. However was that the only thing?
I think it was because of the sense of crisis, covering over Japanese society at the time rather than his individual will and ability.