A Historical Examination of Japanese Admiral Togo Heihachiro’s Comparison of Nelson and Yi Sun-sin

This paper addresses the widespread belief in Korea that Admiral Togo Heihachiro revered Admiral Yi Sun-sin more than Admiral Nelson, a claim that has persisted for decades. In seeking to clarify Admiral Yi’s historical value accurately, this study moves beyond excessive deference to foreign influence or nationalism to directly confront the veracity of Togo’s alleged comparison of Admiral Nelson and Admiral Yi, thereby dispelling prevalent misconceptions. Specifically, this research explores Togo’s perception of both admirals through a multifaceted analysis of various sources, filling a gap in previous studies. Furthermore, this paper seeks to broaden the discussion by tracing the origins of the discourse back to 1921, much earlier than the commonly accepted starting point of 1964. Lastly, this study brings attention to previously overlooked figures, distinct from the widely recognized Ando Hikotaro, who played a crucial role in spreading this narrative. By focusing on the pivotal year of 1955, it demonstrates how this discourse eventually spread throughout Korean society without substantial evidence.