Yoshida Shōin (吉田 松陰, Japanese pronunciation: [jo.ɕi.da (|) ɕoꜜː.iɴ]) born Sugi Toranosuke (杉 寅之助); September 20, 1830 – November 21, 1859}}, commonly named Torajirō (寅次郎), was one of Japan's most distinguished intellectuals in the late years of the Tokugawa shogunate. He devoted himself to nurturing many ishin shishi who in turn made major contributions to the Meiji Restoration.