Satsuma is a wealthy province on the southern end of Kyushu. Home to the Shimazu clan, it has a long and impressive swordsmithing tradition. Its remote location and good trading links make it a good place for foreign trade. The Shimazu ruled the area for a long time, and can be considered one of the most successful clans. They conquered the Ryukyu kingdom, managed to gain various exceptions from Shogunate rule, and had major influence within the Meiji government.