Kondou Isami Masayoshi

Kondou Isami (Isamu) Masayoshi

• October 9, 1834 - April 25, 1868
• Bureau Chief (Commander) of the Shinsengumi
• Adopted by Kondou Shuusuke the third generation master of the Tennen Rishin Ryu
• Was originally the third son of a wealthy famer Miyagawa Kyoujirou
• Was instructor and inherits the Shieikan dojo on 1861
• Marries Matsui Tsune daughter of Matsui Yasogora which served the Shimizu family, 1860
• Joins the Roshitai that was recruited by Kiyokawa Hachitarou in February 1863 from Denzuin temple going up to Kyoto
• Breaks away from Kiyokawa, refusing to go back to Edo after Kiyokawa reveals his true intentions
• Stays in Kyoto and eventually heads up the “Shinsengumi” for almost 4 years protecting Kyoto
• In 1867, with 105 members, formally comes into the ranks/employment of the Tokugawa Bakufu as Hatamoto
• Was attacked (shot by Abe Juuro) and injured by the remnants of the Kodaiji party in December 1867 in Osaka, then was forced to go back to Edo unable to participate in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi
• In March 4, 1868 declares himself as Okubo Yamato and fights at Kofu Castle along with the remnants of the Shinsengumi
• Losses a battle in Katsunuma and retreats to Shimousa Nagerayama where he surrendered in April to Aritomo of the New Imperial Army
• Was executed on April 25 in Itabashi under false accusations for the killing of Sakamoto Ryoma, was 33
• Head was displayed in the Sanjo bridge
• Body is said to have been taken by a nephew through a bribe.
• His sword the Kotetsu was said to be a reward/present of Matsudaira for Kondou’s services in the Ikedaya
• That he has another Kotetsu that was a “fake” as inspected by Saitou
• Buddhist name: Kan Amatsuin-dono Junchuu Masayoshi Ooi-shi
• Grave is in Mitaka-shi, Tokyo Osawa Tatsugen Temple

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