Nagakura Shinpachi

Nagakura Shinpachi

• 1839-1915
• Shinsengumi Fukuchou Jokin, Nibantai Kumichou
• Was born in a tenement house of a Daimyo at Shimotani Edo, to a Matsumae retainer named Nagakura Kanji
• He learns the Shintou Munen Ryu from Okada Juumatsu
• He traveled around to improve his swordsmanship and eventually met with Kondou and the group, he would go in and out of the Shieikan at that time.
• In 1863 he goes with Kondou and company to Kyoto, (Roshigumi)
• He has always been one of the most active officers in the shinsengumi.
• He flees to Edo after the defeat in Toba Fushimi but returns to join the Koyou Chibuntai afterwards.
• Separates from Kondou and his party and fights in numerous battles in the Kanto area (eastern half of Japan including Tokyo)
• He ends up in Yonezawa and eventually secedes from the front line of the battle.
• He was able to return to the Matsumae clan with the mediation of Taga Shichirou. Remember that leaving your clan was a crime during the time
• In 1870, he goes to Fukuyama in Hokkaido as the son-in-law (also adopted son) of the feudal clan doctor, Nagakura was now known as Sugimura Yoshie.
• He inherits the head of the family in May 1875.
• Becomes a kendo teacher and eventually opens up his own dojo.
• He left valuable records about the Shinsengumi published as a serial in Otaru newspaper and then a journal was found later on.
• He also built a tombstone for his fallen comrades with the help of various survivors of the Shinsengumi including Saitou.
• His favorite blade is Banshuu Juu Tagerayama Ujishige
• His Kaimyo is Kentoku-in yoshie Yoshiyuki Koji
• Grave site is in Satodzuka cemetery, Ichi Toyohiraku Sapporo

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