Okita Souji/Soujirou

Okita Souji (Soujirou)

• 1842-1868
• Shinsengumi Fukuchou Jokin, Ichibantai Kumichou
• Was born in Shirakawa mansion in Edo as Okita Soujirou, Kaneyoshi Fujiwara had a sister named Mitsu.
• Was a practitioner and master of the Tennen Rishin Ryu, received his licenses and his rank was Menkyo Kaiden, became an instructor at the Shieikan under Kondou Isami at an early age of 19. Because of this he is considered a genius swordsman.
• He is rumored to have had a Kikuichimonji Norimune but he is known to have wielded a Kaga Kiyomitsu
• In February 1863 he goes with Kondou and company to Kyoto, (Roshigumi)
• He was one of the most active officers in the Miburoshi and the Shinsengumi
• He is said to be fond of children and was seen playing with the children in Mibu including Yagi Tamesaburou who was their landlord's son.
• He showed outstanding performance in the Ikeda-ya Jiken in 1864 but it is said he fainted from the heat and rumored that he cough up blood in the raid and was brought out on a stretcher, however he does receive 20 ryo for his contribution.
• He is said to have assasinated Asano Toutarou (another Shinsengumi member) in Keio 3
• When Yamanami escaped, he was ordered to bring Yamanami back to the headquarters and served as his "second" to assist Yamanami in committing seppuku
• His chronic disease, tuberculosis (kansatsu) led his body to deteriorate and he had to part from the duty in the corps gradually. He was not able to participate in the battle of Toba-Fushimi on January and had to recuperate in Osaka along with Kondou to see Matsumoto Ryoujun.
• He goes to Hino to the Sato family and planning to join the Koyou Chibuntai in March.
• Okita who went back to Edo stayed in Matsumoto Ryoujun's residence, who was doctor, to heal.
• He then moved to Sendagaya to the house of Uekiya Heigorou to get some rest but he died of an illness on May 30, 1868. The residence was near a bridge called Ikejiri.
• It is said that it is at Uekiya Heigorou's residence that Okita tries to kill a black cat.
• His grave is at Roppongi Tokyo at Senssouji Temple

 

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