Kondo Isami

• Born: 1834
• Died: 1868
• Japanese: 近藤 勇 (Kondou Isami)

Photograph of Kondo Isami

Shieikan

Kondô Isami was born Miyagawa Katsugoro, in the village of Kami-Ishihara in Musashi province, where he came from a farming family. When he was 14 (1849) Kondô Isami trained in the Tennen Rishin-ryu sword style at the Shieikan (this ryu was studied by many members of the Shinsegumi). In 1861 Kondô became the fourth master of Tennen Rishin-ryu.

In 1863, Kondô and another 8 Shieikan members joined the Roushigumi. The Roushigumi arrived at Kyôtô on Feb 23, staying at the Yagi Gennojou residence in Mibu.

Shinsengumi

Kiyokawa Hachiro suggested the Roushigumi return to Edo, however, Kondô and 23 other Roushi decided to stay in Kyoto. They submitted a petition to Lord Matsudaira Katamori of Aizu han, the Military Commissioner of Kyoto and started working under Aizu han as Mibu Roushigumi.

The Mibu Roushigumi were ordered to guard Ohanabatake gate during Political change on August 18. After that, they were given the new name Shinsengumi by Buke Denso. On September 16, Kondô Isami's group killed Serizawa Kamo's group and Kondô became commander of the Shinsengumi.

In 1864, Shinsengumi raided Ikedaya(Ikedaya Jiken) and destructed the Sonjo Roushi group. After Kinmon no hen Kondô went back to Edo to hire more members. He brought Ito Kashitaro group to Kyoto. In 1867, Shinsengumi members were appointed to be Jikisan.

Boshin war

After the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in January 1868, Kondô returned to Edo, fighting with the force dispatched by the Imperial Court, but lost the battle. After surrendering, he was beheaded on May 17 1868.

Isami in Fiction

Television

• Shinsengumi (新撰組) 43rd NHK Taiga Drama 200４

Appearances

• When the Last Sword is Drawn (壬生義士伝) 2003 (Director: Takita Yojiro) (Movie)