Okita Soji
Shieikan
Okita Soji was born as a son of lower Shirakawa han Samurai.He was raised by his oldest sister Mitsu and her husband after father died. When he was around 10, he became pupil of Kondo Shusuke's Shieikan dojo of Tennen Rishin ryu. One of famous episode of this Kenjutsu genius is when he was just 12, he defeated Kenjutsu teacher of Shirakawa han. Soji became head coach of Shieikan when he was only 19.
1863, he joined Roshigumi along with other Shieikan members.
Shinsengumi
Soji involved assassination of Tonouchi Yoshio, Serizawa Kamo. On the Ikedaya Affair, he was one of 4 members who raided inside of Ikedaya. During the 2hours battle, Soji fought on the 2nd floor almost alone but fell down unconscious for Anemia or heat. (Recent researches deny that was symptom of tuberculosis) Many people who witnessed Shinsengumi described Soji was one of best Swordman in Shinsengumi. On the other hand,Yagi Tamesaburo told Shimozawa Kan in early Showa period "Soji was always joking" "He used to play with neighboring children."
Tuberculosis
Soji became seriously ill in fall of 1867. He stayed at the Osaka Castle with wounded Kondo Isami during the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in January 1868. March, he visited Sato Hikogoro in Hino as a member of Koyo Chinbutai but had to return to Edo because of ill. He died a month after Kondo's death. His grave is in Keisho-ji, Tokyo. (Keisho-ji allows visitors for Soji's grave only once a year)
Okita Soji's Sword
- Kaga Kiyomitsu 加賀清光
References
- Shinsengumi Ibun (新選組遺聞) Shimozawa Kan
- Shinsengumi Taishi Den (新選組隊士伝) Gakken
- Shinsengumi (新選組) Sekai Bunkasha
- Shinsengumi Zentaishi Tettei Guide (新選組全隊士徹底ガイド) Maeda Masaki
