Kondo Isami

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

Photograph of Kondo Isami

Shieikan

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

1863 Kondou and other 8 Shieikan members joined Roushigumi.

Roushigumi arrived at Kyoto in Feb 23, stayed in Yagi Gennojou resident in Mibu.

Shinsengumi

Kiyokawa Hachiro suggested Roushigumi to return Edo. Kondou and other 23 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.

Mibu Roushigumi was ordered to guard Ohanabatake gate during Political change on August 18. After that, they were given new name Shinsengumi by Buke Denso. On September 16, Kondou group assassinated Serizawa Kamo group and Kondou became commander of Shinsengumi.

Boshin war

After the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in January 1868, he 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)