Nagakura Shinpachi

Born: 1839
Died: 1915
Titles:Shinsengumi captain
Japanese: 永倉新八載之 Nagakura Shinpachi Noriyuki

Edo

Nagakura Shinpachi was born as son of Matsumae han samurai in Edo. He practiced Shinto Munen Ryu(Menkyo) at Gekikenkan dojo and Shingyoto Ryu at Tsubouchi Shume dojo.(He met Shimada Kai in the dojo) He left from Matsumae han to concentrate practicing Kenjutsu. He became Shokkaku of Shieikan dojo and joined Roshigumi along with other Shieikan members.

Shinsengumi

Nagakura Shinpachi was one of 4 members who raided inside of Ikedaya. After the Kinmon rebellion, Kondo Isami's arrogant behaviours irretated some Shinsengumi members. Nagakura and Harada Sanosuke and Saito Hajime and other 3 members submitted a petition of the impeachment of Kondo to Matsudaira Katamori but failed. When they returned to Edo after the Battle of Koshu-Katsunuma, Nagakura and Kondo argued over plans. Kondo said "If you become my retainer" then Nagakura and Sano made decision to leave Shinsengumi. They formed Seiheitai, participated some battles in Utsunomiya, Imaichi and headed to north but it was too late.

Meiji

Nagakura had to hide for a while because he fought against the Imperial troops. Eventually he returned to Matsumae han in late 1868 and married the han doctor's daughter. (Later his name changed to Sugihara Yoshie) He worked as Kenjutsu teacher in Kabato prison, Hokkaidô. He had a dojo in Tokyo for a while but moved back to Hokkaidô and lived there until he died. In 1876, Nagakura built a grave for Kondo Isami and Hijikata Toshizô with a help of Matsumoto Ryôjun who used to be Shinsengumi doctor. Later Nagakura's grave was built on the next (his will) and the graves still exist near JR Itabashi station. Memorial event is held every year.