Yamanami Keisuke

Born: 1833
Died: 1865
Titles:Shinsengumi Vice Commander, General Secretary
Japanese: 山南敬助(Yamanami Keisuke or Sannan Keisuke)

Shieikan

Yamanami was Ronin from Sendai han who practiced Onoha Itto Ryu (Menkyo) and Hokushin Itto Ryu (Menkyo). In 1860. He visited Shieikan dojo and had a match with Kondo Isami. He was defeated and was enrolled at the Tennen Rishin Ryu's Shieikan. In 1863, Kondo and other 8 Shieikan members joined the Roshigumi.

Shinsengumi

Yamanami is believed to have been involved in the assassination of Serizawa Kamo. 1864 January, he captured Futei Roshi at Iwaki Masuya and received prize money from Lord Matsudaira Katamori of Aizu. On the Ikedaya Affair, he stayed in the Mibu Roshigumi headquater.

In 1864 October, Ito Kashitaro joined Shinsengumi, he could have been given higher status than Yamanami.

Later in 1864, according to some sources, Yamanami protested Kondo and Hijikata over moving the headquater to Nishi Hongan-ji. But Kondo and Hijikata completely ignored him which made him feel isolated.

Death

1865 February 21, Yamanami suddenly ran away from Shinsengumi. He was captured next day and ordered to commit Seppuku along the Shinsengumi Regulations (Kyokuchu Hatto). His grave is in Koen-ji, Kyoto.