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. Yagi Tamesaburo told Shimozawa Kan "Soji was always joking" "He played with neighboring children."
References
- 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
