- Born: 1833
- Died: 1877
- Other Name: Katsura Kogorou (桂小五郎)
- Japanese: 木戸 考允 (Kido Takayoshi, Kido Kôin)
A pro-Imperial loyalist from Choshu, he played a major role in shaping the course of the Meiji Restoration as the chief negotiator for Choshu in the military alliance that was forged with Satsuma with the help of Sakamoto Ryoma. Kido was one of the more prominent radicals that were targeted by the pro-Bakufu forces. Although supposed to be at the Ikedaya the night of the famous raid led by the Shinsengumi, Kido was tipped off by his geisha lover that the Shinsengumi were coming for him and wisely chose not show up for the loyalist meeting on that fateful night. He spent the next few days hiding incognito as a beggar. Kido went on to serve the Meiji government as education minister, home affairs minister, chairman of the local official council, cabinet councillor. 1871, he participated in the Iwakura Mission.
Kido was pupil of Yoshida Shôin. He learned Shinto Munen Ryu from Saitô Yakurô and became head coach of the dojo "Renpeikan".
References
- Hillsborough, Romulus. RYOMA- Life of a Renaissance Samurai. Ridgeback Press, 1999
- Jansen, Marius B. Sakamoto Ryoma and the Meiji Restoration. Columbia University Press, 1994.
- National Diet Library