Nagakura Shinpachi
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.
Nagakura Shinpachi's Sword
- Tegarayama Ujishige 手柄山氏繁
Nagakura Shinpachi's Journals
- Shinsengumi Tenmatsuki (Interview by Otaru Shimbun)
- Doshi Renmeiki (Name list of Shinsengumi members)
- Roshi Bunkyu Hokoku Kiji (The book written by Nagakura himself was discovered in 2000)
Nagakura in Fiction
- Bakumatsu Shinsengumi (幕末新選組) Ikenami Shotaro
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