Kondo Isami

• Born: 1834
• Died: 1868
• Japanese: 近藤 勇 (Kondou Isami)

Photograph of Kondo Isami

Kondou Isami was born with the name Miyagawa Katsugoro, in the village of Kami-Ishihara, where he came from a farming family. When he was 14 Kondou Isami trained in the Tennen Rishin-ryu sword style at the Sheikan (this ryu was studied by many members of the Shinsegumi). In 1861 Kondou Isami became the fourth master of Tennen Rishin-ryu.

After the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in January 1868, he returned to Edo, fighting with the force dispatched by the Imperial Court but lost the battle. After surrendering, he was beheaded on May 17 1868.

Isami in Fiction

Television

• Shinsengumi (新撰組) 43rd NHK Taiga Drama 200４

Appearances

• When the Last Sword is Drawn (壬生義士伝) 2003 (Director: Takita Yojiro) (Movie)