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 a ronin from Sendai han who practiced Onoha Ittô-ryû (menkyô) and Hokushin Ittô-ryû (menkyô). In 1860. He visited the Shieikan dojo and had a match with Kondô Isami. He was defeated and was enrolled at the Tennen Rishin-ryû's Shieikan. In 1863, Kondô and eight other Shieikan members joined the Rôshigumi.

Shinsengumi

Yamanami is believed to have been involved in the assassination of Serizawa Kamo. In January 1864, he captured Futei Rôshi at Iwaki Masuya and received prize money from Lord Matsudaira Katamori of Aizu.

During the Ikedaya Affair, he stayed in the Mibu Rôshigumi headquarters.

In October 1864, Itô Kashitarô joined the Shinsengumi, and might have been given higher status than Yamanami.

Later in 1864, according to some sources, Yamanami argued with Kondô and Hijikata over moving the headquarters to Nishi Hongan-ji. Kondô and Hijikata completely ignored him.

Death

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