#Boshin War

[redsamuraiii]

Lord Toranaga in Shogun (2024)

Historically, following the establishment of the Shogunate, Japan was unified with 300 years of peace during *Edo Period. The same period they were isolated from the world, until the arrival of another "gaijin", Matthew Perry, and his fleet of black warships to force the opening of Japan to trading as America is expanding in the Pacific.

*The movie 47 Ronin takes place during Edo Period.

Matthew Perry in Samurai Marathon (2019)

At the time, the weakened Spanish and Portuguese are withdrawing from Asia as the new powers, Britain and America took control of Asia and the Pacific, triggering Opium Wars. This divides Japan into pro-Shogunate and pro-Imperial factions, causing Boshin War, as each side have different ideas of how to strengthen the country.

*The movie The Last Samurai takes place during this time.

You can see here for the historical timeline of Japan. A Japanese Drama hilariously sums up the Meijin Restoration here.

[federer7]

Samurai of the Satsuma Clan, during the Boshin War period (1868-1869) 1860s

Photo: Felice Beato

[arthurdrakoni]

Flag of the Republic of Ezo

This is the flag of the Republic of Ezo.  It comes from a world where the Boshin War went slightly more favorably for the Shogunate forces.  As a result, the Meiji government was forced to, at least temporarily, recognize the Republic of Ezo.  It wasn't long before the Japanese declared war on Ezo once again.  However, the Satsuma Rebellion still happened and was a lot more widespread, emboldened by Ezo's success.  The Meiji government was forced to focus on quelling the Satsuma Rebellion.  Ezo was able to find support from France and Russia to help protect them from the Japanese.  Eventually, Japan had no choice but to formally recognize the Ezo government. 

In response to Ezo's alliance with France and Russia, Japan strengthened its ties to Britain and Germany.  Following their failure to capture Hokkaido, the Japanese turned their attention to Korea.  Ezo, under the command of the recently defected Saigo Takamori, also sent an expedition to conquer Korea.  Korea was able to play Japan and Ezo off of each other, and was able to maintain its independence.  In time, Korea was able to modernize and industrialize like Japan had.  Japan was humbled by its failure in Korea, and the Japanese were forced to focus more on domestic policy than foreign conquest.

Ezo also pursued a policy of isolationism following the failed expedition to Korea.  Some industrialization was a necessary evil, but on the whole Ezo strived to maintain as much of its traditional culture and way of life as possible.  As time went on, however, Ezo began to increasingly fall under French influence.  In many way, it could be said that Ezo had become a French protectorate.  

World War I started off around the same time, and with very similar circumstances, as our world.  However, in this world Japan fought for the Central Powers.  The Japanese were bitter at the British for selling weapons to Ezo, resentful growing opposition to the creeping British influence on Japanese society, and their alliance with Germany was as strong as ever.  Ezo initially tried to remain neutral, but a surprise Japanese attack prompted Ezo to join the Entente Powers.  The war ended in an Entente victory.  Japan was placed under crushing reparations to Ezo, and was forced to cease land in northern Japan to Ezo.

Japan began to grow resentful against Ezo, and began to rearm for another war.  Ezo and Korea were subjected to a series of harsh bombing campaigns. It wasn't long before Ezo and Korea were forced to surrender and formerly occupied by Japan.  The Japanese continued to expand their influence across East Asia and the Pacific.  It wasn't long, however, before they found themselves in conflict with the United States.  Like in our world, the war ended in an American victory.  

Ezo regained its independence following the war.  Though there is still bad blood between Ezo and Japan, the two nations are slowly putting their past behind them.  There is a movement to reunify Ezo and Japan into a single nation, but it doesn't have much support at the moment.  Still, you never know what the future might hold.

The flag is black and white in reference to the flag of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the seven-pointed star stands for the spirit of the Ezo people.

Link to the original flag on my blog: https://drakoniandgriffalco.blogspot.com/2017/10/flag-of-republic-of-ezo.html?m=1

[shinsengumi-archives]

The Shinsengumi and the Battle of Shirakawaguchi

The Battle of Shirakawaguchi (a.k.a. Battle of Shirakawa Castle, not to be mistaken with the Battle of Shirakawa) took place from leap April 20 to July 14, 1868 (Lunar calendar) or June 10 to August 31, 1868 (Western calendar). It was fought between the Northern Alliance and the New Government Army

At this point, Kondo Isami had already been executed (he died on May 17, 1868, Western calendar) and Hijikata Toshizo was absent due to the injury he got from the Battle of Utsunomiya on May 14 (western), so Saito Hajime (using the name Yamaguchi Jiro) was the Commander the Shinsengumi during the Battle of Shirakawaguchi.

The Shinsengumi and the Aizu forces captured Shirakawa Castle from the New Government Army on Apr 20 (lunar). On May 1 (lunar), the New Government Forces then recaptured Shirakawa Castle with only 700 men against the 2500 men from the Northern Alliance (along with the Shinsengumi) who were guarding the castle. The Northern Alliance (along with the Shinsengumi) increased their troops to 4500 and tried 7 times (from May 26 to July 14) to retake the castle, but failed.

Maps of the New Government Army’s progress

(image source)

(image source)

Details

(source: Wikipedia)

See: Map of places mentioned in this post

On leap April 20, Keio 4 (lunar), the Shinsengumi and the Aizu soldiers led by Sanai, the son of Tanaka Harukiyo (Matsudaira Katamori’s chief retainer), invaded and occupied Shirakawa Castle, which was being defended by the soldiers of the Nihonmatsu Domain. After taking the castle, Toyama Iemon, the commander of the Aizu guerrilla corps, and the Shinsengumi (commanded by Saito Hajime) stationed themselves at the Shirasaka barrier to the south of the castle.

After winning the Battle of Utsunomiya Castle on April 23 (lunar), the New Government Army had secured Utsunomiya as a their base. They consisted mainly of soldiers from the Satsuma Domain, as well as soldiers from the Ogaki Domain, the Choshu Domain, and the Oshi Domain. They had marched from Utsunomiya to Otawara, but after learning about the occupation of Shirakawa Castle by Aizu, they advanced to Shirakawa on orders from Edo .

At dawn on leap April 25th (lunar), several hundred advance troops of the New Government Forces made a surprise attack on Shirasaka barrier. The Aizu guerilla forces and the Shinsengumi engaged them in a fierce battle. Hinata Shigetaro (leader of the Suzaku corps), who learned of this battle, attacked the New Government Army from the flank with Higuchi artillery and fought them to a standstill. Other forces then attacked the New Government Army from many directions. The New Government forces had no choice but to flee in the face of these fierce attacks from all sides. While retreating, they was stuck in the muddy fields caused by heavy rain. Due to a combination of fatigue, the lack of ammunition from the deadly fighting at the Battle of Utsunomiya Castle, the exhaustion of the march from Utsunomiya and the lack of familiarity with the area, they withdrew to Ashino (a town about 12km south-west from Shirasaka barrier, a 2.5hr walk).

(image source)

On the following day, the 26th, Saigo Tanomo, a retainer of the Aizu Domain, entered Shirakawa Castle as governor of Shirakawa-guchi. Reinforcements from the Sendai, Tanagura, and Nihonmatsu clans also arrived. Saito Hajime and Miyagawa Rokuro of the Jungitai offered to defend Shirasaka barrier, but Saigo Tanomo rejected the idea, saying “We are superior in terms of military strength, so it is unnecessary”. Yamaguchi and the Junyitai were deployed at Shirakawaguchi to protect the main camp. Furthermore, Saigo focused his troops on Mt. Inari, located south of Shirakawa Castle, and deployed his main force and artillery.

[Continue reading]

Timeline of Saito Hajime’s participation in the Battle of Shirakawaguchi 

(Dates are based on the Lunar calendar)

Since Saito was the Commander of the Shinsengumi, we can assume that he was involved in everything that the Shinsengumi was involved in.

19-Apr Hijikata captures Utsunomiya Castle

23-Apr The New Government Army recaptures Utsunomiya Castle, Hijikata gets shot in the foot

25-Apr Kondo Isami was executed at Itabashi, Musashi (near Edo)

28-Apr The Shinsengumi encamped in Akatsu inn going by way of Shirakawa from Nagareyama

29-Apr The Shinsengumi and Hijikata arrives and joins Aizu At this time there is no proof that Saitou was participating in both repeat month

5-Apr (leap) Matsudaira Katamori has an audience with the Shinsengumi, Saitou as one of the Captain’s of the Shinsengumi is ordered to go to the front, to Shirakawa district

6-Apr (leap) Saitou leads the Shinsengumi and departs from Aizu Wakamatsu to the front and encamps at Akatsu inn

21-Apr (leap) The Shinsengumi goes to the front aiming for Shirakawa Castle from Sendai

22-Apr (leap) Shinsengumi encamps at Shirakawa Komine Jouka inn

23-Apr (leap) The Shinsengumi defends the Shirasaka Kanmon (Shirasaka barrier)

25-Apr (leap) The New government army attacks the Shirasaka barrier

26-Apr (leap) The Shinsengumi defends the Shirasaka barrier from the Shirakawa attack of the New Government Army

29-Apr (leap) Shinsengumi defended the Shirasaka barrier and took the place of Sendai soldier. They took a rest at a two storied building at Shirakawa Jouka Nikaidate, encampment was done at Wakimoto Yanagi-ya (Yanagi inn)

1-May The Shirakawa Komine castle was captured by the attack of the New Government Army. The Shinsengumi group that was commanded by Saitou was defeated at the Kurokawa battle and they stayed at Seishidou lodging

2-May They leave the Seishidou inn, encampment in Sendai

26-May The Shinsengumi could not recover Shirakawa Komine castle and they withdraw to Kamigoya (Kamikoya) village for encampment and the New Government Army captures Shirakawa

27-May While they head to Ooyachi village from Shirakawa Komine they met the New Government Army and engage in war but since there were no support soldiers, they retreat to Makinouchi Recently in Sendai, Saitou’s name appears as a commander of the Shinsengumi Taishi in “Aizu Sendai Hisashi Jinja Meibo” (comment: Unsure of exact name but translates to “Aizu Sendai member list of names”)

30-May Okita Souji dies from tuberculosis in Sentagaya, Edo

3-Jun When the Aizu feudal lord Matsudaira makes an official business trip to Yoshinori, Saitou and company returns from Sendai to have an audience with him Saitou and company receives 25 ryo as war funds

6-Jun Saitou who leads the Shinsengumi goes to the front departing to Oohira-kuchi

12-Jun Saitou’s group is once again defeated as it tries to recapture Shirakawa Komine from Hata village

16-Jun He returned from Hata village to Fukura, staying at Senjuin lodging

25-Jun The battle to re-capture Shirakawa Komine castle is done but it is unsuccesful

1-Jul Although the Shinsengumi goes to war from Hata village and invades the Tenjin mountain to capture Shirakawa Komine castle, they are beaten by the New Government Army and withdraws from Hatori to Fukura to re-organize the preparations

7-Jul It went to war from Fukura to Moriya-machi (Moriya town)

8-Jul It went from Moriya-machi to Naganuma encamping there to rest

25-Jul The fight to recapture Shirakawa Komine castle is done and it loses for the 7th time, they leave. The sending of troops to Shirakawa ended substantially

(source: shinsengumi.net)

[sweetbaloonsriseboldly]

Nakano Takeko (中野 竹子, April 1847 – 16 October 1868) was a Japanese female warrior of the Aizu Domait, who fought and died during the Boshin War. During the battle of Aizu she fought with a nagitana (a Japanese polearm) and was the leader of an ad hoc corps of female combatants who fought in the battle independently. After taking a bullet in the chest she had her sister behead her, so that the enemy would not take her as a war trophy!

[riversidewings]

I did a whole-ass PhD about the Boshin War and the thought of the Shogun's envoys, including a ninja, visiting the Buchanan White House still blows my mind. (I even did a podcast episode a couple weeks ago about it!)

Whenever I see someone refer to "Victorian era-" for places outside the UK I'm tempted to start saying shit like "Han Dynasty era Rome", "Soviet era Australia" etc

[teitomonogatari]

bakufu posting inspired by @bisexualleorio

[redsamuraiii]

After watching numerous Historical Taiga Drama (Period Drama), and put the pieces together, now it makes sense.

After the 14th Ashikaga Shogun was killed, there wasn't any Shogun, throwing the country into civil war (Sengoku Jidai).

Oda Nobunaga decides to install the 15th Ashikaga Shogun, only in name, to use him as a puppet to conquer Japan by his name.

No lords dare oppose him, thinking that Oda has the blessing of the Shogun, so anyone who oppose the Shogun is a traitor.

Many clans were defeated or subjugated, including Tokugawa, which end up becoming a vassal of Oda.

Takeda Shingen sees through Oda's lies and declares war, causing other surviving clans to uprise against Oda.

Oda was cornered until Shingen dies abruptly, turning the tide of the war, which eventually lead to Takeda clan decline.

Shortly after, Uesugi Kenshin, the last one standing that Oda considers to be a formidable foe, also dies mysteriously.

With Shingen and Kenshin dead, Oda finally dared to kick the Shogun out of the capital to seize control of the country himself.

Akechi Mitsuhide, who has been serving the Shogun now pledge himself to Oda, abandoning the Shogun, or so it seems.

Akechi is aware of the surviving clans of Tokugawa, Sanada, Uesugi began to communicate in secrecy.

But Akechi kept to himself as he does not trust Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a loyal servant to Oda Nobunaga.

Oda send Hideyoshi to finish off the Shogun's supporters in the west, where the Shogun had ran to seek refuge.

Oda send Akechi to support Hideyoshi but Akechi decides to betray him and kill Oda, paving way for Tokugawa in the future.

Hideyoshi returns from the west to the capital to eradicate Akechi, his clan and supporters, while Tokugawa laid low.

Years later, after Hideyoshi dies, Tokugawa finally made his power move to unify the country, and Sekigahara takes place.

Tokugawa decides to eradicate the entire Toyotomi clan and siege Osaka, wanting to end the endless civil war once and for all.

The new Shogunate is established with him being the 1st Tokugawa Shogun, after the previous Ashikaga Shogun.

Japan has over 200 years of peace, before the America and the Europeans showed up with their mighty naval fleet and canons.

Japan is divided into two, the Shogunate that kowtow to the westerners, and the Emperor who rejects the westerners.

Boshin War broke out between the Shogunate and the Imperial (Emperor), to decide the fate of the country.

It's a long, long, long history. This is just the gist of it. Who says "tv shows" aren't educational eh?

It may not be 100% accurate as dramas are meant to dramatized real life events for our viewing pleasure.

But it does spark one interest to actually read the history to know in detailed of what really happened.

[chishigure]

"You know... I am part of the police force...~"

[chippypiper]

鶴見 and his mother we know nothing about his childhood, but it doesnt forbid us from speculating. Judging from things which we do know, its a high chance Tsurumi simply grew up alone together with his mother, his siblings and father dead or disappeared after the Boshin War.

[ultra-rockart]

Another Thing Blue Eye Samurai Got Wrong

There were women who fought as fighters and samurai (or more often called as onna-bugeisha or onna-musha) for their clan. They didn't have to hide their femininity. There is a long history of female warriors in Japan that date back to an Empress named Jingū (she ruled from 201 to 269 AD). I bring you two of the greats:

Tomoe Gozen

She was skilled at archery, the sword and the use of the naginata. Tomoe is one of the most feared women because of her cleverness and offensive tactical skills. Her men trusted and respected her. During the Battle of Awazu, she killed the Musashi clan leader. Sadly, there is no more records of her after that. Tomoe is the most known and celebrated of the onna-bugeisha.

Nakano Takeko

Like many samurai of her time, she wore the typical samurai armor but instead chose to wear a red hakama. This red hakama became a symbol of not just her femininity but empowerment. She fought in the Boshin War against Imperialists who wanted the Emperor to rise to power (they eventually won during the Battle of Toba–Fushimi).

Similar to the Kiheitai (or the ad hoc army by the Imperialists), she led the Jōshitai or women's army fighting on the side of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Nakano was wounded with a rifle shot and rather than allowing her enemies to parade her lifeless body as a trophy, she ordered her sister (also a capable warrior as with her mother. all 3 women fought alongside each other) to cut her head off and burry her head in secret so her enemies would not have a reason to disgrace her. Her head was buried under a pine tree and her beloved naginata was given to a temple.

In Aizu during the Autumn festival, girls parade around the streets wearing a red hakama and a white headband to honor Nakano and the women fighters of the Jōshitai.

Other female fighters include Yamamoto Yae aka "Bakumatsu Joan of Arc" and Hangaku Gozen or Lady Hangaku.

______________________________________________________________

There is a reason the filmakers of Lady Snowblood (a film Blue Eye Samurai heavily borrows from) didn't chose to disguise Yuki as a man when she enacted her revenge.

[noticiasarquelogicasjaponesas]

Sean bienvenidos Japonistasarqueologíacos, a una nueva publicación síntesis, del país del Sol naciente, una vez dicho esto póngase cómodos que empezamos. - Vamos a hablar de la batalla de Toba-Fushimi 27 de Enero 1868-31 Enero 1868, que forma parte de las Guerras Boshin, de carácter civil. - Está batalla la vamos a ver a través del arte que fue realizado por Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, perteneciente al Ukio-e. ¿Conocían la batalla? - Espero que os guste y nos vemos en próximas publicaciones, que pasen una buena semana. - 日出ずる国から、日本の考古学へようこそ、新しい要約出版物へ。 - 民事上の戊辰戦争の一部である、1868年1月27日から1868年1月31日にかけて行われた鳥羽・伏見の戦いについてお話します。 - 浮世絵に属する月岡芳年の作品を通して、この戦いを見てみます。 彼らはその戦いを知っていたのか？ - 気に入っていただければ幸いです。今後の投稿でお会いしましょう。良い一週間をお過ごしください。 Welcome to Japanese archaeology, to a new summary publication, from the country of the rising sun. Having said that, make yourself comfortable and let's get started. - We are going to talk about the battle of Toba-Fushimi January 27, 1868-January 31, 1868, which is part of the Boshin Wars, of a civil nature. - We are going to see this battle through the art that was made by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, belonging to Ukio-e. Did they know the battle? - I hope you like it and see you in future posts, have a good week.

[captain-price-unofficially]

Tokugawa Shogunate troops during Boshin War, 1868

[tokidokitokyo]

福島県

Japanese Prefectures: Tohoku - Fukushima

都道府県 (とどうふけん) - Prefectures of Japan

Learning the kanji and a little bit about each of Japan’s 47 prefectures!

Kanji・漢字

福　フク　blessing, fortune

島　しま、トウ　island

県　ケン　prefecture

東北　とうほく　north-east, Tohoku (northernmost six prefectures of Honshu)

Prefectural Capital (県庁所在地) : Fukushima (福島市)

Fukushima is the third largest prefecture of the 47 prefectures of Japan and stretches between the mountainous interior of Northern Honshu to the Pacific Ocean. Like most of the other Tohoku prefectures, Fukushima boasts expansive natural beauty, relaxing hot springs, a rich history, and excellent ski resorts. The feudal Aizu Clan, of the still-standing castle town of Aizu-Wakamatsu, remained loyal to the shogun, even after the shogun was removed from power during the Meiji Restoration. This loyalty led to the Aizu area becoming a battleground of the Boshin War in 1868, where those loyal to the shogun were pushed northwards into Tohoku and Hokkaido as they resisted the reformers and those loyal to the emperor. The Aizu area boasts the post town of Ouchijuku, with buildings retained from the samurai era; Tsuruga Castle; hot springs; and a famous sake brewery.

The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami devastated the coastal areas of Fukushima Prefecture and caused a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated and a no-entry zone was set up around the nuclear plant. The no-entry zone makes up less than 3% of the prefecture's area, and even inside most of the no-entry zone, radiation levels have declined far below the levels that airplane passengers are exposed to at cruising altitude. Thus Fukushima has been deemed safe for tourists to visit. Wide areas of western Fukushima, in particular, escaped much contamination, including the mountainous interior around the historic city of Aizu-Wakamatsu. And even in most of the eastern parts of the prefecture, radiation levels have by now decreased to pre-2011 levels due to natural decay and decontamination efforts.

Recommended Tourist Spot・おすすめ観光スポット

Ouchijuku - 大内宿

Photo by JR Times

If you want a taste of Edo Period Japan, Ouchijuku is the place for you. This is a former post town along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route, which connected the centers of Aizu (a former castle town to the north in Fukushima) and Nikko (to the south in Tochigi prefecture) during the Edo Period. Restrictions set by the shogunate required travelers to make the journey on foot, and thus post towns such as Ouchijuku developed along the route to provide food, accommodation, and rest. Ouchijuku has been restored to look as it did in the Edo Period, with thatched roof buildings that house a variety of shops, restaurants, and minshuku (small traditional Japanese inns).

The former Honjin, or principal inn for high ranking government officials, is currently a museum, offering an example of elegant traditional housing interiors of the Edo Period and includes a collection of dishes, clothing, and other artifacts.

The Takakura Shrine is a five minute walk off the main path and hosts a unique purification fountain in the midst of a stand of Japanese cedar trees, and was dedicated to Prince Mochihito, who died in June 1180. Near the beginning of the Genpei War (1180-1185) during the Battle of Uji, the prince fled to the Phoenix Hall of the Byōdō-in temple, where he was later captured and killed at the torii gate of Kōmyōsan. It was said that he managed to escape, and hid in Ouchijuku.

Shohoji Temple is located at the end of the main street and up a steep flight of stairs. At the top of the path visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Ouchijuku and its surroundings.

Regional Cuisine - 郷土料理

Kitakata Ramen - 喜多方ラーメン

Photo by JR Times

Kitakata ramen is a gourmet specialty from Kitakata, Fukushima prefecture. The origin of these noodles is said to be from Chinese noodles sold in stalls by young people who had come from China from 1920-1930. The noodles are thick and flat with a firm appearance and texture and a relatively high moisture level. The soup is a soy base, with flavors varying depending on the shop, from miso to salt. To determine where to eat, there is a Ramen Map located at the tourist information center in Kitakata.

The popular Kitakata Ramen Burger is made from baked and hardened noodles together with pork, menma, and green onions. Kitakata is also known for its unique culture of eating ramen early in the morning. People who started work very early in the morning at sake breweries and on farms would eat ramen early in the morning, and thus the habit began. "Morning ramen" is available at many shops in the area.

Fukushima Dialect・Fukushima-ben・福島弁

Fukushima-ben or the dialect of Fukushima is similar in some ways to the other Tohoku (or North-East Japan) dialects, but also has some key differences. Here are some interesting phrases I found.

洗濯物をおっこむ (sentakumono o okkomu)

Standard Japanese: 洗濯物を取り込む (sentakumono o torikomu) English: to take in the laundry

ぶっちめた (bucchimeta)

Standard Japanese: ぶつけた (butsuketa) English: to hit (e.g. one's head)

すっぺったこっぺった (suppetta koppetta)

Standard Japanese: ごちゃごちゃ言うな (gocha gocha iu na) English: don't complain about it

うっちしい (ucchishii)

Standard Japanese: うるさい (urusai) English: noisy, annoying

[teitomonogatari]

i'm anti-conscription NOT because i disagree with drafting and sending people to die but because the filthy peasant class should not be allowed to fight alongside the glorious and superior warrior class

[redsamuraiii]

Japanese Period Dramas

Seeing how many people love Shogun, I think it's a waste that many existing similar Japanese period dramas such as these cannot be found on streaming sites like Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Fx, HBO, etc.

Top Left : Sekigahara

A depiction of the historical Battle of Sekigahara between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari. The events which inspires James Clavell's Shogun in his depiction of the civil war between Toranaga (inspired by Tokugawa) and Ishido (inspired by Ishida).

Top Right : Awaiting Kirin

A historical biopic of Akechi Mitsuhide. The character that inspires James Clavell's Shogun in his depiction of Mariko's father . He served the dictator Oda Nobunaga (Goroda in James Clavell's Shogun) before Akechi betrays and kills Oda.

Bottom Right : Baragaki : Unbroken Samurai

Set in the 19th century, follows the life of Toshizo Hijikata, the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi and fought against the Meiji Restoration. The historical character, Jules Burnet, that inspires Tom Cruise's character in The Last Samurai, appears briefly in this.

Bottom Left : Yae no Sakura

This historical biopic follows the life of Yae Niijima who led the defense of Aizu alongside women warriors like Takeko Nakano who fought till the death against the Imperials during Boshin War, after the male family members and warriors are dead or injured.