http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo1.html

 

Mystery – Was Saitoo Hajime at Shieekan?

 

When Shinsengumi was formed, the people who were called “Kondoo family” were such as Kondoo Isamu, Hijikata Toshizoo, Okita Sooshi, Inoue Genzaburoo, Yamanami Keesuke, Toodoo Heesuke, Nagakura Shinpachi, and Harada Sanosuke, and they were all concerned with Shieekan.

They played an important role from the beginning of the Shinsengumi’s formation.

However, the connection of one officer to the Shieekan is questionable.  This is Saitoo Hajime.

Prof. Akama Wako wrote the followings in “Shinsengumi sub-captain Saitoo Hajime.”  According to “The history of Fujita family,” since Saitoo Hajime killed Hatamoto with some reasons, depending on acquaintances, he escaped for Kyoto.  He worked there as a teacher of swordplay.  He knew that Kondoo was forming Shinsengumi there, and he had contact with his to join it.

As long as referring this description, there seems to have no connection between Saitoo Hajime and Shieekan.

However, some resources indicate that Saitoo Hajime had some connections with Shieekan.

First, Kojima Tamemasa, who was a supporter of Shinsengumi and whom Kondoo Isamu respected for, wrote a book, (1) “Ryooyuushiden” in 1873 (Meiji 6).  It says:

“Kondoo Isamu, (omission) promising with his friend, Tsuchikata Yoshitoyo, went to Kyoto with his followers, Okita Husayoshi, (omission) Yamanami Tomonobu, (omission) Inoue Kazushige, (omission) Nagakura Shinpachi, and Saitoo Hajime.”

According to this, Kondoo Isamu applied for the recruitment of Rooshigumi in Edo in 1863 (Bunkyuu 3), and he went to Kyoto with Hijikata Toshizoo, Okita Sooshi, Yamanami Keesuke, Inoue Genzaburoo, Nagakura Shinpachi, and Saitoo Hajime.

The author of this book, Kojima Tamemasa was a senior student for Kondoo Isamu at Shieekan.  When Kondoo Isamu inherited teacher’s position from his foster father, Syuusuke, and while he taught swordplay to his follower at Shieekan, Kojima Tamemasa taught Kanji there.  It means that he knew well about the people in Shieekan.

Kojima Tamemasa put Saitoo’s name in his book though he did not put other famous people, such as Harada Tamemasa or Toodoo Heesuke.  This suggests that although the list of Rooshigumi did not put Saitoo Hajime’s name, Kojima believed that Saitoo Hajime was one of the important people in Shieekan.

Moreover, this “Ryooyuushiden” was written in 1873 (Meiji 6), which is close to the actual event.  This record must be reliable, and it is possible that Saitoo Hajime had a strong connection with Shieekan.

Next, I will examine “Rooshi Bunkyuu Hookoku Kiji,” which was written by Nagakura Shinpachi around 1876 (Meiji 9) who was one of main members of Shinsengumi, the captain of the second group, and lived till 1915 (Taisyoo 4).

It says, “At that time, Kondoo Isamu opened his ashram at Yanagimachi, Kagayashiki at Ichigaya, and taught his students swordplay.  After the practice, he always discussed politics with his followers.  His followers are: including Kondoo Isamu, Yamanami Keesuke, Hijikata Toshizoo, Okita Sooshi, Nagakura Shinpachi, Satoo Hikogoroo, Otsuki Ginzoo, Saitoo Hajime, Toodoo Heesuke, Inoue Genzaburoo, Satoo Fusajiroo, Nakamura Takichi, Okita Rintaroo, and so on.”

According to this, Kondoo Isamu who lived at Yanagimachi Kagayashiki Ichigaya opened his ashram and practiced swordplay everyday.  After this practice, he discussed national affairs and worried about the future with his followers.  The followers who participated in this discussion were Yamanami Keesuke, Hijikata Toshizoo, Okita Sooshi, Nagakura Shinpachi, Satoo Hikogoroo, Otsuki Ginzoo, Saitoo Hajime, Toodoo Heesuke, Inoue Genzaburoo, Satoo Fusajiroo, Nakamura Takichi (Taroo), and Okita Rintaroo.

Nagakura Shinpachi who was the main member of Shieekan admitted Saitoo Hajime as one of the main members of Shieekan.

Next, I will examine (2) “Kikigaki Shinsengumi” by Satoo (3) Akira, which was based on “Ri-in Shiwa” by Satoo Hitoshi who was father of Satoo Akira.  Satoo Hitoshi was a grandchild of Satoo Hikogoroo who was a supporter of Shinsengumi, studied Tennen Rishinryuu with Kondoo Isamu under Kondoo Syuusuke, and was a landowner of Hinosyuku.

According to this, Saitoo Hajime changed his name to Yamaguchi Goroo in his late years, and worked at the Teacher’s College in Ochanomizu as a teacher of Kendoo.  Saitoo Hajime talked about Kotetsu when he met uncle, Honda Taian in Taniyasu village and Kobayashi Sensyuu in Asakawa town, and when Satoo Toshinobu visited him.  (4) Saitoo Hajime said, “when I learned swordplay at Kondoo’s ashram at Yanagimachi, Kohinata, Koishikawa, I presented to my teacher with a sword that I bought at a secondhand store in Yotsuya because he seemed to love the sword very much.  Even though the sword is nameless, he thought it was similar to Kotetsu, and he treasured it.”

If Saitoo Hajime truly talked this, he must have had a strong connection with Shieekan.

Furthermore, Abe Takaaki talked in (5) “Shidankai Sokkiroku.” 

“Okita Sooshi was the first follower of Kondoo Isamu, and he served for him well.  The next one was Saitoo Hajime, and the third one, who belonged to a different group, was Nagakura Shinpachi.”

It means that Saitoo Hajime’s style of swordplay was Tennen Rishin Ryuu as same as Okita Sooshi’s was.

It also suggests that he had a strong connection with Shieekan, and he was one of the followers who studied Tennen Rishin Ryuu.

Considering all these descriptions, the time he joined Mibu Rooshi gumi, and the background information, overall we can conclude that Saitoo Hajime had a strong connection with Shieekan.

 

(1)   The literal translation of this title is “the record of two heroes.”

(2)   The record of dictation about Shinsengumi.

(3)   I am not sure how to read his name in Kanji.  It might be Akira…

(4) This is the exactly same as Fujita Goroo (Telling 2) I translated before.

(4)   The literal translation of this title is “the record of historical talk.”

 

 

http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo2.html

 

Mystery – Was It Saitoo Hajime Who Killed Takeda Kanryuusai?

 

It is said that Takeda Kanryuusai was killed because he was detected to be a spy of Satsuma clan.  It is also said that Saitoo Hajime killed him.  Is it true?

Generally accepted opinion is that Takeda Kanryuusai was assassinated on June 22, 1867 (Keioo 3).  Before this assassination, Shinsengumi held farewell party for him, and they invited Saitoo Hajime and Shinohara Yasunoshin to the party, who left Shinsengumi to be a guard of Emperor’s house.  Since Kondoo Isamu ordered these two persons secretly to assassinate Takeda Kanryuusai at the party, they killed him.

Here, there is a question.

Why did Kondoo captain and Hijikata sub-captain order Saitoo Hajime who had left Shinsengumi to assassinate him?  This selection of assassin is certainly true if we consider Saitoo Hajime’s trustful character and his skill of swordplay.  However, considering the politics in Shinsengumi, it is difficult to think of this selection.  There must have been other people who were trustful and had a good skill of swordplay.  I wonder why Shinsengumi dared to give this order to the persons who had left Shinsengumi.  The other question is that Shinohara Yasunoshin was chosen to support Saitoo Hajime.  Shinohara Yasunoshin was the person who Itoo Kinoenetaroo (Kooshitaroo) strongly trusted, and they were close friends.  If Shinohara Yasunoshin received this order of assassination, did Itoo Kinoenetaroo (Kooshitaroo) let him go?  Since Itoo Kinoenetaroo (Kooshitaroo) always opposed that the member of Shinsengumi assassinated the other member, it is difficult to believe the fact that he let his friend join this assassination.

With these questions, I personally think that Saitoo Hajime did not kill him. 

Then, who assassinated Takeda Kanryuusai?  It might be other Shinsengumi members who received the order from Kondoo captain and Hijikata sub-captain, but there is no enough evidence, so I cannot affirm this.

Although it is not clear if this fact is true or not, I continue the survey and want to wait for the new resources for this fact.

 

 

http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo3.html

 

Mystery – Did Saitoo Hajme Participate in the War of (1) Aburakooji

 

The trigger of the War of Aburakooji was that Shinsengumi assassinated Itoo Kinoenetaroo (Kooshitaroo), and using his dead body as decoy, they attempted to sweep away all members of Itoo group.  Did Saitoo Hajime participate in the War of Aburakooji?

It is said that Nagakura Shinpachi told in his late years that Saitoo Hajime had killed Hattori Takeo at the War of Aburakooji.  There is no wonder if Saitoo Hajime killed Hattori Takeo because he had such a great skill of swordplay, and if Kondoo ordered him to participate in the war as a precious military strength.  Moreover, Kondoo sent a letter to Miura Yasutaroo in (2) Kisyuu.  It said, “Dear Mr. Miura Yasutaroo, while it is getting colder, how have you been?  I would like to thank you for taking care of Yamaguchi Jiroo (Saitoo Hajime), when he hid at your place.  Now I have some business with him and I borrowed him without your permission.  I am sorry for not asking you at all, but I will visit you soon to apologize and thank you.  I will tell you details then, but not I am planning in order to sweep away the riot in (3) Kantoo area.  You will hear about this by the beginning of the next month.  Although you may hear of misleading news, but please not bend your ear to those.  Sorry for disturbing you with my bad writing because I hurried writing to you.  Sincerely, November 18th, Kondoo Isamu.”  This letter includes Kondoo’s gratitude to Miura that he helped Yamaguchi hide at his place as well as his apology that Kondoo borrowed Yamaguchi without Miura’s permission.  The date, November 18th was exactly the same day of the War of Aburakooji started.  If the content of the letter was true, it is possible that Kondoo let Saitoo return to Shinsengumi in order to have him join the war.

However, Nagakura Shinpachi wrote in his book that Harada Sanosuke killed Hattori Takeo.  Moreover, there is no information or evidence in various resources that Saitoo Hajime participated in the War of Aburakooji.

With all the information, we still have no idea whether it is true or not.

However, I personally believe that Saitoo Hajime might participate in the war because of his skill of swordplay (though I am completely not sure whether Saitoo Hajime killed Hattori Takeo or not.)

Although there is no enough information, I will continue my survey, and I hope that new resources can be found soon.

 

(1)   The name of street that the war occurred.

(2)   Today’s Wakayama prefecture.

(3)   Today’s Kantoo (Tokyo area).

 

 

http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo4.html

 

Mystery – What Was The Information of Saitoo Hajime after (1) Kooyoo Chinbu Tai Lost at Katsunuma?

 

Since Edo Bakuhu ordered Shinsengumi to suppress (2) Kooshuu on February 28th, 1868 (Keioo 4), Shinsengumi changed its name as Kooyoo Chinbu Tai and sent troops. 

Saitoo Hajime participated in the war, and commanded one troop.  He held the field at Kannonzaka between Tsuruse and Katsunuma.  Although his troop fought bravely, support arms did not arrive, and he had to withdraw his troop.

Kondoo Isamu returned to Edo on March 11th to resurge Shinsengumi.  He first sent injured soldiers and one troop to take care of them to Aizu on March 12th.  He collected the rest of soldiers at Goheeshinden and started to recruit new members on March 13th.  Kondoo Isamu arrived at Goheeshinden on March 14th, and Hijikata Toshizoo also arrived there on March 15th.  By recruiting more soldiers, the number of the troop became 227 people, and Shinsengumi was finally resurged.  Shinsengumi changed the main field from Goheeshinden to Nagareyama in (3) Shimoosa, and started western training for the preparation for the fight in Aizu on April 1st.  However, the new Meiji Government found their movement, and attacked them.  Due to the sudden attack of the main field, Kondoo Isamu surrendered to the new Meiji Government.

Because of this defeat, the rest of Shinsengui departed to Aizu with disarming on April 4th. 

The main troop arrived in Aizu on April 28th.

Instead of Hijikata Toshizoo who was injured and left the troop, Saitoo Hajime was commanded to be the captain of Shinsengumi on (4) April 5th, leap day. 

There is no information of Saitoo Hajime between the defeat of Kooyoo Chinbu Tai at Kannonzaka and the assumption of the captain. 

When did Saitoo Hajime leave for Aizu?

There are two possibilities.

One is that he leaded about 30 people who consisted of injured soldiers and one troop, and left for Aizu on March 12th.

The other possibility is that he leaded the troop who disarmed and left Nagareyama for Aizu on April 4th.

According to “(5) Rooshi Bunkyuu Hookoku Kiji,” it says “Saitoo Hajime went to Aizu with taking care of injured and sick soldiers.”

If the article is true, Saitoo Hajime leaded about 30 people who consisted of injured soldiers and one troop to take care of them, and who left for Aizu on March 12th.

However, there is a following paragraph in (6) “Kikigaki Shinsengumi Hiwa” by Saitoo Saburoo.  When Shinsengumi stayed at Goheeshinden, they were divided into small groups and hid in various places.  The Kaneko family was one of the families who offered houses for Shinsengumi.  A daughter, Kaneko Sugine said:

“The samurai was a very tall guy, and his height might be (7) 165 or 168 centimeter.  He had beard all over his face, and he looked very strong.  However, contrary to his appearance, he had a sweet and beautiful voice.  Moreover, he looked very nice.  His age might be 35 or 36, and his name is Yamaguchi something…”

Kaneko Sugine talked about three members who stayed her house, and she testified that one of their names might be Yamaguchi.

It is possible that this samurai was Yamaguchi Jiroo (Saitoo Hajime) because this man was tall, looked strong, and called himself Yamaguchi.

However, the age of 35 or 36 is different from his actual age in about 10 years.

If this man was Saitoo Hajime, it means that he was at Goheeshinden, and after moving to Nagareyama, he led the disarmed soldiers to Aizu.

Comparing these two resources, “Rooshi Bunkyuu Hookoku Kiji” more clearly indicated Saitoo Hajime.  Therefore, the possibility that he led the injured soldiers to Aizu seems to be higher.

However, there is a problematic sentence in “History of Fujita Family.”  It says:

“After the Sinsengumi’s defeat at Koohu (Koosyuu), Saitoo Hajime led the new soldiers and arrived in Aizu.  There, they cooperated with the troop in Aizu.”

The whole story after his defeat at Katunuma was unclear, but this sentence suggests that he led the new soldiers and went to Aizu.

However, what does the new soldiers indicate?

When Shinsengumi lost at Katsunuma and returned to Edo, the number of the members was only 60 or 70 people.

Later, due to the recruitment of new soldiers, the number of soldiers finally became 227 at Goheeshinden.

In short, Shinsengumi collected new soldiers at that time for their resurgence.

I guess that “the new soldiers” in the sentence mean the new soldiers who joined Shinsengumi at that time.

They could not leave for Aizu with the injured soldiers because they needed training.

Then, the new soldiers stayed at Goheeshinden, and moved to Nagareyama.  After the defeat, they disarmed and moved to Aizu.  If Saitoo Hajime led these soldiers, he also stayed at Goheeshinden and Nagareyama.

Considering the situation of Shinsengumi at that time, it is difficult to conclude that Saitoo led about 30 people who consisted of the injured soldiers and one group to take care of them.  He was an executive next to Kondoo Isamu and Hijikata Toshizoo.  The only sub-class captains left at that time were only Saitoo Hajime and Ogata Syuntaroo. 

These theories are my personal guesses form the passage of “the new soldiers.” 

But, I believe that it is possible that after the defeat at Katsunuma, Saitoo Hajime went to Goheeshinden and moved to Nagareyama.  Due to Kondoo’s surrender to the Meiji New Government army, instead of Hijikata Toshizoo who was busy to rescue Kondoo, Saitoo Hajime might lead disarmed Shinsengumi and go to Aizu.

 

(1)   Another name of Shinsengumi

(2)   Today’s Yamanashi prefecture

(3)   Today’s Chiba prefecture

(4)   This year was leap year.  Because of the Japanese old calendar which has 13 months in leap year, it seems that there were two April in 1868.

(5)   Rooshi (samural) Bunkyuu (the name of an era) Report Article

(6)   A dictation about Shinsengumi secret stories

(7)   It said 5 syaku and 5 or 6 sun.  I think this is about 165 or 168 centimeter.  This is not tall at all, but maybe, this time, the average might be about 160, so it might be true.

 

 

http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo6.html

 

Mystery – Did Saitoo Hajime Kill Tani Sanjuuroo

 

The captain of Shinsengumi 7th group, Tani Sanjuuroo suddenly died at (1) Gion Ishidanshita on April 1st, 1868.  According to one theory, Saitoo Hajime, who secretly received an order from Kondoo Isamu, killed him.  Is it true that Saitoo Hajime killed Tani Sanjuuroo?

According to Shibozawa Hiroshi’s “The Story of Shinsengumi,” Tani Sanjuuroo helped Tanaichi do (2) hara-kiri, who was a member of Shinsengumi and he was blamed for “non-preparation as a Samurai.”  However, Tani behaved shamefully this time.  He failed to cut his head because he could not cut the vital part.  He was embarrassed and repeated his failure many times.  Finally, Saitoo Hajime, who was there to watch them, could not wait and helped him.  After this event, Tani lost his reputation in Shinsengumi, and he was killed one month later.  It was a story of Tani’s downfall in “The Story of Shindengumi.”  The story from Shinohara Yasunoshin was added to this episode.  He told that the fatal injury of Tani’s death seemed to be caused by a left-handed swordsman and it might be Saito Hajime who was secretly ordered to kill him by Kondoo.

However, there is a question.

Tanaichi did hara-kiri on January 10th, 1867, and it was after 9 months later of Tani Sanjuuroo’s death.  Therefore, it is impossible for him to help the hara-kiri.

Furthermore, Tani had a great skill of swordplay.  Even if it was not Tanaichi who did hara-kiri, it is difficult to imagine that Tani failed his first swing and behaved shamefully when he helped hara-kiri.  Tani’s father was a teacher of swordplay of (3) Tyokushinryuu at (4) Biccyuu Matsuyama.  Tani was also an instructor of Tyokushinryuu, and experienced many fights such as in the Ikedaya affair or Zenzaiya affair.  These facts suggest that he was a well-skilled swordsman. 

Therefore, this episode that includes his help of hara-kiri and his downfall might be Shibozawa Hiroshi’s creation.  He got this inspiration from the passage in Nishimura Kanehumi’s “Shinsengumi Shimatsuki.”  This passage was about Tani Sanjuuroo’s death, and said, “His death might have the reason.”

Then, what caused Tani Sanjiiroo’s death?  Although the truth is ambiguous still now, one of strong possibilities is that he was died by a stroke.  However, Shinohara Yasunoshin’s testimony in “The Story of Shinsengumi” was based on his actual observation of Tani’s fatal injury.  According to this testimony, someone killed him.  In this story, Shinohara said, “a trivial samurai could kill him if he was drunk.”  In short, Shinohara was confident that someone killed Tani.  Hence, we cannot deny the possibility that someone killed Tani.  However, this whole story in “The Story of Shinsengumi” might be someone’s creation.  Everything is not trustful.

Moreover, if Kondoo Isamu ordered someone to kill him, it is strange that his younger brothers, Syuuhee and Mantaroo could stay in Shinsengumi more than 1 year after that.  If their older brother was killed, they would not stay in such a dangerous group.

With all information, I personally believe that the reason of Tani’s death was disease.  Even if he was killed, Saitoo Hajime must not be involved. 

Although there is no enough information, I will continue this survey to find the truth.

 

(1)   Place’s name in Kyoto

(2)   At hara-kiri, there is always one person who has a role to cut the person’s head to prevent from his suffering until his death.

(3)   The style of swordplay

(4)   It was located in today’s Okayama prefecture.

 

 

http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo8.html

 

Mystery – How Was The Community of People Who Were Shinsengumi?

 

After the Meiji era started, the former Shinsengumi members seem to have communicated each other in various ways. 

Although Saitoo Hajime did not talk a lot about events while he was in Shinsengumi, did he communicate with other former members?

There were some certain people he communicated with.

First, it was Nagakura Shinpachi who had been a captain of the second group.

At the beginning of the Meiji era, Nagakura Shinpachi made every effort to erect the memorial monument for Kongoo Isamu and Hijikata Toshizoo at (1) Itabashi with Matsumoto (2) Ryoojun.  The name of Saitoo Hajime is written on the back of the memorial monument. 

It says: A promoter: Matsumoto Ryoojun, Nakakura (Nagakura), and Saitoo.

It means that Saitoo was also concerned with erecting this monument.

In short, Saitoo, at least, kept company with Nagakura Shinpachi in the Meiji era.

The next one is the communication with Kondoo Hoosuke.

It is not clear if Saitoo Hajime actually met Kondoo Hosuke in the Meiji era.

However, according to the letter which Kondoo Hoosuke wrote to Takahashi Masatsugu in 1906 (Meiji 39), it seems that he exchanged letters with Saitoo.

Furthermore, according to the story of Hieda Toshiya written by Shibozawa Hiroshi, Saitoo Hajime communicated with Ikeda Shichisaburoo, and he talked to him about the actual fight at the Tenmaya Affair.  This story is very famous.

Last, Torii Kason interviewed Shimada Kai about Saitoo Hajime in 1890 (Meiji 23).  Torii answered with Saitoo’s address: “Saitoo lives at Yanagihara-machi 3 in Tokyo.”

All these stories seem to be more trustful than other historical records or books.

Personally I believe that Saitoo Hajime often communicated with other members.

Through the communication with Shimada Kai, Saitoo might be meet Nakajima Nobori.  He might meet other members through Nagakura Shinpachi and Kondoo Hoosuke.

I am still not sure about this fact, but I think he kept company with other former Shinsengumi members who survived in the Meiji era.

 

(1)   Place’s name in Tokyo

(2)   I am not sure how to read his name in Kanji characters.

 

 

http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo9.html

 

Mystery – Was Saitoo Hajime Left-handed?

 

In most stories that talked about Shinsengumi, Saitoo Hajime always holds his sword with his left hand.

These scenes are very common for everybody who is interested in Shinsengumi.

Namely, many people believe that Saitoo Hajime was left-handed.

However, is it true that Saitoo Hajime was left-handed?

From the beginning, where did this story come from?

The description that Saitoo Hajime was left-handed, and he was good at a trust from left side first appeared in “The Story of Shinsengumi” by Shibosawa Hiroshi.  This episode was about when someone killed Tani Sanjuuroo.  It says:

“It was one month after his failure of helping hara-kiri, early night, in April 1st, 1866 that someone killed Tani Sanjuuroo at Gion-ishidanshita.  Having received an urgent report from patrol soldiers, Shinohara and Saitoo went out for investigation.  Tani was thrust into from his chest to his back with one cut, and died clinging to the wall of the small restaurant.  He took a half-sitting posture with a straight back showing his teeth.  His hand hardly reached to his sword at all.  With laughing, Saitoo said, ‘Mr. Shinohara, (1) this great teacher of spear received such a great thrust.’  Shinohara also laughed and said, ‘this thrust was from the left side.  The suspect must be a left-handed as you are, ha, ha, ha.’  Saitoo said, ‘please do not say as if it was me.’  With laughing, both put the dead body into a basket palanquin and left there.”

This description shows that Saitoo Hajime was left-handed and good at a thrust from left side.

However, there is no description that Saitoo Hajime was left-handed except for this.

Also, this episode itself deferred from many truths; hence, it must include creation, and it is not trustful.

If this episode was true, is it possible to know which handed the suspect was only by watching the injury?

As far as I know, a swordsman who is either right-handed or left-handed, he has to put his right hand on the guard of a sword. 

If a left-handed man tries to put his left hand on the guard of a sword, he must carry his scabbard on his right waist. 

Otherwise, he cannot leap his sword from its scabbard.

However, as a samurai’s rule, it is never allowed.

It is determined that he must carry his scabbard on his left waist.

When we were child, we were taught to use our right hands even if we were left-handed in writing or eating.

We keep his custom still now.  Needless to say, it is clear that these customs were much more strongly observed even in confusion at the end of the Edo shogunate than now.  Also, we can imagine that samurai must have been more observant of samurai’s rules or customs.

Thus, I think the whole story that Saitoo Hajime was left-handed was created from the episode of Tani Sanjuuroo’s mysterious death in “The Story of Shinsengumi.”

Therefore, without other trustful resources, we should not conclude that Saitoo Hajime was left-handed.

 

(1)   This comment is very ironic.  He made fun of him because he died with a thrust although a teacher of spear should be good at a thrust.

 

 

http://www.3-hajime.com/nazo10.html

 

Mystery – Did Saitoo Hajime Kill (1) Hatamoto?

 

“The history of Fujita family” says:

“When Yamaguchi Hajime was 19 years old, he killed a samurai of Hatamoto at Koishikawa Sekiguchi.  Therefore, he escaped to Kyoto with a recommendation letter of his father and stayed at Yoshida’s house.  Yoshida had been taken care by Hajime’s father, Yuusuke, and he had an ashram in Kyoto.”

I like to examine this description.

First, we have to consider whether this event actually happened or not.

Only resource that talked about this event is “The history of Fujita family.”

It is difficult to judge its reliability because this is the only one resource, but murder is not small event even for Shinsengumi, Saitoo Hajime.

Much more, he was in his teens and even before being a member of Shinsengumi.

If it was true, such a big event must strongly leave in his memory.

“The history of Fujita family” supports its reliability.

Although the whole story was ambiguous, only two parts, the Aizu War and the murder of Hatamoto, were clearly described. 

This dictation was written by Midori, wife of Hajime’s son, Tsutomu.  Saitoo Hajime told this story to Tsutomu in his last year, and Tsutomu told to Midori in his late years. 

In short, although Midori wrote down what Tsutomu told her, Saitoo Hajime originally told this story to Tsutomu.

Therefore, “The history of Fujita Family” is based on Saitoo Hajime’s memory.

If Saitoo Hajime clearly remembered this even in his last year that he killed Hatamoto and he was 19 years old at that time, it is possible that he really killed Hatamoto. 

Now, if Saitoo killed Hatamoto, was he pursued as a criminal?

According to “The history of Fujita family,” after having killed Hatamoto, Saitoo hid at an ashram of Yoshida who was a friend of his father in Kyoto.

After this, there was no information about Saitoo till he entered Shinsengumi (Mibu Rooshigumi) in Kyoto.  He seemed to stay at the ashram and work there as a teacher of swordplay.

However, according to “Rooshi Bunkyuu Hookoku Kiji,” Saitoo Hajime applied for recruitment of Rooshigumi in February in 1863 (Bunkyuu 3) with other Samurai in (2) Shieekan.

In short, he should be in Edo around January in 1863 (Bunkyuu 3) and practicing at Shieekan in Edo.

With these two resources, there are three possibilities.

One is that after murdering Hatamoto, Saitoo Hajime escaped for Kyoto because he was pursued as a criminal, and he hid at Yoshida’s ashram.

The second is that after murdering Hatamoto, once he went to Kyoto to hide himself, but since he found that he was not pursued as a criminal, he went back to Edo.

The third possibility is that he murdered Hatamoto in December in 1862 (Bunkyuu 2).  He had intended to apply for the recruitment of Rooshigumi, but he was afraid to be caught as a criminal and left for Kyoto.  Then, Saitoo joined Kondoo and other members who came to Kyoto 5 or 6 months after this. 

One question here is whether Saitoo Hajime was pursued as a criminal or not.

If we account the “Rooshi Bunkyuu Hokoku Koji” trustful, he returned to Edo around January in 1863 (Bunkyoo 3) after the murder of Hatamoto. 

The fact that he returned to Edo in less than one year indicates that after the murder, he was not pursued as a criminal.

Without other resources such as the record of the court or a note, it is unnatural that he was pursued as a criminal.  Moreover, he returned to Edo in less than one year and he returned to Edo again to recruit new members in 1865 (Keioo 1).  Thus, he returned to Edo twice soon after the murder of Hatamoto.

Therefore, we can deny the first possibility because he might not be pursued as a criminal.

The difference between the second possibility and the third possibility is whether he returned to Edo or he stayed in Kyoto till he entered Shinsengumi (Mibu Rooshigumi).

Personally I feel that the second possibility is unnatural and too busy.  If it is true, it means that he escaped for Kyoto after the murder of Hatamoto and retuned to Edo because he found he was not pursued as a criminal.  Then, he applied for Shinsengumi in Edo, and once separating from Shinsengumi, he went to Kyoto earlier than other members.

More than this possibility, it seems to be natural that he could not apply for Shinsengumi because he murdered Hatamoto, and he left for Kyoto promising with Kondoo that he would join him in Kyoto later.

With these ideas, my personally opinion is that Saitoo Hajime intended to apply for Rooshigumi with other members in Shieekan, but because he murdered Hatamoto with some reasons, he escaped for Kyoto changing his identity.

However, the criminal of the murder was not found; therefore, he was not pursued as a criminal.

 

(1)   The name of samurai rank.  It usually indicates samurai who serve directly for the Edo shogunage.  They were different from samurai who served for a clan such as Satsuma or Choosyuu.

(2)   The name of Kondoo Isamu’s ashram.