this is not directly connected to Shinsengumi.
For several months now, rather than get headaches reading Japanese
sites via online software I focused on relevant sources in English
which would yield details on the life of both Fujita Goro and Fujita
Tokio(ko). Most things in English, deal with the Meiji era.
It is actually our good fortune that both Mr. and Mrs. Fujita worked
at a high profile school known as Tokyo Women's NOrmal School (later
Tokyo Women's Higher NOrmal School and then Ochanomizo).
For new members please read
http://www.shinsengumihq.com/TakagiTokioinfo.htm
I used Tokio's cousin as an anchor in the research.
Throughout this time I had no idea who the "other" principal who kept
switching with Takamine Hideo (tokio's cousin) of the school was.
A Japanese thread was discussing Mr. Fujita's work not only as an
office clerk but a teacher of kenjutsu at the Normal School (for men).
SAdly, the posters were wrestling with the structure of the school
and timeline --- lucky for me I had been obsessing over Tokio's cousin
and understood some of the educational structure.
They did not cite their textual source---but their hint was good enough.
The other principal was Jigoro Kano.
Please see this timeline
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/4795/kano.html
he became principal after Takamine Hideo resigned in 1893 (technically
forced to resign).
After Takamine returned in 1897, Kano resigned so they alternated.
Kano returns in 1901 (which coincides with the beginning of Takamine's
struggle with severe depression however he remained an influential
figure).
ok let's compare with Goro's timeline
he works at the education museum in 1891
gets a job at Tokyo Women's Normal School in 1899
the structure of the hierarchy of the Normal Schools (teacher training
academy) was like this
Tokyo Normal School (men)
Tokyo Women's Normal School (women)
Educational Museum
it was like a giant pyramid with overlapping faculty, staff and even
budget...students of both normal schools even used material right out
of the museum and frequently the top tier staff held concurrent
positions in the museum
the Museum was used for the purpose of "object teaching" which was the
style used at both normal schools and nationwide--this is why the
museum was another branch of the schools
KOdokan Judo (Jigoro Kano's claim to fame) was the OFFICIAL
competition to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
it was always of interest to me how Kodokan Judo/dojo had a minor Aizu
connection and at one time located in the same ward as the Fujita
household
JIgoro Kano in partnership with Dr. Baelz (German who treated many VIP
Meiji figures) were able to introduce modern kendo and judo (to a
lesser extent) into the education system. Kendo was favored because
it was more safe.
I have a hard time believing that the principal, an accomplished
martial artist, and deeply interested in Physical Education was
completely oblivious to a member of the office staff who was also a
practitioner of kenjutsu.
Before leaving his position at the school I believe TAkamine would be
sure to point out which members of the faculty and staff Kano should
care for. Takamine would be sure to highlight their special talents
as well. AFterall the Mr. and Mrs. Fujita were both family and friend
to Takamine.
Principals also had access to all resumes of the staff---how would
Kano, who dealt with the TMPD not be interested in former assistant
inspector Fujita who also worked as body guard to Inoue Kaoru and
Empress Dowager?