Matsudaira Katamori

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Matsudaira Katamori

Role / Field:

Samurai leader of the Aizu Domain, instrumental in establishing the Shinsengumi.

Born:

1836-02-15

Died:

1893-12-05

Century / Era:

1836s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Matsudaira Katamori (松平 容保; February 15, 1836 – December 5, 1893) was a samurai who lived in Bakumatsu period and the early to mid Meiji period Japan. He was the 9th daimyō of the Aizu Domain and the Kyoto Shugoshoku (Military Commissioner of Kyoto). He initiated and established the Shinsengumi in 1863 (initially named Mibu Roshigumi). During the Boshin War, he led Aizu Domain against the incipient Meiji government, but was severely defeated at the Battle of Aizu. Katamori's life was spared, and he later became the head kannushi of the Nikkō Tōshō-gū shrine.

Career & Major Achievements

He, along with his three brothers Matsudaira Sadaaki, Tokugawa Yoshikatsu, and Tokugawa Mochiharu, had highly influential roles during the Meiji restoration and were called the "four Takasu brothers" (Takasu yon-kyōdai 高須四兄弟). Matsudaira Katamori was born in the Yotsuya district of Edo, on February 15, 1836, at the residence of the Takasu Domain He was the seventh son of Matsudaira Yoshitatsu, daimyō of Takasu, born by one of Yoshitatsu's concubines, a woman of the Komori family whose name is believed by some scholars to be Komori Chiyo (she was also known by her Buddhist name, Zenkyō-in.) Katamori, or as he was first known, Keinosuke (銈之丞), had an eventful childhood. Though the Takasu domain was small, it had a high level of prestige due to its status as a branch family of the Tokugawa clan (through the gosanke house of Owari). Furthermore, in the history of the Takasu-Matsudaira line, there were daimyō who had been adopted from senior branches of the Tokugawa clan, such as Mito. Consequently, Katamori was in a very good position to be adopted out to a senior member of the Tokugawa house.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This opportunity presented itself in the form of Matsudaira Katataka, the 8th generation daimyō of Aizu Domain. Yoshitatsu readily approved of the adoption, not only because Katataka was the lord of a more senior house with a distinguished history and lineage, but the fact that Katataka was his birth brother must have also entered into the equation. Consequently, the young Keinosuke was adopted by Katataka, and married Katataka's daughter Toshihime, in 1856. Following his adoption, Keinosuke assumed the name "Katamori", which made use of one of the characters from his adoptive father's name. He was presented to the reigning shōgun, Tokugawa Ieyoshi, as well as to the Tairō Ii Naosuke, four months after his adoption, and at the end of the year was invested with the courtesy title of Wakasa-no-kami (若狭守), which was traditionally held by the heir to the house of Aizu.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1836 (1836-02-15): Birth of Matsudaira Katamori — Samurai leader of the Aizu Domain, instrumental in establishing the Shinsengumi.
2. 1856: 1856 Milestone — Consequently, the young Keinosuke was adopted by Katataka, and married Katataka's daughter Toshihime, in 1856.
3. 1863: 1863 Milestone — He initiated and established the Shinsengumi in 1863 (initially named Mibu Roshigumi).
4. 1893 (1893-12-05): Passing & Historical Legacy — Matsudaira Katamori passed away on 1893-12-05, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Matsudaira Katamori

“If Lord Masayuki were still alive, he would accept without a second thought!”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Matsudaira Katamori

True or False: “Matsudaira Katamori was the first person to establish the Shinsengumi.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he initiated it in 1863 (as Mibu Roshigumi), the text does not confirm him as its absolute founder over all historical accounts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Matsudaira Katamori