Nagakura Shinpachi

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Nagakura Shinpachi

Role / Field:

A prominent samurai figure, captain of the Shinsengumi, who transitioned into a kendo master.

Born:

1839-05-23

Died:

1915-01-05

Century / Era:

1839s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Nagakura Shinpachi (永倉 新八; May 23, 1839 – January 5, 1915) was the captain of the 2nd troop of the Shinsengumi, He was later known as Sugimura Yoshie (杉村 義衛) during the Meiji era. Nagakura Shinpachi Noriyuki, known as Eikichi or Eiji during his childhood, was born in the Matsumae clan's "kami-yashiki" (upper residence) in Edo on the 11th day of the fourth month of Tenpō 10 (May 23, 1839). His father, Nagakura Kanji, was a retainer of the Matsumae clan, with a 150 koku stipend. Like Okita Sōji, Nagakura was a true product of the Edo period — being a son of a retainer (of a domain he had never seen), who had lived in Edo his entire life. Nagakura's father spelled the family name with the "naga" meaning "long", but Nagakura later spelled it with the "naga" meaning "eternity".

Career & Major Achievements

At eight, Nagakura entered Okada Juusuke Toshisada's Shindō Munen-ryū dojo; at age eighteen he reached mokuroku (6th dan), and received the menkyo kaiden certification. At age nineteen he left the service of the Matsumae clan in order to travel and improve his technique. He spent some time at Yurimoto Shuuzou's Shintō Munen Ryu dojo. Nagakura also spent time at Tsubouchi Shume's Shingyoto Ryu dojo, where he met Shimada Kai, the future vice-captain of the Shinsengumi 2nd unit. Around 1861, he started "taking his meals" at Kondō Isami's Shieikan.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1863 (Bunkyū 3), Nagakura and Kondō joined the Rōshigumi. Upon arrival in Kyoto however, the Rōshigumi was immediately disbanded. While most of the Rōshigumi returned to Edo, Nagakura, Kondō, Hijikata Toshizō, Serizawa Kamo were among nineteen Roshigumi members stayed behind in Kyoto. The Mibu Rōshigumi was formed by the Kyoto Shugoshoku ("Kyoto Protector") Matsudaira Higo no Kami (Katamori, of Aizu), and headed by Kondō and Serizawa. After the events of the 18th day of the 8th month (September 18, 1863), the group became known as Shinsengumi.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1839 (1839-05-23): Birth of Nagakura Shinpachi — A prominent samurai figure, captain of the Shinsengumi, who transitioned into a kendo master.
2. 1861: 1861 Milestone — Around 1861, he started "taking his meals" at Kondō Isami's Shieikan.
3. 1863: 1863 Milestone — In 1863 (Bunkyū 3), Nagakura and Kondō joined the Rōshigumi.
4. 1915 (1915-01-05): Passing & Historical Legacy — Nagakura Shinpachi passed away on 1915-01-05, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nagakura Shinpachi

True or False: “Nagakura Shinpachi was immediately recognized as a leading military strategist during the early Edo period.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While skilled in martial arts, his prominence grew significantly later through his involvement with the Rōshigumi and Shinsengumi.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nagakura Shinpachi