by chance

Those who had gathered to Ikedaya at that night.
Result of attack of Shinsengumi, they all dead.
Very influential people to movement of expulsion of the foreigners at that time.
They had gathered there.

There was Kumamoto samurai named ”Miyabe Teizou”.
He was a big name in the big name.

"Meet to Miyabe."
It was same kind a status in them.
He committed suicide in Ikedaya.

Until then,Kumamoto samurai had occupied an important position in movement of expulsion of the foreigners.
But political backlash had came after it like Tosa.
Sakamoto and Nakaoka did not exist in Kumamoto samurai as the structure of the organization.
Kumamoto had to retreated from current of the times.

・・・・・・・・・

Also there was the man that was in there by chance.
The man was Choshu samurai named "Yoshida Toshimaro".
He was also big name.　
He was also known to the ministers of Tokugawa.
　
"Describes the opinion of Choshu."
He was en route to the Edo.
　
He succeeded in escaping from Ikedaya.
At that time,there was mansion of Choshu in Kyoto yet.
He informed this situation to their.
And he went back to Ikedaya for fight with comrade.
He was killed in Okita.
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
Also there was the man that was not in there by chance.　
The man was katura kogoro of Choshu Samurai.
He was not there by chance.　
So he was not dead.
　

hardball

When founding of Shinsengumi.
Of course there were Ronin who were originally samurai.
There was various reasons，they threw away their positions by own intention.
Therefore awareness about samurai would have been different with Kondo and Hijikata.
They were excluded by purge in the process of the growth of Shinsengumi.

"We are originally farmers not samurai."
Maybe Kondo and Hijikata there was a feeling inferior to their.

Okita was the youngest among the founding members.
He was also originally samurai.
However，He seemed fun being with just Kondo and Hijikata.
They were also deal like young brother to Okita.
Okita was the captain of the top team in Shinsengumi.
　
According to the folklore，Okita was always joking.
He had never become serious.
　
He also liked children.
If there is free time，he was playing with the kids in the neighborhood.
　
"If you have time to spare such，you should practice the sword."
He was also said such complaints.
But he was stronger than anyone else.
　
"If hardball，Kondo also will lose."
People said so.
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
Few time passed，Hijikata’s group also arrived to Ikedaya.
And Aizu had mobilize in collective effort.
Kyoto was guarded completely in them.
　
When situation had improved，Okita did fell down with spitting blood.

It was not killed by enemy.
He was tuberculosis.

　

attack

"Might let someone get away.
Can not wait any more.
Even only ours，we go to Ikedaya for the arrest."
Around ten o'clock at night、Kondo decided like that.

Around the same time，Hijikata's team also did go the arrest.
But nobody was at there.
Conversely，Ikedaya had gathered 30 people.

・・・・・・・・・

There was man in shinsengumi named "Okita Souji".
He called "genius of swordsmanship" inside Shinsengumi.

They did enclosed Ikedaya at first.
Then Kondo and Okita attacked to them.

2 vs 30.
I also feel like reckless it.
But this may not be less so for them.

Shinsengumi were fully armed.
Because became a surprise attack，Ronin group did not have sword at first.

Also Ikedaya was narrow and low ceiling.
Therefore their action was very limited for a large number people.

・・・・・・・・・　

Speaking of which,12th century in Japan，there was Battle of Hiyodorigoe.
Strong encampment had been built there
The rear was a sheer cliff.

They was attacked suddenly by enemy group that were ran down the cliff with the horse.
That group was small.
But they could not action anything inside strong encampment.

"This is the enemy's attack！
No！should not be able to attack from behind.　
This is betrayal！ "
They had very confusion and were defeated.
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
"If you act in a cowardly way, you capital offense."
There was such law in Shinsengumi.
Above all Kondo was Shinsengumi leader and Okita was genius.　

there is a meeting

After the confession of Furutaka，their search began.

"Our plan discovered by Furutaka’s arrest.
We must think so."
Ronin of Choshu sympathizers thought so.
In order to consider future measures，they decided to get together to Ikedaya.
And Yamazaki of Shinsengumi had infiltrate as inn guests in there.
　
"Tonight, there is a meeting."　
He did an urgent message.　
And that information reached the headquarters of Shinsengumi.

・・・・・・・・・

Kondo also reported hurry to Aizu and they did sortie.
At this time，Sorties possible number in Shinsengumi was 30 people.
　
By the way，Shinsengumi had two information about their meeting place.
They thought another inn is highly likely than Ikedaya.
　
"We will split up into two groups."
　
Toshizo Hijikata of the sub-leader.
He was headed to that place with most members.
Kondo went Ikedaya with 5 people.
And he waited for the arrival of Aizu.　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
”Set fire to all parts of Kyoto.
Take away the emperor.
Kill the lord of Aizu."
But Aizu decided to deal with concerted efforts on the severity of the situation.
As a result，they sortie was delayed.
(Finally they were mobilized three thousand people as defense forces of Kyoto.)

caught that information

Kyoto，four years ago.

Conspiracy, Assassination.
Choshu’s political powers in Kyoto was enough to surpass Tokugawa.
But they was ousted from Kyoto by a political change.
For a while Kyoto continued calm days.

・・・・・・・・・

"Radical ronin of sympathizer of Choshu is sneaking again to Kyoto.
Inn called "Ikedaya" is suspicious."
Shinsengumi was caught that information.
　
There was a man from Osaka in Shinsengumi named "Yamazaki Susumu".
He was the son of a doctor of Osaka town.
But he wanted to become samurai.
So he joined the Shinsengumi.
He disguised himself as a apothecary of Osaka，and became the guests of the inn as espionage.　

・・・・・・・・・

”Secondhand dealer's house is suspicious.”
Around the same time，Shinsengumi also was caught that information.
　
After getting the confirmation of the information，Shinsengumi went for arrest.
Result most humans had fled.
But the man who was responsible to doing the burning of confidential documents .
His name was "Furutaka Syuntaro".
He was arrested.　
　
"Set fire to the windward of the Imperial Palace.
And we take away the Emperor.
Also set fire to all parts of Kyoto.
Take advantage of the chaos that、we kill those responsible for Tokugawa."
He confessed this plan.
　

remorse

"Remorse.
This is not at all to the words and deeds of Choshu.
I think Tokugawa should not forgive those that have an attitude like that."
Kondo asked Choshu issue to Goto.
　
"Choshu is not have word of remorse surely.
If it is a complaint，I think Tokugawa shall attack again to Choshu. 　
I think it is also not be successful.

Now this issue became far worse.
That was mistake of the policy of Tokugawa in the first place.
Everybody knows it.
Therefore dissatisfaction of public opinion is a growing against Tokugawa.
Tokugawa is necessary to admit a mistake.
　
Above all Japan is now not a situation that can battle inside Japan.
We must think about it first."
Goto replied so.

・・・・・・・・・
　
Shinsengumi at this time was the heyday.
They became a samurai.
Kondo was like a feudal lord.
However，it was all superficial.
Betrayal had frequently already inside Shinsengumi.
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
Certain day,Kondo said to Goto.
　
"I envy you.
If I'm also Tosa samurai.
I will also can work freely just like you."


Of course he was the leader of Shinsengumi.　
And they was became important force of Tokugawa.
He could not stand in the same position with Goto.

　
"Do not be rude to Goto of Tosa."
He said only it to his subordinates.
　

became friends

Around this time，Shinsengumi was not already a mere armed police by Ronin.
Executives had become a vassal of Tokugawa.
In other words，they had became samurai.
Of course they are not just good luck.
Kondo and Hijikata Toshizo of Sub-Leader of Shinsengumi.
They originally farmers but they were competent.

"Human resources is exist to lower class."
They had proven it by themselves.
However，this may have been possible because it is the turn of the era.
The era of samurai be over soon.

・・・・・・・・・

Kondo had been increased who referred to the meeting as a celebrity.
That spread his exchanges with nature.
He was introduced to Goto from the executive of Tokugawa.　
The presence of regime vacates plan he already knew.
　
"I'll do a little threatening."
He might thought so.
At that time Kondo was also the object of fear as Leader of Shinsengumi.
He had taken highhanded behavior to Goto at first.
　
"I do not like long ones (Japanese sword).
Please move it to another place."
Goto said laughing.
　
"All right."
Kondo replied also laughing.
After this，two men became friends.
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
This is a story after，Sakamoto and Nakaoka was assassinated.
Shinsengumi was suspected of its culprit from Tosa.　
Kondo becomes the target of revenge from Tosa.

the same direction

"Only the return of the regime to Kyoto is not enough.
We are necessary take financial resources of Tokugawa in order to cover the Financial resources of the new government.
It is to take the property of others.
If have enough the power,anyone would resist the robbery.
There is no reason to Tokugawa accept it.
After all，this is likely to become a war.
We therefore need preparations for war."
Sakamoto said so.

・・・・・・・・・

"Reform of the political system is absolutely necessary.
We shall be reform to the system like the UK.
Human resources who enable it.
They is exist in Japan.
However they is not exist in lords.
They exist in more lower class like Saigo and Okubo of Satsuma.

Well，I am a representative of the lords of Japan.
I am representative of the old system.　
Without fail，serious rebound will occur if I push through reforms.
It may become fatal to Japan.　
I can not reform with ignore its existence."
This was Yoshinobu's idea.
　
Its two idea may the same direction.
　
・・・・・・・・・

”Mr.Goto came to the description of the policy of Tosa."
When Goto visited the executive of Tokugawa he was introduced to a certain person.
That was Kondo Isami of leader of the Shinsengumi.

shall be moved

"I can pass regime to the Kyoto.
However，aristocracy in Kyoto did not have any real power 700 years.
I do not think they have the ability to hold the reins of government.
I need to take a gradualist in order to avoid confusion.
Therefore the presence of Tokugawa remain important."
Yoshinobu's idea was like that.
Also his entourage might be the same idea.
　
・・・・・・・・・

"I do not care even if they do not change the position of Tokugawa."
Sakamoto explained to Goto.
　
"However，they shall be admit one thing.
Ginza of Edo shall be moved to Kyoto."
　
Ginza is the mint.
　
"The management of the gold and silver of japan that deprive from Tokugawa.
If we do it，their title not matter."
Of course, it is that the financial resources of japan will transferred to the Emperor from the Tokugawa.

"We take origin of money from Tokugawa.
Please freely after."
Sakamoto was thinking of a realistic vision of the new administration.
And he predicted Tokugawa can not accept this.　
　
"After all,likely to become the war."

・・・・・・・・・　
　
As he mentioned in eight policy in the ship、the difference in the value of gold and silver of west and east was serious.
　
"If we do not do any measures，gold will disappears soon from Japan."
There was such a calculation.
Sakamoto was also a trader.
He would had well understood with this issue.
　
"I can not leave it to Tokugawa."
He might thought so from that standpoint.
　

should be resolved peacefully

"That is not hold anymore."　
They were well aware.　
Above all，Yoshinobu knew better than anyone.

"Necessary human resources to the future of Japan exist to lower class.
There is no doubt it.
Reform of the political system is also necessary.
However，I am a representative of lords of Japan.
And lords are present in reality.
I can not ignore their existence.
Rapid change may just confusing."
Yoshinobu was suffers.
　
・・・・・・・・・　　

"Stamina of Japan is the limit in the status quo.
Do not do anything is choice of the worst.　
We should cause confusion for Japan's future.”
　
Saigo and Okubo group's idea was like that.
This idea lead to denial of the lord.
Even in Satsuma，opponents to armed uprising was present in the entourage of the lord.
　
"There is a possibility of the realization of Taisei Houkan yet."
Goto did not give up.
　
”I believe this issue should be resolved peacefully.
Above all，we should avoid the war."

"If there is a strategy to be resolved peacefully.
First we should try to run it."
Atmosphere had been changed by the activity of Goto.
　
Under such a situation，Sakamoto had participated to plan of raising an army of Tosa.
　
"It's betrayal."
Goto might thought so.　

that no longer meaningless

Waste of time was a serious.
The situation had become severe to Tosa.

"Our policy had determine to armed uprising.
By the way why Tosa troops not come to Kyoto.
It's promise."
Saigo said so to Goto.
Goto had come to Kyoto without soldiers.

"250 years,Yamanouchi clan feel indebted to Tokugawa.
Yamanouchi was able to become a lord by virtue of Tokugawa.
I do not want to war against Tokugawa."
There was a strong will of Yamanouchi Yodo as samurai.

・・・・・・・・・

Around the same time，Okubo（satsuma） visited the Choshu.
　
"Waste of time of any more is Japan's serious damage.　
Even only Satsuma，we will raising an army."
He asserted.
　
"Tosa should not abandon choices of armed uprising also for Tosa's policy. "
Sakamoto said so in this situation.
He strengthened the armed of Tosa and went ahead with plans to send troops.
　
And made continued an effort to achieve ”Taisei Houkan" at the same time.
His network of contacts including Tokugawa persons was helpful for it.
　
He met secretly to a key figures in Tokugawa.　
They also hoped meet to Sakamoto.
　
"If I met to only title person.
That no longer meaningless."
They were well aware.
Feudalism is ”title”.
　
"That is not hold anymore."　
They were well aware.　

unexpected things happened

Tosa policy was determined to Taisei Houkan.
Goto and his group was decided to go to Kyoto for policy implementation.

But unexpected things happened here.
The UK sailors were killed in Nagasaki.
The suspect was tosa person who is member of the company of Sakamoto.

The UK did protest severely to Tosa goverment.
The UK ambassador came to Tosa，they asked for extradition of criminals.

Goto had to be engaged in this negotiation.
Therefore Tosa policy was stopped.

・・・・・・・・・　
　
"The culprit seems not a Tosa person."
That information was sent to Tosa already.
Sakamoto also went to Nagasaki，he had  investigate to this by themselves.
　
"The culprit is not a Tosa person."
The results,he was convinced so.
Tosa negotiated bullish.
There was also disturbing movement to group of Itagaki like the former Choshu.
　
Negotiations were held among the tension.
Conversely might have been calmed the parties mind by it.
　
"Tosa also will continue looking for the culprit.
If the culprit is Tosa person.
We severely punish."
The negotiations were settled like that.
　
・・・・・・・・・

Later real culprit was found.
He was fukuoka samurai, was not Tosa.
He had been committed suicide already.

However，That was not all bad things for Tosa.
With this case as a start，The UK and Tosa became intimate.
　

plan of raising an army

Plan of raising an army was submitted to the upper part of Choshu regime from the executive of Kiheitai.

"Attack quickly to Osaka Castle and another fortress.
Osaka conquer militarily .
And eliminate the treason person to the Emperor of Kyoto.

This battle is Battle of itukushima or Battle of Shizugatake.
(Like a Battle of Waterloo.)


There is a future of Japan in this battle.
We should not be think of our victory.
We should have frantic preparedness.


Even when we has defeated，not withdraw the troops from Osaka.
We execute a guerrilla war.
We cooperation with allies at all case，deal with the situation on a case-by-case basis."

Of course they allies is Satsuma.
Hiroshima and part of Tosa took part in it.　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
"The situation is urgent."
Goto went to Tosa quickly from kyoto with Sakamoto.
　
" If Tokugawa continue to remain unchanged，we has to overthrow Tokugawa."
Incidentally，Goto said formerly.
Sakamoto was also.
　
While it is，they did effort in avoiding war.
　
Previous lord of Tosa called "Yodo".
He agreed to Goto's plan.

Incidentally Sakamoto did not disembark.
If sakamoto did disembark，Yodo might have not been met to Sakamoto.
Sakamoto was one of the insurgents of Tosa from his position yet.
　

for buy time

Goto arrived in Kyoto after lord had returned to Tosa .
He therefore explained this policy to Satsuma.

But Satsuma had decided on a policy to armed uprising already.
Of course they was frown at first.

They were convinced of the success of the armed uprising.
However， there was no clear plan after they succeeded.

"This policy will be the starting point of the new administration."
They thought so.

Also Satsuma inside was not a monolith necessarily.
There were opponents to plan of armed uprising.
Consequently their plan had been delayed.
　
"First, try to run this policy.
It may be good for buy time."

・・・・・・・・・　

"After all Tokugawa would need to defeat in the war."
There was a man who thought so also at Tosa.
　
That man was Inui Taisuke.
By the way  "Inui Taisuke" was renamed later to ”Itagaki Taisuke”.
Therefore I write him as "Itagaki".

"He is too close to Satsuma."
Itagaki returned to Tosa by Tosa regime's order.
　
After return to tosa he set out to reform military system of Tosa.
There was an atmosphere that allows for it.
Conversely of Satsuma，public opinion of Tosa was not only cautious.
There was also cooperation of Nakaoka.
He told Itagaki an overview of army of Choshu and Satsuma.
Because Choshu and Satsuma were the most modern army not only as his Comrade.
　
Itagaki planned to send troops to Kyoto in conjunction with Satsuma.　

where is the Santa Maria?

There was a legend.

"After seven generations，Padre will coming again to this land.
And Christian faith will flourish again."

About 250 years had passed，since priest gone from Japan.
　
"Padre is exist to Oura now with Santa Maria."
There was a rumor like that in Hidden Christians of Urakami of Nagasaki.
　
"The legend might true.　
I want to make sure is true.”

"If rumors was wrong？
If found to have been Christian faith we will killed."

Variety of opinions came out.
Because it was directly connected to their death.

"If I been killed，I do not care."
After said so，some people went to Oura.
　
・・・・・・・・・　　
　
"Where is the Santa Maria?”

”Baby who have embraced in her arms.
He is Jesus.”
　
It was a confession of the Christian faith in Japan for the first time in 250 years.
At the same time，this was the beginning of the persecution of the last.
　

urakami

The last provisions of the eight policy in the ship.

"Ⅷ.The value of gold and silver will be same value with the West."

This problem was serious enough to enter to the concept of the new administration.
By the way this policy was written in cooperation with Nagaoka Kenkichi.
　
He was a distant relative of Sakamoto.
He escaped from Tosa during crackdown and came to Nagasaki became the secretary of Sakamoto.　

Incidentally，there is a book on the theme of the issue of hidden Christians in his book.
Long before, he had came to nagasaki once.
At that time Japan was still peace.
However，he was summoned from Tosa regime.
His suspicion was "entering the faith to the Christian”.
　
・・・・・・・・・

One village headman which is on the Nagasaki was in trouble.

"I'm not want hold family's funeral ceremony by Buddhism."
Many such people was appeared in Urakami.
　
"But this is decide that way from ancient times.
This is a violation of the law and is felony."
Village headman persuaded like that.
　
"We are a Christian.
We can not ask Buddhist monk for our funeral."
They replied.
　
"If this is the case、you submit a list of people that do not follow the laws of Tokugawa."
Village headman said finally.

Most people of Urakami was lined with name to this list.

eight policy in the ship

Goto agreed to the proposal of Sakamoto.
　
"I think this is a good idea in order to avoid war.
But there are those who want the armed uprising in Tosa samurai.
I have to convince these people.
Please you go to Kyoto with me for change the policy of Tosa."
Goto said so to Sakamoto、and Sakamoto had agree.　

On a ship heading to Kyoto，Sakamoto was summarized a plan of "Taisei Houkan" with Nagaoka Kenkichi of his secretary.
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
Ⅰ.Japan’s regime will return to the Emperor from Tokugawa.
And Cabinet Order do proclamation by only Emperor's regime.

Ⅱ.Be established Senate and State Duma.
Every issue be decided here.

Ⅲ.Competent Aristocracy，competent Lord and competent people.
Emperor's regime do appointed them properly as regime's adviser.
A titular government post will abolished.

Ⅳ.Treaties with foreign will consider it again.
And rightful treaty will concluded.

Ⅴ.Re-examine Japan's statute of until now to develop a modern statute.

Ⅵ.Enhancing the navy.

Ⅶ.Be established Japanese Royal Guard for the defense of the Imperial City.

Ⅷ.The value of gold and silver will be same value with the West.

This is called "Senchu Hassaku".
"Senchu Hassaku" meaning is ”Eight policy in the ship”.

line

That idea was originally.

"Tokugawa returns regime to the emperor.
And Tokugawa will be mere one lord.
Tokugawa become mere one lord，but maximum lord in Japan.
And we freed from obligation to govern the country.
This way is best for Tokugawa."
Long before，Okubo of Tokugawa's minister said so.
(Of course he is another person of Okubo of Satsuma.)
As a result，he was laughed from the surrounding people.

He was also the person who picked Katsu at first like a katsu for Sakamoto.
　
・・・・・・・・・　

"Tokugawa returns regime to the emperor.
And Tokugawa will be mere one lord.
Satsuma is trying that take regime from Tokugawa by armed.
But Japan today is not a situation that can be civil war.
Will returns regime from Tokugawa to Emperor.
By doing so，Satsuma lose the chance of war.　
This opinion should to Tosa's opinion.

Tosa was late to tendency of the times.
However，by doing so，Tosa can stand on top of the tendency of the times."
And now，Sakamoto told this opinions to Goto.
　
・・・・・・・・・

Later this policy was realize.

"Because Yoshinobu was intelligent.
This policy is not realize without him."
Goto said so.

By the way，when Yoshinobu became king.


"I will become the head of Tokugawa clan.
However，I will not become at the top of the government of Japan.
I think of the current situation of Japan，Japan is the need to change the system."
At first he said so.
It was of course rejected by Tokugawa regime.　

Yoshinobu - Okubo(Tokugawa's minister) - Katsu - Sakamoto.

"Japan today is not a situation that can be civil war.”
There might be a line of such intention.

better

"Tosa also will conduct foreign trade in Nagasaki."
Goto came to Nagasaki by that role.
And he got acquainted with Sakamoto at there.

He become acquainted with the same Tosa person Sakamoto.
Maybe it was beneficial in order to start same business.
Because Sakamoto had a wide network of contacts.
And he had established a footing of business already.

"They are originally from low class of Tosa.
Just call them."
There might be such his think at first. 　

In fact there were many Tosa people inside Sakamoto's company.　
(This company, which also participated in the war as volunteer navy.)　

However，there was one problem.　
Prime minister of Tosa regime who was assassinated.
Goto was his nephew.
And subsequent crackdown of Tosa.

"Goto is the enemy of us.
This is a good opportunity.
We should kill him."
Such opinions were accounted for many inside Sakamoto's company.　

But Sakamoto dismissed their opinions.
He met Goto.
　
"For example I take action as the leader of about 500 people.
Alternatively I will move the Tosa's policy by my opinion.
Thereby will do for the nation.
I believe the latter think is better."　

At this time，Sakamoto said so.
　

already

"When the treaty approval，Yoshinobu threatened the aristocracy.
This is very profane to the Emperor.
This is a big problem.
We should be deprive of the status of the king of Tokugawa as punishment."
Okubo claimed so.

At the same time，he was planning to muster soldiers from Satsuma to Kyoto.
All was preparation for war.

Of course there was also cautious opinions at Satsuma home.
This troop deployment plan was not approved easily.

・・・・・・・・・　
　
As a matter of course，four lords had different opinions.

"Satsuma is too hasty."
Tosa lord was went back to Tosa.
　
Also，persons who tuned to Satsuma appeared in the interior of the Tosa already.
They were not lower class of Tosa like before.
They were the upper class of Tosa.
This fact was maybe uncomfortable to the lord of Tosa.
If I put it the other way around，finally Nakaoka’s effort had been fruitful.
　
There was Tosa samurai of the upper class named "Inui Taisuke"
He visited Saigo with Nakaoka.
　
"Overthrow the Tokugawa.
Now is the time.”
They insisted so.
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
There also was Tosa samurai of the upper class named "Goto Shojiro".
He came from Nagasaki to Kyoto in order to meet lord.
However，lord had returned to Tosa already.
　
He had the suggestion of one to lord.
Later that suggestion  is called  "Taisei Hokan".
　

create that situation

"Issue of Choshu should be resolved before it.
First，Tokugawa should be back to the original position of Choshu lord."
Satsuma lord said.

"Of course both is an important issue.
The war was over.　
Tokugawa has no problem to solve at the same time."
Yoshinobu replied so.

・・・・・・・・・

"It's no good.
We must have this situation.
This is all Tokugawa’s mistake policy.
Tokugawa should be resolved the issue of the Choshu at first.
Otherwise the public can not convinced."

After the conference，Okubo claimed like that.
The conference was almost back to square one.

But Yoshinobu went to Kyoto.


"If my suggestion do not be approved，I resign.
As a result，War occurs surely.　
Aristocracy’s status also will be dangerous surely.
Therefore I can not be guaranteed your life."
Yoshinobu said so to aristocracy.



"Status of their own may be become dangerous."
Opponents of aristocracy did also silence.
Therefore the two issue had been resolved at the same time.
Satsuma’s plan was frustrated.

　
"Tokugawa forgive Choshu.
However，Tokugawa require the submission of Choshu lord’s the text of apology."

”In this case，Tokugawa is bad.
Choshu apology is not necessary.”
Satsuma claimed so.
They had determined to war against  Tokugawa already.

"We want a chance of outbreak of war."
Create that situation.　
They wanted the trouble.
　

conference

Nariakira of the previous lord of Satsuma.
Previously he had pushed Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu to next king of Tokugawa.
Because they were political comrades.
However，at that time，this plan was frustrated.

"They will destroy the social order.”
Tokugawa regime was wary to their.
After all，King was determined as customary.

Years had passed.
Yoshinobu became king of Tokugawa.
When he became king，social order had been destroyed already.
And his greatest enemy was Satsuma.
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
Yoshinobu did consult to lords of western Japan for Hyogo issues.
He asked permission to the Emperor for Hyogo's port opening without waiting for their reply.
However，this suggestion was rejected.
　
"Now，it is questionable whether there is much power to the king of Tokugawa."
The UK diplomat was communicated so to home country.　
　
Yoshinobu therefore did invited  diplomats of Western countries to Osaka.
　
"Hyogo's port will be opening surely."
He made it clear to Western diplomats in this meeting.
He tried to redeem the situation at once.

Satsuma，Uwajima，Tosa，Echizen.
Soon lords of four people came to Osaka.
They started conference with Yoshinobu.

"Opening of Hyogo's port. It is natural."
This was the consensus of them.

"However"
Satsuma said.

"Issue of Choshu should be resolved before it."
　

forerunner

I think there were to any country.
In Japan, there was a Warring States period from AD1500 to AD1600.

There were many competent lords at this era.
Because otherwise they vanished soon.

Finally Tokugawa had restored peace.
As a result，this peace lasted 250 years.

"Spend without any serious errors.
Will not change precedent."
This was became the basic policy of the lords.
Lords is not competent that might better.

・・・・・・・・・

Of course there were exceptions.
For example previous lord of Satsuma named "Shimazu Nariakira".
　
"Expulsion of the foreigners is stupidity."
He said so from an early stage.
And era moved in the direction he predicted.
　
Also he discovered the talent of Saigo.　
At that time, Saigo was low class samurai yet.
It maybe the same as Katsu's presence for Sakamoto.
　
Nariakira embarked on a reform of Tokugawa regime.
At that time，he died suddenly due to illness.
Rightly helm of Satsuma had shifted to Nariakira’s rival of the throne.　
Having said that，he had respect to Nariakira.
(He had also caused Namamugi incident.)
　
However，before Nariakira become lord，there was a fierce struggle for power with him.
Therefore between he and a group of Saigo there was a tension to the end.

era of the vassal

Ernest Satow said should make coalition regime of lords at first.
"Lords is mere doll.
Important person exist in vassal."
But he noticed soon.

・・・・・・・・・
　
There was one Satsuma samurai named "Okubo Ichizo".
He was a childhood friend of Saigo.
From this period，he came to the surface as formidable enemy of Tokugawa.
　
The authority of Tokugawa was downfall by the defeat against Choshu.
Okubo did further add insult to injury.
　
The opening of the port of Hyogo that deadline was approaching.
This was official promise of Tokugawa to other countries.
　
However，Hyogo was close to Kyoto.
So there was an enormous opposition of aristocracy of Kyoto.
Aristocracy favorable to Tokugawa was also the same think.

"Tokugawa have no power to persuade aristocracy of Kyoto already.
You had better rely on Satsuma."

He said so to other countries people.
　
"This issue is too entangled.
This is not good to pressed to only Tokugawa.
Everyone should out the wisdom.
Therefore I propose a meeting by influential lords."

He also said so at political circles in Kyoto.
　
"Lords is mere doll."
Maybe he also had thought so.
　
"Loyalty is loyalty.
Politics is politics."　
　

This may be the idea smacks of modern.
(For example，Emperor agency theory.)

　
Era of the name of the lords like Middle Ages was over.
Era of the vassal with ability had come.　

coronation

Katsu went back to Osaka.
He had a certain amount of success withIn the constraints.

”He may a spy of Choshu.”
However，he was suspected so.
After all，he went back to Edo.

Well，anyway the battle came to an end.
But riot frequently occurred because followed by a rise in prices.
Riot was going on at Edo already.

Tokugawa had lost the war they had put a huge amount of spending.
They tried to overcome it by donations of money from Osaka merchant.
This was de facto instruction.

"This situation ringleader is Tokugawa's mistake.”
But Osaka merchant did not accept it obediently already.

・・・・・・・・・
　
The end of this year，one critical situation occured.
The Emperor did demise by the disease.
He might have been the most good understanding person for Tokugawa.
　
Accordingly young man was crowned the Emperor.
Later he become called "Meiji Tenno".
He becomes a constitutional monarch of Japan's first.
After this The end of the war had been officially declared by the new Emperor.

When the previous political change、Choshu faction aristocratic was punished.
Several aristocratic had been expelled from Kyoto.
Their sins were forgiven and went back to Kyoto.
There were constraints yet into their action.

However，the world change was become clear gradually.

messenger of peace

”Situation is unfavorable to the Tokugawa too.”
Yoshinobu thought the armistice with Choshu.

So Katsu was chosen as a messenger of peace.
Because he seemed have good relationship with Choshu people.
One of the reasons，nobody wanted do this difficult role.
He had been relegated until then，but he appeared again on the stage of history.

Peace talks began at Miyajima of Hiroshima.

・・・・・・・・・
　
"After this，I become in charge of Tokugawa navy.
Of course I can fight against Choshu.
However，Tokugawa king passed away.
Therefore Tokugawa must mourn.
There is also this reason，the new king not want war with Choshu.
　
The new king did not want a war in the first place.
But there was opinion of organization of Tokugawa.
He just could not decide to act in their own opinions.
Because this is a good opportunity，he wants an end to the war.
　
Tokugawa army to withdraw.
We hope Choshu does not chase for Tokugawa."
　

"We are planning to attack to Osaka.
However，Tokugawa king passed away.
Therefore Tokugawa people must mourn.
We are not want to attack there.
　
We agree to the proposal of the end of war.
But there is one problem.
Tokugawa's messenger said different content always until now.

I do not know where should we believe.
We believe it is okay?"
　
"Okay."

This is mere truce, not a the end of war.
Of course everyone was understand.

will

During the war of Tokugawa and Choshu，serious situation had occurred at Osaka.
King of Tokugawa died from the disease.
He was 21 years old.

He had assistant from the Tokugawa clan because originally sickly.
This assistant named "Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu".
He became king ”Tokugawa Yoshinobu”at the end of Tokugawa.
Of course，he had no way of knowing that at that point.

Incidentally，he was not in the position to become king originally.
He became king at an unusual career.

"Survival of the Tokugawa regime is dangerous unless the person who has the ability to become king.”
There was recognition that already.

"I go to the forefront.
And I shall go to the home ground of Choshu."
He declared so and decided the day of departure to the forefront.

However，unexpected news arrived.
The day before the departure date，he received the news of Kokura's fall.
Furthermore ,commander of Tokugawa fled alone.
As a result Tokugawa’s army did decisively division.
In fact War had become impossible to maintain.
Yoshinobu had stumbled.

・・・・・・・・・

After the war of Tokugawa and Choshu，
also serious situation had occurred at Shimonoseki.
Takasugi was fainted from illness.
His medical condition had deteriorate rapidly.
　
"I had brought up this situation.
Please you have done well after.
Please you have done well after."

He said so to the visitors.
After all，It became a will.　

"This world will never be funny.
However，I will be funny."

Takasugi dead.
He was 29 years old.
　

his majesty

”King of Tokugawa is not rulers of Japan.”
Ernest Satow of diplomatic staff of the UK said so in the first.

His name maybe not known in the UK.
Also not well known in Japan too.
However，his existence is very important for the history of Japan.
　
At first the UK translated the King of Tokugawa as His Majesty.
But there was ”Mikado” on top of king in Japan.
　
”In this case，Queen（Her Majesty） becomes under Mikado.
This is strange.”
　
He noticed that on first.
　
"Tokugawa is merely one lord of Japan.
Therefore treaty with king of Tokugawa has no effect on the other lords.　
The UK's Treaty is only treaty of between the UK and Japan.
The UK does not concluded treaty with one lord of Japan.　
　
The treaty shall be concluded between nation. 　
Tokugawa should clearly return to the position of one lord and Mikado should clearly become Japan's head.
And council of the lords do the political."

He wrote an article like that to the Japan Times anonymously.
In no time，this article had been translated into Japanese.
　
After that this became the guiding principle of the one in Japan.
By the way,Japanese knew that he wrote.
So everyone wanted to meet him.
He had met many important figures of that time.
That remains as important testimony.

For example
"Katsura had the courage and determination of the maximum to Military and Political.
However his attitude was only mild.”　

cultural enlightenment

From before the war，the UK was politically closer to Satsuma and Choshu.
On the other hand, France was close to Tokugawa.

The UK had suspected to have instigated Satsuma and Choshu by Tokugawa.
Conversely France had suspected to have instigated Tokugawa by Satsuma and Choshu.
But judging from the results，there was no such facts.

In other word，characteristics of this era of Japan.
It might be that seriously considering the future of Japan with the people of Western.

Ambassador of France in this period was an effort for the victory of the Tokugawa.
Of course，he would  thought its own interests.
At that time，French trade with Japan was low.
More than that，he believed Tokugawa must victory for Japan's future.
More than that，maybe he came to like Tokugawa officials as friend.

For example，The construction of dock in Yokosuka.
Also Tokugawa officials consulted to him as friend.
(Of course, are not all officials. Oguri Tadamasa and little persons.)

”Made where there is nothing.”
They consulted with a smile.
There was certainly preemption of a mood of Meiji (Cultural enlightenment).

Of course Tokugawa regime will perish later.
Oguri was executed by the new government.
I'm not sure why he was executed.

・・・・・・・・・

The French ambassador undermine the health and there was a plan to return to france.
But war began.
He discontinued the return、conversely he summoned the wife and children to Japan.

He worked for the victory of Tokugawa.
Choshu was dangerous if had been adopted his strategy.


By the way，France at this time was the reign of Napoleon III.
Diplomacy with Japan might have been determined by his personality.
Treaty between the Emperor of France and the King of Japan.
In France, it was such recognition.

There was absolutely constraint like that.

in secret to ally

The arrived of Tokugawa Ministers.
The gathered of Tokugawa navy .
The morale of military at Kokura was supposed to rise.

But Choshu went out on the offensive to Kokura always.
Since successful of Takasugi surprise attack，action of Tokugawa navy was lackluster.
(Takasugi was commander of this district.)
Choshu was freely back and forth on strait.
The battle was always done in Kyushu.
Tokugawa was not able to landed in Choshu.

Incidentally，ship of Sakamoto's company also fought this battle as choshu side.
Sakamoto also met with Takasugi，they aimed at the separating from Tokugawa of kyusyu's lords.
Also there was Satsuma's lobbying to kyusyu's lords. (maximum lord of Kyusyu)

Reality of Tokugawa army was hodgepodge.
There was little horizontal connection.

Maximum army of Tokugawa at this district was the Kumamoto samurais.

"Kumamoto advance to Choshu."
There was such an instruction from the Tokugawa exasperated by this situation.
But Kumamoto rejected it and began to retreat without permission.
(Incidentally，there was Kumamoto samurai to members of attempted arson incident in Kyoto.)

Lord of Kokura was puzzled at this situation.
"Please deal this situation.”
He demanded to Tokugawa minister.
Of course Tokugawa minister did consent.
But it was something strange.

Therefore Kokura executives went to meet Tokugawa ministers.
But he was not able to meet.
At this time，Tokugawa Ministers did escape already in secret to ally.

The commander fled in secret first and foremost.
That went decisively wrong.
Kokura also fell by Choshu.

The war came to an end as the complete defeat of Tokugawa.