Sakamoto Ryōma

Sakamoto Ryōma (坂本龍馬 or 坂本竜馬, January 3, 1836 – December 10, 1867) was a Japanese samurai, a shishi (political activist) and influential figure of the Bakumatsu, and establishment of the Empire of Japan in the late Edo period.
Ryōma fervently advocated for several causes, including democracy, Japanese nationalism, the restoration of power to the Imperial Court, the abolishment of feudalism, and a measured approach to modernization and industrialization in Japan. Notably, he achieved a significant milestone by negotiating the Satchō Alliance between the influential Chōshū and Satsuma domains, forging a united front against the Tokugawa Bakufu.
As shown in the Hakuōki franchise, Sakamoto was a skilled orator and managed to resolve difficult situations via conversation. 
==Background==
Sakamoto Ryōma was born on January 3, 1836, in the Tosa Domain, located in Tosa Province (present-day Kōchi Prefecture) on Shikoku Island.別説に10月15日生（坂崎紫瀾『汗血千里駒』）と11月10日生（瑞山会『維新土佐勤王史』）がある。11月15日説では、現行の太陽暦に照らすと龍馬が生まれた日は年明け後になり、1836年になる。 His family held the lowest rank in the samurai hierarchy, known as gōshi, which was acquired through their success as sake brewers. Tosa had a strict segregation between high-ranking samurai (joshi) and low-ranking samurai (kashi), resulting in unequal treatment and residential segregation. Despite being in the third generation of the Sakamoto family, Ryōma's samurai rank remained as kashi. However, when the family established their own branch, they were endowed with a large fortune from Saikaya-ya, making them a very affluent household.松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）p.3『坂本龍馬とその時代』p.19
At the age of twelve, Ryōma briefly attended a private school but showed little interest in scholarly pursuits. However, his older sister enrolled him in fencing classes of the Oguri-ryū when he was 14, following incidents of bullying at school. Ryōma excelled in swordsmanship and became a skilled practitioner by the time he reached adulthood. In the 6th year of the Kaei era (1853), when Ryōma obtained the Kogure-ryu Mokuroku (a certificate of proficiency) in martial arts, he requested and was granted permission from his domain to undertake a one-year self-funded study trip to Edo for the purpose of swordsmanship training. Prior to his departure, Ryōma received the Shugyo Chuushin Toku Daii (Essential Teachings for Training) from his father, Hachiro, and set off from Tosa together with Hirokazu Mizobuchi. Ryōma became a disciple of the Kitacho Chiba Dojo, located in Okachimachi, present-day Chuo Ward, Tokyo, which practiced the Hokushin Itto-ryu style of swordsmanship. Ryōma also learned the Yamaga-ryu from Wakayama Tokusuke, a student of Kiyonaga Kubota.『武士道教育総論』pp.155〜182).
Shortly after Ryōma began his swordsmanship training at the Ko-Okachimachi Dojo, on June 3, the American naval fleet led by Admiral Perry arrived off the coast of Uraga (known as the Black Ships Arrival). Even Ryōma, who was on a self-funded study trip, was temporarily summoned and assigned to the defense of the Tosa Domain's residence in Shinagawa. In a letter he wrote to his family at the time, Ryōma stated, "If it comes to war, I will bring back the heads of foreigners."（嘉永6年9月23日付書簡）原文「(前略)、軍も近き内と奉存候。其節は異国の首を打取り、帰国可仕候。かしく。」宮地佐一郎『龍馬の手紙』（講談社学術文庫、2003年）p.46.* 坂本龍馬の手紙. 坂本龍馬の手紙/嘉永6年9月23日付父坂本八平直足宛. - ウィキソース.『坂本龍馬歴史大事典』（新人物往来社、2008年）p.72
In December of the same year, while continuing his swordsmanship training, Ryōma enrolled in a private school run by Sakuma Shozan, a prominent military and political philosopher of the time.『及門録』（増訂『象山全集』五巻、信濃毎日新聞、1934年） The school taught subjects such as artillery, Chinese studies, and Dutch studies. However, Sakuma was imprisoned the following April for his involvement in Yoshida Shoin's attempt to stow away on an American warship, so Ryōma's period of study under Sakuma was brief.
On June 23, the first year of Ansei (1854), Ryōma completed his 15-month study trip to Edo and returned to Tosa. During his stay in his hometown, Ryōma obtained the "Kogure-ryu Wa Heiho Ju Ni Ko Jou Narabi Ni Ju Go Ko Jou" (Twelve Articles and Twenty-Five Articles of the Kogure-ryu Military Art), which corresponds to the intermediate level in the school's curriculum, and served as an instructor at the Nekono Dojo. He also visited the home of Kojiro Kawada, an artist who compiled the "Hyoryu-Ki Ryaku" (Chronicle of Drifting), to learn about international affairs. Kawada spoke to Ryōma about the importance of maritime transportation, which greatly impressed him.河田小龍回顧録『藤陰略話』（明治20年代） Through Kawada, Ryōma was introduced to his future comrades, such as Kondo Chojiro and Nagao Kenkichi. During this period, he also studied artillery and the Dutch language under Takakura Kozo.
On December 4, the fourth year of Ansei (1857), Ryōma's father, Hachiro, passed away, and the leadership of the Sakamoto family was assumed by his older brother, Gonpei, in the second month of the following year (1856).松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）p.12 In July of the same year, Ryōma applied for a second study trip to Edo and was granted a one-year training period by the domain, arriving in Edo in September. He lodged at the Tosa Domain's Nakayashiki residence in Tsukiji along with Oishi Yataro and Ryōma, and formed the Tosa Kinno-to (Tosa Loyalist Party) with the samurai Hirota Isami and Nakaoka Shintarō. During his second study trip to Edo, he also trained for a period at the Genbu-kan in addition to the Okachimachi Chiba Dojo.『坂本龍馬歴史大事典』（新人物往来社、2008年）p.60
In the second year of Ansei (1858), Ryōma requested and was granted an extension of his training period by the domain for one year. In August of the same year, he intervened in a dispute involving his cousin, Takuza Yamamoto, who had committed a theft and was sentenced to seppuku, and helped Takuza escape.松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）pp.12-13 In January of the fifth year of Ansei (1858), Ryōma received the Hokushin Itto-ryu Choto Heiho Mokuroku (Certificate of Proficiency in Hokushin Itto-ryu Longsword Techniques) from his master, Chiba Jikisai. Although it is often said that he received menkyo kaiden (the complete transmission) of Hokushin Itto-ryu, the existing certificate discovered is the one he received, which specifically pertains to the longsword techniques of Hokushin Itto-ryu.「北辰一刀流長刀兵法目録」が薙刀の目録であることについては、松岡司「初見の坂本龍馬書状と北辰一刀流長刀兵法目録」（『日本歴史』454号、1986年）、土居晴夫「北辰一刀流とその免許皆伝」（『坂本龍馬事典』新人物往来社、1988年）が詳しい。 It is more accurately the Hatsumokuroku (Initial Certificate) of Hokushin Itto-ryu. However, various testimonies from contemporaries indicate that Ryōma was an accomplished swordsman, having served as the head of the Chiba Dojo and being recognized as having received the complete transmission.安政5年7月付書簡) 原文「又、明日は千葉へ、常州より無念流の試合斗り申候。今夜竹刀小手のつくらん故、いそがしく （後略）」宮地佐一郎『龍馬の手紙』（講談社学術文庫、2003年）p.51. In September of the same year, Ryōma returned to Tosa.
==Tosa Loyalist Party==
In the Tosa Domain, Lord Yodo appointed Yoshida Toyo as a councilor, initiating ambitious reforms. Alongside influential lords from other domains, they sought to support the Hitotsubashi family's candidacy for shōgun, aiming to reform the Bakufu. However, Ii Naosuke's rise to the position of Tairō in the Bakufu led to the rejection of the Hitotsubashi faction and the appointment of Tokugawa Yoshinobu as the shōgunal successor. This decision resulted in the forced opening of Japan and the suppression of opposition forces.
Yodo, a member of the Hitotsubashi faction, retired from his position as lord and passed it on to his adopted son in 1859. Despite his retirement, Yodo continued to hold significant influence, and reforms led by Yoshida Toyo and others steadily progressed.
In 1860, the assassination of Ii Naosuke in the Sakuradamon Incident sparked discussions among lower-ranking samurai in Tosa. The movement of Sonnō Jōi, advocating reverence for the Emperor and expulsion of foreigners, gained traction among them.飛鳥井雅道『坂本龍馬』（講談社学術文庫、2002年）pp.122-123
In 1861, the Iguchi Village stabbing incident further intensified the divide between lower-ranking and upper-ranking samurai in Tosa. Takechi and others expressed their opposition to the upper-ranking samurai. Takechi subsequently traveled to Edo, where he interacted with samurai from different domains. Recognizing Tosa's lagging loyalist movement, he returned to his domain to rally comrades, consolidate opinions, and strengthen the authority of the imperial court. An alliance was formed with Chōshū and Satsuma.飛鳥井雅道『坂本龍馬』（講談社学術文庫、2002年）pp.127-130
In August of the same year, Takechi clandestinely established the Tosa Kinnoto (Tosa Loyalist Party) in Edo, with Ryōma becoming a leading figure as the ninth member.松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）pp.17-18 However, the domain's government, including councilor Yoshida Toyo, adhered to a "public-military union" policy, which hindered support for the Kinnoto's Sonnō Jōi advocacy within Tosa.
==Leaving the Tosa domain==
Ryōma, aiming for a nationwide loyalist movement, devised strategies and sent comrades from the Tosa Kinnoto to various regions for information gathering. In October of 1861, he received the Kururiku-ryu school's complete transmission catalog and left Tosa in January 1862 to visit Chōshū's Hagi. There, he met Kusaka Genzui and was entrusted with a letter urging for a grassroots uprising. On his way, he challenged Uwajima Domain's dojo and encountered notable figures like Doi Michio and Kojima Takaken.
Ryōma returned to Tosa in February, but news of Satsuma Domain's troop movement to Kyoto reached the domain. Some Tosa Kinnoto comrades decided to join Satsuma's loyalist movement, misunderstanding it as an anti-bakufu uprising. Influenced by their actions, Ryōma also chose to leave the domain. Deserting meant severing ties with the domain and facing consequences for both deserters and their families. However, Takechi opposed desertion and emphasized united action.
Ryōma deserted on March 24, 1862. With the assistance of Sawamura and Nasu, they escaped Tosa. Ryōma's desertion coincided with the Teradaya Incident, where Satsuma's loyalist faction faced suppression. Details of Ryōma's activities during this time are unclear松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）p.20, but he likely traveled to Kyushu to gather information on Satsuma.
In Tosa, Yoshida Toyo was assassinated in April, shifting the domain's opinion. Takechi urged the domain lord's departure for Kyoto. Ryōma, however, was hiding in Osaka by July and maintained contact with Motomura Seihei飛鳥井雅道『坂本龍馬』（講談社学術文庫、2002年）p.168, who informed him of suspicions regarding Yoshida Toyo's assassination.
==Satsuma–Chōshū Alliance==
On January 8, 1866, a meeting between Katsura and Saigo took place in Kyoto, but negotiations proved challenging, leading to no immediate agreement.松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）pp.96-98 When Ryōma arrived in Kyoto from Shimonoseki on January 20, he was surprised to learn that the alliance had not been established yet.ユニオン号所有権問題の談判を行っていた。松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）pp.92-94。 He questioned Katsura, who explained Chōshū's reluctance to compromise further. Ryōma chose not to blame Katsura and instead sought a solution. However, Satsuma prevented Katsura from returning to his domain, and on January 22, they presented a six-point proposal that Katsura accepted. Thus, the Satsuma-Chōshū Alliance was formed. Ryōma witnessed the signing of the alliance and reviewed the articles with Kido to ensure accuracy.
Opinions differ on Ryōma's role in mediating between Satsuma and Chōshū. Some believe he played a crucial role, persuading Saigo to compromise when Katsura expressed hesitation. However, recent research proposes that Ryōma acted under the instructions of Saigo, Katsura, and other Satsuma samurai, suggesting a more minimal role.青山忠正を皮切りに、芳即正、三宅紹宣、宮地正人、高橋秀直、佐々木克などの研究者を中心に薩長同盟についての議論が盛んである。薩長同盟研究の動向については、桐野作人「同盟の実相と龍馬の果たした役割とは?」 （『新・歴史群像シリーズ(4)維新創世 坂本龍馬』学習研究社、2006年）が詳しくまとめている。
Shortly after the alliance's establishment on January 23, Ryōma returned to Teradaya in Fushimi and celebrated with Shimozawa Shinzo, his bodyguard. However, the Fushimi magistrate planned to capture Ryōma.上京した際に会見した大久保一翁から警告されていた（『三吉慎蔵日記』）。 In the early hours of the morning, Oryo, Ryōma's lover, sensed something unusual and alerted him. Pursuers stormed the house, and Ryōma fought back with a pistol while Shimozawa defended himself with a spear. Outnumbered, they managed to escape, but Ryōma suffered severe hand injuries. Injured, Ryōma hid in a lumberyard while Shimozawa sought refuge at Satsuma's residence in Fushimi. Eventually, Ryōma was rescued by the Satsuma domain.
During Ryōma's absence, an incident occurred in Nagasaki involving the Kaientai. Kondō Nagajiro, who played a significant role in purchasing the Union vessel, was exposed and forced to commit suicide.原文「術数有余而至誠不足、上杉氏之身ヲ亡ス所以ナリ」 坂本龍馬. 坂本龍馬/坂本龍馬手帳摘要. - ウィキソース. Ryōma was informed of the incident and expressed regret in his notebook. Oryo later recalled that Ryōma lamented not being able to prevent the tragedy.川田瑞穂『千里駒後日譚』（明治32年） 千里駒後日譚. 楢崎龍関係文書/千里駒後日譚. - ウィキソース.
Due to his hand injury, Ryōma followed Saigo's recommendation to seek treatment and recuperate at Kirishima hot springs in Satsuma. Accompanied by Oryo, they departed Kyoto on February 29 aboard the San'pu Maru, a ship provided by Satsuma. During their 83-day stay in Satsuma, they visited various places, treating Ryōma's injured hand and turning the journey into a honeymoon trip.
On May 1, in response to Satsuma's request, a Union vessel carrying provisions from Chōshū arrived in Kagoshima. However, an unfortunate incident led to the sinking of the sailboat Wyil Weafu, resulting in the loss of 12 members, including Tosa defectors. As the Tokugawa Bakufu prepared for the Second Chōshū Expedition, Satsuma declined the provisions from Chōshū due to the impending crisis. The Union vessel returned to Chōshū.
In June, the Bakufu deployed over 100,000 troops for the Second Chōshū Expedition. Ryōma arrived in Shimonoseki on June 16 aboard the Union vessel and decided to join the battle at the request of the Chōshū domain. On June 17, under Takasugi Shinsaku's command, he participated in a naval operation against the Kokura domain. This marked Ryōma's first and final combat experience. He sent a detailed letter with a battle map to his brother, Gompei, describing the battle.宮地佐一郎『龍馬の手紙』（講談社学術文庫、2003年）pp.237-243.* 坂本龍馬の手紙. 坂本龍馬の手紙/慶応2年12月4日付坂本権平・一同宛. - ウィキソース
The Chōshū forces had superior Western-style weaponry and outperformed the outdated Bakufu forces. Despite their numerical advantage, the Bakufu forces couldn't match Chōshū's continuous victories. The overall commander of the Bakufu forces, Tokugawa Iemochi, fell ill and passed away on July 20, ending the Second Chōshū Expedition. Katsu Kaishu initiated negotiations with the Chōshū domain, leading to the withdrawal of the Bakufu forces on September 19.
==Assassination==
On November 15 of Keio 3 (December 10, 1867), Ryōma was on the second floor of Omiya, the main residence of Chikara Naiyadō, a soy sauce merchant in Kawaramachi, when several men claiming to be from the Totsukawa Domain came to visit and requested an audience. As Ryōma and Nakahama were talking, the visitors entered the room after their servant Fujikichi let them in, and they attacked Ryōma and his companions. Unarmed, Ryōma was first struck on the forehead and received several other wounds, resulting in his near-instantaneous death.佐々木克『坂本龍馬とその時代』（河出書房新社、2009年）p.209『坂本龍馬と海援隊』（新・歴史群像シリーズ 20／学研パブリッシング、2009年）p.96 He was 33 years old (31 by traditional reckoning). Ironically, he was assassinated on his own birthday.
Initially, the Shinsengumi were strongly suspected of involvement.菊地明、伊東成郎、山村竜也『坂本龍馬101の謎』（新人物往来社、2009年）pp.303-305 Additionally, members of the Kaientai suspected retaliation from the Kishū domain for the sinking of the Iroha-maru, and on December 6, Mutsu Yōnosuke and others attacked Miura Kyutarō, an official of the Kishū domain, leading to a confrontation with the Shinsengumi, who were serving as Miura's escorts (Tenman-ya incident). In April of Keio 4 (1868), Kondō Isami, the commander of the Shinsengumi, who had been arrested and detained in Nagareyama, Shimōsa Province, was beheaded due to strong demands from Tani Hanzō, a Tosa retainer who served as a minor inspector for the unit. However, Tani himself never mentioned Ryōma's name or implicated him in the killing, and his confession did not mention Ryōma as the reason for the beheading.谷干城; 島内登志衛（編者） (1912年). “谷干城遺稿. 上”. 靖献社. 2018年11月6日閲覧。 
In Meiji 3 (1870), Imai Shinrō, a former member of the Mibu Rōshigumi who surrendered and became a prisoner during the Battle of Hakodate, confessed during his interrogation that Yoto Sasaki Saburō and his six subordinates (Imai Shinrō, Watanabe Kichitarō, Takahashi Anjirō, Katsura Sanaenosuke, Doi Tomokura, and Sakurai Daisaburō) were responsible for killing Sakamoto Ryōma. This theory of the Mibu Rōshigumi's involvement has become the prevailing explanation.松浦玲『坂本龍馬』（岩波新書、2008年）pp.186-187など However, various other theories have been proposed, including the involvement of the Satsuma domain's influential figures, Gotō Shōjirō's involvement, and even Freemasonry.菊池明『龍馬暗殺 最後の謎』（新人物往来社、2009年）pp.78-121相川司『龍馬を殺したのは誰か』（河出書房新社、2009年）pp.199-202 三好徹『竜馬暗殺異聞』（文藝春秋、 1969年 のち徳間文庫）
His grave is located on the mid-slope of Kyoto Reizan Gokoku Shrine's Reizan Cemetery in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. The gravestone was inscribed by Katsura Kogorō. He is also enshrined in Kochi Prefecture's Gokoku Shrine and Yasukuni Shrine.
==References==
__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__
Category:Historical counterparts