Yamazaki Susumu(Sơn kỳ chưng,c. 1833– February 6, 1868)was aShinsengumiofficer andspy,otherwise known as akansatsu(Giam sát,inspector).
Yamazaki Susumu(Sơn kỳ chưng) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1833 Osaka |
| Died | February 6, 1868 (aged 35) |
| Allegiance | Shinsengumi |
| Rank | Shinsengumi officer, spy |
He was arōnin(masterless samurai) fromOsakaand an expert inTenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū.In 1863, he officially joined the Shinsengumi and in 1864, Yamazaki andShimada Kaiwere assigned byKondō Isamito investigate the situation which led to theIkedaya Jikenon July 8. However, there is a theory that Yamazaki's participation in the Ikedaya Jiken is merely fiction byShimozawa KanandShiba Ryōtarō.
His occupation whilst inKyotowas as a doctor, and the Shinsengumi had originally used his pharmacy as their base before moving on to its later headquarters atNishihonganji(SeeYamanami Keisuke).
Yamazaki was said to be excellent inliteraryandmilitary arts,having been taught by his uncle. His scholastic talent was necessary when discussing politics with acourt noble.
In 1865, he accompanied Kondō toHiroshima.It is believed that Yamazaki did not return toKyotowith Kondō until the next year in order to further investigateChōshū's status.
Yamazaki studied medicine underMatsumoto Ryōjun.According to Matsumoto, Yamazaki was a gentle and taciturn man.
In 1867, Yamazaki became ahatamotoalong with the rest of the Shinsengumi.
During theBattle of Toba–Fushimiin 1868, Yamazaki was severely injured and died on February 6. The exact location of his death is debatable, though it is believed he had drowned whilst escaping. He had Kondo andHijikata Toshizō's full confidence and was one of the most faithful members of the Shinsengumi till the very end of his life.
In popular culture
editYamazaki is featured inPeacemaker Kurogane(anime/manga),Gintama(anime/manga),Soshite, Haru no Tsuki,Kaze Hikaru(manga),Getsumei Seiki(manga),Shinsengumi!portrayed by Jun Hashimoto,Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi(video game series),Destined to love(otome game), andHakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan(anime/otome game). He is also depicted in the 1999 filmGohatto.
Even though the real Yamazaki was not aninja,his anime, manga, and TV depictions tend to be a well-trained ninja. This includesHan'nya(a character loosely based on Yamazaki) from the mangaRurouni Kenshin.Additionally, the character Yamazaki Sagaru in the mangaGintamais roughly based on Yamazaki. Haruka Takagi, the teacher of Isami from the anime seriesSoar High! Isamiis also loosely based on Yamazaki.
In the 2014 Yakuza series spin-off “Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin!” Yamazaki is portrayed by the Yakuza character Kugihara Hiroshi, while in the remake he is portrayed by a different Yakuza character, Joon-gi Han.
References
edit- Rekishi Dokuhon,December 1997 issue "The Ten Captains of The Late Tokugawa Period's Strongest Shinsengumi"
- Shinsengumi Chronicle.Tokyo: Shin Jinbutsu Oraisha, 2003.ISBN4-404-03065-7
- Shinsengumi Encyclopedia.Tokyo: Shin Jinbutsu Oraisha, 1978.