SHINSENGUMI
The Shogun’s Last Samurai Corps
Romulus Hillsborough
TUTTLE Publishing
Tokyo | Rutland, Vermont | Singapore
For Minako and Matthew Ryūnosuké — In memory of my mother
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Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
www.tuttlepublishing.com
Copyright © 2005 Jeff Cohen
Cover image: courtesy of Masataka Kojima
Cover design: Horuga Yakobusu
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2005926980
ISBN: 978-1-4629-1358-9 (ebook)
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North America, Latin America & Europe
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Tel: 1 (802) 773-8930; Fax: 1 (802) 773-6993
Japan
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There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.
— Ulysses S. Grant
Miniature Shinsengumi Banner
(original; courtesy of Hijikata Toshizō Museum)
Contents
Note on Japanese Pronunciation
Of Outrage, Fury, and Inexorable Fate
