京都見廻組 Stele

Slipping through time, imagine Kyoto in 1864. The air crackles with tension. Anti-government rōnin roam the streets, challenging the Tokugawa shogunate’s authority. Amidst this chaos, the Kyoto Mimawarigumi is born. This special police force, around 200 samurai strong, is tasked with restoring order. The Kyoto Mimawarigumi, distinct from the Shinsengumi, consisted of higher-ranking samurai and sons of hatamoto. They protected the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, symbols of shogunate power. Their purpose mirrored the Shinsengumi’s, yet their status set them apart. While the Shinsengumi patrolled the commoners’ districts, the Kyoto Mimawarigumi guarded the elite. Fast forward to 1868. The Boshin War erupts. The Kyoto Mimawarigumi, stationed at Honkakuji Temple in Osaka, faces the Satsuma Domain forces. Outmatched and outgunned, they fight bravely at the Toba Highway. Their leader, Sasaki Tadasaburō, falls near Hashimoto, a testament to the fierce fighting. The shogun abandons Osaka, leaving the Kyoto Mimawarigumi and other loyal forces stranded. They retreat, making their way back to Edo, tasked with defending Edo Castle. One final name change comes, to Sogekitai, before their disbandment in June. Many members, including Imai Noburō, continued to fight for the crumbling shogunate, ultimately surrendering after the Battle of Hakodate. Years later, Imai’s confession linked the Kyoto Mimawarigumi to the assassination of Sakamoto Ryōma, adding another layer of intrigue to their already fascinating story. This Kyoto Mimawarigumi Stele, a silent sentinel, commemorates their service and sacrifice.