* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Miyabe Teizō
宮部鼎蔵
Sonnō-jōi Activist of Higo Who Lost His Life in the Ikedaya Incident
- Era
- Late Edo period (Bakumatsu)
- Lifespan
- 1820-1864
Description
Miyabe Teizō was a Bakumatsu activist of the Sonnō-jōi (revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians) movement, born into a physician's family in Mashiki District, Higo Province. His dates are given as 1820 to 1864.
Learning and domain role
He studied Yamaga-ryū military science from an uncle and became a military teacher for the Higo domain. He was adopted by his uncle Miyabe Masuyoshi and studied National Learning under Hayashi Ōen.
Ties with Yoshida Shōin
He became acquainted with Yoshida Shōin and is said to have accompanied him on a journey to the Tōhoku region in 1850.
Activity in Kyoto
When the Chōshū domain was driven out of Kyoto by the Coup of 18 August 1863, Miyabe also left for Chōshū. In 1864 (Genji 1) he returned to Kyoto to try to restore Chōshū's influence.
Death
On the 5th day of the 6th month of Genji 1 (1864) he was attacked by the Shinsengumi at the Ikedaya inn in Kyoto. He is said to have fought fiercely and taken his own life. In the Ikedaya Incident the Shinsengumi are said to have killed nine men and captured four, and more than twenty others were arrested in the search that followed. His younger brother Miyabe Shunzō is said to have escaped to the Chōshū domain residence .