I’ve mentioned that Japan’s National Diet Library’s online database is a treasure trove of primary sources of Bakumatsu-Meiji Restoration history. These include 加太邦憲自歴譜 (Kabuto Kuninori Jirekifu), the autobiography of Kuwana samurai Kabuto Kuninori, published posthumously in 1928, three years after his death.

Kabuto was in Kyoto on and off during the last three or four years of the Bakufu. The daimyo of Kuwana, Matsudaira Sadaaki, inspector of the Imperial Court and nobles, (Kyoto Shoshidai), was the younger brother of the daimyo of Aizu, Matsudaira Katamori, protector of Kyoto (Kyoto Shugoshoku), who oversaw the Shinsengumi. Kabuto’s book is yet another valuable primary source in my research on the Shinsengumi.

Kabuto’s book is yet another valuable primary source in my research on the Shinsengumi, particularly for my forthcoming Samurai Swordsmen: The Definitive History of the Shinsengumi (1863–1869). See the Shinsengumi Hub for additional essays and updates.

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Recently I have been focusing on my forthcoming Samurai Swordsmen: The Definitive History of the Shinsengumi (1863–1869), scheduled for publication in fall 2026 with Helion. I also provide consulting on Bakumatsu–Meiji Restoration history and culture to authors, editors, publishers, documentarians, producers, screenwriters, translators, and other professionals who need expert guidance on the era.

To explore my books see Books at a Glance.

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