Kondō Isami
Born: Miyagawa Katsugorō, November 9, 1834 Kamiishihara Village, Musashi Province, Japan / Died: May 17, 1868 (aged 33) Itabashi execution grounds, Itabashi, Edo, Japan
Japanese samurai and the commander of the Shinsengumi, a special police force that supported the Tokugawa shogunate during the turbulent final years of the Edo period.
A symbol of loyalty to the shogunate during Japan’s transition from feudal rule to the modern Meiji state.
Allegiance: Tokugawa Shogunate; Commander of the Shinsengumi
Conflicts: Kinmon Incident (1864) in Kyoto; Clashes during the Boshin War (1868–1869)
Miyamoto Musashi
Born: Shinmen Bennosuke c.1583 Harima Province or Mimasaka Province, Japan / Died: 13 June 1645 (aged 61–62) Higo Province, Tokugawa Shogunate
Japanese swordsman, strategist, artist and writer.
Renowned through stories of his unique double-bladed swordsmanship.
Allegiance: Rōnin (masterless samurai); Later served various lords, including the Hosokawa clan.
Conflicts: Duel with Sasaki Kojiro (1612) at Ganryū Island; Participation in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600); Siege of Osaka (1614–1615)