Born in the Fukui domain of Echizen (Fukui), into a family of domain physicians.
While still a boy he wrote Keihatsuroku, setting out his resolutions, such as casting off a childish mind.
He studied Dutch learning and medicine at Ogata Kōan's Tekijuku in Osaka.
After his father's death he returned to Fukui and became a domain physician.
He went to study in Edo and associated with Saigō Takamori, Fujita Tōko and others.
He became head of the domain school Meidōkan and served as a close aide to lord Matsudaira Shungaku.
Working to make Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu the next shogun, he lobbied court nobles in Kyoto, but was arrested under the great elder Ii Naosuke.
He was executed in the Ansei Purge, losing his life young.
Fujita TokoOgata KōanIi NaosukeSaigō TakamoriMatsudaira Shungaku (Yoshinaga)Yuri Kimimasa
Takechi Hanpeita (Zuizan)Yoshida ShōinKiyokawa HachirōKondō IsamiHijikata ToshizōKomatsu Tatewaki (Kiyokado)Sakamoto RyōmaAtsuhime (Tenshō-in)
People of the Edo period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.