Born in Edo, son of the lord of Takasu in Mino.
He was adopted by Matsudaira Katataka, lord of Aizu.
He became lord of Aizu.
Following Aizu's house precept to defend the shogunal house, he accepted the post of Protector of Kyoto.
With the Shinsengumi under him, he drove Chōshū from Kyoto in the coup of the 18th day of the 8th month, and won Emperor Kōmei's deep trust.
He repelled Chōshū's march on Kyoto in the Kinmon Incident.
Attacked by government forces in the Boshin War, he held out in Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle for about a month before surrendering; the boys of the Byakkotai also lost their lives.
He was released from confinement.
He became chief priest of the Nikkō Tōshōgū shrine.
He died in Tokyo. He is said to have treasured all his life a letter from Emperor Kōmei.
Hijikata ToshizōKomatsu Tatewaki (Kiyokado)Sakamoto RyōmaAtsuhime (Tenshō-in)Yamaoka TesshūTokugawa YoshinobuNakaoka ShintarōTakasugi Shinsaku
People of the Edo period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.