Yamazaki Susumu

Who was Yamazaki Susumu?

Yamazaki Susumu was a Shinsengumi officer and spy, otherwise known as a kansatsu.

He was a ronin from Osaka and an expert in Katori Ryu. In 1863, he officially joined the Shinsengumi and in 1864, Yamazaki and Shimada Kai were assigned by Kondo Isami to investigate the situation which led to the Ikedaya Jiken on July 8. However, there is a theory that Yamazaki's participation in the Ikedaya Jiken is merely fiction by Shimozawa Kan and Shiba Ryotaro.

His occupation whilst in Kyoto was as a doctor, and the Shinsengumi had originally used his pharmacy as their base before moving on to its later headquarters at Nishihonganji.

Yamazaki was said to be excellent in literary and military arts, having been taught by his uncle. His scholastic talent was necessary when discussing politics with a court noble.

In 1865, he accompanied Kondo to Hiroshima. It is believed that Yamazaki did not return to Kyoto with Kondo until the next year in order to further investigate Chōshū's status.

Yamazaki studied medicine under Matsumoto Ryōjun. According to Matsumoto, Yamazaki was a gentle and taciturn man.

In 1867, Yamazaki became a hatamoto along with the rest of the Shinsengumi.