The Boshin War is also referred to as the Japanese Revolution, the Boshin Senso, or the Yang Earth Dragon’s War of the Year. From 1868 to 1869, various forces who supported the Tokugawa Shogunate and who wanted for the Imperial Court to regain control over the country fought each other in a series of battles.
According to records, the origins of the war can be traced back to the discontent of young samurai warriors and several nobles of the shogunate’s failure to efficiently handle the events brought about by the end of Japan’s isolation policy a decade ago.
Western samurai warriors from the Domains of Tosa, Satsuma, and Choshu formed an alliance with several court officials and took control of the Imperial Court, influencing Emperor Meiji to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate in the process. In the hopes of keeping the shogunate a part of Japan’s government, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the then Shogun, renounced his rule to the young emperor.
Unfortunately, the increasing partisan conflict, military movements, and order to abolish the Tokugawa Shogunate promoted by the imperial forces pushed Tokugawa Yoshinobu to retaliate with his own military campaigns.
After many battles, of which about 120,000 men suffered injuries and 3,500 died, Tokugawa Yoshinobu ultimately surrendered to the Imperial Forces, putting supreme rule over the entire country back into the hands of the Emperor.
Map, Uniforms, and Weapons of the Boshin War
The battles that made up the Boshin War transpired at different places between Toba Fushimi and Hakodate. During this period, Japan had already opened itself to Western influences for about ten years and had been in the process of modernization.
The domains of Satsuma and Choshu, in particular, were already considered to be fully modernized, having been equipped with Gatling guns, Minie rifles, and Armstrong guns, among other artillery and equipment. Of course, the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate had their own sets of weaponry to combat that of their opponents.
Everything used in the Boshin War including the uniforms of the warriors, the warships, and the artillery were accessible to both groups thanks to the support of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (for the Imperial Group) as well as the French Empire (for the Shogunate Group).
Uniforms
The majority of the uniforms used in the Boshin War were styled in a Western fashion and typically came in dark colors. The helmets worn by the Shogunate, Choshu Domain, and Satsuma Domain differed from each other in terms of shape, being rounded, flat conical, and tall conical, respectively.
Supported by the French Empire, the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate were often clothed in British and French uniforms, while traditional troop warriors fought in their usual samurai garments.
Forces who supported the Imperial Group, on the other hand, donned different headgear, some of which were a bit strange such as the use of colored bear hair wigs to indicate from what domain the officers came from.
Artillery
Aside from the Armstrong guns that used explosive shells, wooden cannons were also used throughout the Boshin War. Interestingly, these cannons were only capable of firing 3 – 4 shots before ultimately bursting.
Individual Guns
Japan had its own kind of rifle gun known as the Tanegashima matchlock. This coexisted alongside many other kinds of imported rifles and guns which came from countries such as the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
More specifically, Gewehr smoothbore guns, Gatling guns, Dreyse needle guns, Chassepot rifles, Minie rifles, Snider-Enfield rifles, Spencer repeating rifles, and American handguns were among the types of guns used by forces from both groups.
The Aftermath of the Boshin War – Abolition of the Samurai Class, Meiji Restoration, Etc.
After victory had been awarded to the Imperial Force, a new government was established that finally unified Japan to be ruled by a single, supreme leader. By the end of the year 1868, the throne of the emperor had been transferred to Edo from Kyoto. Subsequently, the capital city was renamed as the city of Tokyo.
Upon the transfer of the capital city to Tokyo, a new age known as the Meiji Period took place and was started by the Meiji Restoration, a term used to refer to the reinstated Imperial Rule.
The political and military issues among the domains were eventually eliminated. Each domain was progressively transformed into a prefecture.
Among the major changes brought about by the end of the Boshin War was the abolition of the samurai warrior class, which forced some of them to take administrative or entrepreneurial jobs. Unfortunately, a lot of these samurai warriors were also forced into poverty.
Documentary Films, Movies, Books, and Anime Shows about the Boshin War
The Last Samurai (2003)
The Last Samurai is an American movie film that revolves around the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States’ Captain and his interactions with Japan’s samurai warriors during the 19th century. It is roughly based on the events that transpired during the Boshin War and Meiji Restoration.
When the Last Sword is Drawn (2002)
When the Last Sword is Drawn, or Mibu Gishi Den, is a Japanese movie that serves as a loose adaptation of the events that transpired through Japanese history, particularly amidst the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It revolves around two samurai warriors and makes use of flashbacks to tell their story. Themes that frequently pop up throughout the film include family, loyalty, and power.
Intrigue in the Bakumatsu – Irohanihoheto
Intrigue in the Bakumatsu – Irohanihoheto is an anime series that ran from October 6, 2006 to April 6, 2007. The show is set during the final years of the Tokugawa Shogunate and consists of 26 episodes, in total.
Bakumatsu: the Boshin War and the Satsuma Rebellion – Definitive Edition
This illustrated history book describes the events of the Boshin War through the use of photographs and detailed descriptions. The uniforms, firearms, and strategies used in the different battles can be further understood through the many diagrams featured in the book.
Summary of the Boshin War Battles
Battle of Toba-Fushimi
Duration: From January 27, 1868 to January 31, 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Domain of Tsu, Domain of Yodo, Domain of Tosa, Domain of Choshu, Domain of Satsuma
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Shogunate Group: Domain of Ogaki, Domain of Matsuyama, Domain of Tsu, Domain of Takamatsu, Domain of Kuwana, Domain of Aizu, Tokugawa Shogunate
Commanders:
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Imperial Group: Prince Komatsu Akihito, Saigo Takamori, Emperor Meiji
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Shogunate Group: Sagawa Kanbei, Hayashi Gonsuke, Matsudaira Sadaaki, Sakuma Nobuhisa, Takigawa Tomoakira, Takenaka Shigekata, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, et al.
Displays of Strength and Power:
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Imperial Group: 5,000 warriors
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Shogunate Group: 15,000 warriors
Number of Casualties:
-
Imperial Group: 61 dead, 124 injured (Domain of Satsuma); 35 dead, 106 injured (Domain of Choshu)
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Shogunate Group: 160 dead, 400 injured (Tokugawa Shogunate); 100 dead, 150 injured (Domain of Aizu); 25 dead, 60 injured (Kuwana)
Resulted in Victory: Imperial Group
Fall of Osaka Castle
The Fall of Osaka Castle refers to how the Osaka Castle of the Tokugawa Shogunate was captured by Kangun forces that were pro-Imperial. It was burned to the ground on February 2, 1868, then later used to serve as a place for the barracks of the military.
Battle of Hokuetsu
Duration: March 29, 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Domain of Choshu, Domain of Satsuma
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Shogunate Group: Domain of Nagaoka
Commanders:
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Imperial Group: Kuroda Kiyotaka, Yamagata Aritomo, Emperor Meiji
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Shogunate Group: Kawai Tsugunosuke, Makino Tadakuni, Tokugawa Yoshinobu
Displays of Strength and Power: N/A
Number of Casualties: N/A
Resulted in Victory: Imperial Group
Battle of Koshu-Katsunuma
Duration: March 29, 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Domain of Tosa, Domain of Choshu, Domain of Satsuma
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Shogunate Group: Domain of Shinsengumi, Tokugawa Shogunate
Commanders:
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Imperial Group: Ijichi Masaharu, Itagaki Taisuke, Emperor Meiji
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Shogunate Group: Hijikata Toshizo, Kondo Isami, Tokugawa Yoshinobu
Displays of Strength and Power:
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Imperial Group: 3,000 warriors
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Shogunate Group: 300 warriors
Number of Casualties:
-
Imperial Group: Unknown
-
Shogunate Group: 179 casualties
Resulted in Victory: Imperial Group
Battle of Utsunomiya Castle
Duration: From May 10, 1868 to May 14, 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Uncertain
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Shogunate Group: Uncertain
Commanders:
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Imperial Group: Ijichi Masaharu, Kagawa Keizo, Emperor Meiji
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Shogunate Group: Hijikata Toshizo, Otori Keisuke, Takenaka Shigetaka, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, et al.
Displays of Strength and Power:
-
Imperial Group: Unknown
-
Shogunate Group: 2,000 warriors
Number of Casualties: Unknown for both groups
Resulted in Victory: Imperial Group
Battle of Ueno
Duration: July 4, 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Domain of Saga, Domain of Tosa, Domain of Choshu, Domain of Satsuma
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Shogunate Group: Domain of Shogitai, Tokugawa Shogunate
Commanders:
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Imperial Group: Itagaki Taisuke, Saigo Takamori, Omura, Masujiro, Emperor Meiji
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Shogunate Group: Amano Hachiro, Shibusawa Seiichiro
Displays of Strength and Power:
-
Imperial Group: Less than 2,000 warriors
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Shogunate Group: 2,000 warriors
Number of Casualties:
-
Imperial Group: Unknown but many casualties suffered by the Domain of Satsuma
-
Shogunate Group: 300 casualties
Resulted in Victory: Imperial Group
Battle of Hatchooki
Duration: From August 10, 1868 to September 11, 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Domain of Choshu
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Northern Alliance: Domain of Kuwana, Domain of Aizu, Domain of Nagaoka
Commanders:
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Imperial Group: Yamagata Aritomo
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Northern Alliance: Kawai Tsugonosuke
Displays of Strength and Power:
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Imperial Group: N/A (battle was an ambush)
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Northern Alliance: 300 warriors (in August); 700 warriors (in September)
Number of Casualties:
-
Imperial Group: N/A (battle was an ambush)
-
Northern Alliance: 131 dead
Resulted in Victory: Domain of Nagaoka
Battle of Bonari Pass
The Battle of Bonari Pass transpired on the 6th day of October in 1868. Seven hundred warriors were commanded by the Shogunate Group, while the Imperial Group had a significantly larger army of two thousand warriors.
Being greatly outnumbered, the Shogunate Group decided to withdraw to Sendai, leaving the region of Aizu exposed through the Bonari Pass.
Battle of Aizu
Duration: From October to November of 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Domain of Sadowara, Domain of Ogaki, Domain of Hiroshima, Domain of Tosa, Domain of Choshu, Domain of Satsuma
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Shogunate Group: Domain of Aizu, Northern Alliance
Commanders:
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Imperial Group: Kirino Toshiaki, Ijichi Masaharu, Itagaki Taisuke, Yamagata Aritomo, Saionji Kinmochi, Kuroda Kiyotaka
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Shogunate Group: Nakano Takeko, Saito Hajime, Tanaka Tosa, Kayano Gonbei, Yamakawa Hiroshi, Saigo Tanomo, Matsudaira Katamori
Display of Strength and Power:
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Imperial Group: 15,000 warriors
-
Shogunate Group: 5,000 warriors
Number of Casualties: Uknown for both groups
Resulted in Victory: Imperial Group
Battle of Noheji
Duration: November 7, 1868
Parties Involved:
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Imperial Group: Domain of Kuroishi, Domain of Hirosaki
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Ouetsu Reppan Domei: Domain of Hachinohe, Domain of Morioka
Commanders:
-
Imperial Group: N/A
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Ouetsu Reppan Domei: N/A
Displays of Strength and Power:
-
Imperial Group: 180 warriors
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Ouetsu Reppan Domei: 400 warriors
Number of Casualties:
-
Imperial Group: 29 casualties
-
Ouetsu Reppan Domei: 45 casualties
Resulted in Victory: Northern Alliance
Battle of Hakodate
Duration: From December 4, 1868 to June 27, 1869
Parties Involved: The Ezo Republic and The Japan Empire
Commanders:
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The Ezo Republic: Arai Ikunosuke (Navy), Hijikata Toshizo & Otori Keisuke (Army), Enomoto Takeaki (President)
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The Japan Empire: Kuroda Kiyotaka (Army), Emperor Meiji (Ruler)
Displays of Strength and Power:
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The Ezo Republic: 3,000 warriors, and 11 steam ships
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The Japan Empire: 7,000 warriors, and 10 steam ships
Number of Casualties:
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The Ezo Republic: 1,300 dead, 400 wounded, 1,300 seized, 2 steam ships sunk, 3 steam ships seized, 3 steam ships lost
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The Japan Empire: 770 casualties, 1 steam ship sunk, 1 steam ship destroyed
Resulted in Victory: The Japan Empire
Naval Battles
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Battle of Awa
Duration: January 28, 1868
Parties Involved:
Imperial Group: Domain of Satsuma
Shogunate Group: Tokugawa Shogunate
Commanders:
Imperial Group: Akatsuka Genroku
Shogunate Group: Enomoto Takeaki
Displays of Strength and Power:
Imperial Group: 1 ship, 2 transports
Shogunate Group: 3 ships
Number of Casualties/Losses:
Imperial Group: 1 transport destroyed
Shogunate Group: None
Resulted in Victory: Shogunate Group
-
Naval Battle of Hakodate
Duration: From May 4, 1869 to May 10, 1869
Parties Involved:
Japan Empire: Choyo Maru Ship, Moshun Ship, Yoshun Ship, Teibo Ship, Hiryu Ship, Kasuga Ship, Kotetsu Ship
Ezo Republic: Mikaho Ship, Chogei Ship, Chiyodagata Ship, Banryu Ship, Kaiten Ship
Commanders:
Japan Empire: Masuda Toranosuke
Ezo Republic: Arai Ikunosuke
Displays of Strength and Power:
Japan Empire: 8 steam ships
Ezo Republic: 5 steam ships
Number of Casualties/Losses:
Japan Empire: 1 ship sunk
Ezo Republic: 2 ships sunk, 3 ships seized
Resulted in Victory: Japan Empire
-
Battle of Miyako Bay
Duration: May 6, 1869
Parties Involved:
Japan Empire: Choyo Ship, Moshun Ship, Yoshun Ship, Teibo Ship, Hiryu Ship, Kasuga Ship, Kotetsu Ship
Ezo Republic: Takao Ship, Banryu Ship, Kaiten Ship
Commanders:
Japan Empire: Shiro Nakajima, Masuda Toranosuke
Ezo Republic: Eugene Collache, Arai Ikunosuke
Displays of Strength and Power:
Japan Empire: 8 steam ships
Ezo Republic: 3 steam ships
Number of Casualties/Losses:
Japan Empire: 3 ships damaged
Ezo Republic: N/A
Resulted in Victory: Japan Empire