Nakano Takeko

Nakano Takeko was Born in Aizu-Hantei in Edo, and showed her academic talent even in a young age. For example, when she was five years old, she already recited all the contents of Hyakunin-Isshu, which are traditional Japanese cards based on one hundred famous tanka. Not only her cleverness, but she also practiced Naginata and shodo. She was so talented that she even became a teacher of Naginata-dojo. Since her talents were highly evaluated, she was adopted to Akaoka Daisuke, the teacher of Naginata when she was seventeenth, however, once there was an arrangement for her marriage with his nephew, she broke off the adoption and went back to her parents’ house due to the unstable situation in Aizu domain. After the Battle of Toba & Fushimi in 1868, the feudal lord of Aizu, Matsudaira Katamori had to go back to Aizu since he became prohibited to visit Edo Castle, so that Nakano family including Takeko also went back to Aizu domain accordingly.

In 1868, the new government army finally approached Aizu Wakamatsu Castle. The situation was a complete confusion and chaos, and some tried to suicide, and others chose to fight against the army and decided to head to the castle. Takeko was also the one heading to the castle for the fight with her mother and her young sister. However, due to the unexpected agility of enemy’s progress, the castle gate of Aizu Wakamatsu was closed in earlier period so that they were unable to enter. At this time, Takeko met Ida Makiko, Kikuko sisters, and Okamura Sumako, who were the fellow of Naginata Dojo. They then decided to create a voluntary army called Fujo-Tai, which consisted of more than 20 women members. Takeko and Fujo-Tai went stayed in Hoka- ji Temple, and next day, joined the army of the chief retainer of daimyo to join the battle of Namida bashi. According to the record, Takeko and her peers have cut off their hair to dress in men’s clothes. 

In 1868, They finally went Namida-bashi bridge to fight against the new government army. At the beginning, the opponent was off their guard against the Fujo-Tai, but once they recognized the aggression, they bewilderedly grabbed their guns. After the moment of gun fights, Takeko decided to step into the battle with Naginata, and killed several soldiers, however, one bullet hut her head, and that was the end of her war. Despite her loss, her spirit was rooted to the Aizu’ s land and encouraging people even today.