In researching the Kobusho, one complexity came up that was important to distinguish: kenshi with the same last name who were otherwise unrelated figures. There are several Amano and Matsuoka who each led different lives
Shadow Amano
There are two Amano who are prominently figured in narratives, both of which practiced Jikishinkage-ryū:
- Amano Shōshō (天野将曹)
- Amano Hachirō (天野八郎)
Amano Shōshō was a well-known student of Odani who fared well in matches against famous swordsmen such as Ōishi Susumu of Yanagawa and later wound up defeated by Sakakibara’s two-handed thrust at Nio castle when he would not yield.
Amano Hachirō was the famous leader of Shōgitai (彰義隊) who undertook intense mountain training and died in prison after the battle at Ueno.
Shadow Matsuoka
There are two Matsuoka who are also featured in narratives:
- Matsuoka Yorozu (松岡万)
- Matsuoka Katsunosuke (松岡克之助)
Matsuoka Yorozu was a shogunal retainer (幕臣), a member of Kiyokawa Hachirō’s Torao-no-kai (虎尾の会), one of the rōshigumi (浪士組) torishimari, member of the Kōbusho administration, and later commander of the Seieitai (精鋭隊). He studied several styles of kenjutsu and after wartime became a tea farmer with other Seieitai members.
Matsuoka Katsunosuke was a bone-setter and doctor in Hitachi, who founded Shindō Yōshin-ryū (神道楊心流) jūjutsu. He is said to have taught his jūjutsu alongside Jikishinkage-ryū kenjutsu and sent his most promising kenjutsu student to another teacher for further instruction.
War histories such as the Shōgitai Senshi and Tōkyō Shishi Gaihen yield two more Matsuoka to the pile: 松岡平九郎 (Heikurō), named in the assassination of the Shosei-in abbot (frames 52–53), and a Mito man, 松岡彦郎 (Hikorō) (frames 243–244).
