Sakuma Shōzan Is Assassinated in Kyoto

Shōzan had spent years confined at Matsushiro after Yoshida Shōin’s attempted overseas departure in 1854. Following his release, the shogunate summoned him to Kyoto in 1864. He entered the capital’s disputes as an advocate of opening relations with foreign powers and cooperation between court and bakufu.

He discussed policy with imperial princes, Yoshinobu and Iemochi. A proposal to move the emperor away from Kyoto, initially toward Hikone, was not accepted by his own lord. Advice, audiences and rejection therefore preceded his death; his recommendations had not become an implemented national program.

Shōzan was attacked while riding home from visits in Kyoto. An attendant’s surviving report describes successive groups striking him along the route, his attempt to defend himself and his fall from the horse after further wounds. The account establishes an organized street assault but represents the attendants’ view of its unfolding. His assassination ended this return to service and illustrates the physical danger surrounding disputes over foreign relations and control of the court.