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A warrior, statesman, swordsman, and calligrapher of the Bakumatsu and early Meiji periods. Serving as a shogunal retainer, he excelled in martial arts. In 1868, before the formal Meiji negotiations, he boldly entered Saigō Takamori's camp alone as an emissary of Katsu Kaishū and conducted the preliminary talks that opened the path to the bloodless surrender of Edo. In the Meiji government he served as Imperial Chamberlain and Vice-Minister of the Imperial Household. In swordsmanship, he founded the Mutō-ryū (No-Sword School) as an independent branch of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū, embodying the ideal of "sword and Zen as one." He was also ranked among the three great calligraphers of the Bakumatsu period, known for his bold, powerful brushwork. Together with Katsu Kaishū and Takahashi Deishū, he is called one of the "Three Swords of Bakumatsu." In his final years he built Zenkoku-ji Temple and devoted himself to discipleship and Buddhism. In 1888, ill but seated upright, he wrote his final character, "Spirit" (rei), and died in meditative posture.

A rare figure who fused a bold, straightforward warrior spirit with deep Zen spirituality. He never flattered authority, valued trust and integrity, and had the courage to walk alone into enemy camps for what he believed. An uncompromising seeker in calligraphy, swordsmanship, and Zen alike.

Historical recognition of his behind-the-scenes contribution to the bloodless surrender of Edo has grown in recent years. The Mutō-ryū is considered one of the spiritual sources of modern kendo, and his calligraphy is regarded as of national-treasure quality. His grave and many relics are preserved at Zenkoku-ji Temple in Taitō, Tokyo.