Born in Edo to a retainer of the Shirakawa domain, he entered the Shieikan dojo at the age of nine. With innate talent he earned the full license of Tennen Rishin-ryu at a younger age than anyone before him and was already teaching other students. As captain of the Shinsengumi's First Unit he was feared for his strict enforcement of the corps regulations. At the Ikedaya Incident he was among the first to break in and lead the attack, though legend says he coughed blood during the fierce close-quarters fighting. He continued on the front line of maintaining order in Kyoto, but tuberculosis gradually progressed, eventually forcing him to withdraw from active duty. He continued training while convalescing at the Nishihonganji and Fudodomura barracks but could not participate in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi. Moved to the nursery gardener Sakamoto's home in Sendagaya, Edo, he continued receiving treatment, but died in July 1868 (old calendar), not long after the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle, at only twenty-seven. His striking looks, extraordinary sword talent, and early death have continued to captivate later generations.