The Boshin War (January 1868–May 1869) was a civil war between the Meiji imperial government and forces of the former Tokugawa shogunate and the Ōuetsu Reppan Dōmei. From the Battle of Toba-Fushimi through the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle to the Battle of Hakodate, the new government gradually consolidated control. The war cemented the Meiji Restoration and the birth of modern Japan.

The last battle of the Boshin War, fought in Hakodate, Hokkaido from October 1868 to May 1869. Former shogunate naval vice-commander Enomoto Takeaki sailed with his fleet to Ezo (Hokkaido) and, with the assistance of French officer Brunet, established a republic based at Goryokaku. With Hijikata Toshizo and Otori Keisuke commanding the land forces, this independent government held modern elections for its president. However, the following year the new government's general assault brought down each stronghold in succession; Hijikata Toshizo was killed in the final battle and Enomoto surrendered. The star-shaped Western-style fortress Goryokaku is now a nationally designated Special Historic Site, and the star-shaped view from Goryokaku Tower is a landmark Hakodate attraction. A historic site symbolizing the end of the Boshin War and the Meiji government's national unification.