Battle of Aizu
Tsuruga Castle, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, Japan
What happened
Imperial forces from Satsuma, Chōshū, Tosa and other domains fought the Aizu Domain, led by Matsudaira Katamori. In the Boshin War, Japan's new imperial government fought supporters of the old shogun. After losing a key mountain pass, Aizu fought on alone and was besieged in Tsuruga Castle for a month. Aizu then surrendered through the help of a neighbouring domain.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the last major resistance in northern Japan to the new Meiji government. The Aizu Domain ceased to exist.
What came next
Matsudaira Katamori was spared and later became chief priest of the Nikkō Tōshō-gū shrine. His samurai were sent to camps in the far north.
Did you know?
Aizu was known for its fighting skill and kept a standing army of over 5,000 men.
Timeline
- 6 October 1868The siege of Tsuruga Castle begins.
- 6 November 1868Aizu surrenders.
- 5 December 1893Matsudaira Katamori dies.