Byakkotai

The Aizu clan's regular youth army during the Boshin War. After losing the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in January 1868 (Keio 4), Matsudaira Katamori, the former Kyoto Shugoshoku (protector of Kyoto) lord of Aizu, insisted on fighting against the new government, and when Tokugawa Yoshinobu showed a submissive attitude, he returned to the clan and strengthened his military power. In March of the same year, the military system was westernized and troops were organized by age, with 18-35 year olds called the Suzaku Corps, 36-49 year olds called the Seiryu Corps, 50 year olds and over called the Genbu Corps, and the Byakkotai formed by 16 and 17 year old boys. There were over 300 soldiers. The main force was the Suzaku and Seiryu, while the Genbu and Byakko were, so to speak, reserve forces, but when the new government forces attacked, the Byakkotai joined the army. On August 23rd, 20 members of the Byakkotai were ordered to set out and committed suicide on Iimoriyama, northeast of Wakamatsu Castle. This is a famous and tragic story from the Aizu War.

[Inoue Isao]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

戊辰(ぼしん)戦争期における会津藩の少年正規軍。1868年（慶応4）正月の鳥羽(とば)・伏見(ふしみ)の戦いに敗れた旧京都守護職の会津藩主松平容保(かたもり)は、維新政府への抗戦を主張、徳川慶喜(よしのぶ)が恭順の態度を示すや、帰藩して軍事力の強化を図った。同年3月には軍制を洋式に改め、部隊を年齢別に編成して、18～35歳を朱雀(すざく)隊、36～49歳を青龍(せいりゅう)隊、50歳以上を玄武(げんぶ)隊、そして16、7歳の少年で結成されたのが白虎隊であった。兵員数は300余名であった。主力は朱雀、青龍で、玄武、白虎はいわば予備軍であったが、新政府軍の攻撃にあい、白虎隊も従軍。8月23日、命を受けて出撃した白虎隊士20名が若松城北東の飯盛山(いいもりやま)で自刃(じじん)して果てたのは、会津戦争の有名な哀話である。

［井上　勲］

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