The Shogitai was a unit intended to protect Shogun Yoshinobu Tokugawa but was defeated in the Ueno War of 1868. The Meiji government was extremely harsh on the Shogitai, and those who survived were imprisoned, with their remains not being allowed to be taken back by their families. A merchant named Mikawaya negotiated with the Meiji government and was finally able to cremate the bodies and bury them at Entsuji Temple. However, no public memorial service could be held at…
