Ando Sotaro: The Archery Master of the Shinsengumi

Who was Ando Sotaro

Ando Sotaro served as Assistant Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi and died from wounds sustained at the Ikedaya Incident. But he also set Japan's top record in Toshi-ya (endurance archery) at Todai-ji Temple.

He trained in Heki-ryu Chikurin-ha archery and later Oshin-ryu archery, with Hokushin Itto-ryu swordsmanship. Toshi-ya was a 24-hour endurance archery competition, traditionally held at Sanjusangendo Hall over a 121.73-meter range.

In 1842, at the West Corridor of Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Ando Sotaro hit 8,685 out of 11,500 arrows (75.5% accuracy), setting a new Japanese record. Scholars considered his record the greatest of all time.

Ando Sotaro and the Shinsengumi

He left his domain in 1851, joined the Mibu Roshigumi in 1863, and became Assistant Vice-Commander when the Shinsengumi was formed. During the 1864 Ikedaya Incident, he was part of Kondo's team searching near Sanjo Bridge.

Kondo's team discovered and attacked Sonno Joi faction members meeting at the Ikedaya inn. Ando guarded the rear courtyard, was wounded in battle, and died on July 22nd from his injuries.

Though archery was difficult to deploy in late Edo-period Kyoto, his record of 8,685 arrows at Todai-ji remains legendary. Next time you visit Nara's Todai-ji, consider visiting the West Corridor.

Start Your Kyudo Journey Today