Niimi Nishiki
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Niimi Nishiki, or Shinmi Nishiki (新見錦) (1836 - 1863?), Born in Mito-han (now Ibaraki Prefecture). He got a licence for Shintomunen-ryu swordsmanship. He was one of the original members of the Shinsengumi, together with Serizawa Kamo and Kondo Isami. He was originally 1 of the 3 captains with Kondo and Serizawa but later he had his rank lowered to sub-captain.
He was a member of the Serizawa faction within the group, but he was later forced by Yamanami Keisuke and Hijikata Toshizo to commit seppuku on September 8th, 1863. This was done by them to eliminate the Serizawa sect within the group so they can take it over. Serizawa and the other members were assassinated just a week later.
His Niimi Nishiki name is what he named himself and his real name is also obscure. He is assumed to be well educated because the name Niimi Nishiki shows a play of pronunciation.
There are theories that he could have possibly of been a spy for Choshu and had close relations with Sonno-joi groups also in Mito and Tosa.ja:新見錦