35.French samurai

Today, I write about “French samurai.”
His name is Jules Brunet.
He is a military man of the France army.
Napoleon III sent a group of military advisors to Japan to help modernize the Shogun’s army.
1867, Brunet was sent as an artillery instructor.
He trained the Shogun’s troops for about a year.
November 1867, Yoshinobu Tokugawa (the 15th Shogun of the Edo bakufu) transferred power back to the Emperor.
The French military mission was then ordered to leave Japan by Imperial decree.
However, He resigned from the French army, and left for Hokkaido (north of Japan) with samurai.
They established the Republic of Ezo.
Enomoto Takeaki became the President by election.
However, one year after, the country lost the battle with new government, and disappeared.
Just before the last battle, Enomoto recommends secession to Brunet.
Brunet accept it.

It seemed that Jules Brunet is convicted in France.
He get grass‐root support.
He was subjected a light punishment
He was quickly rehabilitated and rejoined the French army.

Enomoto Takeaki had joined the Imperial government and became Minister of the Imperial Japanese Navy .
Through Enomoto’s influence, the Imperial government not only forgave Brunet’s actions, but awarded him medals in May 1881 and again in March 1885.

Brunet rose to the rank of General in the French army over the next 17 years.
1911, Brunet died at the age of 73.

2003, Movie “The Last Samurai” Released
His actions partially inspired the character of Captain Nathan Algren.