He studied under Ran-en Masujima and Toan Koga in Yedo.
He was working as a teacher to Lord Yoshikuni and then became the head of Yokendo Clan School in 1866. During the Boshinno-eki (civil war leading to the Meiji Restoration) he helped to unite the various clans in the Ou District against the Imperial Army, but was arrested and thrown into prison. After his release he led a sedentary life and stayed away from Government service.