Though Ryotaro SHIBA commented that "the name 'Keiki' was used quite often among those associated with the former Shogunate", the use of the name "Keiki" was also confirmed among those related to Higo-han Clan who worked toward the fall of the Shogunate; there is a possibility that he was widely yet secretly respected and admired.
司馬遼太郎は「『けいき』と呼ぶ人は旧幕臣関係者の家系に多い」とするが、倒幕に動いた肥後藩関係者でも使用が確認できる事から、広範囲において潜在的に慕われていた、あるいは好意を寄せられていた可能性もある。