In the Choshu clan, during the absence of Takasugi, Uta NAGAI and others of the old guard faction were ousted and the Sonno Joi faction (those who advocated reverence for the Emperor and expulsion of foreigners) became dominant.
長州藩では、高杉の渡航中に守旧派の長井雅楽らが失脚、尊王攘夷(尊攘)派が台頭した。