In 1867, along with Shigenobu OKUMA he abandoned his domain and was active in the Shishi movement that promoted the sonno joi doctrine and loyalty to the emperor, but he was apprehended and sent back to Saga to serve house arrest.
慶応3年（1867年）、大隈重信と脱藩し、勤王の志士として活動するが、捕らえられて佐賀に送還され謹慎処分を受ける。