In 1861, he took over the business of Masuya, a purveyor to various domains, at Shijo Agaru Higashi, Kawaramachi-dori Street, Kyoto, in order to handle used articles and harnesses/trappings, but he was also engaged in information activities and the procurement of weapons as the omotojime (chief superintendent) of the Choshu domain's spies, since he had contact with Teizo MIYABE.
文久元年、京都河原町通四条上ル東で諸藩御用達・枡屋を継ぎ古道具、馬具を扱いながら、早くから宮部鼎蔵らと交流し、長州間者の大元締として情報活動と武器調達にあたった。