It is said that he joined Shinsengumi because he was instructed by Kogoro KATSURA of Choshu clan to spy Shinsengumi with Isetake MIKURA, but whether it is true or not is unknown.
御倉伊勢武などと共に、長州藩桂小五郎の命を受けて、スパイのため新選組へ入隊したと言われているが、真偽は不明。