In 1871 Shizuoka Domain was dissolved at the Haihan-chiken (abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures), and many men of talent, Ukichi and Otsukotsu, moved to Tokyo.
明治4年（1871年）廃藩置県で静岡藩が解消され主な人材が東京へ移ると、卯吉も乙骨とともに上京する。