Matsudaira Naokatsu

Naokatsu Matsudaira (born February 26, 1840 – date of death unknown) was a daimyo of the late Edo period, serving as the 7th lord of the Kawagoe Domain in Musashi Province. He was the 11th head of the Yuki-Matsudaira family and held the position of overall political chief during the late shogunate era. Later, he moved his territory to Maebashi in Kenu Province and became the ruler of Maebashi Domain.

Early Life and Family Background

Naokatsu was born in Edo on February 26, 1840, as the 13th son (also recorded as the 5th son, depending on counting method) of Arima Yoritoku, the 9th daimyo of Chikugo Province's Kurume Domain. Although Yoritoku had many sons, only four grew to adulthood: Yorinaga (the 4th son), Kamei Koshikan (the 6th son, Arima Yorikatsu), Kōgorō (the 7th son, Yoroshin), and Tominosuke (Arima Yorutatsu → Matsudaira Naokatsu). Tominosuke was noted for his quick wit and intelligence from childhood and was especially loved by his eldest brother Yorinaga.

Regarding succession issues of Yorinaga, there was internal conflict within factions supporting Mito studies. Debates arose over Yorinaga’s heirship, including proposals to support Kōgorō or consider Tominosuke's succession as daimyo. This led to further divisions within the domain, known as the "Tenpo Gakuren" school factions.

Inheriting Kawagoe Domain and Political Involvement

On December 6, 1862 (Bunkyū 1), Naokatsu became the adopted heir to the 6th daimyo of Kawagoe Domain, Matsudaira Naoga, and succeeded to the family headship. In the following year, 1863 (Bunkyū 2), he was awarded the Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade, Court Attendant status, and became a Yamato-no-kami (a court title). On October 11 of the same year, he assumed the post of the Minister of State Affairs, which had been vacant since the resignation of his predecessor, Matsudaira Shungaku, thus becoming an honorable lord involved in Edo government politics.

In his role in the shogunate politics, he was responsible for negotiations with the imperial court and the councilors, traveling to Kyoto with Tokugawa Iemochi to coordinate various matters. Along with the Captain-General of the Guard under the Imperial Palace, Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu, he promoted policies such as the blockade of Yokohama Port. These activities and policies brought him into conflict with other senior officials, and he was dismissed from his position as Minister of State Affairs in June 1865 (Keiō 1).

Rebuilding Maebashi Castle and Domain Administration

The Yuki-Matsudaira clan's residence in Maebashi was threatened in the mid-18th century by flooding of the Tone River, risking the survival of Maebashi Castle. With the shogunate’s approval, the castle was dismantled and the seat of power was relocated. As a result, Maebashi persisted as an estate, while the castle itself was abandoned. In 1769 (Meiwa 6), Maebashi Castle was demolished, and governance was transferred to local officials.

During the Tenpō era (1830-1844), calls grew for the reconstruction of Maebashi Castle and for Naokatsu’s reinstatement as domain head. Wealthy merchants and local residents supported these efforts financially. Naokatsu responded by petitioning the shogunate in 1863 (Bun’ei 3) for reconstruction permission, which was granted, and construction began. In 1864 (Bunkyū 1), he moved his base to Maebashi, and Maebashi Domain was reestablished.

Meiji Restoration and Later Transitions

In 1868 (Keiō 4), Naokatsu pledged allegiance to the new government, overseeing pacification efforts across all of Ueno Province. He later participated in the conflict against Aizu Domain. In 1869 (Meiji 2), he was appointed governor of Maebashi Domain following the abolition of the han system, but further details of his career and tenure remain unknown.

【Note: The information provided is based on the submitted sources and has been edited according to the final noted references.】