Michiteru Otagi

Otagi Michiteru (Japanese: 愛宕 通旭; 1846–1872) was a Japanese kuge (noble) and bureaucrat active during the early years of the Meiji era. He was born in 1846 as the son of Koga Takemichi, who served in the Interior Ministry. Subsequently, Otagi was adopted by Otagi Michimune, after which he adopted the Otagi family name.

During the Boshin War in 1868, Otagi Michiteru was involved in the military and bureaucratic affairs of the newly emerging Imperial Japanese government. He was incorporated into the bureaucracy of the Imperial Japanese Army and also served in the Jingikan, the Department of Shrines and Temples responsible for Shinto religious affairs.

In 1869, owing to financial difficulties faced by the government, Otagi Michiteru was dismissed from his position as part of personnel reductions. This period was marked by significant societal change and widespread Westernization following the Meiji Restoration. Otagi expressed discontent with the rising cost of living and the rapid Western influence permeating Japanese society.

Otagi formed an alliance with Toyama Mitsusuke, with whom he plotted to overthrow the government. Their conspiracy was discovered when their associates betrayed them, and they were arrested in Tokyo on May 3, 1871. Among those arrested was Kaya Harukata. The incident, which drew significant attention, came to be known as the Two Lords Incident, referring to the notable figures involved and the scandal surrounding the failed conspiracy.

Following his arrest, Otagi Michiteru was tried and sentenced to death. On December 3, 1872, he was ordered to perform seppuku (also known as harakiri), a form of ritual suicide. He died by suicide approximately one month after his sentencing.