Komagata, Yumi

駒形由美

Komagata Yumi was an oiran, a courtesan (essentially the highest rank of prostitute) in Yoshiwara, and formerly an akasen. As a result, she is beautiful, intelligent, dignified, well-cultured, and was raised in a comfortable life. She was always interested in social issues and events in Japan, and became reviled by the Japanese government's stance regarding prostitutes (the government considered them no better than cows or horses). She fell in love with Makoto Shishio with utmost passion, which he returned. Consequently, she joined Shishio's conspiracy to overthrow the Meiji government. She is constantly concerned about Shishio's medical condition.