令和8年3月30日（星期一），熊本大學永青文庫研究中心今村直樹副教授在熊本大學工學部1號館2樓共用會議室A召開記者會，說明其研究成果。
與會媒體就下列研究成果提出許多問題，並進行了熱烈的意見交換。
今村直樹副教授
會議現場
【關於研究成果】
（重點）
・透過分析幕末期細川家文書中的「口書」（供述記錄），揭示了當時熊本藩領民在藩領外逃亡或失蹤的真實情況。幕末時期，熊本藩奉命負責京都的警衛任務，因此有許多武士的隨從（足輕、中間、小者）前往京都，結果導致在京都的逃亡者增加。
・許多逃亡者以日雇勞工的身分謀生，但也有人成為力士，或是在商家進行強盜（押借），威脅商家以奪取金錢財物，從而惡化了治安。
・具體案例包括：有農民被招攬成為武士而逃往江戶；有鄉士（在御家人）在大阪逃亡後加入了新選組。
（概要說明）
熊本大學永青文庫研究中心的今村直樹副教授等人，自2023年度起獲得科學研究費補助金的資助，致力於細川家文書「口書」的綜合性研究。
「口書」是熊本藩刑事法制負責部門（刑法方）所編纂的史料群。主要以庶民為對象，收錄了藩領內外發生的犯罪、事件等嫌疑人的供述筆錄。供述筆錄不僅記載了犯罪或事件發生的經過，還記錄了嫌疑人的心情及周圍的關係，資訊量極為豐富。
今村副教授等人分析了幕末時期（文久3年〔1863〕～慶應3年〔1867〕）的細川家文書「口書」（共10冊）後，揭示了以下新事實等：
①
常見問題
What historical period does this research focus on?
The research focuses on the late Edo period, specifically from Bunkyū 3 (1863) to Keio 3 (1867).
What are "Kuchigaki"?
"Kuchigaki" are historical documents from the Kumamoto Domain's criminal law department, containing deposition records of suspects involved in crimes and incidents. They offer rich information about the circumstances, motivations, and relationships related to these events.
Why did the number of missing persons from the Kumamoto Domain increase in Kyoto during the late Edo period?
The Kumamoto Domain was assigned the duty of guarding Kyoto during the late Edo period. This led to many samurai retainers accompanying their lords to the capital, and consequently, an increase in individuals going missing or fleeing while in Kyoto.
What happened to the individuals who went missing outside the domain?
Many found work as day laborers. However, some pursued unusual paths, such as becoming sumo wrestlers, engaging in extortion (oshikake) against merchants, or even joining groups like the Shinsengumi.
What is the significance of this research?
This research sheds light on the lives and fates of ordinary people and lower-ranking samurai retainers who left the domain during a turbulent period. It reveals their diverse and often surprising trajectories beyond the official records.
