Macruran, according to IMDB the man's name is Jules Brunet.
Although no attempt at historical accuracy is made, the story was inspired by several real events. The basic story, that of a samurai rebellion against the Imperial Japanese government, was inspired by the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion during which samurai in the Satsuma domain in Tokugawa Japan revolted against the new Meiji government. Algren's involvement was inspired by stories of Jules Brunet, a French army captain who fought alongside the Tokugawas in the earlier Boshin War [1868-1869].
Owww... that copy/ paste makes my English look flawless!
Wonderful customs again, Cheng! Always a treat for the eyes...