Hijikata Toshizō was the vice-commander and co-founder of the legendary Shinsengumi.
Appearance[]
Hijikata black hair that hang on the side of his head, triangle shaped eyebrows, and wrinkles around his eyes.
Hijikata wore the standard Shinsengumi uniform, which consisted of a blue haori with a white mountain pattern on the bottom and end of the sleeves, a dark colored shirt, white pants, white socks, sandals, a white headband with plate on it, and carried two swords on his left waist.
While having his picture taken, Hijikata had his hair brushed back, wore an open double-breasted black jacket, a button down black shirt, black pants, black shoes, a white scarf, and a white belt.
Personality[]
Hijikata was the man responsible for the extremely strict code of conduct upheld by all Shinsengumi members under penalty of seppuku, leading to his notoriety as the group's "Demon Vice-Commander." He tolerates no imperfection, but is not unreasonable. As such, he has the respect of all 40 members of the Shinsengumi. Hijikata is also the kind of man to not run from a losing battle.
Relationships[]
- Shinsengumi: Hijikata was one of the founders and the vice-captain of the Shinsengumi. Even through he was strict, Hijikata was respected by all the members of the Shinsengumi.
Abilities[]
Hijitaka was a master swordsman and practiced the Tennen Rishen-Ryu. Although he was not as skilled as Kenshin, he was such a fierce warrior that Kenshin didn't want to face off against him as an opponent. Hijikata had developed the Hirazuki technique, which allowed Saito and Okita to develop their own signature move based on his technique.
History[]
He is the founding member of the Shinsengumi that wrote the Internal Regulations and developed the fighting style, including the Hirazuki technique which later became the basis of Saitō Hajime's signature move - the Gatotsu - along with serving as an inspiration for Okita Sōji to develop his own signature move, the Sandanzuki (three-way thrust). During the final days of the battle of Hakodate, Hijikata met with Kanzato. Kanzato offered Hijikata to join the Kenkaku Heiki, but Hijikata declined. Days later, Hijikata had died when the Ishin Shishi attacked the Goryokaku Fortress.
Hokkaido Arc[]
While at the Kenzou photo shop, Kenshin and the others enter into a small room, which Kenshin manages to notice a small photo of Hijikata.
Days later, Ono remembers the final days of the Battle of Hakodate, which Ono wondered if they should ask Hijikata to join the Kenkaku Heiki, but Kanzato reveals that Hijikata declined the offer already.
Days later, Shinpachi tells Eiji where Hijikata had died while describing the Shinsengumi to him.
Trivia[]
- Though he barely appears in the Rurouni Kenshin series, Hijikata is confirmed to have been the inspiration behind the character Shinomori Aoshi.
- Hijikata was killed in the Battle of Hakodate during the last days of the Boshin War. His death also marked the end of the Shinsengumi.
- John Gremillion provided the English voice of Hijikata in the anime series, Intrigue in the Bakumatsu - Irohanihoheto. He later voiced Aoshi in the New Kyoto arc. Coincidentally, both of the characters that he voiced are based on one another.