TV-Series
Description
Izuminokami Kanesada is a tsukumogami, a spirit that has taken human form after centuries of existence as a cherished object. He is the personification of an uchigatana forged during the Bakumatsu period, specifically in the year 1867. This makes him one of the youngest swords in the citadel. His historical claim to fame is being a favorite sword of Toshizo Hijikata, the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, a fact in which he takes great pride.
In his human form, Izuminokami has a striking and distinctive appearance that reflects his confidence. He is tall, standing at 186cm, and has long black hair, often styled with a portion in a side braid, and sharp blue eyes. He is very conscious of his own good looks and believes in possessing both beauty and strength, often speaking openly about his own appeal. His typical attire includes elements reminiscent of the Shinsengumi, such as a haori or cape with the group's signature blue and white pattern.
His personality is a direct reflection of his origins and former master. Izuminokami is animated, confident, and strives to maintain a "cool" demeanor. However, he is also known for being somewhat short-tempered and impatient, a trait he himself acknowledges as a fault inherited from Hijikata. Despite his occasional brashness and a tendency to be a little particular or fussy, he is fundamentally a good and responsible individual who can become serious when the situation demands it. He places great importance on strength and is not one to back down from a fight, seeing himself as a capable and reliable warrior.
Izuminokami's primary motivation is to fulfill his duty as a sword warrior, which is to protect history from the Retrograde Time Army. This mission is deeply personal and painful, as it often involves steering his beloved former master, Hijikata, toward his predetermined fate and a short, difficult life. He feels that seeing Hijikata would only be painful, as it would remind him of the tragic end awaiting the man he admires, but he remains steadfast in his loyalty to the mission and the Saniwa.
Within the story of Zoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Izuminokami serves as a key member of the swords at the citadel. He is the 32nd sword to be manifested there. His role is often defined by his relationships. His most significant bond is with Horikawa Kunihiro, the wakizashi that was also owned by Hijikata and was forged to complement him. Horikawa is extremely devoted to him, calling him "Kane-san," and Izuminokami is highly protective of him, becoming aggressive if anyone threatens his partner. He also shares a strong bond with his other former comrades from the Shinsengumi, such as Yamatonokami Yasusada and Kashuu Kiyomitsu, and enjoys reminiscing with them about their past. Conversely, he has a rivalry with Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, who was the sword of Sakamoto Ryoma, a historical figure who opposed the Shogunate that the Shinsengumi served.
Izuminokami undergoes subtle but meaningful development, particularly regarding his emotional struggle with his duty. He openly admits to his fellow swords that avoiding the temptation to alter Hijikata's path is difficult, but his admiration for his former master's fearless and devoted spirit ultimately reinforces his commitment to his own path of loyalty and strictness. He learns to channel his admiration for the man he once served into unwavering loyalty to his new master and the mission of protecting history.
In combat, Izuminokami is a formidable fighter who specializes in the Tennen Rishin-ryu style of swordsmanship, the same technique used by Hijikata. As an uchigatana, he has high offensive power and can equip various troops, including light cavalry and catapults, to increase his effectiveness on the battlefield. A notable supernatural ability is that when he is severely injured, he can undergo a "desperation" or awakened state, allowing him to perform more powerful critical hits in battle. His physical body is tied to the condition of his true sword form; any damage to the blade manifests as wounds on his human form, and the breaking of the sword would mean his death.
In his human form, Izuminokami has a striking and distinctive appearance that reflects his confidence. He is tall, standing at 186cm, and has long black hair, often styled with a portion in a side braid, and sharp blue eyes. He is very conscious of his own good looks and believes in possessing both beauty and strength, often speaking openly about his own appeal. His typical attire includes elements reminiscent of the Shinsengumi, such as a haori or cape with the group's signature blue and white pattern.
His personality is a direct reflection of his origins and former master. Izuminokami is animated, confident, and strives to maintain a "cool" demeanor. However, he is also known for being somewhat short-tempered and impatient, a trait he himself acknowledges as a fault inherited from Hijikata. Despite his occasional brashness and a tendency to be a little particular or fussy, he is fundamentally a good and responsible individual who can become serious when the situation demands it. He places great importance on strength and is not one to back down from a fight, seeing himself as a capable and reliable warrior.
Izuminokami's primary motivation is to fulfill his duty as a sword warrior, which is to protect history from the Retrograde Time Army. This mission is deeply personal and painful, as it often involves steering his beloved former master, Hijikata, toward his predetermined fate and a short, difficult life. He feels that seeing Hijikata would only be painful, as it would remind him of the tragic end awaiting the man he admires, but he remains steadfast in his loyalty to the mission and the Saniwa.
Within the story of Zoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Izuminokami serves as a key member of the swords at the citadel. He is the 32nd sword to be manifested there. His role is often defined by his relationships. His most significant bond is with Horikawa Kunihiro, the wakizashi that was also owned by Hijikata and was forged to complement him. Horikawa is extremely devoted to him, calling him "Kane-san," and Izuminokami is highly protective of him, becoming aggressive if anyone threatens his partner. He also shares a strong bond with his other former comrades from the Shinsengumi, such as Yamatonokami Yasusada and Kashuu Kiyomitsu, and enjoys reminiscing with them about their past. Conversely, he has a rivalry with Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, who was the sword of Sakamoto Ryoma, a historical figure who opposed the Shogunate that the Shinsengumi served.
Izuminokami undergoes subtle but meaningful development, particularly regarding his emotional struggle with his duty. He openly admits to his fellow swords that avoiding the temptation to alter Hijikata's path is difficult, but his admiration for his former master's fearless and devoted spirit ultimately reinforces his commitment to his own path of loyalty and strictness. He learns to channel his admiration for the man he once served into unwavering loyalty to his new master and the mission of protecting history.
In combat, Izuminokami is a formidable fighter who specializes in the Tennen Rishin-ryu style of swordsmanship, the same technique used by Hijikata. As an uchigatana, he has high offensive power and can equip various troops, including light cavalry and catapults, to increase his effectiveness on the battlefield. A notable supernatural ability is that when he is severely injured, he can undergo a "desperation" or awakened state, allowing him to perform more powerful critical hits in battle. His physical body is tied to the condition of his true sword form; any damage to the blade manifests as wounds on his human form, and the breaking of the sword would mean his death.