TV-Series
Description
Toshizō Hijikata, once vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, survived his supposed death at the Battle of Hakodate only to be imprisoned decades later as a political prisoner in Abashiri Prison. There, he masterminded a mass escape alongside tattooed convicts carrying fragments of a coded map leading to hidden Ainu gold. Hijikata aimed to secure this treasure to fund an independent Republic of Ezo in Hokkaido, reigniting resistance against the Meiji government.
Originally from Musashi Province (modern Tokyo), Hijikata began his life selling medicine before joining the Shinsengumi. His wild, reckless youth earned him the moniker "Baragaki." A deep rift with his comrade Shinpachi Nagakura during the Bakumatsu period led to their separation. Years later, Hijikata unexpectedly encountered Nagakura again when entering Kabato Prison, where Nagakura worked as a swordsmanship instructor. Hijikata's subsequent transfer to Abashiri placed him under Warden Shirosuke Inudou, who held a personal vendetta against him.
Physically, Hijikata is elderly, marked by long grey hair, a beard reaching his collarbones, bushy eyebrows, and deep wrinkles, yet maintains a muscular build. His upper body bears intricate Abashiri convict tattoos and numerous battle scars. He typically dresses in Western-style clothing: a light shirt, black vest, neck scarf, dark green coat, trousers, and leather boots. He always carries his named katana, Izuminokami Kanesada, and a Winchester Model 1892 rifle holding 14 rounds.
Hijikata embodies a blend of dignified leadership and calculated ruthlessness. Despite his age, he possesses relentless energy, optimism, and strategic ambition. He fiercely values loyalty, repaying debts of gratitude—especially to the Ainu who saved him after Hakodate—and honoring promises. Yet, he acts swiftly and mercilessly against enemies, living up to his historical epithet "Demon Vice-Commander." He often maintains a calm demeanor with a subtle smile, though he reveals sentimental reflections on his Shinsengumi past. His combat prowess includes expert swordsmanship, heightened reflexes, and practical medical knowledge, demonstrated when he used aconite to counteract pufferfish poison.
After escaping Abashiri, Hijikata sought allies to collect the coded tattoos. He recruited the judoka Ushiyama by proposing tracing the tattoos instead of killing the bearers. He later enlisted his old comrade Nagakura, who provided resources but refused active participation. When negotiations with Zenjirō Shibukawa, a released convict leader, failed, Hijikata executed Shibukawa and his men, showcasing his uncompromising methods. His group expanded to include formidable figures like the blind fighter Anji Toni and Ainu hunter Kirawus.
Throughout the hunt, Hijikata displayed tactical ingenuity. Recognizing Lieutenant Tsurumi’s 7th Division possessed counterfeit tattoos, he allied with Sugimoto’s group against their common enemy. His vision extended beyond the gold; he sought to establish Hokkaido as a haven for societal outcasts and a defensive buffer against Russian expansion, believing this would ultimately strengthen Japan.
In the final conflict, Hijikata sacrificed himself to shield Sugimoto from an attack, suffering a mortal head wound. With his final act, he passed his sword to Sugimoto, entrusting him with its purpose. This concluded his journey as a visionary leader pursuing redemption through the creation of a self-determined nation.
Originally from Musashi Province (modern Tokyo), Hijikata began his life selling medicine before joining the Shinsengumi. His wild, reckless youth earned him the moniker "Baragaki." A deep rift with his comrade Shinpachi Nagakura during the Bakumatsu period led to their separation. Years later, Hijikata unexpectedly encountered Nagakura again when entering Kabato Prison, where Nagakura worked as a swordsmanship instructor. Hijikata's subsequent transfer to Abashiri placed him under Warden Shirosuke Inudou, who held a personal vendetta against him.
Physically, Hijikata is elderly, marked by long grey hair, a beard reaching his collarbones, bushy eyebrows, and deep wrinkles, yet maintains a muscular build. His upper body bears intricate Abashiri convict tattoos and numerous battle scars. He typically dresses in Western-style clothing: a light shirt, black vest, neck scarf, dark green coat, trousers, and leather boots. He always carries his named katana, Izuminokami Kanesada, and a Winchester Model 1892 rifle holding 14 rounds.
Hijikata embodies a blend of dignified leadership and calculated ruthlessness. Despite his age, he possesses relentless energy, optimism, and strategic ambition. He fiercely values loyalty, repaying debts of gratitude—especially to the Ainu who saved him after Hakodate—and honoring promises. Yet, he acts swiftly and mercilessly against enemies, living up to his historical epithet "Demon Vice-Commander." He often maintains a calm demeanor with a subtle smile, though he reveals sentimental reflections on his Shinsengumi past. His combat prowess includes expert swordsmanship, heightened reflexes, and practical medical knowledge, demonstrated when he used aconite to counteract pufferfish poison.
After escaping Abashiri, Hijikata sought allies to collect the coded tattoos. He recruited the judoka Ushiyama by proposing tracing the tattoos instead of killing the bearers. He later enlisted his old comrade Nagakura, who provided resources but refused active participation. When negotiations with Zenjirō Shibukawa, a released convict leader, failed, Hijikata executed Shibukawa and his men, showcasing his uncompromising methods. His group expanded to include formidable figures like the blind fighter Anji Toni and Ainu hunter Kirawus.
Throughout the hunt, Hijikata displayed tactical ingenuity. Recognizing Lieutenant Tsurumi’s 7th Division possessed counterfeit tattoos, he allied with Sugimoto’s group against their common enemy. His vision extended beyond the gold; he sought to establish Hokkaido as a haven for societal outcasts and a defensive buffer against Russian expansion, believing this would ultimately strengthen Japan.
In the final conflict, Hijikata sacrificed himself to shield Sugimoto from an attack, suffering a mortal head wound. With his final act, he passed his sword to Sugimoto, entrusting him with its purpose. This concluded his journey as a visionary leader pursuing redemption through the creation of a self-determined nation.