TV-Series
Description
Susumu Yamazaki serves as a Shinsengumi officer, functioning primarily as a spy gathering intelligence and a medic treating wounded comrades. He reports directly to Toshizou Hijikata and operates with high discretion, often wearing a black ninja outfit for covert missions. His medical expertise comes from a family background in traditional medicine, and he meticulously maintains health records for Shinsengumi members.
Physically, he stands at 5'5" with distinctive hair—mostly cut extremely short except for a long ponytail. His typical attire is a light-green kimono featuring dark green trim and uniquely cord-sewn sleeves, paired with simple black pants. For espionage, he dons a full ninja ensemble including a mask, headband, and scarf.
Personality-wise, Yamazaki presents as reserved, stern, and emotionally detached, prioritizing duty above all else. He follows orders without question and frequently intervenes to guide or protect Chizuru Yukimura from reckless actions. Beneath this exterior, he demonstrates deep loyalty to Hijikata and forms close bonds with fellow captains. His combat abilities remain ambiguous, though he is never depicted losing a battle even when outnumbered.
In the main storyline, Yamazaki's espionage proves pivotal—such as infiltrating the Ikedaya Inn disguised as a traveler to confirm enemy presence before the raid. He also manages communication and medical logistics, entrusting Chizuru with critical medical records. His first-season arc concludes when he sacrifices himself by intercepting Hijikata’s sword during a confrontation with Kazama, succumbing to his injuries during a sea voyage and receiving a burial at sea. This death is altered in the film *Wild Dance of Kyoto*, where he survives the encounter.
In *Reimeiroku* (third season), Yamazaki joins the Rōshigumi and is appointed as an Inspector alongside Shimada. He confronts Ryuunosuke about his ambiguous status, revealing his own past as the son of an acupuncturist who joined to fulfill his dream of becoming a recognized warrior, inspired by Hijikata’s egalitarian ideals.
The visual novels *Kyoto Winds* and *Edo Blossoms* expand his role as a romance option for Chizuru. His route depicts gentleness beneath his stern demeanor, with his priorities shifting from samurai ideals to protecting Chizuru. Post-war, they establish the Yukimura Clinic in Edo, studying Western medicine and languages. Now using the surname Yamazaki as a married couple, they learn of the Shinsengumi’s pardon, and Chizuru proposes renaming the clinic in his honor. His character softens significantly, practicing smiling in mirrors and expressing contentment despite concerns about his lifespan as a Rasetsu.
In the *Sweet School Life* OVA, he appears as a Health Committee member under Sannan at Hakuou Academy, briefly attempting to dissuade Shinpachi from consuming an experimental serum.
Trivia notes include his lack of a wakizashi sword, his status as the only core Shinsengumi member never depicted wearing the group’s signature haori coat (except in one *Edo Blossoms* CG), and his avoidance of Western clothing. While historically older than Hijikata, his fictional portrayal suggests a younger age closer to Chizuru’s.
Physically, he stands at 5'5" with distinctive hair—mostly cut extremely short except for a long ponytail. His typical attire is a light-green kimono featuring dark green trim and uniquely cord-sewn sleeves, paired with simple black pants. For espionage, he dons a full ninja ensemble including a mask, headband, and scarf.
Personality-wise, Yamazaki presents as reserved, stern, and emotionally detached, prioritizing duty above all else. He follows orders without question and frequently intervenes to guide or protect Chizuru Yukimura from reckless actions. Beneath this exterior, he demonstrates deep loyalty to Hijikata and forms close bonds with fellow captains. His combat abilities remain ambiguous, though he is never depicted losing a battle even when outnumbered.
In the main storyline, Yamazaki's espionage proves pivotal—such as infiltrating the Ikedaya Inn disguised as a traveler to confirm enemy presence before the raid. He also manages communication and medical logistics, entrusting Chizuru with critical medical records. His first-season arc concludes when he sacrifices himself by intercepting Hijikata’s sword during a confrontation with Kazama, succumbing to his injuries during a sea voyage and receiving a burial at sea. This death is altered in the film *Wild Dance of Kyoto*, where he survives the encounter.
In *Reimeiroku* (third season), Yamazaki joins the Rōshigumi and is appointed as an Inspector alongside Shimada. He confronts Ryuunosuke about his ambiguous status, revealing his own past as the son of an acupuncturist who joined to fulfill his dream of becoming a recognized warrior, inspired by Hijikata’s egalitarian ideals.
The visual novels *Kyoto Winds* and *Edo Blossoms* expand his role as a romance option for Chizuru. His route depicts gentleness beneath his stern demeanor, with his priorities shifting from samurai ideals to protecting Chizuru. Post-war, they establish the Yukimura Clinic in Edo, studying Western medicine and languages. Now using the surname Yamazaki as a married couple, they learn of the Shinsengumi’s pardon, and Chizuru proposes renaming the clinic in his honor. His character softens significantly, practicing smiling in mirrors and expressing contentment despite concerns about his lifespan as a Rasetsu.
In the *Sweet School Life* OVA, he appears as a Health Committee member under Sannan at Hakuou Academy, briefly attempting to dissuade Shinpachi from consuming an experimental serum.
Trivia notes include his lack of a wakizashi sword, his status as the only core Shinsengumi member never depicted wearing the group’s signature haori coat (except in one *Edo Blossoms* CG), and his avoidance of Western clothing. While historically older than Hijikata, his fictional portrayal suggests a younger age closer to Chizuru’s.