Movie
Description
Tōshirō Hijikata, Vice-Commander of the Edo special police force the Shinsengumi, enforces rules with ruthless efficiency, earning the moniker "Demonic Vice-Commander." He authored the Shinsengumi's strict 45 Regulations, demanding seppuku for violations. A stern exterior conceals profound loyalty to Commander Kondō Isao and the organization, though subordinates' antics or threats to Shinsengumi honor ignite his fierce temper.
His traumatic past began as an illegitimate son, rejected by his family save his older brother Tamegoro. Tamegoro shielded him during a village fire, an act that cost Tamegoro his sight. Consumed by rage, Hijikata brutally retaliated against the attackers, gaining the name "Thorny Toshi" before fleeing. He wandered as a ronin until Kondō recruited him after a dojo battle. During this time, he met Okita Sougo and his sister Mitsuba; Mitsuba later confessed her love, but Hijikata rejected her to follow Kondō to Edo, a decision that haunted him and prevented future romantic attachments.
Hijikata's personality blends stoicism with hidden vulnerability, manifesting in chain-smoking and an obsessive consumption of mayonnaise, which he drowns nearly all food—including desserts and coffee—in excessive amounts. These habits reflect compulsive tendencies; he once traveled to space to circumvent a smoking ban and struggled to quit post-Silver Soul Arc. He harbors fears of ghosts and dentists, traits shared with his rival Sakata Gintoki. Despite frequent clashes, Hijikata acknowledges their similarities as former killers seeking redemption, and they synchronize effectively in combat. He often masks compassion with exaggerated irritation, acting as a tsundere.
A pivotal development occurred during the Shinsengumi Crisis Arc when he acquired the cursed sword Muramasha. This weapon awakened "Tosshi," a timid otaku alter ego representing Hijikata's suppressed self. Tosshi wears ragged clothing, obsesses over anime figurines, and avoids conflict. Hijikata initially suppressed this persona but later accepted it as part of his identity. Tosshi sacrificed himself during a boxing match against Shinpachi in the Terakado Tsuu Fan Club Arc, fulfilling his wish to "conquer something."
As a fighter, Hijikata wields a sword with exceptional skill, ranking second only to Okita within the Shinsengumi. He demonstrates formidable strength—single-handedly defeating enemy forces in the Mitsuba Arc—and precise reflexes, such as slicing bullets mid-flight. His leadership during body-swapping incidents like the Soul Switch Arc proved unexpectedly adept at organizational management.
His relationships define core motivations: fierce devotion to Kondō drives him to rescue the commander during mutinies and avenge Shinsengumi honor. His dynamic with Okita mixes mutual antagonism and respect; Okita resents him for Mitsuba’s suffering but acknowledges his strength. Mitsuba’s death left Hijikata with lasting guilt, intensifying Okita’s vendetta.
Following the Shinsengumi Crisis, Hijikata continued evolving, facing gender-swapping curses during the Dekoboko Arc, attempting to quit smoking, and leading the Shinsengumi through conflicts like the Farewell Shinsengumi and Silver Soul arcs. His commitment to protecting Edo and his comrades remains unwavering, embodying his belief that rules exist to prevent others from repeating his past mistakes.
His traumatic past began as an illegitimate son, rejected by his family save his older brother Tamegoro. Tamegoro shielded him during a village fire, an act that cost Tamegoro his sight. Consumed by rage, Hijikata brutally retaliated against the attackers, gaining the name "Thorny Toshi" before fleeing. He wandered as a ronin until Kondō recruited him after a dojo battle. During this time, he met Okita Sougo and his sister Mitsuba; Mitsuba later confessed her love, but Hijikata rejected her to follow Kondō to Edo, a decision that haunted him and prevented future romantic attachments.
Hijikata's personality blends stoicism with hidden vulnerability, manifesting in chain-smoking and an obsessive consumption of mayonnaise, which he drowns nearly all food—including desserts and coffee—in excessive amounts. These habits reflect compulsive tendencies; he once traveled to space to circumvent a smoking ban and struggled to quit post-Silver Soul Arc. He harbors fears of ghosts and dentists, traits shared with his rival Sakata Gintoki. Despite frequent clashes, Hijikata acknowledges their similarities as former killers seeking redemption, and they synchronize effectively in combat. He often masks compassion with exaggerated irritation, acting as a tsundere.
A pivotal development occurred during the Shinsengumi Crisis Arc when he acquired the cursed sword Muramasha. This weapon awakened "Tosshi," a timid otaku alter ego representing Hijikata's suppressed self. Tosshi wears ragged clothing, obsesses over anime figurines, and avoids conflict. Hijikata initially suppressed this persona but later accepted it as part of his identity. Tosshi sacrificed himself during a boxing match against Shinpachi in the Terakado Tsuu Fan Club Arc, fulfilling his wish to "conquer something."
As a fighter, Hijikata wields a sword with exceptional skill, ranking second only to Okita within the Shinsengumi. He demonstrates formidable strength—single-handedly defeating enemy forces in the Mitsuba Arc—and precise reflexes, such as slicing bullets mid-flight. His leadership during body-swapping incidents like the Soul Switch Arc proved unexpectedly adept at organizational management.
His relationships define core motivations: fierce devotion to Kondō drives him to rescue the commander during mutinies and avenge Shinsengumi honor. His dynamic with Okita mixes mutual antagonism and respect; Okita resents him for Mitsuba’s suffering but acknowledges his strength. Mitsuba’s death left Hijikata with lasting guilt, intensifying Okita’s vendetta.
Following the Shinsengumi Crisis, Hijikata continued evolving, facing gender-swapping curses during the Dekoboko Arc, attempting to quit smoking, and leading the Shinsengumi through conflicts like the Farewell Shinsengumi and Silver Soul arcs. His commitment to protecting Edo and his comrades remains unwavering, embodying his belief that rules exist to prevent others from repeating his past mistakes.