Movie
Description
Isami Kondo commands the Shinsengumi, formed to protect Kyoto during the Bakumatsu. An Edo native, he co-founded the group with close companions like Toshizo Hijikata, sharing a lifelong bond forged in their youth through aspirations to become warriors despite non-samurai origins. He maintains a deeply paternal connection to Souji Okita, whom he raised from abandonment into a formidable fighter.
As commander, Kondo projects warmth and approachability, treating subordinates with kindness and laughter. His trusting nature leads him to readily believe in others' inherent goodness, a trait Hijikata sometimes considers naive. Despite this perceived softness, Kondo possesses significant mental and physical fortitude, accepting full responsibility for his own actions and those of his men. His reciprocal respect for the Shinsengumi captains inspires their fierce loyalty. He typically relies on Hijikata for strategic decisions, serving as the organization's primary representative and final authority.
Kondo demonstrates compassion early on by permitting Chizuru Yukimura to stay with the Shinsengumi during her search for her missing father, overriding concerns about sensitive information. He leads critical operations personally, including confronting Choshu rebels at the Ikedaya Inn. His trust extends to inviting ideological opponent Kashitarou Itou into the ranks, a decision that later necessitates Kondo personally distracting Itou during his assassination.
Following Itou's death, Kondo suffers a near-fatal gunshot wound during a retaliatory attack while returning from a shogunate meeting; his insistence on a minimal escort contributed to his vulnerability. Recovering alongside Okita in Osaka, he later informs the Shinsengumi of the shogun's departure to Edo.
Kondo later receives a prestigious hatamoto title and land grant contingent on the Shinsengumi securing Kofu Castle. This recognition fuels a desire for social validation, causing him to prioritize victory at excessive cost. During the battle, he initially dismisses casualty concerns, insisting they must "fight as a man" and challenging those avoiding uncertain combat. Witnessing a subordinate die in an explosion shifts his perspective, revealing the futility of further bloodshed. He orders a retreat and attempts sacrificial atonement, only stopping when Chizuru intervenes, urging him to honor the sacrifices made for him.
Facing overwhelming enemy forces surrounding Shinsengumi headquarters, Kondo insists on acting as a decoy to enable others' escape. He plans to exploit his hatamoto status by presenting his unit as samurai protecting a high-ranking official, believing this will delay execution. He overrides Hijikata's vehement objections by invoking his command authority and issuing a direct order—a departure from their usual collaboration. His final words to Hijikata express regret for pushing him to become a Rasetsu and acknowledge Hijikata's efforts to build his renown. After ensuring Chizuru and others fled, he surrenders. Subsequent rescue attempts fail, resulting in Kondo's execution by beheading.
Flashbacks depict Kondo forming the Rōshigumi (the Shinsengumi precursor) with Hijikata and Keisuke Sannan. He negotiates an alliance with the volatile Kamo Serizawa, leveraging Serizawa's political connections despite comrades' reservations. Kondo initially defers to Serizawa, even apologizing profusely after a booking error at the Honjou Inn leads Serizawa to set a building ablaze. Hijikata later admonishes Kondo for this subservience, reminding him of their equal status within the group.
As commander, Kondo projects warmth and approachability, treating subordinates with kindness and laughter. His trusting nature leads him to readily believe in others' inherent goodness, a trait Hijikata sometimes considers naive. Despite this perceived softness, Kondo possesses significant mental and physical fortitude, accepting full responsibility for his own actions and those of his men. His reciprocal respect for the Shinsengumi captains inspires their fierce loyalty. He typically relies on Hijikata for strategic decisions, serving as the organization's primary representative and final authority.
Kondo demonstrates compassion early on by permitting Chizuru Yukimura to stay with the Shinsengumi during her search for her missing father, overriding concerns about sensitive information. He leads critical operations personally, including confronting Choshu rebels at the Ikedaya Inn. His trust extends to inviting ideological opponent Kashitarou Itou into the ranks, a decision that later necessitates Kondo personally distracting Itou during his assassination.
Following Itou's death, Kondo suffers a near-fatal gunshot wound during a retaliatory attack while returning from a shogunate meeting; his insistence on a minimal escort contributed to his vulnerability. Recovering alongside Okita in Osaka, he later informs the Shinsengumi of the shogun's departure to Edo.
Kondo later receives a prestigious hatamoto title and land grant contingent on the Shinsengumi securing Kofu Castle. This recognition fuels a desire for social validation, causing him to prioritize victory at excessive cost. During the battle, he initially dismisses casualty concerns, insisting they must "fight as a man" and challenging those avoiding uncertain combat. Witnessing a subordinate die in an explosion shifts his perspective, revealing the futility of further bloodshed. He orders a retreat and attempts sacrificial atonement, only stopping when Chizuru intervenes, urging him to honor the sacrifices made for him.
Facing overwhelming enemy forces surrounding Shinsengumi headquarters, Kondo insists on acting as a decoy to enable others' escape. He plans to exploit his hatamoto status by presenting his unit as samurai protecting a high-ranking official, believing this will delay execution. He overrides Hijikata's vehement objections by invoking his command authority and issuing a direct order—a departure from their usual collaboration. His final words to Hijikata express regret for pushing him to become a Rasetsu and acknowledge Hijikata's efforts to build his renown. After ensuring Chizuru and others fled, he surrenders. Subsequent rescue attempts fail, resulting in Kondo's execution by beheading.
Flashbacks depict Kondo forming the Rōshigumi (the Shinsengumi precursor) with Hijikata and Keisuke Sannan. He negotiates an alliance with the volatile Kamo Serizawa, leveraging Serizawa's political connections despite comrades' reservations. Kondo initially defers to Serizawa, even apologizing profusely after a booking error at the Honjou Inn leads Serizawa to set a building ablaze. Hijikata later admonishes Kondo for this subservience, reminding him of their equal status within the group.