TV-Series
Description
Isami Kondou serves as the commander of the Shinsengumi, a position that defines his central role in the story. His background includes raising Okita Souji from the age of nine, acting as a father figure to him. Kondou is also depicted as being extremely close friends with Toshizo Hijikata, frequently seeking his opinion on important matters. His character draws heavily from the historical figure of the same name.
Kondou possesses a passionate, hard-working, and notably kind personality. He is extremely trusting of others, always giving them the benefit of the doubt and believing that there is good in everyone. While Hijikata has warned him that this attitude can be naive at times, Kondou is simultaneously described as being incredibly strong, both mentally and physically. His motivations are heavily inspired by his favorite book, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which he has read so many times that he can almost remember it perfectly. His love for the book stems from his childhood memories of his father referencing its stories. Kondou's role model is a character within this epic, and he strives to live out the dream of becoming a samurai who fights for truth and protects the weak.
In the first season, Kondou is present during the questioning of Chizuru, where he uncharacteristically begins introducing everyone to her. During the Ikedaya Incident, he leads a group of ten men, including Souji, to the Ikedaya Inn while Hijikata leads a separate group. Later, after the assassination of Itou, Kondou is mortally wounded in a revenge attack while returning from a meeting with the Shogun. This injury has a profound impact on the other characters, particularly Souji, who blames himself and drinks Ochimizu to seek revenge.
Kondou's development takes a notable turn in the second season. Through lies and promises from the Shogun, he develops a desire to become a daimyo. This hunger for social status causes him to lose sight of his original goals for the Shinsengumi, leading to mass bloodshed and disturbing members like Shinpachi, who leaves the group as a result. Eventually, Kondou realizes his mistakes and is consumed by guilt. He ultimately sacrifices himself to the enemy so that Hijikata and Chizuru can escape, an act that leaves Hijikata filled with anger and sadness. It is implied that Kondou was executed by beheading. A key relationship shown is his bond with Hijikata, whose anger after Kondou's sacrifice is so great that he single-handedly destroys an entire troop of enemy soldiers.
Regarding notable abilities, Kondou is described as being incredibly strong physically. In the comedic alternate universe spin-off Hakuouki SSL, where he is the principal of an academy and kendo club coach, he is shown to take his kendo training very seriously, sometimes practicing in the school halls to the disapproval of Vice-principal Hijikata. A trivial but unique personal claim Kondou makes is that he can fit his entire fist in his mouth.
Kondou possesses a passionate, hard-working, and notably kind personality. He is extremely trusting of others, always giving them the benefit of the doubt and believing that there is good in everyone. While Hijikata has warned him that this attitude can be naive at times, Kondou is simultaneously described as being incredibly strong, both mentally and physically. His motivations are heavily inspired by his favorite book, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which he has read so many times that he can almost remember it perfectly. His love for the book stems from his childhood memories of his father referencing its stories. Kondou's role model is a character within this epic, and he strives to live out the dream of becoming a samurai who fights for truth and protects the weak.
In the first season, Kondou is present during the questioning of Chizuru, where he uncharacteristically begins introducing everyone to her. During the Ikedaya Incident, he leads a group of ten men, including Souji, to the Ikedaya Inn while Hijikata leads a separate group. Later, after the assassination of Itou, Kondou is mortally wounded in a revenge attack while returning from a meeting with the Shogun. This injury has a profound impact on the other characters, particularly Souji, who blames himself and drinks Ochimizu to seek revenge.
Kondou's development takes a notable turn in the second season. Through lies and promises from the Shogun, he develops a desire to become a daimyo. This hunger for social status causes him to lose sight of his original goals for the Shinsengumi, leading to mass bloodshed and disturbing members like Shinpachi, who leaves the group as a result. Eventually, Kondou realizes his mistakes and is consumed by guilt. He ultimately sacrifices himself to the enemy so that Hijikata and Chizuru can escape, an act that leaves Hijikata filled with anger and sadness. It is implied that Kondou was executed by beheading. A key relationship shown is his bond with Hijikata, whose anger after Kondou's sacrifice is so great that he single-handedly destroys an entire troop of enemy soldiers.
Regarding notable abilities, Kondou is described as being incredibly strong physically. In the comedic alternate universe spin-off Hakuouki SSL, where he is the principal of an academy and kendo club coach, he is shown to take his kendo training very seriously, sometimes practicing in the school halls to the disapproval of Vice-principal Hijikata. A trivial but unique personal claim Kondou makes is that he can fit his entire fist in his mouth.