Hijikata Toshizō
Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi who fought to the end.
Hijikata Toshizō was a Japanese swordsman of the Bakumatsu period and Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi, a special police force that served the Tokugawa Shogunate. He co-led the Shinsengumi in its resistance against the imperial rule brought about by the Meiji Restoration and fought in the Boshin War until his death at the Battle of Hakodate.
- born
- May 31, 1835
- died
- June 20, 1869
- field
- Swordsman, military commander
- nationality
- Japanese
- known_for
- Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi; enforcing strict regulations; developing the 'Shinsengumi-Kenjutsu' fighting style
Lore & Background
Hijikata Toshizō was born on May 31, 1835, in Ishida village, Musashi Province, the youngest of ten children. His father died before his birth, and his mother died when he was six; he was raised by his second older brother and sister-in-law. He spent his youth selling his family's medicine and practicing self-taught kenjutsu. Through his brother-in-law, he met Kondō Isami and enrolled at the Tennen Rishin-ryū's Shieikan in 1859, later developing the 'Shinsengumi-Kenjutsu' style.
In 1863, Hijikata and Kondō joined the Rōshigumi in Kyoto, which became the Shinsengumi. After the group's reputation was tarnished by the behavior of co-leaders Serizawa Kamo and Niimi Nishiki, Hijikata ordered Niimi to commit seppuku and later led the assassination of Serizawa. Kondō then became sole leader, and Hijikata eventually became Vice-Commander. He enforced strict regulations, earning the nickname 'Demon Vice-Commander,' and canceled his marriage engagement due to the dangers of his position.
Reader's Guide
Hijikata Toshizō is significant as the Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi, a force that upheld Tokugawa authority during the turbulent Bakumatsu period. His strict enforcement of regulations and role in eliminating internal corruption helped shape the Shinsengumi into a disciplined unit. During the Boshin War, he fought in key battles including Toba–Fushimi and Kōshū-Katsunuma, and after Kondō's execution, he continued resistance in the north. His leadership of a doomed raid to steal an imperial warship at Miyako Bay and his final stand at Hakodate exemplify his commitment to the collapsing shogunate. His legacy is that of a loyal and uncompromising figure who chose to die rather than see the Tokugawa government fall without a fight.
Did You Know?
- Hijikata was known as the 'Demon Vice-Commander' for his harsh enforcement of Shinsengumi regulations.
- He developed the 'Shinsengumi-Kenjutsu' fighting style from the Tennen Rishin-ryū.
- He canceled his marriage engagement because his position in the Shinsengumi made it dangerous for anyone close to him.
- He led a raid to steal the imperial warship Kōtetsu, which was repelled by a Gatling gun.
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