(Voice actor) Mr.David Radtke

Shinsengumi, a group which was active during the last days of the Tokugawa regime, was organized to maintain public order in Kyoto where terrorism by the anti-Tokugawa forces were rampant. It was originally formed by the ronin (samurais without a master to serve) of Edo. It was a dangerous duty, but Shinsengumi fought with the anti-Tokugawa forces with their lives and kept Kyoto safe. However, even as the times changed and the Tokugawa regime was toppled, the members of the Shinsengumi kept fighting with the anti-Tokugawa forces out of their loyalty to the Tokugawa clan, and many died in battle. Shinsengumi has a unique presence in Japanese history as the true “last samurai.” The members of Shinsengumi remain popular to this day. A Shinsengumi member popular among women is a man named Soji Okita. Soji was one of the younger members of the group. But he is said have been the best swordsman even among the great swordsmen of Shinsengumi. Shinsengumi was led by Isami Kondo as the chief. Soji learned the sword at Isami’s dojo, but many people say that he was better at swords than his master, Isami. On top of that, he was a fair-skinned and handsome man (opinions are divided). He had the reputation among Shinsengumi of being the fiercest during sword training. But he could be seen playing with the kids of Kyoto in his downtime. The fiercest swordsman of Shinsengumi and yet, he was good with kids, and also handsome. No wonder he is popular among women. Another factor contributing to his popularity is the tragedy surrounding him. It is said that Soji was suffering from lung tuberculosis. The Ikedaya incident is especially depicted in an impressive way. Shinsengumi discovered that the anti-Tokugawa regime samurais were plotting a terrorist attack at a hotel in Kyoto, either Ikedaya or Shikokuya. They didn’t know which it was, and thinking that Shikokuya was likely, they sent many members to Shikokuya. Soji went to check out Ikedaya with 4 others including the leader of Shinsengumi, Isami Kondo. But they predicted wrong and the meeting was held in Ikedaya. They were disadvantageous in numbers, but the fight against the anti-Tokugawa samurais started. Soji killed many enemies with his sword skills, but he spit out blood during combat and became unable to fight. After this, Soji could no longer participate in battles. But the times changed and the anti-Tokugawa samurais got stronger. Shinsengumi members were the enemies in the eyes of those samurais. Their lives were targeted. How did Soji Okita live his life after the changing times?