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Hijikata Toshizou

Quick Overview

Hijikata Toshizou is the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi. Although he reports to Kondou Isami, it seems as though he is tasked with making big decisions and keeping the group running smoothly. He is a bit rough around the edges, incapable of saying anything nice, and tends to throw out insults, swears, and reprimands at every opening of his mouth. He is confident and proud of what he is doing and refuses to take anything from anyone. His word is absolute as far as the Shinsengumi goes.

When he meets Yukimura Chizuru for the first time, he holds her at sword point. His face stern and his words harsh. He later battles with the idea of killing her and seems to notice that she is a woman. He suggest making her a page once it is decided that she can stay at the Shinsengumi headquarters, but is annoyed by the idea that she must be his page (Okita suggests that because it is Hijikata's idea, Yukimura should be his page). Hijikata tries desperately to make her Sanaan or Kondou's page but gets stuck with her anyways.

Hijikata Toshizou

In Comparison

Hijikata Toshizou is based off of a real person of the same name. Although they share many traits, the Hakuoki Hijikata tends to be more temperamental and strict. This does not take from the value of the vice commander. His men still love and respect him. Hijikata still gives his very being to the upkeep and order of the Shinsengumi. Hijikata's temper does not take from his skill as a swordsman either. One thing that might make him seem unapproachable was the fact that he did not waste words ("Shinsengumi no makoto"). Despite being well liked by his men and even though of as agreeable, if he is to the point and short with his words, I can see how he might be thought of sharp or mean. His strictness and no-nonsense attitude is most likely the cause of his nickname the "Demon Vice Commander". This strictness is actually what led his men to adore him and work harder ("Shinsengumi no makoto"). in terms of Hakuoki, Hijikata is a realist and a planner. He details plans for everything that might reasonably come up. I feel like this is another reason he becomes strict and unapproachable. I believe this also gives him a prowess on the battlefield that makes him extremely dangerous and capable of handling anything.

Hard to anger, it was believed he was even tougher to control than Kondo, the actual commander of the Shinsengumi, and that his temper outmached his in every way ("Shinsengumi no makoto"). As a strategist he was quick to add things to their regimen if they were "practical" ("Shinsengumi no makoto"). He looked after his men. His genuine care and respect for his men is what inspired them! I feel he did certainly respect them because he believed in pushing them to greatness and believed that they were capable enough to do what he asked of them. This is a trait shared in Hakuoki in which his softness is not always seen, but he does care for his men. He sends Harada and Nagakura to talk some sense into Toudou after he's given the order to kill anyone who opposes them. In Harada's ending, Hijikata gives him a way to get Yukimura out of the Shinsengumi to protect her without causing too much trouble and without demoralizing the troop. In Toudou's ending he sends Yukimura to look after Toudou because he no longer can. Despite his roughness, he believes that if one believes in what they are doing, they must be in the right. So, although he speaks harshly he cares very deeply. Toudou and Okita make specific points in which Hijikata worries "like a mother hen" or that he is a "hardass" but they say it with an odd sort of affection, as they know he makes sure everything works out in the end. They know that at the end of the day, Hijikata will solve everything.

The real Hijikata-san inspired his men and his death came quite painfully to them ("Shinsengumi no makoto"). Although he seemed to be strict and always enforce the ways of their ideals, he was not without affection or admiration from the Shinsengumi. He inspired them. And many believed that if not for him, the Shinsengumi would have fallen apart much sooner ("Shinsengumi no makoto"). These traits are kept within Hakuoki too. Unable to beat Kazama and avenge Inoue on his own strength he drinks the water of life and becomes a fury. In this battle we see that his men love him, as is apparent when Yamazaki protects him. Yamazaki scolds him telling him that he can use his arms and limbs (the Shinsengumi) but if the head (Hijikata) were lost it would be irreperable.

Everything he does is for the Shinsengumi, working late hours or staying up during the day (when it makes him weaker and ill as a fury). He puts forth his very being into making everything work. He's stubborn and proud. This stubborn pride is what makes him lovable to those around him. They know that whatever cause Hijikata supports, he supports with his entire being.