Hair color: Black
Eye color: Dark Brown
Position: Second-in-command
Nicknames: Oni no Fukuchou (Demon-like Fukuchou)
Fighting style: Tennen Risshin Style
Hijikata Toshizo is the Shinsengumi's iron fist—the guy who keeps everything running. Sure, he comes across as cold, stern, and unforgiving, but there's a lot more going on beneath that intimidating exterior.
He's one of the founding members and basically shaped the organization as we know it. He wrote the Internal Regulations that keep the Shinsengumi in line and created the Tennen-Rishin fighting style that became their signature. While Kondou gets the spotlight as the leader, Hijikata's really the one steering the ship—though major decisions come from a council of three: Kondou, Hijikata, and Yamanami.
He trained Okita Souji, the prodigy swordsman, and was himself no slouch with a blade. You see exactly how skilled he is right in the first episode. Later on, you catch glimpses of his actual personality: he worries about Okita's health and takes a protective interest in Tetsunosuke, point-blank refusing to let the kid touch a sword because he doesn't want Tetsu following the same brutal path.
His iron discipline isn't just about being harsh for its own sake. He's genuinely committed to the Shinsengumi's survival and strength, which is why he keeps everyone accountable. In one memorable moment, he calls out Kondou for letting the group get soft and comfortable, reminding him that they can't afford to slack. He demands perfection but stops short of being unfair about it. That's why all 40 members respect him, even if they're a little scared.
Content compiled by AnimeList.moe from publicly available sources.
