Episodes: 1 OVA (33 minutes)

Year: 2006

Alternative title: Hijikata Toshizo: The While Trail

Rating: Alright

Review: As the title suggests, this piece is centered around the legendary Shinsengumi deputy leader Hijikata Toshizo. Although this is a biographical sketch of Hijikata-san, it also throws light on the events surrounding the formation and ultimate break-up of the Shinsengumi during the revolution before the Meiji Restoration.

Truth be told, I was a tad bit disappointed in the style of animation employed in this anime. It lacked the romanticism and accentuated features of characters in Kenshin and Peacemaker Kurogane. However, looking back, this piece is primarily historical in nature and puts the events straight - unlike the aforementioned Meiji era animes. I personally found the anime very interesting and was glued for every one of those 33 minutes. Anyone who is a history buff (as I am) must watch this. But its also a good watch for anyone just plain interesting in knowing more about the Shinsengumi and their role in the revolution. Be ready to encounter already familiar characters such as Kondou Isami, Okita Souji, Yamanami Keisuke and even Ichimura Tetsunosuke (for those of you who’ve already watched Peacemaker Kurogane).

More anime of this era:

Rurouni Kenshin Prequel: A historical yet fictional tale of the legendary assassin in the shadows of the Meiji Revolution.

Peacemaker Kurogane: A depiction of life in the Shinsengumi during the tempestuous times of the Meiji Revolution.