The appeal and reviews of "Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku": A must-see anime for history fans

"Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku": A moving story depicting the soul and destiny of the Shinsengumi

"Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" is a TV anime series that aired in 2010, and is based on the female-oriented romance game "Hakuoki: Shinsengumi Kitan" by Otomate. This work depicts an epic story of the Shinsengumi soldiers and one girl, set against the backdrop of the turbulent times that transitioned from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period. Below, we will introduce the appeal and highlights of "Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku", as well as its background and related information in detail.

■Overview of the work

Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku aired a total of 11 episodes from October 2nd to December 11th, 2010. It was broadcast on a wide variety of networks, including AT-X, tvk, Chiba TV, Teletama, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, TOKYO MX, TV Aichi, and Niconico Channel, and was widely distributed to a wide audience. Each episode was 30 minutes long, and included a compilation episode.

The animation was produced by Studio Deen and directed by Osamu Yamasaki. The production committee includes Geneon Universal Entertainment, Frontier Works, and ATX, and the high-caliber staff is responsible for the quality of the work.

■ Story

The setting of "Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" is the end of the Edo period and the beginning of a new era called Meiji at the end of the Edo period. In this era, there were men who risked their lives to fight for the code of honor. The members of the Shinsengumi throw themselves into the Boshin War, which is being fought between the new government forces and the old Shogunate forces. As if drawn towards their own destiny, they continue to walk a harsh path.

The story centers around a young girl, Yukimura Chizuru, who discovers the secrets of the Shinsengumi. She meets the members of the Shinsengumi and chooses to live together with them. With the feelings entrusted to her by Inoue and Yamazaki in her heart, Chizuru comes to terms with her own destiny and makes up her mind to fight alongside the Shinsengumi.

■ Characters

There are many unique characters in "Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku." Below are the main characters.

• Yukimura Chizuru (voiced by Kuwashima Houko)
  A girl who was placed under house arrest after discovering the secrets of the Shinsengumi. Four years have passed since her first encounter, and Chizuru's relationship with the members of the group has grown stronger. She is determined to confront her own destiny.
• Toshizo Hijikata (voiced by Shinichiro Miki)
  He joined the Roshigumi along with Kondo and others, dreaming of becoming a samurai. When retreating from Kyoto, he fought the demon Kazama and drank the water of youth, becoming a Rakshasa. He was a courageous man who put the future of the Shinsengumi first, and became the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, skilled in strategy.
• Okita Souji (voiced by Morikubo Shoutarou)
  From an early age, he learned swordsmanship from Kondo and others at the Tennenrishin-ryu dojo. He was absent from the front lines due to tuberculosis, but after Kondo was shot, he became a Rakshasa and once again took up the sword. He is active as the leader of the First Division, but he often makes statements that are unclear whether they are serious or a joke.
• Saito Hajime (voiced by Toriumi Kosuke)
  He is a left-handed master of Iaido, a rarity in the age of samurai. He is saddened to learn that the "age of the sword has come to an end" in the face of the military might of the new government army. He is a boss of the Third Unit who has keen observational skills and is thoughtful, but he doesn't say much, so it is difficult to convey his true intentions.
• Heisuke Toudou (voiced by Hiroyuki Yoshino)
  The youngest Shinsengumi executive. He once left the group with the aspirations of loyalty to the emperor, but was seriously injured in the Aburanokoji Incident and became a Rakshasa. After returning, he joined the Rakshasa Corps led by Sannan. He is a former leader of the 8th squad with a bright personality who can quickly get along with anyone.
• Sanosuke Harada (voiced by Koji Yusa)
  He served as the rear guard of the Shinsengumi, and was more skilled in spear fighting than swordsmanship. Although he fought with his favorite spear at the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, he was troubled by the long-range guns used by the soldiers of the new government army. He is a straightforward and loyal leader of the 10th squad.
• Isamu Kondo (voice: Tooru Okawa)
  He was the head of a dojo, but dreamed of becoming a samurai and joined the Roshigumi. After the Aburanokoji Incident, he was shot and seriously injured by a remnant of the Goryoeji. He has a calm appearance and a fragile heart, but he is the head of the Shinsengumi who makes ruthless decisions for the sake of the shogunate and the Shinsengumi.
• Keisuke Yamanami (voiced by Nobuo Tobita)
  He was the head of the bureau, second only to Kondo, but after he injured his left arm, he took the water of youth that he had improved himself. After he became a Rakshasa, he came to lead the "Rakshas Corps," which is made up of other Rakshas.
• Shinpachi Nagakura (voiced by Tomohiro Tsuboi)
  He is a big fan of swordsmanship, and his skills are said to be on par with Okita, who was known as the "best swordsman in the Shinsengumi." During the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, he led a suicide squad into the enemy camp, but lost many of his comrades. He is the head of the second squad, and has a typical Edokko spirit.
• Kai Shimada (voiced by Takeshi Ooba)
  He was the largest man in the Shinsengumi and a man of simple, strong character. He served as a corporal in the second squad led by Nagakura, and fought bravely as part of a suicide squad in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi. After joining the former Shogunate army with Hijikata, whom he deeply respected, he became a military inspector.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku." Below, we introduce the main staff members.

• Original work : Otomate (Idea Factory/Design Factory)
• Director : Osamu Yamasaki
• Planning : Akihiro Kawamura, Takeshi Oikawa, Yasuhiro Mikami
• Executive Producer : Hiroyuki Omori
• Original concept and composition supervision : Tsunekiyo Fujisawa
• Character design : Kazuki Yone
• Character design : Atsuko Nakajima
• Art director : Satoru Hirayanagi
• Color design : Shinji Matsumoto
• Director of photography : Akira Shimozaki
• Edited by : Masahiro Matsumura
• Sound Director : Miwa Iwanami
• Music : Sachi Otani
• Music producer : Taku Kitahara
• Music Production : Team Entertainment, Cross Future Label

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs of "Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" are an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. Below we will introduce the theme songs and their details.

• Opening theme "Maikaze"
  Sung by: Aika Yoshioka Lyrics by: Yuriko Mori Music by: Yoshio Ueno Arrangement by: Michihiko Ota
• Ending theme "Praying to the Scarlet Sky"
  Sung by: mao
  Lyrics: Yuriko Mori Composition and Arrangement: Hijiri Yasuse

■ Episode

"Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" is made up of 11 episodes, each of which depicts the drama of the Shinsengumi soldiers. Below are the subtitles of each episode.

• Collection (1) / Kyoto Memoirs (2010/10/02)
• Episode 13 (2) / Like a Flame (2010/10/09)
• Episode 14 (3) / The Corridor of Failure (2010/10/16)
• Episode 15 (4) / Distant Image (2010/10/23)
• Episode 16 (5) / Sincerity is eternal (2010/10/30)
• Episode 17 (6) / Tamayura's Dream (2010/11/06)
• Episode 18 (7) / Shining Dawn (2010/11/13)
• Episode 19 (8) / Tendou no Yaiba (2010/11/20)
• Episode 20 (9) / Falling cherry blossoms (2010/11/27)
• Episode 21 (10) / Snowdrops Bloom (2010/12/04)
• Episode 22 (11) / Dreamlike Light Cherry Blossoms (2010/12/11)

■ Related works

"Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" is one of the "Hakuoki" series, and there are many other related works. Below we will introduce the related works.

• Hakuouki
• Hakuouki Kyoto Memoirs
• Hakuouki: Snow Flower Chronicles
• Hakuouki: Dawn Chronicle
• Hakuoki Reimeiroku Broadcast Pre-show Hakuoki Sakuragaoka Tsuisou
• Hakuouki Reimeiroku Broadcast Special
• Hakuouki the Movie: Chapter 1: Kyoto Ranbu
• Hakuouki the Movie: Chapter 2 - Warrior Spirit of the Blue Sky
• Hakuouki Otogi Zoushi

■The appeal and highlights of the work

The biggest appeal of "Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" is the story's blend of historical background and fantasy elements. Set in the turbulent era of the end of the Edo period, the Shinsengumi soldiers sticking to their beliefs deeply moves viewers. In addition, the appearance of dark characters such as demons and rakshasas adds tension and mystery to the story.

The portrayal of the characters is also one of the highlights. Each Shinsengumi member is unique, and the human drama is depicted realistically. In particular, the growth of Yukimura Chizuru and her relationship with the other members of the group have the power to draw viewers in. It is also interesting to note that historical figures such as Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Souji are portrayed with elements of fiction.

Visually, Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku has also been highly praised. The character designs and background art are beautiful, faithfully recreating the atmosphere of a period drama. The powerful battle scenes and the portrayal of emotional scenes are also superb, making the entire work visually appealing.

■ Evaluation and acceptance

"Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" has been highly praised not only by fans of the original game, but also by anime fans. It has been especially praised for its story development based on a historical background and the deep human drama of the characters. In addition, although it is based on a romance game for women, it has a wide appeal that can be accepted by male viewers as well.

The themes of the work, "destiny" and "belief," resonated with many viewers. The way the Shinsengumi soldiers stuck to their beliefs conveyed a universal message that is still relevant in modern society. Furthermore, the story of Yukimura Chizuru's growth gave viewers courage and hope, and resonated with the hearts of many people.

■ Recommendations and how to watch

"Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" is recommended for history buffs, fantasy buffs, and people who want to enjoy human drama. In particular, people who have played the original game will enjoy the new interpretation and development of the anime version. Also, even those who are experiencing the "Hakuoki" series for the first time will be able to fully understand the depth of the story and the charm of the characters.

You can watch it by purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray, or by using various video streaming services. In particular, it is available online on the Niconico Channel, making it easy to watch. You can also enjoy the world of the Hakuouki series more deeply by watching related works.

Conclusion

"Hakuoki: Hekketsuroku" is a moving story set in the Shinsengumi during the late Edo period. It is full of many charms, including a story that combines historical background with fantasy elements, unique characters, and beautiful visuals. This work will deeply move and sympathize with viewers, so it is definitely worth watching at least once. Experience the spirit and destiny of the Shinsengumi soldiers as they survive a turbulent era.