The appeal and reviews of "Hakuoki Sekkaroku": A moving story that fans must see

"Hakuoki Sekkaroku": The appeal of this OVA series depicting the turbulent times of the Shinsengumi

"Hakuoki Sekkaroku" is an OVA released on August 5, 2011, based on the popular game series "Hakuoki" by Otomate (Idea Factory/Design Factory). Directed by Yamasaki Osamu and produced by Studio Deen, it consists of 5 episodes. This work focuses on the Kyoto period of the Shinsengumi, which was not fully depicted in the TV series, and depicts their activities around December 1866.

story

December 1866, Kyoto. Yukimura Chizuru, who works with the Shinsengumi, hears rumors of rogue samurai plotting to attack the Shinsengumi, and disguises herself as a geisha to infiltrate Shimabara. The story follows the Shinsengumi as they undergo turbulent changes over the years, and their daily activities in Kyoto. After discovering the secrets of the Shinsengumi, Chizuru is placed under house arrest, but four years have passed since they first met, and she has developed a strong relationship with the corps members. With the feelings entrusted to her by Inoue and Yamazaki in her heart, she faces her own destiny.

Commentary

"Hakuoki Sekkaroku" focuses on the Shinsengumi in Kyoto, a period that could not be fully depicted in the TV series. It depicts the period when the Shinsengumi were most active, around December 1866, and follows the protagonist's interactions with the heroine Chizuru, while featuring each character. It is made up of popular episodes from the fan disc for the original game, "Hakuoki Zuisouroku," as well as original stories, and was released as an OVA in five volumes.

cast

・Chizuru Yukimura/Houko Kuwashima/Toshizo Hijikata/Shinichiro Miki/Souji Okita/Shoutaro Morikubo/Hajime Saito/Kosuke Toriumi/Heisuke Toudou/Hiroyuki Yoshino/Sanosuke Harada/Koji Yusa

Main Staff

・Original work: Otomate (Idea Factory/Design Factory)
・Character design/Atsuko Nakajima ・Music/Sachi Otani ・Sound director/Miwa Iwanami

Main Characters

Yukimura Chizuru A girl who was put under house arrest after she discovered the secrets of the Shinsengumi. Four years have passed since she first met the group, and Chizuru's relationship with the group has deepened. With the feelings entrusted to her by Inoue and Yamazaki in her heart, she must face her own destiny.
Hijikata Toshizo is Kondo's right-hand man, and works hard to help Kondo get a proper position and for the Shinsengumi, where his comrades are gathered. He is a very intelligent person, but is troubled by the presence of Serizawa, who is spreading a bad reputation.
Okita Souji learned swordsmanship from Kondo and others at the Tennenrishin-ryu dojo from a young age. He was absent from the front lines due to tuberculosis, but after Kondo was shot, he became a Rakshasa and began swinging his sword again. He is the leader of the First Division and often makes statements that are unclear whether they are serious or a joke.
・Saito Hajime: A left-handed master of Iaido, a rarity in the age of samurai. Faced with the might of the new government army, he is saddened to learn that "the age of the sword is over." He is the head of the Third Unit, a man with keen observational skills and a thoughtful nature, but he doesn't say much, making it difficult to understand his true intentions.
・Todo Heisuke 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 Yamanami. A former leader of the 8th squad, he has a bright personality and can quickly get along with anyone.
Sanosuke Harada served as the rear guard for the Shinsengumi, and was more skilled in spear fighting than swordsmanship. He fought in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi with his spear, but was troubled by the long-range guns used by the soldiers of the new government army. He was a straightforward and loyal leader of the 10th squad.
Kondo Isami 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 is easily moved by emotions, but he is the head of the Shinsengumi who makes extraordinary decisions for the sake of the shogunate and the Shinsengumi.
Keisuke Yamanami was the second in command to Kondo, but after injuring his left arm he took the water of youth that he had improved himself. After transforming into a Rakshasa, he came to lead the Rakshasa Corps, which was made up of other Rakshasa.
He loved the swordsmanship of Shinpachi Nagakura, and his skills were said to be on par with those of Okita, who was hailed as the best 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.
・Shimada Kai The largest member of the Shinsengumi, he was a man of simple sturdiness. 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.
・Kazama Chikage The leader of the demons in the west who stand in the way of the Shinsengumi. He lends a hand to Satsuma to repay the kindness his ancestors received. He is a confident man who always looks down on others, and he holds a grudge against Hijikata, who became a rakshasa and hurt his pride as a demon.
Amagiri Kuju is a demon from the west who serves the Kazama family. He fights without weapons, using only his fists. He values ​​customs and etiquette, and is silent and thoughtful. He is on the side of Satsuma, but believes that demons should not associate with humans.
Tadashi Shiranui One of the demons from the west who cooperates with Choshu for some reason. He is belligerent and talks lightly, but he is also honest. He likes new things and uses the latest guns as weapons.
・Senhime *Shared with the first season ・Kimigiku *Shared with the first season ・Nagumo Kaoru A demon from the west who supports Tosa, and Chizuru's twin brother. He is jealous of Chizuru because he had a hard time at the Nagumo family, and he works behind the scenes to get in the way of the Shinsengumi who are protecting her.
Keisuke Otori is the infantry commissioner who leads the Shogunate Army's Denshu-tai. He is more of a scholar than a warrior, so he doesn't always get along with Hijikata, but he is impressed by his skills and recommends him to be the vanguard's staff officer.
・Enomoto Takeaki He served as vice-president of the Shogunate Navy. He had a straightforward personality, typical of an Edokko, and was well-liked. After moving to Ezo, he became the president of a country established by former Shogunate officials.

subtitle

・Chapter 1 / ~Okita Souji~
・Chapter 2 / ~Saito Hajime~
・Chapter 3/~Sanosuke Harada~
・Chapter 4 / ~Toudou Heisuke~
・Chapter 5/~Toshizo Hijikata~

The appeal and evaluation of "Hakuoki: Sekkaroku"

"Hakuoki: Sekkaroku" is a work that skillfully incorporates fantasy elements while being based on the historical background of the Shinsengumi. In particular, the structure that focuses on the individual episodes of each character provides a fresh perspective not only for fans of the original game but also for anime fans. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and evaluation of the work.

Deep dive into the characters

Each episode of Hakuoki: Sekkaroku focuses on a different character, digging deeper into their backgrounds and feelings. For example, in the first chapter, Okita Souji is shown battling his illness while still working hard for the Shinsengumi, leaving a strong impression on viewers of his humanity. In addition, in the second chapter, Saito Hajime's observational skills and thoughtfulness are emphasized, and his inner conflict is depicted. These episodes bring out the best in the characters and allow viewers to empathize with them deeply.

A fusion of historical background and fantasy elements

The story, based on the historical background of the Shinsengumi, is skillfully blended with fantasy elements. The existence of Rakshasa and the setting of Henjukusui add a touch of fantasy to historical fact, and have the appeal to draw viewers in. In particular, the scenes in which Hijikata Toshizou and Okita Souji become Rakshasa are visually very impactful, enriching the worldview of the work.

Visuals and Music

The animation by Studio Deen is characterized by beautiful visuals and detailed character designs. The scenery of Kyoto and the battle scenes of the Shinsengumi soldiers are particularly visually stunning. The music by Sachi Otani is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, particularly in the tension of the battle scenes and the emotion of the moving scenes.

Voice actor performance

The acting of the cast is also an important factor in enhancing the appeal of the work. Yukimura Chizuru, played by Kuwashima Houko, realistically portrays her growth and conflicts, eliciting deep empathy from the viewer. Additionally, the acting of Miki Shinichiro as Hijikata Toshizou and Morikubo Shoutarou as Okita Souji brings out the individuality of their characters to the fullest, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the scenes in which Okita Souji suffers from illness and the moment Hijikata Toshizou makes his decision are moments in which the acting ability of the voice actors shines.

Recommended points of "Hakuoki: Sekkaroku"

Hakuoki Sekkaroku is a work that can be recommended for the following reasons:

Recommended for history buffs

The story, based on the historical background of the Shinsengumi, is very interesting for history fans. In particular, this work, which depicts the activities of the Shinsengumi around December 1866, is based on historical facts, but also skillfully incorporates fantasy elements, making it appealing to viewers.

Recommended for those who are attracted to the charm of the characters

The structure focuses on each character's individual episodes, bringing out the best in them. In particular, episodes that delve deeply into the backgrounds and feelings of characters such as Souji Okita, Toshizo Hijikata, and Hajime Saito give viewers a deep sense of empathy. This series is especially recommended for those who enjoy following the growth and conflicts of characters.

Recommended for those who are attracted to the beauty of visuals and music.

The beautiful visuals by Studio Deen and the music by Sachi Otani are important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. In particular, the scenery of Kyoto and the battle scenes of the Shinsengumi soldiers are visually very attractive. The music also plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work and has the power to draw the viewer in. It is especially recommended for those who enjoy the beauty of visuals and music.

Recommended for those who are attracted to the voice actors' performances

The performances by the star-studded cast, including Houko Kuwashima, Shinichiro Miki, and Shotaro Morikubo, bring out the individuality of the characters to the fullest, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the scenes in which Souji Okita suffers from illness and Toshizo Hijikata's moment of decision are scenes in which the acting skills of the voice actors shine. This is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the acting of voice actors.

summary

"Hakuoki: Sekkaroku" is a work that skillfully incorporates fantasy elements while being based on the historical background of the Shinsengumi. The structure focuses on the individual episodes of each character, bringing out the charm of the characters to the fullest and eliciting deep empathy from the viewer. In addition, the beautiful visuals and music, as well as the acting by the all-star cast, are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. This work is especially recommended for history fans, those who are attracted to the charm of the characters, those who want to enjoy the beauty of the visuals and music, and those who want to enjoy the acting of the voice actors. Be sure to watch "Hakuoki: Sekkaroku" and enjoy the turbulent times of the Shinsengumi and the drama of the characters.