24 minSeason 3 • Episode 12
LatestThe anticipation of murder and mutiny rises until the storm breaks. And Ryunosuke's true loyalty is put to the test.
Yukimura Chizuru is the daughter of a doctor who works in Edo; her father leaves Edo to work as a volunteer doctor and moves to Kyoto without his daughter. As time passes by, Chizuru starts worrying about losing contact with her father, so she decides to go to Kyoto in search of him. On the way, Chizuru is attacked by few criminals and witnesses a fight between an oni and the Shinsengumi. Taking her into custody and saving her, the Shinsengumi debate on what to do with Chizuru when they discover that she is the daughter of the doctor they are also looking for. So they decide to become Chizuru's protectors and help her look for her father (the doctor). Lots of events happen while she stays with the Shinsengumi, as they discover mysterious secrets and also fight against the Bakumatsu group.
Production
Gorgeous period detail brings 1860s Kyoto to textured life.
Writing
Balances romantic tropes with genuine historical tragedy.
Costume
Shinsengumi blue haori jackets never looked this good.
Creator
Tsunekiyo Fujisawa
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Shinsengumi were real police forces in 1860s Kyoto, romanticized in Japanese media for decades — this series leans hard into that 'tragic hero' legacy.
Hakuoki began as an otome visual novel for PS2 in 2008, and its massive success spawned this anime plus multiple films, stage plays, and even a mobile game still running today.
JP
