#pre shinsengumi years

[talesofedo]

[iohourtime]

Ryosuke Yamada: SIDE B - Change

anan 2347

(There is some paraphrasing of the original article. Please let me know if there are any errors.)

Note: This is part 2 of a 2 part interview. You can read “Side A - Expression” here.

Yamada Ryosuke has been involved in various forms of expression, but there is one thing that he has cherished above all. That's the job of an actor. When he participated in his first drama “Tantei Gakuen Q” at the age of 13, he discovered the enjoyment and had been passionate [about acting] since then.

“I simply like this genre of work and this feeling of love has never changed since my first drama. With respect to acting, I have to become someone I haven’t seen or know before, and to do that, I have to think hard about who this person is and why he feels this way. However, the time [thinking about these things] is fun. The feeling is like when I just made a new friend and it is really nice to spend time with that person. I’d wonder about the kind of person he is, and the more I find out, the more interested I am. I think [the process of discovering a new character] is close to that. If this character is a historical figure, I can do research into the history and background of the person; if this character is fictional, I can make it up using my imagination.”

What comes to mind is a character in the movie "Moeyo Ken" released two years ago - Okita Souji, a genius swordsman of the Shinsengumi who is said to have died at the young age of 27. While there is a strong impression of him as someone with a tragic fate, but as played by Yamada san, who smiled innocently as he committed brutal murder without hesitation, his innocence was more intense than his fragility and was realistically portrayed.

“That movie was special. I think a big factor was that I was staying in Kyoto during the filming, so I was able to immerse myself in the real thing the whole time. When I went back to Tokyo, I was only doing group activities or recording variety shows, so there was little time to return to reality, and I felt that my sensibilities were gradually sharpened. I got so caught up in the role that it became normal for me not to drink or eat anything during that time, and I got sick... It was something I have never experienced on set before.”

The reason why he was so absorbed in his acting work was because he had tasted moments that shook him just by thinking about them.

“Just like with today’s shoot and when I was on set, there were moments when the actors, the camera operators, the lighting team, the audio team… and everyone involved were completely engaged as they worked together. It was the best feeling when I encountered these [moments] and I feel like I'm desperately trying to relive these moments again."

Because he valued his acting career, I wanted to ask him about his position as an idol. Perhaps because of this title, there are times when his acting is viewed with prejudice.

“I think it's more because I'm a Johnny's rather than being an idol, but I accept that as my destiny. There are hindrances with being a Johnny's, but on the other hand, there are things I can do because I'm a Johnny's and I think that's a huge benefit. If I don't want others to complain about me, I can only silence the discourse with my abilities. In fact, some of my senpais have done exactly that. On the contrary, it is only due to my own lack of ability that I can not do it. The idea is rather simple."

In the midst of such a conversation, he casually said, "Being an idol may be your vocation."

“Since I don’t know much about the world outside of [the entertainment industry], I won't be able to use [my skills] out there (laughs). However, since I've been an idol for a long time, I'm good at presenting what is needed [of me] in an instant. Although I also have a clear idea of what to do. However, what is asked of me is not always the same, so it is important to keep track of [the requests] and that is quite difficult. If I don't study how to present myself properly, I might not be able to do it. I've been conscious of that since I was small, so I'm good at it."

For example, during a live performance, your image is projected on the large screen at the venue.

“Basically, there are about 15 to 20 cameras installed at a live venue and the “switcher” decides when to cut one camera feed and switch to another. The other day, the switcher praised me, saying, "It's amazing that no matter what situation, no matter where the camera is faced, Yamada kun can find and look at it 100% of the time." I haven't been very conscious of this up till then, but if he said so, it must be true. Nowadays, cameras have a light that turns on when it is live, so the moment it lights up, I can find it in about a second no matter how large the venue. I want everyone at the venue to enjoy the show equally, whether they are sitting in the front row in the arena section or at the stands at the back of the dome. When [the camera] happens [to face me], I can interact through it so it can be seen by a lot of people, and I think that will be fair to everyone who has come [to the concert]. So when I think about that (including the technique), I feel that [being an idol] is my vocation."

However, he has been active since his early teens and there were times when he resisted being an idol.

“But it's work. It's amazing to know that there are people who are happy because of our hard work, right? I've thought about quitting several times in the past, but I still haven't quit, so I guess that's what I want to do after all."

He is the type who obsessively pursues things that he likes from the start. Gaming is something that exemplifies this. Among the games he’s enthusiastic about is "Apex Legends" and he reached the highest rank of Predator in February this year. Only the top 750 players in the world can attain the Predator rank. [T/N: Ignoring the 14+ hours of live streaming when he got the predator rank, he also just streamed for 9+ hours in the morning I wrote this part. Obsessive sounds apt.😅]

"Simply speaking, I find gaming fun. Especially when I’m playing with the pros, my motivation shoots up and I feel like I need to get better and I want to get better. After all, I want to do well. I want to be good at acting, I want to be good at dancing, and I want to be good at singing. Once I'm hooked, I want to taste and see the same thing all the time, so I keep doing the same things and that's not a problem. In my mind, rather than hard work, I feel like this is what happens when I pursue what I want to do.”

He started a gaming channel on YouTube called “Leo’s Playground” (Leoの游び場) two years ago, which is now a popular channel with about 860,000 subscribers. [T/N: I just checked and it’s now at 924,000 subscribers.]

“Regarding this, I am just really enjoying myself. I’m not conscious of being watched, it’s like I’m revealing my private life (laughs); it is really just a hobby. There are people who enjoy watching it, new fans are also increasing, and that’s a plus for both myself and the group, so I'm really grateful for this era. For me, I’m glad I can show my kouhai’s that there are other paths like this."

Yamada san said that since last year, there has been a big change in his approach to work. He used to think more about the group than anyone else and take the lead, but he said he's become more focused on himself.

“There was a time last year when I felt a little out of sorts. I cannot say more about that but after going through that, I thought I should take better care of myself.”

And at this time, he is turning 30.

“You may look at me like this (laughs), but isn't 30 years old a proper adult? It's the age when I have to look at myself and think about how to live. Up to now, I have been thinking about how to give back to the group through my solo activities. As a result, I have chosen not to do some jobs or things. But from this point on, I don't think I’ll make it too complicated and simply go “I’ll do it because I want to do it” or “I won’t do it because I don’t want to do it”. I think I should prioritize myself more. Of course I'll continue to do activities for the group and the fans, but it has always been a 70/30 split, where 30 were things I did for myself, so I'll try to reverse the ratio. I don't know if this choice will turn out to be good or bad, but I'm going to give it a try anyway." [T/N: About damn time.]

[hirazuki]

✧Main Tag✧

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Bleach ✧6 [AO3] Grimmjow Jaegerjaques/OC (Utagawa Hoshi), Ulquiorra/Orihime | post- Arrancar: downfall arc through end of series | canon divergent/adjacent | ongoing ✧Here to Stay [AO3] OC (Utagawa Hoshi) | pre-series | backstory, canon compliant | one-shot

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Fate Series ✧Fate/Postscript [AO3] Sasaki Kojirou/OC (Jean Blair Fleming) | post-canon | canon compliant | multi-chapter but not actively writing

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Final Fantasy XIV ✧A Step Faster [AO3] Zenos yae Galvus/Warrior of Light (Altan Malaguld), Estinien Wyrmblood, Aymeric de Borel | post-StB and post-ShB patches | canon divergent | one-shot ✧Forge Ahead [AO3] Zenos yae Galvus/Warrior of Light (Altan Malaguld) | post-Endwalker | canon divergent | ongoing

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Hakuouki ✧A Fleeting Dream [AO3] Hijikata Toshizou/OC Yukimura (Koume), Shinsengumi | throughout series | canon compliant, missing scenes/alternate POV | ongoing

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Naruto ✧Different Bonds [AO3] Haruno Sakura & Akatsuki | post-Tenchi Bridge mission | canon divergent | one-shot

✧Dog Days [AO3] Hoshigaki Kisame, Uchiha Itachi, Deidara, Sasori, Orochimaru, Yakushi Kabuto, OC (Inuzuka Mayu) | chunin exams arc | canon divergent | multi-chapter but not actively writing

✧For Now [AO3] Haruno Sakura /& Sasori, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Sai, Yamanaka Ino, Hatake Kakashi, Kankurou, Tsunade | blank period | canon divergent | ongoing

✧Meanwhile, in Konoha [AO3] Haruno Sakura & Team 7, Yamanaka Ino, Shizune, Tsunade | post-Tenchi Bridge mission | canon divergent | one-shot

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Tolkien ✧What Mercy Means [AO3] Mairon | multi-Age | canon compliant, character study/introspective | one-shot ✧A Terrible Game [AO3] Melkor & Maedhros | Year of the Trees 1497 | canon compliant, missing scene | one-shot ✧Of Silver and Stone [AO3] Celebrimbor & Maeglin | Fourth Age | post-canon | one-shot ✧What We'll Find [AO3] Mairon & Maedhros | Fourth Age | post-canon | one-shot ✧Worth While [AO3] Mairon & Eönwë | post-War of Wrath | canon compliant, missing scene | one-shot ✧Something in the Darkness [AO3] Eöl/Aredhel | First Age | canon compliant | one-shot ✧To be Made of Fire [AO3] Mairon & Arien | Years of the Trees | canon compliant | one-shot

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Voltron: Legendary Defender ✧Allies [AO3] Lotor & Shiro | between S5 E1 & E2 | canon compliant, missing scene | one-shot

• ────────────────────────────────────────── • * I've got only one setting, so literally everything is hurt/comfort, angst, canon-typical violence/themes, and hovers somewhere from T through M. Specific tags are listed on each individual fic.

[camuslittlesister]

All the Okita in Otome, ranked. Or not.

I had a bit of a hiatus while dealing with real life and shit, but I finally got around to playing all the games I know have been translated into English. Here’s the ultimate ranking of all the variations of my otome husbando.

Destined to Love (Cybird)

Please please please can you pull this app and redo it as Ikémen Bakumatsu with Yamada doing the art? I cannot deal with Okita, Sōji Okita of the Shinsengumi, whose swordmanship is nothing short of legendary, looking like some edgy marshmallow. C’mon, guys. You’re taking all sorts of liberties with history already, why stop there and not make him look the part? Just make Hijikata even hotter, everything will be fine.

Era of Samurai: Code of Love (Voltage)

Still one of my favourites even after venturing into the realm of premium games, although he looks too much like Leon for my liking (I guess that’s what you get with Voltage and also a byproduct of my refusal to even contemplate ever liking that lion even though, like for Iori in SITS, I clearly do and I just refuse to admit it, although I did exactly that a moment ago). His modern AU stereotypical indie kid version is everything. It’s like they made him for me.

Hakuoki (Otomate/Idea Factory)

Why do I love this Morikubo-voiced jerk more than my actual life? I have many questions to ask of myself and I don't even know if I really want to know the answers, but I have spent about £50 so he can be on my wall alongside another less jerky Morikubo character in what is slowly and not deliberately turning into a shrine to the man himself since his characters dominate my merch purchases. (Author’s note: This post has been a cumulative draft over a year or so, and I wrote this pre-Piofiore. It’s only gone worse since)

Hakuoki Sweet School Life

The god of chaos and love of my life. That’s it.

The Amazing Shinsengumi

Side note, what is it with games making Harada the hot one? Also let me romance this Hijikata please and thank you.

He’s hella cute and double-faced, which I tend to like, but also he appears to go through every trope I don’t like in the span of a conversation. 6/10, although solid 10 for looks. In fact, make it 20/10. Top 3 for looks with Voltage and Hakuoki.

Ninja Shadow

I keep forgetting that I did play this Okita (and it was my first while at that...) but even with that dream ponytail it’s not the greatest version. He’s a jokester, which is fun, and he hides a big dollop of angst as it’s right and just, but he was a bit OTT with the humour and it’s a strange storyline that does him a disservice.

Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi

If he doesn’t threaten to kill you is he even Okita? I’m living for that one CG that looks like he is Kondō and Hijikata’s kid, but aside from it being probably the most historically accurate of the otome portrayals (at least in localised games) he started off a bit of a disappointment for the same reason as Destined to Love. He was also not helped by the fact that Shinpachi has a brain, Sakamoto and Yamazaki exist and (omg, can’t believe I’m saying this) Hijikata and that line about loving his woman in Sanan’s route. However, when actually playing his scenes etc, he grew on me. I would happily go raise cats and babies with him like I would with his Hakuoki and Era of Samurai incarnations.

Dateless Love

I have questions. Why is this version Iba’s lovechild with Saito?

Why is he like Gin in Ayakashi Gohan if he was a soldier? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a major sucker for lovely characters going full on deadly from a moment to the next, so I’m digging it, I’m just extremely disoriented because Voltage is my canon Okita personality (Hakuoki took that and turned it up a notch and ruined my life in the process) and every deviation I’m like “new number who dis?”

It took him 10 chapters to show a hint of the teasing we all know and love. TEN. Out of like 15. I have had three kids with Tokugawa by now (and I don’t even do blondes. Except Ayumu. And best boy. And omg I’m still in the Kiro phase but also could be a Helios phase soooo 🫣 okay, fine, I do blondes). It was really cute tho and I watched him die in the good ending which is a plus.

[shinsengumi-archives]

Hogyoku Haiku Collection - Hijikata’s book of poems

image source: WhiteWind歴史館

haikudaisuki: 

Hijikata Toshizo enjoyed haiku and wrote under the pseudonym Hogyoku (豊玉). 

His grandfather was a poet named Mitsukitei Sekiha (三月亭石巴, みつきていせきは). 

“Hogyoku Haiku Collection” (豊玉発句集) is housed in the Hijikata Toshizo Museum in Hino City, Tokyo.

There are 41 poems in total.

tamahito: 

This is a collection of haiku written by Toshizo himself between January and February of Bunkyu 3, just before he left for Kyoto as a member of the Roshigumi, accompanied by Kondo Isami and other members of the Shieikan. The haiku poems are not what one would call fine works, even by non-specialists, but they honestly express here and there the fresh sensibilities of a young man living in Tama. The calligraphy, which is said to have been learned at the Honda family's house in Yaho Village, Tama County, shows a feminine delicacy. According to Sato Akira, the author of "聞き書き新選組" (a descendant of Sato Hikogoro, who married Nobu, Toshizo's older sister. He is deceased), "People often ask me about Toshizo's character, and I tell them that he was what you would call an ordinary young man.” As the book says, he probably learned swordsmanship as a fad, dabbled in the idea of the reverence for the Emperor and expulsion of the barbarians, studied calligraphy and composed haiku poems with the air of a stylish person.

The book of haiku was bound and remained at his birthplace, but it has been taken apart and hung on a scroll to avoid deterioration, and is still carefully preserved as a Hijikata family heirloom.

bakumatsu.fc2web: 

From the handwriting, there is a theory that Sato Hikogoro rewrote it instead of it being directly written by Toshizo, but the truth is uncertain. Either way, this is a valuable relic that gives a glimpse of the pure side of Hijikata Toshizo, who would later be feared as the Demon Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi in Kyoto.

fushigi-dono: 

Although there are translations by Olga Chigirinskaya, if you analyze the originals in more detail, they often reveal a much deeper meaning than can be reflected in the translation.

And although professionals characterize these poems as "banal, clumsy, inept, inelegant" (c), etc., the main thing is that they convey the mood, thoughts and feelings of their author, and make it clear what kind of person he was. Hijikata compiled a collection of his haiku containing 41 poems in February 1863, just before leaving for Kyoto. And he left it at home - apparently, as a keepsake for posterity. So contrary to what is usually shown in anime and films, his work belongs to the pre-Kyoto period. Hijikata Megumi (who runs the Hijikata Toshizo Museum) writes that in 1930, her grandfather Yasushi transcribed these haiku and rewrote them in a normal way (because even though Hijikata was very diligent in writing them compared to his usual handwriting, it is not so easy for future generations to read his calligraphy). The first to include these verses in a literary work was Shiba Ryotaro ("Moeyo Ken"), after which they became widely known. Here is the cover of the collection:

文久三 亥の春 豊玉 発句 集 土方義豊

Bunkyu 3, Spring of the Year of the Boar Hogyoku Haiku Collection Hijikata Yoshitoyo

shinsengumi.forumvi: 

In addition to the title, it says "Bunkyu 3 - Spring of the Year of the Boar". Perhaps in the spring of 1863, before going to Kyoto, Toshizo edited and compiled the poems he had composed. There are 41 poems in total. In general, there are many lines describing spring and plum blossoms. Although they can’t be considered masterpieces of poetry, they express Toshizo’s romantic and upright spirit.

fushigi-dono: 

It is written in very neatly printed kanji: In the upper right corner: 3rd Year of Bunkyu, Spring of the Year of the Boar In the center: "Hogyoku hokku shu" - a collection of haiku poems by Hogyoku From Wikipedia: the word "hokku" (Japanese 発句, "initial stanza") originally meant the opening stanza of another Japanese poetic form, renga (連歌, "stringing stanzas"), or the first stanza of tanka. From the beginning of the Edo period (17th century), hokku began to exist as standalone works and was renamed “haiku”. The term "haiku" was coined by the poet and critic Shiki Masaoka at the end of the 19th century to distinguish between these forms. "gyoku" which means "precious stone" or "jade". This "gyoku" was also chosen not by chance, but was probably based on his older brother Tamejiro's pseudonym: 石翠 - Sekisui ("jade stone" or "green stone"), which in turn is similar to their grandfather's pseudonym 石巴 - Sekiha. He’s continuing a family tradition 😂 In case anyone did not know who Hogyoku is, the real name of the author, Hijikata Yoshitoyo, is signed on the cover in the lower left corner.

On the very first page, the following haiku is written separately:

さしむかふ心は清き水かゞみ My heart is pure as I face my reflection on the water

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Read the poems here: https://shinsengumi-archives.tumblr.com/post/683071924948058112/hijikata-toshizos-haiku-poems

[queenofnohr]

Hajime Saito Profiles

Default

Hajime Saito was the captain of the Shinsengumi’s Third Division - the Shinsengumi being an organization for public order that was active primarily in Kyoto during the Bakumatsu period. Along with Souji Okita and Shinpachi Nagakura, he was noted as one of the best swordsmen in the Shinsengumi, though details such as his origins and school of swordsmanship.

Profile 1

Height/Weight: 178cm・77kg Origin: History Region: Japan Alignment: Lawful Moderate Gender: Male “School? That doesn’t matter. Well, if we’re talking about me, I guess you could call it the Invincible Style?”

Profile 2

He continued to fight from the turbulent Bakumatsu period up through the Meiji era as one of the few Shinsengumi members to live out his natural lifespan. His swordsmanship was outstanding even among the rest of the Shinsengumi, with the captain of the Second Division, Shinpachi Nagakura, describing Okita Souji as the Fearsome Blade and Hajime Saito as the Invincible Blade. It is said he diligently performed many off-the-record missions such as purging of members within the group, and one rumor is that he was a secret agent for the Shinsengumi from the shogunate and Aizu. In reality, we have an incomplete understanding of much of his behavior during his time as part of the Shinsengumi, and it appears he held a special position among the soldiers.

Profile 3

At first glance, he seems to be a flippant guy who’s 50% joker and 50% romcom lead, but sometimes the sharp and shrewd glint in his eyes slips through. Among the Shinsengumi soldiers, who tended toward anachronistic ideals, he believed in a flexible way of life unbound by pre-existing values.

“Wha~at, this way is just more interesting to me.”

However, because he’s always like this, his fellow member Okita has given him many nicknames such as the Shabbygumi.

He likes noodles. He especially likes the croquette soba he ate after coming to the modern era.

“Croquettes soaked in soba broth is cheap-looking, delicious, and totally irresistible.”

Profile 4

○ Invincible Blade: Ａ

This phrase describes Saito’s swordsmanship, which was appraised as able to compete for first or second strongest in the Shinsengumi. His style was said to be Mugai Ryuu or Ittou-ryuu, but in reality, it was a free sword technique not bound to anything.

○Free Draw: Ｂ

An ever-changing sword-drawing technique wherein the sword can be drawn with either the left, right, or both hands. A sword technique without school where the blade’s point can be changed freely. A special combat style that is exceedingly difficult to predict.

“Dominant hand? Oh, no, I’m just drawing the swords however when I gotta. Like I always say, ‘If you have time to think, you have time to slice.’”

Profile 5

Mugyou Rank: N/A Type: Anti-Unit Mystic Sword Range: 1-9　 Maximum Number of Targets: 1 person

Mugyou - formlessness. Saito Hajime’s deadly inverted shoulder slash that was described as an Invincible Blade. Swordsmanship that is freedom without form. He incorporates a unique style of approach different from pure speed, disrupting the enemy’s sense of time and distance, and while they mistake the interval of attack, he cuts them down instantly. Because the opponent is cut down from a distance they think he can’t reach from, if they did notice they were slashed, they would think it some sort of illusion.

In general, if his opponent is wielding a melee weapon, even if it’s a spear or other polearm, it is possible for him to ignore its reach and become a frontliner from any distance.

“—Like this my sword is invincible!”

Profile 6 (Unlocked with finishing GudaGuda Yamataikoku)

He was a member of the Shinsengumi since its founding, and the Commander, Kondou, and Vice-Commander, Hijikata, both place very much trust in him. Although he completed many important missions and survived countless fierce battles, he eventually left the Shinsengumi, supported the new government, and lived out his life.

He didn’t speak much in his later years, and passed away telling very little of his time in the Shinsengumi.

He did more work as a secret agent than as a swordsman, leading an aloof existence that belied his true feelings from enemy and fellow soldiers alike— and as such was often accused of being a man who held no conviction as a samurai.

“Well, that’s basically how it is. I aimlessly wander here and there, following whatever seems most interesting at the time. If humans die, they lose, right? So in other words, if you don’t die then you won’t lose. That’s the innermost secret of the Invincible Blade. But who knows, ya’know?”

—Indeed, who knows? That until his final moments he heralded a single flag within his heart, even as he continued on into a new era.

[andsewingishalfthebattle]

Anime Central 2021 Panels (...maybe)

Soooo ACEN has moved online this year, and is running their virtual con split between Twitch and Discord this weekend.

As we had provided some of the cultural content last year, ASIHTB was asked if we could provide a selection of pre-recorded educational and cultural programming for this year's event. Which we did, even bringing in authors and cultural experts to contribute more diverse content!

But when I checked the programming schedule to see when I needed to be online for the live panel Q&A, I discovered that of the 26 presentations we sent in, only two were actually listed on the final panel schedule. 😕 Laura was told by staff that more of our programs were going be added to the schedule, but it's now the day of the con and the schedule has never been updated, so I have no idea when, where, or if the rest of our videos will be run.

If ACEN doesn't show the videos, I suppose we can just put them up on our YouTube channel so you can watch them there after the con. (Bonus ASIHTB con!) In any case, here's the complete list of everything we prepared/recorded for the convention, along with panel times if we have them. For the rest... uh, I guess they might still be run off-schedule, or as filler or something? So keep an eye out if you're participating in ACEN Online.

Japanese Folklore and Mythology

Time: Friday, May 19 @ 4:30 PM CST (Discord)

What’s the difference between bakemono and ayakashi? Who’s that Pokémon, and why is it in a 200-year-old woodblock print? Does the story of Sailor Moon actually predate the Norman conquest of England? (Spoiler: YES, it does!) Get the most from your animé and Asian cinema experience when you understand the cultural background! Learn about Japanese mythology in this folklore primer, illustrated with video clips from animé and Japanese film.

Go West! The Saiyuki Legend

Time: Saturday, May 20 @ 3:30 PM CST (Discord)

From Dragon Ball to Gensoumaden Saiyuki, there's no shortage of adaptations, retellings, and wholesale lifts of one of the world's most popular folk tales. But most of the western world enjoying these retellings knows little of the original novel, and even less of the stories it itself combined and retold.

Let's look at the historic and cultural context for the original 16th century novel and the lore it collected into a single tale. We'll discuss some key adaptations as well, with the knowledge to enjoy them more.

The Phantom Thief: An Illustrated History

Time: ???

How did Edgar Allen Poe influence Sailor Moon? What do Norse gods, Joan of Arc, and Lupin III have in common? Who was the real-life Moriarty? Learn the origin of the kaitou, Japan’s archetypal thief, from his birth in Gilded Age literature to his high-tech 21st century incarnations. Follow this truly international antihero’s development through history with examples from animé, manga, film, and literature.

Patterns Lie! And Other Useful Sewing Facts

Time: ???

Learning to sew can be daunting, especially if you’ve never had formal instruction. We’re here to help! In this panel, we’ll cover selecting and reading a pattern, choosing fabric, cutting, pinning, sewing, pressing, finishing hems, and more — all without complicated sewing terminology! You’ll be sewing like a pro in no time. Bring your questions!

The History of Ramen

Time: ???

Favored by broke college students everywhere, ramen has a reputation as a cheap convenience food. But these twisty noodles actually have a fascinating history! Learn about ramen's (surprisingly recent) development and cultural background in this tasty presentation.

Ninja in History

Time: ???

Join celebrated authors Susan Spann (author of the Hiro Hattori mysteries) and Laura VanArendonk Baugh (author of the Kitsune Tales series) for a history-packed discussion of the fact and fiction of ninjutsu and ninja.

Japanese Fairy Tales

Time: ???

In the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Western world was fascinated by newly-available trade goods and cultural elements coming out of Japan, which had been closed off from the Western world for more than two centuries. One outgrowth of this trend was the repackaging of Japanese folk tales for American children. Join Alena as she shares translated stories from a 1904 volume of Japanese Fairy Tales.

Japanese Culture and History: The Bite-Sized Collection

Time: ???

As the oldest monarchy in the world, Japan’s had plenty of time for some amazing moments in history. Hear a few of the most important, most famous, or most fun -- from the Genpei War to the Meiji Revolution, from girl power to magical red cows, from archery contests to smallpox -- with illustrations, photos, ties to your favorite anime/manga, and plenty of geekery. These shorter videos range in running time from 4 to 45 minutes, so you can take your history in small bites or settle in for the whole marathon!

Individual videos cover:

Senjafuda

The Shitennou

The Akabeko

The Ainu

The 47 Ronin

Japanese Number Puns

Japanese Archery Challenge

Smallpox and the Great Buddha

Nakano Takeko

The Byakkotai

Dan no Ura

Koyasan

Nara

Shojin Ryori

The Shinsengumi

Shinto in WWII

The Eater of Dreams

One Ingredient Curry Rice

Yakuza: Facts and Fallout

[adhd-ahamilton]

So, hey! I’m alive. Doing different things right now, obviously, but I thought it wasn’t a bad time to do a personal update here.

1. Fun fact: I was supposed to be traveling to America later this year and see Hamilton in New York! I even planned to make a post here asking for tips on what to check out during our stay there and in Boston. That, uh, obviously is no longer currently happening. I’d still like to do this someday, though. (My one spot of luck is that the pre-order tickets never QUITE reached the week we were supposed to be there so I didn’t have to cancel or return anything.)

2. Hamilton is coming to Australia next year!! It’s still interstate for me, of course, but I’m definitely planning a weekend trip with my friends! This was announced after the America trip, so it was kind of a ‘welp, guess we’re getting a year early preview’ sorta thing, but I was definitely happy to see it either way! I’m still really looking forward to this, too - I can’t wait to see how the casting is done with Austraian demographics.

3. And after all of that, we’ve got a film. Part of me wants to kind of be like ‘soooo I could’ve just watched the bootleg all along, right? Since I have still never been physically capable of seeing it in person?’ But that’s mean spirited. I’m sure the film is WORLDS away from a shaky bootleg. I’m seeing it with my family this afternoon and we’re making a whole event out of it - mac and cheese, corn chowder, whoopie pies... who knows how ‘authentic’ any of it is, but it feels celebratorily relevant enough for us Aussies! And seriously, I’m really excited to finally get to see the choreography and the like that people have raved about as much as the lyrics and music!

4. My new fandom is NOT relevant to this blog at and honestly I’d kinda prefer not to cross the streams, hahah. But I do have something of a rec: I’ve been reading through the visual novel Hakuoki recently, which is set in the late 1800s in Japan and tells the story of the Shinsengumi from their early days to their tragic ending, and my god was it a burst of nostalgia. It’s infamous for being more dry historical drama than romance, but the barracks atmosphere and interest in minutiae around specific battles and injuries and highly setting-specific politics could only warm my heart fondly. It’s actually really good from what I’ve read so far, and I’ve recommend to anyone who enjoyed Amrev RPF! (...though DO be aware that there are vampires, too. Just in case that’s a deal-breaker.) It goes on sale for 70% off each Steam sale, of which there is on right now, so check it out if you’re interested.

5. No, I never finished the NaNoWriMo fic. :( Sorry. I never got to properly fix up the ending, and while I’d comfortably put up the rest of it as-is, the ending is just so shaky and unsatisfying right now that I don’t... want to. I’ll try to make my mind up, though. One of the ways I justified starting it to myself was by saying that if I was ever sure I wouldn’t finish it, I’d post it incomplete. At this point, I really ought to be able to either just make a push and try to at least somewhat improve the ending or fulfil my promise to myself. welp. Maybe I’ll give myself til the end of July as a deadline to at least decide either way.

Anyway, that’s about all I have to say right now. I hope all of you are doing well and I definitely miss coming here to this blog, heh. It’s still something very important to my heart! If I never post another personal post here again, I wish you all the best and hope you all have wonderful lives! <3

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Zuisouroku PSP Letters Translation

oh man. i’m sooo tired right now. it’s amazing how exhausted one can feel after speed walking for over an hour trying to catch panels.... unfortunately I missed the Jonathon Frakes Q and A since I couldn’t find the damn schedule.... though the Jim Lee panel was great!

Anyway, I think this was first published to commemorate the release of Zuisouroku on the PSP though I couldn’t find the original source for this unfortunately... and I seriously looked through the otomate website and all its affiliated hakuoki and blog sites for well over an hour trying to find out where this came from before giving up. If anyone happens to find out from whence this came, i’d appreciate getting the link to post here.... though I’m going to assume that the original postings have been taken down now since I have found that a lot of otomate links in the translations I’ve found no longer work. 

These are 10 letters addressed to Yukimura along with larger pics of the letters that were taken from the Chinese translation that I used. 

Enjoy~

Hakuoki Zuisouroku Letters

Translation by KumoriYami

Note: i’ve supplemented the translation of a few of the letter salutations for more sentence cohesion since they didn’t translate well from Chinese and purposely leaving really poorly worded sentences really, really, really bothers me..... [otherwise it’d say dear wife or w/e]

To my dear wife Back then, there were many things that I needed to protected. Because of this you were always tired. ......But, you have been with me for all this time, witnessing everything. .....Thank you. Hijikata

To my cute/lovely wife The first time I met you I thought you were a weird/strange kid. Thinking back now, your words always surprised me/went beyond my expectations. Clearly gentle, but stubborn. .....But it's this kind of you that is loved by me/But that's how I like you/what i like about you.  [???] Okita

To my dearest lady, Thinking about what happened, I finally understand how much i was attracted to you and how I was always supported by you. Whenever I am confused, you were always pointing me to the right direction. ......In any case, I cannot express how grateful I am to you with words. Saito

To my dear wife That time, I was always struggling.... Although I regret it now.... But, from now on, I will no longer be lost. Because your smile is in my most correct direction! Toudou

To my wife Although you have been in/with the Shinsengumi for a long time, but looking back now, it feels that what happened only yesterday. ......(A) Dream that was always short-lived/short and ethereal [??] But, I will make this dream that I have together with you continue, this is absolute. Harada

Dear Yukimura-kun The first time I met you.... I never imagined that a young girl like you, would become an indispensable existence to everyone. ...Yukimura-kun, please continue to take care (of us) in the future. Kondou

Dear Yukimura-kun To actually stay with the Shinsengumi for such a long time, why is this? Sometimes, (I) inadvertently think of your smile. ....Your existence, to us, is a symbol of the calm memories amidst the cruelty of battle. [???] Sanan

To my important younger sister! When I think of you, your hard work first comes to mind. You're really great. .......Since my little sister is trying/working so hard, i can't fall behind as the/your (elder) brother! Just watch my active appearance/figure [????] Nagakura

To Yukimura-kun At the beginning, I thought that you coming to the Shinsengumi would cause trouble for everyone.... But now, everyone has received lots of help from you. .....Really it's incredible. From now on, let's continue to work (hard) for the Shinsengumi. Yamazaki

My wife Looking at you, I sometimes think of the Shinsengumi. Although I know that you lived together with them for many years, (and) how much you were influenced by them......nevertheless I will however get/be jealous. [?] Although there is no need to forget them, but from now on you only need to look at me. Kazama

-----------------

this was a serious pain to have translated despite how short (in comparison) this was to some of the other stuff i’ve been working on...since bad grammar really bothers me (Seriously. Terrible English (well, more improper sentence structure since I dislike grammar and get lazy with that and capitalization at times) bothered me to the point where I volunteered to edit every assignment whenever I was working in a group while in post-secondary since I couldn’t stand how badly written some things were. i lost count of how many formal reports were written with pre-grade 8 english from non ESL students). Thankfully i haven’t come across anything else like this aside from those ssl message cards... 

Also, in case it needs to be said: I do not mind people sharing my translations. However, the day I see someone claiming that my work is theirs or copying my stuff without citing where it came from.... that will be the day I stop making my stuff accessible and when I a) finally figure out how to go and use patreon and make it so that people will have to pay for access to my translations... and b) learn more about discord so that I can share my translations to the the people who I know appreciate my stuff (mind I don’t really use discord either as my preferred method of communication is Steam chat lol). 

(by the way, why is this post so popular?)

[regnigt]

More character questions! Questions taken from here.

Now onto Otae, who like her brother was requested by @gintokixparfait over on Twitter! Spoilers up until the last few animated episodes, no manga-only spoilers.

favourite thing about her I'm fond of her deviousness, I love that she's such a natural leader; I adore the way she's hilariously petty and self-centred on the surface belying a strong tendency underneath it to take responsibility and act for other people's sake. (Also, the way she can be just absolutely crazy: see for instance the amnesia arc.) But if I have to pick just one thing, it will be her boundless and indomitable confidence.

least favourite thing about her She's good at picking up on unspoken things, but sometimes she needs to be better at communicating clearly and honestly.

favourite line "You're not the only one... who ages with time. No matter how beautiful a person may be, they will still age and eventually die. But even so, even if appearances change, don't you believe that we have things in us that don't change? Even as our bodies crumble, even as the months and years take their toll... Don't you believe that we all have something that time can't spoil? Even if you cover us with wrinkles, we won't lose to you. That's because we know what beauty truly is." (to Otohime, Ryugu arc)

brOTP With Kagura, Kyubei, Gintoki, and increasingly over time with Sachan. And of course with her actual brother!

OTP With Kyubei! This was the second pairing I fell for in the series, and still one of my faves. I don't seem to require fanworks for them to the amount I do for some other ships and characters, but I am very fond of imagining them as a couple and seeing them interact in canon.

nOTP Hmm... I'm not sure if I should say with Kondo, since after the Farewell Shinsengumi arc I was for a while pretty much resigned those two would be endgame. It wasn't what I wanted, but I didn't hate it enough to call the ship a true NOTP (since I reserve that term for ships I dislike very strongly). However, I was very relieved that the post-timeskip set-up turned out to just be magnificent trolling!

random headcanon 1. Pre-timeskip, she's a virgin: post-timeskip, it's more unclear, but if she's been with anyone it's probably Kyubei. 2. She genuinely does want to have children of her own eventually, which might be a problem if she returns Kyubei's feelings. I can see her letting go of that desire in the future, and in fact she might lead such a busy life it would be hard to fit children into it anyway; but for now she thinks she will want them, and it's a fact there at the back of her mind.

unpopular opinion Don't know if it's unpopular, but can I just say I almost always love all the moments the Gintae shippers point to and also take delight in, only I prefer to read them as platonic and familial, rather than shippy? But in a way I really adore. (The only time I didn't do so was when Otose mused post-timeskip that she always thought Otae was in love with Gintoki.) I definitely think there's deep, strong love between them. I just personally prefer it not to be romantic.

song i associate with her Hadn't thought of it until now, but "Maria" by Blondie! Less for the lyrics (though they could apply from the POV of one of her admirers), more for the supreme triumphantness of the melody and the way it's sung

favourite picture of her Manga 1 Manga 2 Manga 3 (from this post) Anime 1 (because I love that comedy moment) Anime 2 Anime gif 1 Anime gif 2 Fanart 1 Fanart 2 (THIS!!) Fanart 2 (shippy)

Previous character questions: Tsukuyo, Yamazaki, Kamui; Sakamoto, Kagura and Gintoki; Oboro, Isaburo and Takasugi; Bansai; and Shinpachi.

.

[razberryyum]

Gintama manga chap 693

~

Dear Gintama gods and Sorachi-sama,

Something doesn’t add up: how can Kondou be only just getting married with Princess Bubbles when Shinpachi already had a picture of their marriage 23 chapters ago (lesson 670), which he showed it to Otose and Catherine at the start of this timeskip portion of the story? The wedding portrait back then clearly showed junior and the baby chimp as well...Princess Bubbles was wearing her gown, Kondou was in his tux...although it does look like he still has his pants on...so was that simply a pre-wedding photo? But Shinpachi made it seem like it was the actual wedding photo so...I’m confused. What’s going on? I know you can’t really answer me, so bear with me as I struggle through this enigma on my own. Based on the flashbacks in this chapter, the decision for Kondou to once again marry Princess Bubbles of the Planet Shoujo (what happened to “Planet Gorilla”...did they rename their planet in the interim?) happened two years ago, right after they decided to disband the Shinsengumi (and thank you for revisiting Hijikata’s declaration to search for Gintoki from a different angle...I am still riding that high from last week). Right off the bat, I don’t understand why he even has to go through this again, since back in the Yagyuu arc, the marriage was originally arranged by his higher-ups in the Bakufu who wanted peace with the Gorillans Shoujoans. Considering the fact that the Shoujoans didn’t jump in to help attack Earth two years ago, it would seem like they’ve been pretty cool with Earth all this time, so it’s not there’s actual conflict going on. Therefore, other than Matsudaira, who in the government right now is even pushing for this political marriage to go through yet again? I can’t imagine Soyo being that sadistic...and if it was a decision Zura and Matsudaira both came up with two years ago, first of all, why wait two years to have the wedding take place, and secondly, most important of all, WHYYYY? Why do they need to forge any type of relationship with the Shoujoans? If those guys were such a formidable force, where the hell were they two years ago when Earth really could have used their help with the Liberation Army? Sure, the Tendoshuu are attacking Edo again, but they’re a decidedly smaller group than the Lib Army...there is no way the Tendoshuu in their current form are a big enough threat to force anyone into marriage with a gorilla in order to secure an alliance with that army.  

Even from the Shoujoans’ point of view I’m not sure I understand their motivation for even wanting this marriage. They’ve been MIA all this time yet now, all of a sudden, they want Kondou to marry their princess again, even though she’s been knocked up twice already? I mean, I can understand them wanting to find her a husband during her first pregnancy YEARS ago to save her from embarrassment back then, and who better to marry her than the guy who was supposed to be her fiance anyway, but now that she‘s had two kids with some unknown baby daddy, hate to say this, but hasn’t the embarrassment ship sailed a while ago already? And if she’s telling her brethren that Kondou was the one who knocked her up both times, I would imagine they would have forced this shotgun wedding long ago. Which brings me back to the question: why are we doing this? I mean, not that the whole sequence wasn’t amusing, but it’s also rather distressing to see our dear Kondou being forced into the same nightmare scenario he managed to dodge half a dozen years or so ago. That moment above where he is thinking “I have no idea what anyone’s saying”? I pretty much echo his mood, except just replace his words with “I have no idea why this is happening...again”. When you first reintroduced the idea of Kondou actually marrying Princess Gorilla back in chapter 670, I must confess, I almost immediately went into denial mode. A large part of me was hoping that all of the gorilla shenanigans was just a façade for Shinpachi’s sake: that Kondou and Tae-chan have actually secretly wedded and she is indeed pregnant with his child, but she simply cannot bring herself to tell her little brother yet because she’s afraid of how he would react. I guess that lovely scenario can still be a reality, but I wish you would stop chipping away at my hope like this. I know you do have a sadistic streak, Sorachi-sama, but I’m also quite delicate at heart, so please, have mercy on me. I know Gintama is not a shoujo manga—thank the gods for that, I wouldn’t love it this much if it were one—so it’s not your problem that I’m constantly hoping for a final fantasy for my favorite couples, but if you are not going to give us true romance, then at the very least, please don’t torture us with non-consensual bestiality. Kondou is a sweet, decent, brave, and lovely man, despite his stalking and exhibitionist tendencies. He really does deserve better than being married to a gorilla three times his size. Have mercy on him too, please. UHO.

Yours truly,

A silly fangirl with yaoi dreams

(^3^)    

PS: Just to reiterate, I am still VERY grateful for this:

[talesofedo]

[ai-da-ice]

Hello! The members do other activities outside of the group's like taiki sota hayate do radio program. Do toru and yudai also has other outside activity?

Toru has actually had quite a busy year of activities outside of Da-iCE! He starred in the web drama Kongai Ren’nai ni Nitamono with Hayate and released his own line of lotions and perfumes, Diario, for which he did quite a bit of promotional activities (that’s how I got my precious picture together with him ^^). Last year, he appeared in the stage play “Chiruran Shinsengumi Requieum” with Sota, and before that, he also did his own solo program “Toru Iwaoka’s Extracurricular Lesson” where he interviewed professionals in different fields (journalism, gaming, etc) about what they do on a day-to-day basis.

Yudai also was involved with the “Special Vocalist” concert performances outside of Da-iCE this year, together with Solidemo’s Takeshi who he used to perform with pre-debut in the acapella group “Fukkin Gakuen.” Usually when he doesn’t have Da-iCE activities, he prefers to go fishing, so avex has actually released a few fishing themed videos involving him as well!

[tanaennos]

kids should only drink milk and ramune | konhiji

Pairing: Kondo Isao x Hijikata Toshirou

Summary: The first drink Kondo and Hijikata ever shared with each other. A cheap bottle of moonshine bought with nearly a month's worth of pocket money, shared in secret between two young, budding samurai under the cloak of the night sky with only the moon as their witness.

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 2,185

Tags: Pre-canon, Teenage knhj, underaged drinking, drunk making out, semi-public, outdoors, interruption, Top!Kondo, Bottom!Hijikata

Also available on AO3

It started with a giddy 17 year old Kondo brandishing a small bottle of alcohol to Hijikata sometime after lights-out. It was a cheap, ghastly tasting thing. He'd compiled what little pocket money he had, and bought it as soon as he had the chance.

"Let's try it, Toshi!" Kondo had whispered excitedly to Hijikata, ecstatic enough about getting drunk, but cautious enough to not want to wake anyone else.

Hijikata knew he wasn't too good with alcohol yet, but his common sense had yet to be as strong as his thick skull. A small part of him advised against indulging Kondo. However, it couldn't convince him to reject that warm beaming face or the promise to have Kondo all to himself for an entire evening.

So they snuck away, just the two of them, a short walk away from the dojo into a more secluded area among the trees. In retrospect, drinking in the dark a little more than a stone's throw away from any adult wasn't the most responsible thing to do. The both of them would later look back at this memory as adults, sharing a (much better tasting) drink together in the Shinsengumi headquarters. They would scoff at their childhood stupidity, and convince themselves they're raising Sougo to be smart enough to not make these mistakes.

Even so, as a couple of rowdy boys looking to find any ounce of fun in a country that's slowly being crushed in an agonizing war, making responsible decisions was the last thing on their minds.

The empty bottle lay discarded in the grass. The crisp night air froze their throats, that just moments ago, burned from the drink. The inebriating smell of moonshine was thick between them.

An intimate conversation turned into a drunken giggle fest halfway down the bottle. Unbridled laughter turned into banter which evolved into play fighting. Whoever started it, neither of them will ever remember. All they'll ever know is that when their play-fighting ended with Kondo caging Hijikata against the trunk of a sturdy tree, they couldn't stop their lips from curiously pressing against each other.

The first kiss felt like a gust of wind flowing into them. It was exhilarating. They were thrust into unexpected territory; their minds unable to keep up with their own body's movements. They instinctively curled into each other, their heartbeats drumming rapidly in their chests.

They break the first kiss and it feels like they're breathing the world in for the first time. They didn't let the electricity tingling in their lips linger for long, almost immediately crashing their mouths together for more.

They don't know how much time had passed since the first experimental kiss. The only thing they know is that they couldn't resist each other. Hijikata on the ground with his back pressed against the thick tree trunk. Kondo on his knees between Hijikata's legs, gripping on to his waist as their teeth clack against each other.

"Kondo-san... You're drunk.." Hijikata slurred, his half-hearted attempts at pushing Kondo off him failing tremendously as his best friend's larger body continued to push himself against him.

Kondo's arms wrapped around Hijikata's smaller frame pulled him closer, their intoxicated heated breath punctuating their sloppy inexperienced kisses. "You are too." Kondo replied.

Hijikata turned his face away from him, gasping to catch a breath. In doing so, he left his neck exposed. Through the leaves above them, the dim moonlight shone onto fair skin. Kondo didn't resist the urge to dive in and taste.

"Toshi..." Kondo's breath was hot against Hijikata, causing his breath to hitch at the pet name. Kondo's teeth grazed against his pulse while the sound of his groans made a shiver run down his spine. Hijikata's heart pounded against his chest and he sank his nails into Kondo's shoulders.

Kondo's messy kisses moved further up until they grazed against the sensitive skin behind Hijikata's ear. His tongue dragged along the flesh of Hijikata's earlobe and a breathy grunt sounded in his ear as Kondo's knee pressed itself into Hijikata's crotch.

Hijikata's entire body shook at the unfamiliar sensation. A startled, shaky whine rang out of him, his hands clutching onto Kondo for composure as his thighs clamped themselves around Kondo's leg.

Surprised, Kondo lifted himself off him, looking down to survey the situation. The moonlight illuminated Hijikata's furiously flushed face and chest. His eyes were wide with shock, pooling with tears. Free from his usual ponytail, his wild thick hair sprawled down his shoulders. His lips were wet and swollen from being kissed so roughly. Hijikata bit the inside of his bottom lip, embarrassed by his shameful reaction just moments ago.

Kondo blinked, dazed from the adrenaline and alcohol. "You... You're pretty. You know that?" The words fell loosely out of Kondo's mouth.

Hijikata didn't respond, looking down, his shoulders hunching up to hide his face.

"Toshi," Kondo started, closing the distance between their faces. He presses their foreheads together, pushing against Hijikata. "Can you make that noise again? Please?"

Hijikata gulped. His breath got nervously shaky at Kondo's shameless request. "I-I..." He stammered, unsure how to respond.

Kondo raised himself again, this time cupping Hijikata's face, tilting it upwards to meet his. "Please?" He repeated. "For me?"

As if he were hypnotized, Hijikata's own words betrayed any ounce of dignity he held. Sinking into Kondo's hands, he spoke obediently. "I'll try."

A blazing fire erupted in Kondo's chest, promptly travelling south seeing Hijikata so docile. He knew his face was flushed before, but he could feel his own heat glowing from himself at the promise his friend had just made.

"P-please..!" He all but begged as he tripped over his words, nearly smashing their faces together in excitement.

As a reflex, Hijikata pushed his face away at the sudden closeness.

" Toshi--! " Kondo cried, shocked that his dreams had been shattered with a palm to his face.

Flustered from reacting impulsively, Hijikata didn't know what to say to fix it. He grit his teeth, " Just--! " He squeezed his eyes shut as if he were bracing for impact and ducked his head down to avoid eye contact. He gathered his hair and threw it over one shoulder to expose the entire side of his neck. He turned his face to rest his cheek on his thick dark locks and show Kondo more of where he expects him to kiss. As if to add fuel to the fire in Kondo's heart, Hijikata's fingers curled around his collar to pull it apart, revealing his bare chest to add to the offer.

Hijikata's eyes opened slightly to peek at Kondo who was silently gawking at the gift he had been blessed with. Annoyed that he hadn't received a response, Hijikata huffed. "Well? Do you want me to make the noise or not?"

As Atlas was burdened with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Kondo was now presented with the arduous task of pleasing Hijikata. His soul (as well as something else) hardened with resolve.

He slipped his hand under the fabric of Hijikata's clothes. His cold thumb pressed against Hijikata's nipple and he shifted under him, his body stiffening up. Kondo used his free hand to cup Hijikata's cheek and turn his face towards him, diving in for another kiss. His thumb pressed against his nipple and Hijikata whined against him.

Kondo's tongue ran itself along Hijikata's bottom lip and was met with little resistance. The taste of moonshine still lingered on him, and Kondo couldn't help wanting to consume all of his tiny whines and mewls.

Hijikata used the heel of his palm on Kondo's chest to pull them apart, gasping for air. He turned away again, as if to remind Kondo of their previous agreement. As if he were waiting for Kondo to uphold his side of the contract.

Kondo obliges, pressing soft kisses onto Hijikata's neck as his thumb rubs small circles into his chest to apologize for the delay.

Hijikata curls his fingers around Kondo's shoulders as he closes his eyes, sighing as he melts into Kondo's care.

Kondo's soft kisses get rougher, wetter as he lets his tongue press down on Hijikata's pulse. He kneads it against Hijikata's delicate skin, relishing in how much it makes him squirm.

Kondo's sloppy kisses go further until he's back behind Hijikata's ear, flicking his tongue at that sweet spot he'd found moments ago. He felt Hijikata's body shiver under him as another shaky whine rang through.

Hijikata's fingers snuck underneath Kondo's collar and his nails dug into his bare shoulders. One of his legs wrapped around Kondo's waist, using it as leverage to pull their hips closer to each other.

Kondo pulled away from him and acted accordingly, grabbing Hijikata by his waist and lifting him up so that he's finally sitting on his lap.

Hijikata slapped his hand over his mouth in surprise at the sudden escalation. He looked down at how close their chests were to each other. Through the layers of fabric he could feel Kondo's hardness pressing against him and he could feel his mind go overload.

Kondo grabbed the hand on Hijikata's mouth by the wrist and jerked it away. Kondo took his other hand and slammed them both against the tree, crashing their mouths together. "Let me kiss you." Kondo hissed between heavy breaths.

Hijikata couldn't bring himself to resist Kondo anymore. The roughness of Kondo's hands on his wrists, and the way he'd begun to nip and suck on his bottom lip made his mind unravel. If his mind was made up of a complex web of thoughts, every breathless kiss, every growl, every hiss, made those threads snap. With each of Kondo's movements on him, his mind was coming undone until he was entirely under his control.

"Kondo-san.." Hijikata moaned into Kondo's mouth. He'd never realized how sweet Hijikata was. How sweet he sounded when he mewled his name between his own needy whines and whimpers. How sweet he tasted when he let Kondo into his mouth, letting him breathe into his lungs. How sweet he felt when he turned into clay in his hands, letting Kondo explore every part of him.

Hijikata wanted it to never stop. He wanted Kondo to keep him to himself forever. He wanted Kondo's attention on him; to be held as if he was precious to him. Kondo's arms wrapped around his waist and he held him tight. Hijikata threw his arms around Kondo's neck, dragging his hands down to cup Kondo's face.

They pull apart for the first time in what feels like eons and the cold night air rushed into them. They took a moment to gaze at each other's flushed, dazed faces in the moonlight. Breathless and foggy-minded, they could barely make any words out to each other.

Hijikata suddenly found his jaw go slack, unable to say anything. All he knows is that in Kondo's arms he's the most secure he's ever felt in years. A sentence falls at the edge of his lips, yearning to be set free but held back by the fear that he'll lose everything if it does.

[I want you.]

"Oi, who's out there?" A mortifyingly familiar voice cut through the tension, shattering the fantasy they'd created for the evening. They hadn't chosen their rendezvous point as carefully as they thought they did. The neighborhood medicinal herb seller unfortunately lived close enough to be shaken by their fun and had gone out with a lantern to survey the situation.

The two of them snapped into action, gathered themselves in a matter of seconds, and made a mad dash out the area. They were lucky it was only the herb seller. The poor old man was a good few years away from being legally blind, so they could easily get away scott-free.

It was a few hours to dawn when they finally arrived at the dojo again. Riddled with shock, they immediately headed to clean themselves off in silence. They didn't say a word to each other until they reached the sleeping quarters.

"We can never speak about this. Ever." Hijikata hissed to Kondo. Kondo nodded wholeheartedly, agreeing that the night, however eventful, had never happened.

A good ten or so years later, after the end of a war, the unceremonious cutting of a trademark ponytail, and the establishment of a military police force, the two of them are reminiscing in the city of Edo.

"Sougo would never do that right?" Kondo asks Hijikata, holding up his empty cup.

Hijikata scoffs. "Of course not. He still believes in the Cat Parade." He retorts, pouring sake into Kondo's cup.

Kondo breaks into his loud, guffawing laughter at the endearing childishness of his youngest police force member. He throws an arm around Hijikata's shoulders and pulls him close, causing some of his sake to spill.

Hijikata can feel Kondo's booming laughter resonating through his body. Caged in Kondo's hearty, alcohol-stenched embrace, a realization dawns on him. Wars end and children grow, but the warmth and security he feels when he’s by Kondo’s side in moments like this will never change.

[shinsengumi-archives]

Okita Souji [SHQ]

also known as Souzi, Soushi or Soji

Born in Tenpou 13 (1844) (some say Tenpou15), died Meiji 1 (1868), May 30 (Unsure of the converted date; may be July19).

Hometown: Shirakawa

Style: Tennen Rishin Ryuu

Swords: Kikuichimonji Norimune (might be unlikely because it had the status of a national treasure), Kaga Kiyomitsu (both katana)

Original name: Okita (some say Harumasa) Soujirou

Soujirou was born into a samurai family in Shirakawa, the oldest son of Okita Katsujirou (or Shuujirou? the translator is unclear). His parents having died when he was little, he was raised by his older sister (Omitsu) and her husband (Rintaro). Rintaro was originally from the Inoue family (related to Inoue Genzaburou), and was adopted into the Okita family upon his marriage.

At nine years of age, Okita began kenjutsu at Shieikan. There, he was close friends with Kondou, Hijikata, and Inoue (and later Harada, Toudou, Yamanami, and Nagakura). It is said that they were almost like brothers.

It was also discovered that he had a great talent for kenjutsu (a prodigy). By his teens, he had mastered all the techniques of Tennen Rishin Ryuu, and in Bunkyuu 1 at age eighteen, he began teaching it himself. Equally skilled with he shinai, bokken/bokutou, and katana, he attained Menkyo Kaiden status at a young age. It is said that he loved children a lot, and rumor has it that he was very good-looking (perhaps this is according to the standards of the time, or perhaps due to popular fiction).

In Bunkyuu 3 (1863), he left for Kyoto with Kondou and the others to join the Roushitai. After its disbanding, he became the captain of the first unit of the Roushigumi (later Shinsengumi) and Fukuchou Jokin (Vice-Commander's Assistant). He was said to be one of the top three swordsmen of the group, together with Saitou Hajime and Nagakura Shinpachi. Others argue that he was the best. His signature attack was the Sandanzuki ("three-piece thrust"), an attack derived from an invention of Hijikata's (the Hirazuki).

Okita later contracted tuberculosis (some say he did during the early days of the group, but others say it must have been later). His illness was discovered during the Ikedaya affair when he coughed up blood (coughing up blood is a sign of very advanced stages of TB it would be unlikely he survived this long after Ikedaya, perhaps this was added later for dramatic purposes). Kondou and Hijikata elected to keep Okita's illness a secret from the troops, in order to keep their morale up. Doctor Matsumoto Ryoujun treated him, and he did use Ishida Sanyaku (Hijikata family medicine) and the Sato family medicine to ease his illness. By Keiou 3, his condition had become so bad that he had to be left behind in Edo. There, he spent the rest of his days in a hospital. He inquired after Kondou constantly, since he was never told of his execution. It is also said that Okita tried to kill a black cat. He died May 30 (converted date?), Meiji 1 (1868), without witness.

*There is also something on Okita's page at http://toshizo.com/name that mentions someone confessed love to him in Bunkyuu 2, and he declined saying "Because I am still in training." This may be an error from the translating software, but it could also be true.

A Note on Okita's Sword by Shimazu Masayoshi

The Kiku-ichimon-ji Norimune is reputed to be the sword Okita used. However, it is HIGHLY unlikely that that was his sword, mainly owing to the fact that "Kiku-ichimonji," or "Chrysanthemum-crest," is the crest of the Emperor, and the swordsmith Norimune, having been in attendance to Emperor Go-Toba, was allowed to stamp the tang of his blades (the part the handle wraps around) with the Imperial crest. Therefore, the sword, even in the pre-Meiji era, had the status of a national treasure. So it's highly unlikely that Okita, a man who was the son of a low-ranking ashigaru (ashigaru were foot soldiers who are considered by some to have not even had full samurai rank), would have such a sword.

However, http://www.toshizo.com/nozoku/index.html lists a more likely candidate for Okita's favorite sword-- the Kaga Kiyomitsu. You can see a picture of what I believe is a replica here- http://www2.taiyo-planet.co.jp/konc/konc-shohin/japan/kit/img/kit-027a-ko.jpg, and it's possible to buy it here http://www2.taiyo-planet.co.jp/konc/konc-shohin/japan/kit/kit-027a.htm. Even says he used it at Ikedaya.

His Final Resting Place Okita's ashes are at Zempukuji Temple located in Akasaka Tokyo.

[mist-chance]

So... I don’t know if I’m just really tired and can’t read, or what, but I honestly can’t tell if Otae and Kondo’s final fantasy is legit or not. I thought they got married and Otae’s pregnant, but then Shinpachi had to come in and provide (what I thought, was) a legitimate alternate explanation for everything: Kondo marrying a gorilla, having a gorilla baby, and being in a gorilla-gorilla-gorilla household, while practicing his househusband skills on Otae and making her gain weight.

And what the hell happened to Madao and Catherine? Catherine aged like 2 decades in 2 years, and Madao did a reverse Yamazaki (appearance-wise, he reminds me of pre-Shinsengumi Yamazaki). 

...It makes me nervous to see what happened to the others.