Shinsengumi’s Makoto Banner: The Symbol of Ultimate Loyalty
In the winding, stone-paved streets of Kyoto, history whispers from every corner. Yet, few symbols evoke the turbulent energy of Japan’s Bakumatsu period (1853–1867) quite like a simple, striking design: a red field, a jagged white mountain border, and a single, bold kanji character in the center—誠 (Makoto). This was the battle standard of the Shinsengumi, the feared and revered special police force that served the Tokugawa Shogunate with unwavering devotion.
For travelers and culture enthusiasts exploring Japan, the “Makoto” banner is more than a museum artifact; it is a window into the soul of the last samurai. It represents a code of honor so strict that it often demanded death over surrender. In this article, we unfurl the history behind the banner of sincerity.
Origins: The Birth of the Wolf of Mibu
The story of the banner begins in 1863, a time when Japan was fracturing under the pressure of Western imperialism and internal political strife. Ronin (masterless samurai) flocked to Kyoto to protect the Shogun. Among them was a group initially known as the Roshigumi, which later evolved into the Shinsengumi.
Based at the Mibu-dera Temple, the group required a visual identity to distinguish themselves during skirmishes. The design they chose was provocative. While their famous haori jackets were a distinctive blue (asagi-iro) with white jagged triangles, their battle flag was a deep, blood red with gold or white lettering.
The central kanji, 誠 (Makoto), translates roughly to “sincerity,” “truth,” or “fidelity.” For a group composed largely of farmers and swordsmen seeking to elevate their social status through the sword, this character was a declaration of intent. They were not merely mercenaries; they were the true, sincere guardians of the Shogun.
Legend: What Does “Makoto” Really Mean?
The choice of the Makoto character is steeped in the philosophical underpinnings of Bushido. In the context of the Shinsengumi, “sincerity” did not mean being polite. It meant an alignment of word and action—if a warrior said he would defend a post, he would do so until his last breath. To lack Makoto was to be a liar and a coward, punishable by seppuku under the group’s draconian code, the Kyoku-chu Hatto.
The jagged white pattern at the bottom of the flag, known as the Dandara-moyo, is equally legendary. It is widely believed to be a homage to the 47 Ronin (the Ako Roshi) of the Chushingura tale, the ultimate historical exemplar of samurai loyalty. By adopting a similar visual motif, the Shinsengumi leaders—Kondo Isami and Hijikata Toshizo—were drawing a direct lineage between their modern struggle and the idealized loyalty of the past.
Modern Culture: From History Books to Anime Screens
Today, the Shinsengumi’s red banner has transcended historical texts to become a pop culture icon. It is instantly recognizable in Japan, appearing in countless manga, anime, and dramas.
In the hit series Gintama, the Shinsengumi are portrayed with comedic affection, yet the banner remains a symbol of their bond. In the romance visual novel and anime Hakuoki, the flag serves as a tragic reminder of their doomed struggle against the changing tides of history. The Makoto flag has romanticized the Shinsengumi as the “last flowering of the samurai,” representing a purity of purpose that appeals to modern audiences disillusioned with political ambiguity.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Shinsengumi in Kyoto & Hino
If you want to walk in the footsteps of the Shinsengumi and see the Makoto banner for yourself, here are the top destinations:
- Mibu-dera Temple (Kyoto): The birthplace of the Shinsengumi. You can visit the graves of members and see a statue of Kondo Isami. The nearby Yagi Residence, where the group was quartered, offers tours where you can see actual sword cuts left on the wooden pillars.
- Ryozen Museum of History (Kyoto): This museum is dedicated to the Meiji Restoration and houses authentic artifacts, including replicas of the banner and the famous blue haori.
- Hino City (Tokyo): The hometown of Hijikata Toshizo. The Hijikata Toshizo Museum is run by his descendants and opens periodically to the public, displaying his favorite sword, the Izuminokami Kanesada.
Souvenir Tip: Look for Tenugui (Japanese hand towels) emblazoned with the Makoto kanji. They make for excellent, lightweight gifts that carry the spirit of the samurai.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the samurai spirit and the historical context of the Shinsengumi, consider exploring the following:
- Shinsengumi: The Shogun’s Last Samurai Corps by Romulus Hillsborough – The definitive English-language history of the group.
- Moeyo Ken (Burn, O Sword) by Ryotaro Shiba – A historical novel that defines the modern image of Hijikata Toshizo.
- Hagakure – While not specific to the Shinsengumi, this 18th-century text outlines the warrior path that influenced the intense loyalty behind the Makoto flag.
- Note on Classical Texts: While ancient texts like the Kojiki or Nihon Shoki establish the divine origins of the Emperor (whom the Shinsengumi ostensibly respected, though they fought for the Shogun), the specific ideology of the Shinsengumi is better understood through Edo-period Confucianism and the code of Bushido.