The Legacy of the Demon Vice-Commander: Hijikata Toshizo’s Kanesada
In the pantheon of Japanese swords, few blades evoke as much romanticism, tragedy, and steely resolve as the Izuminokami Kanesada. While many legendary katanas are associated with the daimyos of the Warring States period, this particular sword belongs to the twilight of the samurai era. It was the weapon of choice for Hijikata Toshizo, the ruthless and brilliant Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi.
Known as the “Demon Vice-Commander,” Hijikata fought to preserve the Tokugawa Shogunate against the rising tide of Imperial restoration. His sword was not merely a weapon; it was an extension of his unwavering will. For cultural travelers and history enthusiasts, understanding the Kanesada is key to understanding the spirit of the Last Samurai.
Origins: The Craftsmanship of Aizu
The sword known famously as “The Kanesada” refers specifically to the 11th (or possibly 12th) generation Izuminokami Kanesada. Unlike ancient blades forged in the Kamakura period, this was a shinto (new sword) forged during the late Edo period in the Aizu domain.
The smith, Kanesada, was renowned for creating practical, robust weapons designed for combat rather than mere display. Hijikata’s blade measures approximately 2 feet 4 inches (roughly 70 cm). It is characterized by its distinct hamon (temper line) and its ability to withstand the brutal, close-quarters combat that the Shinsengumi specialized in. While the Shinsengumi originated in Kyoto, their loyalty lay with the Aizu clan, making the choice of an Aizu-forged blade a symbol of political allegiance as well as martial utility.
The Legend: The Soul of the Shinsengumi
The legend of this sword is inextricably linked to the bloody streets of Kyoto and the northern battlefields of Hakodate. As the Shinsengumi policed Kyoto, cutting down masterless samurai (ronin) who sought to overthrow the Shogun, the Kanesada became feared. It is said that Hijikata’s fighting style was ruthless, and his sword was kept in pristine fighting condition despite constant use.
The Miracle at Hakodate
However, the true legend of the Kanesada lies in its survival. By 1869, the Shogunate had fallen, and Hijikata was making his last stand in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Sensing his impending death, Hijikata summoned his page, Ichimura Tetsunosuke. He entrusted the boy with a photograph of himself, his death poem, and his beloved Izuminokami Kanesada.
He ordered Ichimura to smuggle these items out of the besieged fortress and deliver them to his family in Hino. Ichimura succeeded, escaping just before the fortress fell and Hijikata was killed in action. Because of this final act of preservation, the sword survived the modernization of Japan and remains with us today.
Modern Culture: From History to Anime
For decades, the sword was a historical artifact appreciated mostly by scholars. However, in recent years, the Izuminokami Kanesada has exploded into pop culture fame, largely due to the franchise Touken Ranbu. In this game and anime, famous swords are anthropomorphized into handsome warriors. The character representing Izuminokami Kanesada is depicted as confident, stylish, and fiercely loyal to his former master, Hijikata.
This phenomenon has led to a surge of “Katana Women” (Touken Joshi)—female history enthusiasts who travel across Japan to view these blades. The sword also features prominently in other media, such as Hakuoki and Golden Kamuy, cementing its status as an icon of the Bakumatsu era.
Traveler’s Tips: Viewing the Kanesada
If you wish to see this legendary blade, you must travel to Hino City, located in the western suburbs of Tokyo. This was Hijikata’s birthplace and is now the home of the Hijikata Toshizo Museum.
- Location: The museum is run by Hijikata’s descendants in his childhood home. It is a roughly 15-minute walk from Monorail Manganji Station.
- Limited Viewing: The authentic Izuminokami Kanesada is not on permanent display to preserve its condition. It is typically exhibited for a limited time, usually around May, to coincide with the anniversary of Hijikata’s death and the local Shinsengumi Festival.
- The Experience: During the exhibition, you can see the nicks on the blade—scars from its days in battle. The scabbard, adorned with maroon lacquer and botan (peony) flowers, is a work of art in itself.
Pro Tip: Check the museum’s official website for the exact exhibition schedule before booking your trip, as lines can be long during the viewing window.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the spiritual significance of Japanese swords, one might look back to ancient texts like the Kojiki or Nihon Shoki. While these 8th-century chronicles describe the mythological origins of swords like the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, they establish the cultural foundation that treats the sword as a sacred vessel of the soul—a belief Hijikata held until his dying breath.
For specific history regarding the Shinsengumi and the Kanesada:
- Shinsengumi: The Shogun’s Last Samurai Corps by Romulus Hillsborough.
- Archives of the Hijikata Toshizo Museum, Hino City.
- Letters of Ichimura Tetsunosuke regarding the Siege of Hakodate.