Kondo Isao

Shinsengumi Commander

The commander of the Shinsengumi. The head of the police force protecting the public order in Edo. A hot-blooded man overflowing with human warmth, earning deep trust from his men. Good-natured and pure-hearted, sometimes showing natural airheadedness as a comic relief character. A central figure in the turbulent world of Gintama.

Quotes

  • I am the Shinsengumi Commander, Kondo Isao!
  • Follow me, Shinsengumi men!
  • Otae, I will never let go of you.
  • I'm good at finding people's good points, but I don't look at their bad ones.
  • I will protect family and comrades.
  • I take pride in this sword.

Trivia

  • Often teased as 'Gorilla' due to his rugged facial features.
  • His one-sided crush on Otae is treated as malicious stalking.
  • His sword style is power-fighter type, relying more on strength than technique unlike Hijikata and Okita.
  • Initial setting was a delinquent boy who only stole.
  • Voice actor Susumu Chiba was one of the main VAs handpicked by the original author.
  • Surprisingly calm in battle and often demonstrates high leadership.

Alternate names

Kondou Isao Isao Kondo Gorilla Commander

Tags

Shinsengumi Commander Police Edo Samurai Gag Comedy Politics Friendship

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Rugged facial features with a dignified air befitting the heir to a swordsmanship dojo, yet a friendly and affable face. A distinctive scar runs from above the left eye down to the cheek. His somewhat rough grooming gives an approachable impression.
Height
Approximately 178cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Scar on left eye
  • Rugged features
  • Sweats profusely
Iconic items
  • Bokken
  • Police uniform
  • Sunglasses
  • Iaido sword
  • Kiseru pipe

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Hot-blooded
Detailed personality
Serious, loyal to obligations, and deeply emotional hot-blooded man. Strict toward evil, but kind to his subordinates and those around him. Due to his good nature, he is easily deceived but never succumbs to corruption and always leads those around him. He often plays the bo-ke (fool) role, and when there's no tsukkomi, he pulls off natural airhead moments. He is somewhat oblivious to women and directs a persistent stalker-like one-sided crush toward Otae.
Keywords
  • Hot-blooded
  • Good-natured
  • Loyal
  • Natural airhead
  • Sense of justice
  • Persistent
  • Caring
  • Generous
  • Stalker
Motto
Stick to the justice you believe in
Talents
  • Swordsmanship (Iaido and slashing)
  • Leadership
  • Loyalty and humanity
  • Reading emotions
  • Presence detection
Skills
  • Unit command
  • Tactical instruction
  • Negotiation
  • Combat
  • Tenacity
Motivation
Preserving the Shinsengumi and maintaining peace in Edo. Pursuing his feelings for his beloved Otae.
Habits
One-sided stalker behavior toward Otae (but completely unnoticed and beaten back). Intimidating when angry even while laughing. Often strips naked in public.
Favorite foods
Natto, Dote-yaki, Nikujaga, Oden, Fish sausage
Hobbies
Bokken maintenance, Drinking parties, Sword training, Interacting with Otae
Favorite colors
Indigo, Black
Disliked situations
Being deceived, Discord among subordinates, Rejection by women
Disliked foods
Bitter medicine, Overly spicy food

History

Backstory
Born as the heir to a swordsmanship dojo, he overcame his delinquent youth and devoted himself to sword training. Admired by friends for his strength and loyalty. After becoming Shinsengumi commander, he becomes a central figure in Edo's security, enduring repeated battles and betrayals while uniting the group through humanity. Harboring a one-sided crush on Otae, he charges through turbulent Edo.
Debut date
circa 2003
Work title
Gintama
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
From Volume 1 Chapter 1

End of the Joi War and Shinsengumi Formation

Significant event
End of the Joi War and Shinsengumi Formation
Description
After defeat in the Joi War, the ragtag Ronin group was reorganized into the Shinsengumi, and Kondo was appointed commander.

Shogun Escort Plan

Significant event
Shogun Escort Plan
Description
Faced numerous hardships and conspiracies while escorting Shogun Tokugawa Shige Shige.

Execution Plan and Black Rope Island Prisoner Escape

Significant event
Execution Plan and Black Rope Island Prisoner Escape
Description
In the Farewell Shinsengumi arc, he was sentenced to decapitation but successfully escaped with help from Katsura and others.

Participation in the Altana War

Significant event
Participation in the Altana War
Description
Led the Shinsengumi in fierce battle despite being cornered by Liberation Army attacks.

Retires and Trains as Househusband

Significant event
Retires and Trains as Househusband
Description
After Shinsengumi retirement, disguises as househusband training while sneaking in and out unauthorized.

Relationships

Tae Shimura (fiancée - one-sided crush)

Spouse

Harbors secret one-sided affection, but repeatedly rejected and beaten back.

Hijikata Toshiro

Rival

Through repeated clashes and fights, they acknowledge each other as rivals.

Okita Sougo

Teammate

Despite antagonizing due to unit circumstances, they always fight together and trust each other.

Otose

Ally

As the landlady of Yorozuya, she is the go-to landlady who helps out whenever needed.

Shinsengumi

Shinsengumi: leader

Media appearances

Gintama

Manga / Protagonist

Serialized from 2003 onwards

Gintama (Anime)

Anime / Protagonist

2006 TV series

Gintama Live-Action Movie

Movie / Protagonist

2017 theatrical release

Gintama Musical

Stage play / Protagonist

2010s

Voice cast and creators

Susumu Chiba

Voice actor
Susumu Chiba
Language
Japanese
Version or series
All periods of TV anime
Notes
current

Sachi Kunitsu

Voice actor
Sachi Kunitsu
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Childhood role

Chiaki Takahashi

Voice actor
Chiaki Takahashi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Voice when transformed into woman

Kankuro Nakamura

Voice actor
Kankuro Nakamura
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Live-action movie version

Hideaki Sorachi

Creator name
Hideaki Sorachi
Role
Original author

Hideaki Sorachi

Creator name
Hideaki Sorachi
Role
Character designer

Shueisha

Creator name
Shueisha
Role
Publisher

Sunrise

Creator name
Sunrise
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

Kondo Isao Figure

Item name
Kondo Isao Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Shinsengumi Commander Badge

Item name
Shinsengumi Commander Badge
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

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