Saitō Hajime

Former Shinsengumi 3rd Unit Captain, Stoic Swordsman

Former captain of the Shinsengumi's 3rd Unit, a stoic swordsman who serves as Kenshin's arch-nemesis and later ally. Active during the political turmoil of the Meiji Restoration period, known as an innovative wandering swordsman.

Quotes

  • A samurai, when exiting through the entrance, should not lead with the head first—lead with the feet.
  • In thrusting techniques, more important than the thrusting motion is the pulling back and quickly returning to your stance.
  • Somehow in these real sword duels, you can't think 'if the enemy slashes like this, parry it like that, then strike in the opening.' You just desperately slash at each other.
  • Shidō fukakugo!

Trivia

  • In reality, the historical Saitō Hajime was not left-handed, but is depicted as such in many fictional works.
  • An unusual samurai who also has a career in espionage as a police officer in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police after the Meiji era.
  • The name 'Fujita Gorō' was taken from his wife's family surname.
  • During his time at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, he held a 4th dan in gekiken.
  • Served as a swordsmanship instructor at Tokyo Higher Normal School after retirement, contributing to education.
  • Among his possessions is a netsuke of Shirōzō presented by Kondō Isami.

Alternate names

Fujita Gorō Yamaguchi Hajime Yamaguchi Jirō Ichinose Denhachi

Tags

Shinsengumi Bakumatsu Aizu Domain Swordsman Tokyo Metropolitan Police Stoic Wandering Swordsman Meiji Restoration Boshin War Tonami Domain

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
January 1
Birth year
1844

Appearance

Overall appearance
Average height with a sharp, intimidating gaze and tall stature. Characterized by sharp eyes and bushy eyebrows, photographed with his family.
Height
Approximately 170cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Sharp gaze
  • Bushy eyebrows
  • Tall stature
Iconic items
  • Katana
  • Chain mail

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Stoic
Detailed personality
Known for his calm and stoic personality with exceptional swordsmanship skills, yet possessed a bushido spirit with firm convictions when facing battle. Often displays a strict but loyal attitude toward those around him.
Keywords
  • Calm
  • Swordsmanship Instructor
  • Loyal
  • Solitary
  • Stoic
  • Loyalty
Motto
A samurai must value etiquette and prepare for ambushes.
Talents
  • Swordsmanship
  • Espionage
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Composure
  • Leadership
Skills
  • Gekiken Instructor
  • Intelligence Operations
  • Close Combat
  • Police Techniques
  • Tactical Planning
Motivation
Surviving the turbulent era while upholding bushido.
Habits
Remained calm even before strong enemies and possessed exceptional skill in handling bamboo swords.
Favorite foods
Unknown

History

Backstory
Saitō Hajime was born into a family in Harima Province and learned swordsmanship from a young age. He caused an altercation in Edo at a young age, fled to Kyoto, and joined the Shinsengumi. Served as assistant vice-chief and 3rd unit captain, fought fiercely on the Aizu Domain side during the Boshin War. After the Meiji Restoration, worked as a police officer in espionage and public security maintenance. Spent his later years active as a swordsmanship instructor at educational institutions.
Debut date
April 12, 1994
Work title
Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Romantan-
Media type
Manga

Joining the Shinsengumi

Significant event
Joining the Shinsengumi
Description
On March 10, Bunki 3 (1863), joined the Mibu Rōshigumi and was promoted to assistant vice-chief.

Ikeda-ya Incident

Significant event
Ikeda-ya Incident
Description
On June 5, Genji 1 (1864), played an active role in the Shinsengumi's representative combat incident.

Participation in the Boshin War

Significant event
Participation in the Boshin War
Description
In Keiō 4 (1868), fought on the Aizu Domain side in the Boshin War.

Joining the Tokyo Metropolitan Police

Significant event
Joining the Tokyo Metropolitan Police
Description
In Meiji 7 (1874), joined the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and handled espionage activities.

Participation in the Satsuma Rebellion

Significant event
Participation in the Satsuma Rebellion
Description
In Meiji 10 (1877), served in the police force during the Satsuma Rebellion.

Later Years in Education

Significant event
Later Years in Education
Description
After retirement, served as a swordsmanship instructor at Tokyo Higher Normal School, dedicating himself to swordsmanship education.

Relationships

Yamaguchi Yasuke

Father

Biological father. From a foot soldier background, later became a retainer of a hatamoto.

Masu

Mother

Biological mother.

Katsu

Sibling

Older sister

Hiroaki

Sibling

Older brother

Shinoda Yaso

Spouse

First wife.

Takagi Tokio

Spouse

Second wife.

Fujita Tsutomu

Child

Eldest son, Imperial Japanese Army lieutenant colonel.

Fujita Tsuyoshi

Child

Second son

Numazawa Tatsuo

Child

Third son

Kondō Isami

Mentor

Guided the formation of the Shinsengumi and its leadership activities.

Hijikata Toshizō

Teammate

Comrade-in-arms who fought together as Shinsengumi vice-chief.

Nagakura Shinpachi

Best friend

Shared swordsmanship as fellow gekiken instructors.

Shinsengumi

Shinsengumi: leader

Imperial Mausoleum Guard

Imperial Mausoleum Guard: unknown

Tokyo Metropolitan Police

Tokyo Metropolitan Police: strategist

Media appearances

Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Romantan-

Manga / Supporting

Serialization began in 1994

Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Romantan-

Anime / Supporting

1996 TV anime

Rurouni Kenshin Live-Action Movie Series

Movie / Supporting

2012-2021

Yakuza Ishin!

Game / Protagonist

2014

Voice cast and creators

Suzuoki Yōtaku

Voice actor
Suzuoki Yōtaku
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Original TV Anime
Notes
Representative voice actor

Narita Ken

Voice actor
Narita Ken
Language
Japanese
Version or series
OVA New Kyoto Arc

Hino Satoshi

Voice actor
Hino Satoshi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
2023 Anime Version

Eguchi Yōsuke

Voice actor
Eguchi Yōsuke
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Live-action Movie Series

Satō Kōichi

Voice actor
Satō Kōichi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Movie 'Mibu Gishi Den'

Watsuki Nobuhiro

Creator name
Watsuki Nobuhiro
Role
Original author

Shueisha

Creator name
Shueisha
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Saitō Hajime Figure

Item name
Saitō Hajime Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Saitō Hajime Plush Doll

Item name
Saitō Hajime Plush Doll
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited