Shinsengumi Keppuroku (1998)

Shinsengumi Keppuroku 1998 / 新選組血風錄 1998 / Shinsengumi: A History in Blood ,

The arrival of Perry’s Black Ships rudely awakened Japan from 300 years of peaceful isolation from the world. Men set their eyes beyond Japan and began to demand change in society. Old clashed with the new, and thus began an age of turmoil. Amidst this confusion, one group remained true to the old ways and risked their lives to preserve the traditional shogunate system. Led by their charismatic captain, Kondo Isami, the SHINSENGUMI upheld the code of honor of the samurai. Tales abound of the feats of men like Kondo, Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Soshi. Once again, TV Asahi in 1998 brings to life the passion and glory of these men who lived during the most turbulent time in Japanese history. Its approach looks very different from the 2004 NHK series. Much of the elaborate period detail and personal storylines are bypassed, making this version more an action adventure, which is more exciting because of the faster pace. Full of pathos, action-packed, this is a series not to be missed by ‟chambara‟ fans.