Toshizo Hijikata facts for kids
Toshizo Hijikata was a famous samurai who lived in Japan during the late Edo period. He was a very important leader in a special group called the Shinsengumi. This group worked to protect the Shogun, who was like the military ruler of Japan. Hijikata was known for being very strict. Because of this, some people called him the "Vice President of the Ogre." He was a strong supporter of the Shinsengumi's president, Isami Kondo. Hijikata died in Hokkaido when he was 35 years old.
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Early Life of Toshizo Hijikata
Toshizo Hijikata was born in 1835 in a place called Musashino Kuni, which is now Hino City in Tokyo. He was the tenth and youngest child in his family. His father was a successful farmer. Even though his family was well-off, Toshizo dreamed of becoming a samurai. He wanted to learn martial arts and become a skilled swordfighter. He worked very hard to practice his sword techniques.
Childhood Adventures
As a child, Toshizo was known for being quite mischievous. He was also very clever and smart. When he was 11 years old, he started working at a dry goods store called Ito Gofukuten. However, he had a big argument with his boss over something small. He was so stubborn that he walked about 40 kilometers all the way back home! Even his family couldn't convince him to go back to the shop. After that, he started selling medicines called Ishida Sanyaku.
The Shinsengumi Group
The Shinsengumi was a special police force in Japan. Their name means "newly selected troops." They were formed to protect the Shogun during the final years before a big change in Japan called the Meiji Restoration.
Joining the Shinsengumi
Toshizo Hijikata met Isami Kondo when he was 25 years old. He joined Kondo's sword-fighting school, Shieikan. Later, Hijikata and other members from Shieikan decided to join a group called the Roshigumi. Their mission was to protect Tokugawa Iemochi, who was the 14th Shogun of the Edo government. They traveled to Kyoto for this important task. The Shinsengumi officially started in 1863 because of their success in protecting the Shogun.
A Strict Leader
Hijikata became the Vice President of the Shinsengumi. He was known for being very strict with the rules and with the members. This is why some people called him the "Vice President of the Ogre." However, it is said that just before he died in Hakodate, he became much kinder to everyone around him.
The Ikedaya Incident
On July 8, 1864, a famous event called the Ikedaya Incident happened. The Shinsengumi fought against a group called Sonno Joi ha. These were people who wanted to bring back the power of the emperor and remove foreigners from Japan. When Hijikata heard that Isami Kondo's group had found the Sonno Joi ha members, he quickly joined them. Instead of rushing in, he set up an ambush around the area. The Shinsengumi's actions during the Ikedaya Incident were very important. They were greatly rewarded for their success.
The Boshin War and Hijikata's End
The Boshin War started soon after these events. It was a big conflict in Japan. Isami Kondo, the president of the Shinsengumi, was arrested. Hijikata tried very hard to save him, but Kondo was sadly executed. Hijikata continued to fight. During the Battle of Utsunomiya Castle, his forces won for a short time. However, the new government troops had modern weapons, while Hijikata's men mostly used swords and spears. Their old weapons were no match for the new ones. Hijikata escaped to a fort called Goryokaku. Sadly, he was shot in the stomach and died during the fighting. He was 35 years old.
Legacy
Toshizo Hijikata's sword was eventually returned to Tokyo. Many people visit it every year to see this important piece of history. In 1994, the Hijikata Toshizo Museum opened in Hino City. It is located in the same building where Hijikata grew up as a child. Hijikata also appears as a character in the video game Hakuouki.
Images for kids
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Toshizo Hijikata
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Hijikata Toshizo
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The oldest grave memorial of Hijikata Toshizo in Hakodate
See also
In Spanish: D Hijikata Toshizō para niños
