The Real Life Samurai Behind Saitō Hajime's Character
The Real Life Samurai Behind Saitō Hajime's Character
Samurai, a class of skilled warriors in feudal Japan, have been the subject of many movies, books, and television shows. One famous samurai that has captured the hearts of many is Saitō Hajime, the main antagonist in the popular manga series Rurouni Kenshin. However, did you know that Saitō Hajime was a real-life samurai and not just a fictional character? In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the man behind the iconic character.
A Life of Service
Saitō Hajime was born in Edo (now Tokyo), Japan in 1844 and was the third son of an Edo magistrate. He was from a family of samurai, and at the age of nine, he was adopted into the Saitō clan and became Saitō Hajime. At the young age of 15, he joined the Shinsengumi, a special police force that served under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
As part of the Shinsengumi, Saitō quickly gained a reputation as one of their most skilled swordsmen and was promoted to the rank of captain after only three years. He was known for his fierce loyalty and strict adherence to the code of the samurai, known as bushido. Saitō's unwavering dedication to his duties made him a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
The Legendary Battle of Toba-Fushimi
In 1868, the Bakumatsu era in Japan marked the end of the Shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, a time of great political change. The Shinsengumi found themselves caught in the middle of the conflict, with some members supporting the Shogunate and others the Imperial forces. Saitō, along with his comrades, fought in one of the most significant battles of the time, the Battle of Toba-Fushimi.
Saitō's skills and leadership were crucial in the battle, and even though the Shinsengumi ultimately lost, they left a lasting impression on their opponents. Saitō was wounded in the fighting, but he managed to survive and continue his service as a samurai.
A New Era
After the end of the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, Saitō and the remaining Shinsengumi members switched their allegiance to the new government. Saitō's reputation for being a fierce samurai eventually caught the attention of the new government, and he was offered a position as a police officer in the newly established Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. He accepted the offer and left his life as a samurai behind.
Despite leaving his samurai past, Saitō still followed the bushido code and continued to live by the principles of loyalty and honor. He served as a police officer for over 30 years and retired in 1898 at the age of 54.
Legacy and Pop Culture
Today, Saitō Hajime is remembered as one of the most skilled and respected samurai in Japanese history. His strict adherence to the bushido code and his unwavering loyalty made him a legendary figure. In popular culture, Saitō is best known for his portrayal in the manga and anime series Rurouni Kenshin, where he is depicted as a skilled swordsman who is fiercely loyal to the Shinsengumi.
Although Saitō may have lived and died over a century ago, his legacy and the legacy of the samurai continue to live on. Their stories and teachings on honor and devotion continue to inspire people around the world.
Image source: Wikipedia