Not much is known about this anime! We do know that it was released by ACC in 1988 some say 1989 as an OVA. Quite a rare gem for the anime fan in me! There is not a single moment where I was left disinterested or not laughing even if there were no subtitles. A great anime if you’re in it for the laughs and can overlook historical discrepancies. It is after all a “farce” (Shougeki translates to farce in English). *grin* The story itself follows our boys from Tama to Kyoto so the stories of Serizawa Kamo and Niimi Nishiki is there. The story also goes up to the point of the Ikedaya incident and ends shortly thereafter. Ending after the events at the Ikedaya isn’t really surprising, a lot of Shinsengumi films end there. Make sure you pick this up if you see it in the used section of your local video store. You will fall in love.
Characters:
Shougeki Shinsengumi is filled with fun and very unique characters! The character design in itself was tailored to be comical as this is a farce after all! But as comical as they come across, they are easy to love and remember for any Shinsengumi fan!
Kondou Isami – Commander of the Shinsengumi who led his Shieikan team to Kyoto. A patriotic man who just can’t get his hands on Katsura Kogoro.
Serizawa Kamo – A difficult fire breathing Hippo who became Co-commander until his eventual demise.
Niimi Nishiki – He is Serizawa’s buddy who evidently loves to take pictures!
Hijikata Toshizo – A very serious man who is also very loyal to Kondou and chef of the Shieikan. He becomes the Vice-Commander.
Yamanami Keisuke – Mr. Nice… Also Vice-Commander
Okita Souji – Just your average lovable swordsman who loves “Odango” for various reasons! His dancing skills are just as good as his sword skill.
Saitou Hajime – Seems the most normal of the whole group. Hijikata takes him under his wing.
Harada Sanosuke – Big and tall. He’ll eat anything.
Nagakura Shinpachi – Seems like a nice guy. He seems to have a wild imagination!
Todou Heisuke – The youngest of the group. Please don’t forget the pacifier…
Inoue Genzaburou – Old man? Wise? -Maybe-.
Yamazaki Susumu – The spy who led the Shinsengumi to the Ikedaya. Ninja
Little girl who runs the Odango shop. Okita seems to have a thing for her! But it seems Hijikata too…
Geisha in purple – The two timing lady who did Kondou and Katsura all at once. *snicker*
Geisha in greenish kimono – She’s fallen madly in love with Souji. *cough*
Matsudaira Katamori – the thin man with the weird voice, the Shinsengumi works under him?
*note* I couldn’t get the names of the ladies, it seems that they were purposely not named in the anime but I’m not sure.