SHINSENGUMI 新選組

The most representative actor for Hijikata Toshizō
Held by a Japanese animation advertising company, an election on the most representative actor for role portrayal of Hijikata Toshizō is released. The organizers of the vote interviewed 2,698 men and women aged 10 to 50. They were asked to select the actor whom they deemed most suitable and representative for the role of Vice commander Hijikata Toshizō in any Shinsengumi production. Here are the results:

1st place　Junichi Okada-film Moeyo Ken in 2021
2nd place　Yamamoto Koji-NHK Taiga drama Shinsengumi! in 2004 and drama Asa ga Kita in 2015
3rd place　Machida Keita-NHK Taiga drama Reach Beyond the Blue Sky in 2021
4th place　Yuya Yagira-film and web drama Gintama in the role of Hijikata Toshiro
5th place　Ito Hideaki-drama Wachigai-ya Itosato - The Women of the Shinsengumi in 2007
6th place　Toshihiro Wada-film Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning in 2021
7th place　Takeshi Ihara-drama When the Last Sword is Drawn in 2002
8th place　Sakiyama Tsubasa-promotional short clip Hakuoki in 2002
9th place　Mizobata Junpei-film Wachigai-ya Itosato in 2018
10th place　Nagai Dai-drama Shinsengumi Chronicles in 2011

It is considerably obvious that Junichi Okada gets the honour. Considering the plot and emotional portrayal in the novel, the character of Hijikata Toshizō is challenging to depict, so the recognition received by Okada Junichi indicates that his performance is likely exceptional.

Yamamoto Koji's portrayal of Hijikata Toshizō is also impeccable, with a resemblance in appearance. In addition to the Shinsengumi! series in 2004 and 2006 (earning him the Best Supporting Actor award at the 43rd Japan Drama Academy Awards), he reprised the role in Asa ga Kita ten years later. Being invited to play the same historical character again demonstrates that his interpretation has deeply resonated with the public and is widely accepted, making it difficult to be easily replaced.

The works starring Okada Junichi and Yamamoto Koji both cover Hijikata Toshizō's life, from his early involvement with the Shinsengumi to his death in the Battle of Hakodate, evoking emotional responses and favoritism from audiences. It is worth mentioning that the Takarazuka Revue has also performed When the Last Sword is Drawn multiple times, but theatrical stage performances have limitations in terms of promotion and viewing channels, which unfortunately led to the production not making it into the top ten in this election.