Peacemaker Kurogane

Infobox animanga/Header
name = Peacemaker Kurogane
ja_name = PEACE MAKER鐵
ja_name_trans =
genre = Adventure, Drama, HistoricalInfobox animanga/Manga
title = Shinsengumi Imon Peacemaker
author = Nanae Chrono
publisher = flagicon|Japan Enix
publisher_other = flagicon|US Tokyopop
demographic = Shōnen
magazine = Monthly Shōnen Gangan
first = May 1999
last = September 2001
volumes = 6Infobox animanga/Manga
author = Nanae Chrono
publisher = flagicon|Japan Mag Garden
publisher_other = flagicon|US ADV Manga, Tokyopop
demographic = Shōnen
magazine = Comic Blade
volumes = 5Infobox animanga/Anime
director = Tomohiro Hirata
studio = Gonzo
network = flagicon|Japan TV Asahi
network_other = flagicon|United States Showtime Beyond
flagicon|Philippines QTV, Hero TV
first = 7 October 2003
last = 24 March 2004
episodes = 24

Nihongo|"Peacemaker Kurogane"|PEACE MAKER鐵| is a historical fiction manga and anime series created by mangaka nihongo|Nanae Chrono|黒乃奈々絵|Kurono Nanae. The story begins in 19th century Japan before the Meiji Restoration, while the seeds of the revolution are being planted. The story follows the boy protagonist, Ichimura Tetsunosuke, who joins the Shinsengumi (initially as Hijikata Toshizo's page) while seeking strength to avenge his parents' death by a Choshu rebel.

The prequel of "Peacemaker Kurogane" is Nihongo|"Shinsengumi Imon Peacemaker"|新撰組異聞PEACE MAKER| was published by Enix in the magazine "Monthly Shōnen Gangan". "Peacemaker Kurogane" itself was started as a new series in Mag Garden's "Comic Blade" in 2001, [http://www.gangansearch.com/kikaku/review/gangan/ 連載作品データ] (Serialization Data). GanganSearch. Retrieved on February 5, 2008.] "Kurogane" and was later licensed by ADV Manga, which released three of the five volumes before putting it on hold indefinitely. After the license lapsed, and Tokyopop acquired it, along with "Shinsengumi Imon Peacemaker".Koulikov, Mikhail (2006-07-03). [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2006/anime-expo/18 Anime Expo 2006: Tokyopop] . Anime News Network. Retrieved on February 5, 2008.] The manga was later adapted into a anime series by Gonzo Digimation and ran for 24 episodes, which aired on TV Asahi in late 2003 and early 2004. The US license for the anime is held by ADV Films under the title "Peacemaker". The anime follows the plot of the manga mostly, but also introduces characters that are only shown in the sequel of the story. The anime aired in the United States on Showtime Beyond, [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-06/peacemaker-on-showtime Peacemaker On Showtime] . Anime News Network (2005-09-06). Retrieved on February 5, 2008.] alongside Chrono Crusade.

Plot

The story is focused on the main character, Ichimura Tetsunosuke, an energetic, short, and very childlike 15 year old. Sadly, he and his older brother (Tatsunosuke) are left to fend for themselves after the vicious murder of their parents. While Tetsunosuke wants to get revenge, his pacifist brother is not so inclined. 'Tatsu' happens to join a street gang dubbed the Shinsengumi, as an accountant, to earn a living, ironically the organization 'Tetsu' wishes to join as a soldier to seek his revenge. This is where the story truly develops during 'Tetsu's' trials and tribulations as a struggling page craving redemption. He develops relationships with all the legendary members of the Shinsengumi army helping them with their various struggles as he constantly battles his own against himself. The story comes to fruition as 'Tetsu' discovers himself and the overwhelming responsibility the power he is searching for holds.

Characters

; nihongo|Ichimura Tetsunosuke|市村 鉄之助: The protagonist of "Peacemaker Kurogane", an actual member of the Shinsengumi. In traditional shōnen anime lead form, he is short, strong-willed, and often underestimated. Like many other protagonists of this genre, Tetsu also has a cheerful, active and competitive personality. He joins the Shinsengumi in order to become strong and avenge the death of his parents at the hands of a member of the Chōshū clan, and ends up working as a page to Hijikata Toshizo. At the time in 1864, Tetsu has not grown for two years due to his emotional scar. He has been more-or-less adopted as a mascot/little brother figure by the senior members of the Shinsengumi.

: "Voiced by:" Yumiko Kobayashi (Japanese), Luci Christian (English)

; nihongo|Ichimura Tatsunosuke|市村 辰之助: Tetsu's over protective, easily worried and rather high-strung older brother/guardian (also an actual member of the Shinsengumi). He is polite, soft spoken, and down to earth. After the death of their parents, he had to take care of himself and his brother. He, in accordance with his more pacifist outlook, works only as a bookkeeper for the Shinsengumi. He has tried to put all thoughts of revenge for his parents' deaths out of his mind, but convincing his younger brother to do the same is a little more difficult. Tatsu has a habit of apologizing for his little brother.

: "Voiced by:" Yuji Ueda (Japanese), Vic Mignogna (English)

; nihongo|Okita Sōji|沖田 総司: The first unit captain of the Shinsengumi. He is deceptively delicate-looking and has an overall sunny disposition that occasionally borders on childishness, but displays frighteningly deadly skill in combat situations. He shares a strong bond with Hijikata and is also one of the only people who has a deep understanding of Tetsu. He takes Tetsu seriously and often practices with him. In addition, Souji loves children and is rarely seen without his piglet Saizo when he is off-duty. Souji is later diagnosed with tuberculosis.

: "Voiced by:" Mitsuki Saiga (Japanese), Braden Hunt (English)

; nihongo|Hijikata Toshizō|土方 歳三: The Shinsengumi's second vice-commander, Hijikata hides his compassion behind a cold and ruthless front, and is known as "the demon of the Shinsengumi". A brilliant strategist and fighter, Hijikata's talent for battle is extraordinary. When dealing with enemies, his method is highly practical and often reckless. He counts Kondo, Yamanami, and Okita among his closest friends, and is a stern master to his page Tetsu. His hobby consists of writing haiku (apparently not very good haiku).

: "Voiced by:" Jouji Nakata (Japanese), Mike MacRae (English)

; nihongo|Harada Sanosuke|原田 左之助: The tenth unit captain and the best spear fighter in the Shinsengumi. Sanosuke is best friends with Nagakura Shinpachi and Todo Heisuke, forming a trio known as "The Three Comedians", whose chief hobby seems to be annoying Tetsunosuke. He has a scar on his stomach from a failed seppuku attempt and is very proud of it.

: "Voiced by:" Kenji Nomura (Japanese), Jason Douglas (English)

; nihongo|Nagakura Shinpachi|永倉 新八: The second unit captain of the Shinsengumi. He introduces himself to Tetsu as "Sanosuke’s keeper." Like Tetsu, he is often underestimated by his height (and young appearance — he looks like a child, but is actually in his 20s). In fact, he is extremely skilled with his sword and is a swordsman of Okita Soji's level. He is also quite the joker, especially in conjunction with Sanosuke and Heisuke.

: "Voiced by:" Kappei Yamaguchi (Japanese), Greg Ayres (English)

; nihongo|Tōdō Heisuke|藤堂 平助: The eighth unit captain of the Shinsengumi. Heisuke is the youngest member of Kondo's group and the youngest captain of the Shinsengumi. Since he has a slight infatuation with small, cute animals, he always calls Tetsunosuke "Puppy Boy" (much to Tetsu's dismay).

: "Voiced by:" Kosuke Toriumi (Japanese), Nomed Kaerf (English)

; nihongo|Saitō Hajime|斎藤 一: The third unit captain of the Shinsengumi. The droopy-eyed and soft-spoken Saito Hajime has a supernatural ability to sense ghosts, spiritual auras (which unnerves many of the other members), and is able to perceive information about future events. He is an inexplicable camaraderie with Okita.

: "Voiced by:" Takashi Matsuyama (Japanese), Rob Mungle (English)

; nihongo|Yamanami Keisuke|山南 敬助: One of the Shinsengumi's two vice-commanders. Yamanami (often called "Sannan" by Kondo and Hijikata, which is an alternate reading of the kanji in his name) is a good-natured and thoughtful figure, providing a counterpoint to Hijikata's blunt and Machiavellian tendencies. He also loves children and takes a shine to Tetsunosuke. He is beloved by his fellow Shinsengumi members, and, like Hijikata, is firmly opposed to putting a sword in Tetsu's hands. He is carrying on a clandestine affair with a Shimabara courtesan named Akesato.

: "Voiced by:" Norihiro Inoue (Japanese), Christopher Ayres (English)

; nihongo|Kondō Isami|近藤 勇: The commander of the Shinsengumi. Kondo is presented as a grandfatherly, slightly-clueless figure who is still fully aware of his and his organization's goals.

: "Voiced by:" Takaya Hashi (Japanese), John Swasey (English)

; nihongo|Yamazaki Ayumu|山崎 歩: The "den mother" of the Shinsengumi, Ayumu (most often known as "Ayu-nee", or "big sister Ayu") is the cook and housekeeper at the Shinsengumi compound. A pretty woman with a motherly nature, Ayumu is fully cognizant of what the people around her do for a living, and acts as a sort of big-sister figure to Tetsu. She is Susumu's older sister, and, like him, a shinobi. She mentions in one episode them as being apart of the Oniwaban. While Susumu is based on the actual spy, Ayumu is a fictional character. She dies during the course of the anime.

: "Voiced by:" Yūko Nagashima (Japanese), Christine Auten (English)

; nihongo|Yamazaki Susumu|山崎 烝: Ayumu's younger brother, Susumu is one of the Shinsengumi's spies, reporting directly to Hijikata. A skilled shinobi and information-gatherer, his nature emulates that of his superior's. He often cross-dresses (quite convincingly) to gather information.

: "Voiced by:" Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese), Chris Patton (English)

; nihongo|Saya|沙夜:A fictional character. She is mute and writes to communicate. Tetsu tends to relate to her because her parents were also murdered. She and Hana are apparently 'girls-in-training' under Akesato in the red light district.

: "Voiced by:" Mikako Takahashi (Japanese), Monica Rial (English)

HanaShe and Saya are 'girls-in-training' under Akesato. She the polar opposite of Saya. Very loud, blunt,upbeat and caring in her own strange way.She dislikes katanas.Her dad was an umbrella maker and spoke loudly about honor. When her mother was sick, he did not sell his swords for a doctor. What happened to them is unknown but it is assumed that the mother died of the illness. She want Tetsu to make her his new mother out of compassion. She has a large crush on Harada Sanosuke after saving her from thugs at a festival.

; nihongo|Saizō|サイゾー:Okita Soji’s piglet pet. He lives with his "family" at the Shinsengumi Headquarters. He also has a habit of chasing Tetsunosuke more often than anyone else.

: "Voiced by:" Mikako Takahashi (Japanese), Monica Rial (English)

; nihongo|Akesato|明里:Based on the actual person. Akesato is Yamanami Keisuke's lover, a Shimabara courtesan, and a shinobi working for the Chōshū clan. In the manga, it is stated by Sakamoto that Akesato is mixed blood (half-Japanese and half-Caucasian); she has blonde hair (which she hides under a wig) and blue eyes. She is a member of the Fūma clan and acts as Susumu's rival in the series. (Note: the real Akesato was not a shinobi.)

: "Voiced by:" Neya Michiko (Japanese), Kira Vincent Davis (English)

; nihongo|Yoshida Toshimaro|吉田 稔麿:Based on the historical figure. Yoshida Toshimaro, a student of Yoshida Shōin, is a leader of the Chōshū clan and a master of military science. Souji kills him through decapitation on episode 23.

: "Voiced by:" Jun'ichi Suwabe (Japanese), John Gremillion (English); nihongo|Kitamura Suzu|北村 鈴:A fictional character. Suzu intends to avenge the death of his older brother at the hands of the Shinsengumi. He becomes Tetsu's friend without realizing that he's part of the Shinsengumi. He is a follower of Yoshida.

: "Voiced by:" Yuka Imai (Japanese), Kevin Corn (English)

; nihongo|Sakamoto Ryōma|坂本龍馬:Based on the actual visionary. An old acquaintance of Tatsu and Tetsu's father, Sakamoto refers their father as the "Peacemaker." Sakamoto also calls Tatsu "Dragon Boy", as "Tatsu" can be translated to "Dragon" in Japanese and nicknames Tetsu "Iron Boy", as "Tetsu" can be translated as "Iron". He is an expert swordsman but he mainly uses a pistol. In the Japanese version of the anime and manga, Ryoma tends to speak random English words. Ryoma is also wanted by the pro-Shogunate forces, as revealed by Okita when he sneaks into the Shinsengumi headquarters. In Episode 9, the tune Sakamoto Ryoma whistles is actually that of "The Star Spangled Banner".

: "Voiced by:" Masashi Ebara (Japanese), David Born (English)

; nihongo|Kichisaburo|吉三郎:Nonexistent in the manga. He looks just like Okita Soji in terms of appearance. He first appears before Maro entertaining him, he worked for Maro and impersonated Okita Soji. After Hijikata, Hajime and Okita invaded Maro's place and was saved by Hotaru's ignorance, he was never seen again.

Episodes

:Episode 1: Sakura-Cherry Blossoms:Episode 2: Jin-Will:Episode 3: Kurenai-Crimson:Episode 4: Kage-Shadow:Episode 5: Tsuki-Moon:Episode 6: Mu-Warrior:Episode 7: Suzu-Suzu:Episode 8: Koi-Love:Episode 9: Ryu-Dragon:Episode 10: Yu-Quiet:Episode 11: Ki-Plot:Episode 12: Ani-Big Brother:Episode 13: Madasashi-Gaze:Episode 14: Omoi-Thoughts:Episode 15: Uta-Poetry:Episode 16: Izuwaru-Deceit:Episode 17: Uzuru-Hollow:Episode 18: Ame-Rain:Episode 19: Sora-Sky:Episode 20: Yai-Blade:Episode 21: Jin-Battle Array:Episode 22: Ikusa-Fight:Episode 23: Makoto-Truth:Episode 24: Kurogane-Iron

;Opening Theme:"YOU GONNA FEEL" by Hav

;Ending Theme:"Hey Jimmy!" by Hav

References

External links

* [http://www.advfilms.com/titles/peacemaker ADV Films] English language anime distributor
*