Toshiro Hijikata

Toshiro Hijikata  is the famed chain-smoking vice commander of the Shinsengumi. Purportedly the brains behind the force, he takes his work seriously, and is fiercely loyal to his commander, Isao Kondo. Hijikata has a reputation as a fearsome leader, earning the nickname of "demonic vice-commander". He is also hot-tempered and often speaks of seppuku. However, despite his cold exterior, he does have a more compassionate side, as well as a tendency to cry after watching movies that are not particularly emotional.

Hijikata is obsessed with mayonnaise, and thus has the nickname "Mayora". He has been known to smother anything he eats under a mountain of mayonnaise, and he carries a number of objects shaped like mayonnaise bottles, such as his cigarette lighter. He was popular with girls until they discovered this obsession. Hijikata also has romantic feelings for Sogo Okita's sister Mitsuba Okita but prior to joining the government he rejected her, believing that with his life of violence, he would not be able to give her a happy life. Hijikata enjoys fighting and sees Gintoki as a rival in practically everything he does, from drinking contests to Rock-paper-scissors, ever since being defeated by him in battle. He is in constant danger of being killed by Okita's continuing attempts on his life. In spite of this, he considers Okita one of his close friends, and vice-versa.

In the series, Hijikata receives a sword that is cursed with the spirit of a hikkikomori otaku nicknamed "Tosshi"  who was murdered by his frustrated mother. The sword causes Hijikata to act like an otaku, and makes him behave in strange and cowardly ways. After a long inner struggle between the two, Tosshi disappears from Hijikata during contest to decide which group will be Otsu's official fan club. Based on the historical Hijikata Toshizō, Hijikata was originally meant to be Gin Tama's main character, but with his appearance being identical to the one of Gintoki. He is voiced by Kazuya Nakai.

Text is available under creativecommons.org

Read More

Isao Kondo

Isao Kondo  is the commander of the Shinsengumi. He is a bit goofy, but nevertheless good-natured and honorable. He takes his job seriously, and will not hestitate to sacrifice his life in order to protect the people. The members of the Shinsengumi are fiercely loyal to him, seeing as they revere him for being the one to give them back their swords after the Sword Prohibition Act. Shinsengumi Sougo Okita often remarks that Kondo's nice attitude is also his weak point as he never notices negative points about other people. Some characters in the series often call him "gorilla" and although he is angered with this nickname, he sometimes uses such word to label himself. 
He has a crush on Tae Shimura and stalks her, to which Tae responds with merciless beatings. His crush is predicated on the fact that Tae answered yes when he asked if she would accept a man with hairy buttocks (which Kondo has). Along the series, Kondo appears fully naked several times with his penis pixelized; Kondo becomes proud of this, noting that he ranked 15th in the character popularity poll from the manga despite how embarrassing this is.

Kondo's character and name are based on the historical Kondō Isami while his original design was a mix between Taizo Hasegawa and himself. He is voiced by Susumu Chiba.

Text is available under creativecommons.org

Read More

Sadaharu

Sadaharu  is an abandoned inugami who is collected by Kagura. He is named by Kagura, after her first pet. He was originally owned by a pair of miko sisters (Ane and Mone) who left him due to economical problems. Sadaharu chomps on anything smaller than itself, such as Gintoki's and other people's heads. Kagura seems to be the only one who can control him, for she has immense strength. Though he is dangerous when Gintoki first receives him, he becomes quite tame in the later chapters. He sometimes obeys Gintoki at certain points, and helps the main characters in many occasions. Kagura and Gintoki are often seen riding on his back, as he is big enough to carry two full-grown adults.
After a certain period of time, even Gintoki (who originally did not want Sadaharu around) refuses to abandon Sadaharu or give him back to the Miko sisters. He is voiced by Mikako Takahashi.
Text is available under creativecommons.org

Read More