Keywords

Keywords

  • Battle of Aizu

    The fourth battle of the Boshin War, fought between the Aizu Domain and the Imperialist government army. Although the Aizu Domain surrendered, as they had protected Kyoto before the Revolution and apprehended Imperialists, the members of the domain were oppressed by the government for years on end since.

  • Battle of Toba-Fushimi

    The battle that started the Boshin War in 1868 between the new government and the old shogunate at Toba and Fushimi in the southern suburbs of Kyoto.

  • Battojutsu

    A technique where the blade of a sword races within the sheath and the sword speed doubles, even triples, when it is drawn out. A grand sure-kill attack that slays the opponent without providing an opportunity to counterattack.

  • Beef hot-pot (Gyunabe)

    This is also known as “sukiyaki” in modern Japanese. This dish represents Western cuisine and has gained popularity with and is enjoyed by the commoners.

  • Buddhist Abolishment

    This refers to policies and actions that attempt to abolish Buddhism and generally refers to actions carried out in the first year of the Meiji Era (1868) in the wake of the Meiji governmentr’s ordinance for the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. The Meiji government at the time had a policy of eliminating Buddhist elements from shrines and making Shinto the state religion. An extreme anti-Buddhism movement was already developing across the country, coupled with a period of transition from old customs.

  • Code of the Shinsengumi

    This is a set of rules devised by the Shinsengumi vice-commander Toshizo Hijikata for internal control. The code consists of five articles, and it is said that breaking any of them would result in death by disembowelment.

  • Democratic Rights Movement

    A political movement that started with Taisuke Itagaki and his party filing the “Petition for the Establishment of a Popularly Elected Assembly.” This petition emphasized the importance of establishing the National Diet, constitutional reform, and the participation of citizens in government.

  • Destornillador Sable Estillo (Electric Screwdriver Blade)

    A technique of Espiral Rotación. It is a saber technique that unleashes an enormous amount of power by using built-up energy from the rotation of the user’s body to the utmost limit.

  • Equality For the Four Classes

    A thought process that tried to abolish discrimination based on one’s social status in the hierarchy of merchants, artisans, farmers, and samurai in Edo society and allowed commoners to have last names.

  • Ezoshi Newspaper

    A newspaper for the public with visual components consisting of Nishiki paintings depicting current events and a description of the print visual.

  • Fallen Monk

    A corrupted monk who feels no shame in violating the directives of Buddha, such as nonkilling and chastity.

  • Fire Breath

    A technique of Hyottoko from the Oniwaban group. He creates fire with sacks of oil placed inside his stomach and teeth made of flint.

  • Gatling Gun

    A weapon developed in 1861 by Gatling, an American doctor. In Japan, the Echigo-Nagaoka Domain purchased it. In the Battle of Hokuetsu, this became a great threat to the Imperial Army.

  • Gatotsu

    A technique of Hajime Saito. This technique involves lowering his hips, thrusting his blade horizontally, and pointing his blade at his opponent. From this stance called Single Left Hand Hirazuki, where he gently places his right hand on the back of his blade, he shortens the distance between his opponent in one go, then rushes at and pierces his opponent.

  • Guze (Salvation)

    A term in Buddhism that refers to saving people from suffering.

  • Haishato

    A technique to attack an opponent from unpredictable directions by switching the sword to another hand behind the back.

  • Hatamoto

    A member of the vassal corps under the direct control of the Edo shogunate general, a samurai who was granted an audience with the army commander of the Edo shogunate. They were the core members of the standing army directly under the Edo shogunate.

  • Hiryuusen

    One technique of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. The sword is drawn from its sheath and is sent flying to hit opponents while spinning. The momentum of sheathing the sword is also used to drive another attack.

  • Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu

    A fast and swift Satsujinken (murderous sword) that excels in one-versus-many combat. Hitokiri Battosai wields this sword style.

  • Hitokiri Battosai

    The given name for a legendary, skilled swordsman that operated behind the scenes with overwhelming power and strength during the upheaval of the Bakumatsu Era.

  • Hyoki Technique

    A Shadow Skill of Shin no Ippo. The technique of putting a strong hypnosis on oneself and unleashing all one’s potential power.

  • Human Catapult

    A technique of Senkaku. It is an attack where he takes advantage of his well-trained body to dive headfirst in a straight line using only the strength of his legs.

  • Kaiten Kenbu

    A technique of Aoshi Shinomori. A practical sword dance that combines the movements of Kenpo with techniques of the Kodachi. The movement is of flowing water, fluctuating speed at will.

  • Kansatsu Tobi-Kunai

    A technique of Misao Makimachi. She throws multiple Kunai at an opponent at once.

  • Kamiya Kasshin-ryu

    Kamiya Kasshin-ryu is a sword style with an ambition for “swords that give life”. Kaoru Kamiya acts as an acting master.

  • Kioizaka Incident

    This occurred on Meiji 11, May 14th when Lord of Home Ministry Toshimichi Okubo was assassinated. Kioizaka is a hill located in present-day Chiyoda-ward in Tokyo and got its name from being associated with the Kishu Tokugawa clan, Owari Tokugawa clan, and Ii clan from the Hikone Domain.

  • Kodachi

    A sword that is between a Katana and a Wakizashi (short sword). As it is shorter than a katana, it lacks in offensive power. However, as it is light and very adaptable, it has high defensive power.

  • Mastery of Two Layers

    First, put your fist up and deliver the first blow. Then, bend your knuckles and deliver the second one. By delivering the second blow right when the impact of that first blow collides with the resistance of the rock, the impact of the second hit fully transfers over without any resistance, allowing you the ability to pulverize the rock.

  • Matoi-Izuna

    One technique of the Secret Sword Izuna. A technique in which the sword itself is covered with a vacuum wave and slashes at the opponent. Using a real sword, it boasts a tremendous cutting ability that can cut even a diamond in half.

  • Meiji Enlightenment

    The phenomenon of the rapid modernization of Japan by adopting Western culture and customs during the Meiji Era.

  • Meiji Restoration

    This refers to a political and social revolution from Edo to the Meiji Era. It announced an end to the samurai-based society, and thus the samurai lost many privileges and special rights during this time.

  • Mincing Blow

    A technique of Senkaku. It is an attack that utilizes his speed and herculean strength to deliver a series of knuckle blades.

  • Nakasendo

    This is one of the Five Routes from the Edo Period, spanning from Nihonbashi in Tokyo to Sanjo-Ohashi in Kyoto. It is about 526 kilometers long. While Tokaido is a southbound route, Nakasendo is a northbound route. The two roads merge at Kusatsu-juku.

  • Nikaido Heiho

    A sword style that consists of three forms: one, eight, and 10. The name Heiho comes from the character Hei, for flat, consisting of one, eight, or 10 strokes.

  • Nishiki Painting

    A type of Ukiyoe, colorful paintings that convey the culture and customs of the Meiji Era.

  • Obstruction of Governmental Personnel Duties

    The act of obstructing a government official or public servant from performing their duties by using threats and/or violence.

  • Oniwaban Group

    The strongest spy troop and a type of spy active during the Edo era. They were a secret organization working directly for the Shogun, comprised of those who excelled in combat tactics more than any other onmitsu. Nowadays, they are often referred to as shinobi or ninjas.

  • Opium

    Opium is a narcotic created by drying the milky sap that can be gathered from poppy seeds. It creates absolutely terrible withdrawal symptoms, so it was strictly prohibited as an evil drug that could destroy an entire nation.

  • Revolutionary Warriors (Imperialists)

    This is the general name for the warriors that fought for reform during the Bakumatsu Era. They were categorized into five different groups based on where they were born: Satsuma (Kagoshima), Choshu (Yamaguchi), Tosa (Kochi), Hizen (Saga), and others (such as Mito and Fukuoka). Among them, Satsuma and Choshu were proud of their influence and power in the police and military departments, respectively. They long served as two great factions of the Meiji government.

  • Ryuukosen

    One technique of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. This is the only unarmed technique in Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu.

  • Ryuusosen

    One technique of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. The user slashes at the vital parts of the entire opponent’s body in quick succession.

  • Ryuushosen

    One technique of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. Originally, the technique involved supporting the back side of the blade with his right hand, jumping up from below, and slashing the blade up. However, Kenshin launches at an opponent’s chin with the side of the sword.

  • Ryuutsuisen

    One technique of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. The user flies high into the sky and uses the force of gravity to swing the blade downward upon the opponent’s head in one fell swoop.

  • Sakabato

    A sword forged with the blade on the opposite side than usual.

  • Samurai Class

    This refers to a social status given to those who were part of the samurai ranks after the Meiji Restoration.

  • Secret Sword Izuna

    A secret sword that Raijuta Isurugi acquired from a secret book of ancient sword art. This technique uses a vacuum wave to increase the sword’s cutting power.

  • Secret Sword Tobi-Izuna

    One technique of Secret Sword Izuna. A long-range technique that sends a vacuum wave and can attack opponents who are out of range.

  • Sekiho Army

    In 1868 (the year of Keio 4), the Sekiho Army was formed as a nationalist squad immediately after the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, consisting of civilian and nonofficial personnel. They scouted the roadside domains ahead of the Imperial Army (Revolutionary warriors). They served as the guide and vanguard that assisted the main forces.

  • Sengeki Rasenbyo

    A technique of Beshimi from the Oniwaban group. A highly piercing technique using a spirally grooved iron dart shot from the fingers.

  • Shiken Stance

    A stance when both arms are extended from the Seigan stance while holding the blade parallel between the opponent’s eyebrows. A solid defense stance seen in ancient sword arts, being able to immediately react to any change in the opponent.

  • Shin no Ippo

    A well-known hypnotizing technique (also known as the "Isukumi Technique"), the essence of Nikaido Heiho. It paralyzes the victim and robs them of the freedom of movement as if they were bound by hand and foot.

  • Shingetsu Village

    It is a small village of about 50 people located slightly out of the way from Numazu-juku, the 12th post town on the Tokaido. Numazu-juku is located around present-day Otemachi in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

  • Shinko-ryu

    A group of swordsmen who aim to revive ancient sword art. Raijuta Isurugi is the head of the group.

  • Shinsengumi

    An organization formed by the shogunate to suppress revolutionary warriors that scheme to overthrow the government in power. The group consists of competent and skilled swordsmen.

  • Shinwan Spell

    A technique of Han’nya from the Oniwaban group. The horizontal stripe tattoos on both his arms create an optical illusion to mislead the opponent.

  • Shogitai

    A samurai shock infantry formed during the Meiji Restoration to support the shogunate.

  • Soryuusen

    One technique of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. A double Battojutsu using both sword and sheath.

  • Spiderweb

    A common name for the opium that Kanryu Takeda had Megumi Takani make for him. Its special refining process needs only half the ingredients to make but doubles the addictive qualities.

  • Suntetsu

    A small weapon that is concealable in the palm of a hand.

  • Super Human Catapult

    A technique of Senkaku. It is an attack where he takes advantage of his well-trained body to dive headfirst in a straight line using only the strength of his legs.

  • Sword Abolishment Act

    A law that came into effect during the 9th year of Meiji prohibited both samurais and commoners from wearing swords on their person.

  • Tempestar Infierno (Hell Tempest)

    One of the moves within the Destornillador Sable Estillo technique. It is a thrusting move that unleashes the power of Tormenta Infierno repeatedly.

  • Three Great Nobles of the Restoration

    This refers to the three samurai who led Japan to reforms during the Meiji Restoration and nation-building after the restoration: Takamori Saigo, Takayoshi Kido, and Toshimichi Okubo.

  • Togisatsu

    The act of self-defense.

  • Tokaido (East Sea Road)

    This is one of the Five Routes from the Edo Period, spanning from Nihonbashi in Tokyo to Sanjo-Ohashi in Kyoto. It is about 492 kilometers long.

  • Torimono

    Torimono (arrest) is when the police capture or seize criminals.

  • Tormenta Infierno (Hell Storm)

    One of the moves within the Destornillador Sable Estillo technique. It is a thrusting move that uses built-up rotational power created from twisting the saber.

  • Tornado Infierno (Hell Tornado)

    The fastest and strongest secret move of Destornillador Sable Estillo. It is the most powerful thrusting move that unleashes its force by adding rotational power to the saber created by turning the user’s entire body.

  • Ukiashi Drop

    Mikio Nagaoka’s deadly skill. A technique in which the sword is swung low to slither across the ground, aiming at the opponent’s feet.

  • Westernization Policy

    The Westernization policy is a government policy that aims to revise unequal treaties by taking in Western culture to show that Japan, too, is a civilized nation.

  • Wooden Cannon

    A simple cannon used until the Bakumatsu Era. The clay balls shot out from the wooden barrels made of oak have the same power as normal cannons at close range.

  • Zanbato

    A sword created to kill an enemy and his horse in one fell swoop. It is old now and has lost its sharpness and cutting ability. Sanosuke uses it to crush his enemies.
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