Shinsengumi

The Shinsengumi (Newly Selected Corps) were the shogun's most feared security force. This band of expert swordsmen were dedicated to ending the wave of terror and assassination by hordes of angry, renegade ronin (masterless samurai) in the emperor's capital of Kyoto during the 1860s. Outnumbered by the loyalists challenging the Tokugawa shogunate, the Shinsengumi patrolled the streets of the Imperial capital to end the chaos and restore order. Dressed in their distinctive blue uniforms and under their group banner, these fearless ronin hunters tirelessly pursued terrorists that murdered their victims under the call for "Heaven's revenge!"

Kondo Isami, the leader of the Shinsengumi and master swordsman, designed the distinctive uniform pattern on that formerly worn by the infamous 47 ronin. The story of 47 ronin and how these former Asano retainers revenged their master's death sentence by a daring raid in 1702 is one of the most celebrated in the history of the samurai. The tale of their valor and dedication to the ideals of bushido is celebrated in the popular play, Chusingura. The banner of the Shinsengumi features a single kanji character makoto representing "sincerity." The light blue color represents the samurai dedication to duty and loyalty. Click on pictures below to see full-size images.

Tenugui (Head Towel)

Small Japanese towels, tenugui are thin cloth cut long and narrow. They are often worn as headbands when working or practicing martial arts.

Headbands: 2.8 inches wide by 37 inches long

Made of paper and bamboo, this is a functional kasa (umbrella) with the banner mark of the Shinsengumi.

Paper fan length: 10.5 inches
Cloth fan length: 8.5 inches

Hanten (Coat)

A traditional coat  is also called hanten. These kimono-style short, slip-over coats features the distinctive patterns of the Shinsengumi.

These hanten are each 39.25 inches long.

The Shinsengumi based their uniform design on the clothing worn by the infamous 47 ronin. The former Asano retainers revenged their master's death by a daring raid in 1702.

Shinsengumi Uniform

The Shinsengumi uniform set features a haori (overcoat) and striped hakama (skirt-like pants). The haori is 33 inches long and 65.25 inches from sleeve tip to sleeve tip. The hakama is 35.5 inches from under the belt to hem.

The Shinsengumi haori (overcoat) includes an extra long haori-himo (cord) for securing the front lapels.