is a novel by Japanese author Ryà Âtarà  Shiba. It dramatizes the life of Hijikata Toshizà Â, a member of the Shinsengumi, active in Japan during the bakumatsu (the end of the Tokugawa shogunate).
The novel was initially serialized from 1962 to 1964 in the Bungeishunjà « weekly magazine Shà «kan Bunshun. Shinchosha published the complete novel in two volumes. The action takes place in the à Âkunitama Shrine in Fuchà «, along the Asa River in and near Hachià Âji, in the Mibu area of Kyoto, and in Hokkaidà Â.
Shochiku released a 1966 film of the same title. Asahi Kurizuka played Hijikata. He repeated the role in the prime-time television jidaigeki on NET.