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Visual Novel

Chikage Kazama (風間 千景 Kazama Chikage) is a character in Hakuōki. He may be an antagonist, protagonist, or ally, depending on the chosen route, and he is one of Chizuru's potential love interests. Kazama is a demon currently in the service of the Satsuma domain, which comes to oppose the Shinsengumi.


bullet-list Contents
  1. Personality
  2. Background
  3. In Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan
  4. In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds
  5. In Hakuōki: Edo Blossoms
  6. In the musicals
  7. Quotes
  8. Trivia

Personality

Okita.Souji.(Hakuouki).full.1438775This article contains major SPOILERS.
Be careful if you do not know the full story yet.


Kazama Chikage is selfish, arrogant, and often cruel. He is severely prejudiced against humans, and even more so against Rasetsu. He refers to them almost exclusively as "fakes" or "abominations" and considers it his duty to dispose of them. Having little respect for those incapable of adapting to changing times, Kazama asserts his superiority of race and cause whenever possible. He is fatalistic and detached from his own violent actions, regarding them as proof of humanity's frailty without ascribing any agency to himself. However, though Kazama maintains a clear dislike of and disdain for all humans throughout all routes, he strives to keep his emotional distance and remain aloof.

Whenever Kazama must do something he considers unpleasant, he tries to find a way to further his own enjoyment in the meantime, up to and including using Chizuru as an excuse to toy with the Shinsengumi. However, though he initially considers this a game in which he holds no real investment, he eventually becomes genuinely intrigued by the humans and their ideals. In Hijikata's route, Kazama is unable to reconcile his existing values with his newfound attachment, and — once Amagiri confronts him about his errant ways — abandons his title and status in favor of engaging with the humans. Thus, though Kazama has an extreme sense of responsibility and loyalty to his clan and people as a whole, he "[sees] no charm in command", and is willing to step down from his position and pursue his own agenda if he finds a purpose he perceives as more worthwhile.

Kazama is persistent to the point of obsession when he wants something. This is most prominent in Saitou's route, in which he joins forces with Koudou for the sake of marrying Chizuru. Similarly, once his pride has been wounded, Kazama will stop at nothing to get revenge, and does not believe that tipping the odds in his favor is morally dubious. However, despite his willingness to ensure his victory by any means necessary, Kazama views lying as beneath him and will always tell the truth as he sees it. Though he may twist situations to his advantage or omit certain information if his own interests demand it, the few direct lies he tells are obviously identifiable. This applies to even the smallest matters, such as (on his route) insisting that he rested during the night when in fact he was tending the fire and watching over Chizuru.

Though Kazama's attitude is cold, direct, and serious by default, he does have a sense of humor, which is dry and sarcastic and usually manifests at others' expense. He also readily displays scorn, anger, and conceit, all of which appear impossible for him to fully conceal. However, Kazama finds it difficult and/or unpleasant to admit more sentimental emotions such as affection, sadness, gratitude, or even agreement.

Despite being depicted as cold, aloof and egoistic majority of the time, in his own route in Hakuouki: Edo Blossoms Kazama displays the ability to take care of the people around him protecting Chizuru on the way to witness the demise of the Shinsengumi. He also proves to be loyal to his vow as he continues to search for ways to reach Ezo for over a year as he has promised to re-unite Chizuru with her former friends.

Background

Kazama Chikage is a fictional character. He is the head of the Kazama family, the most powerful family of oni in western Japan. Because his clan owes the Satsuma domain a debt of honor for protecting them in the wake of the Battle of Sekigahara, Kazama lends his aid to the imperialist forces but does not trouble to hide his disdain for the humans under whom he is supposed to be working.

In Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan

See also: Kazama Chikage/Route

Kazama's exact motivation and temperament vary between routes.

Chapter 1

Depending on the player's choices, Kazama can be encountered as early as the Shinsengumi raid the Ikeda Inn. He is responsible for inflicting significant internal damage on Okita, great enough that it causes him to collapse and prevents him from getting involved in the Kinmon Incident.

Kazama attacks Chizuru in the city

Kazama attacks Chizuru in the city

He may also be encountered on the way to the mountain during the Kinmon Incident. He prevents Hijikata, Chizuru, Shinpachi, and the other Shinsengumi members from chasing after the Chōshū soldiers who intend to commit honorable suicide in the mountain. He kills one of the Shinsengumi members only to then get challenged by Hijikata while the rest of the Shinsengumi and Chizuru go ahead to the mountain. His fight against Hijikata is interrupted with the arrival of men from Satsuma. It turns out that Kazama's act was done by his own will, not of the Satsuma's will.

Chapter 2

Kazama's first non-choice-based appearance is made alongside Amagiri and Shiranui. Discovering that Chizuru is a pureblood female demon from the extinct Yukimura Clan of the east, Kazama sets out to abduct her, with the intention of marrying her thereby creating a more powerful demon lineage. Kazama, Amagiri, and Shiranui sneak into Nijo Castle and confront Chizuru while she is one her way to deliver message to the Shinsengumi members who are on standby. Before Kazama could take her, Hijikata, Harada, and Saitou interfere. The six of them fights, with Kazama fighting Hijikata again. However, they are interrupted by the arrival of other soldiers. Kazama retreats, but not before promising Chizuru that he will take her away eventually.

Kazama sneaks into the Shinsengumi compound to question Chizuru about her relation with Koudou. When Chizuru reveals that Koudou is her father, Kazama manage to connect the dots. Hijikata, Harada, and Heisuke quickly comes to Chizurus defence and prepare to fight, but Kazama tells them that he has other business to attend. He then warns them against creating more Rasetsu, before revealing to Chizuru that Koudou no longer works for the Shogunate.

Chapter 3

Shorty after Itou's faction departs, Kazama, along Amagiri and Shiranui, invade Nishi Hogan-ji Temple to snatch Chizuru. If the player chooses to go outside to help the men, she is caught by Kazama, prompting Hijikata and Harada to come to her rescue. Kazama's action once again depends on the player's choice. If Chizuru tries to attack Kazama, he easily overpowers her. This creates an opportunity for Hijikata to attack, forcing Kazama to release her. Should she try to try free herself, Kazama does not relinquish and tells Chizuru her attempt is futile as male demons are physically stronger than the female ones. Kondo challenges Kazama and relentlessly attacks him. Kondou's skill proves to be difficult for Kazama to handle without letting Chizuru go, so he has no choice but to push her away to defend and retaliate against Kondou. This allows Yamazaki to escort Chizuru to safety. If Chizuru decides to wait, Harada succeeds in forcing Kazama to let go of Chizuru. Whichever choice taken, Kazama always fails to take Chizuru and is forced to retreat once more.

In other routes

Hijikata's route

Kazama is the primary antagonist, intending to kill Hijikata and undo the dishonor he suffers at his hands in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi.

Saitou's route

Kazama is the primary antagonist, intending to abduct Chizuru and force her to marry him.

In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds

The beginning of the story is the same as in the original game Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan.

Chapter 4

After being sent on an errand with Yamazaki, the player encounters Kazama who claims to be there by mere coincidence as he was on his to have a drink with no hidden agenda. However, it does not prevent him from arrogant comments and bickering with Yamazaki.

Kazama, Amagiri and Shiranui have come to take away Chizuru

Kazama, Amagiri and Shiranui have come to take away Chizuru

Next time Kazama appears trying to kidnap the player from the Shinsengumi headquarters at night after Princess Sen explained who demons were. Depending on the choices, the player can skip this encounter entirely if chooses to remain in her room. If Chizuru goes outside, she gets taken hold of by Kazama who claims that the player is a noble demon for whom it is not appropriate to stay with the "fakes" which is why he invites her with him. Hijikata and Harada interfere when Amagiri and Shiranui join Kazama. A battle ensues but shortly afterwards Kazama decides to leave.

Later on, Kazama attacks the Shinsengumi headquarters again if the player decides to stay home instead of helping one of the Shinsengumi members but the appearance is brief and can be skipped if the player chooses to help someone.

Chapter 5

Kazama saves Chizuru

Kazama saves Chizuru

Kazama and Chizuru see the capital on fire

Kazama and Chizuru see the capital on fire

Kazama finds Chizuru after she has been separated from the main Shinsengumi forces and saves her from being murdered by treacherous samurai who have just killed Inoue. This encounter involves Koudou and Kaoru who attempt to persuade Chizuru to join them, and Kazama strives to kill them both right away, but Chizuru decides to have a conversation with them instead. Eventually, Kazama is forced to fight the Rasetsu sent by Koudou to protect the player.

Chizuru follows Kazama who informs her of the current political situation, and they both watch the capital in fire. Chizuru decides to find the Shinsengumi nonetheless, despite Kazama being certain in their inevitable demise and his overall disdain towards the human kind. After Sen and Kimigiku join the conversation, Kazama encourages Chizuru to help stop her father's plan, and she follows all the demons to their place where she also meets Amagiri and Shiranui. Kazama rushes to thwart Koudou's plans and Chizuru asks to follow him, which Sen supports, so Kazama replies to the request with his usual arrogance: "So, everyone finally catches on to what I've been saying all along--that I can protect Yukimura."

Kazama and Chizuru embark on a journey to Edo on a horse. Kazama promises that as soon as they reach Edo they will go straight after Koudou.

In Hakuōki: Edo Blossoms

See also: Kazama Chikage/Route

Chapter 1

Chizuru got separated from the Shinsengumi in the beginning of Toba-Fushimi Battle and was saved by Kazama when enemy soldiers killed Inoue and cornered her. She is on the way to Edo accompanied by Kazama hoping to reunite with the Shinsengumi and stop Koudou from harming them. Since Kazama is affiliated with Satsuma, they have to go on foot and be discreet. Seeing Chizuru walking too fast and getting exhausted, Kazama insists that they stay in a small deserted wooden house to have some rest, because due to the shōgun's decision to free, the Bakufu's forces are going to need a while to prepare for a large-scale attack, which means Chizuru has enough time to catch up with the Shinsengumi. She is determined to stop her father and brother's plan as well, so she decides to accept Kazama's decision.

Kazama by the fire

Kazama by the fire

As they walk in, Kazama lights a fire making a remark that only humans would shy away from a difficult task like that. Chizuru notices that Kazama does not look exhausted and assumes that he suggested to have some rest only for her sake. Watching Kazama being concerned about her well-being, she starts realizing that she knows nothing about him except for the fact that he is a demon who has come to kidnap her, and that she herself is a demon, too. She asks him to share something about demons with her, and the first thing he tells her is that the cycle of strife and bloodshed between demons and humans is very old. According to Kazama, a demon can defeat a human in a one-to-one duel, but on a large scale demons are always outnumbered, and human greed knows no limit which is why demons exiled themselves as a measure against the destructive force of humans. Listening to Kazama, Chizuru might choose to ask about the Yukimura Clan, but Kazama does not have much information about that, so the better option would be to ask about why Kazama opposes the Shinsengumi and affiliates with the Satsuma. He explains that domain leaders and cultural elites are well acquainted with demons, and during the Sengoku period 200 years before some demons, including the Yukimura Clan, were willing to aid humans by sharing their power. The Kazama and Amagiri Clans realized the threat posed by the Bakufu, so they allied with their enemies, and their current allegiance with the SatChō is a continuation of the previous arrangement. He concludes by claiming that the Satsuma do not need their help anymore now and sends Chizuru to bed. She realizes that she needs rest but feels worried that they are all alone, and he is a man. He understands her apprehensions and teases her but then explains that demons hold traditions and decorum to a high standard and promises not to touch her until after marriage.

Waking up, Chizuru realizes that Kazama has been watching over the fire all night and thanks him, realizing that he has a kind heart deep down.

As Chizuru and Kazama cross the mountain and intend to enter Hakone, Amagiri appears to warn them that times have changed, and Kazama's pass will no longer provide him access to the city as he is no longer sided with the Satsuma. Amagiri suggests finding another way to sneak into Edo, but Kazama is certain that the Satsuma would not question his allegiances. Since their conversation is about to attract attention, Chizuru decides to stop Kazama's stubbornness, and she can either remind him that he is the head of a demon clan and should consider the advice of his subordinate, which will be taken as an annoying comparison to Hijikata, or she can voice her worries that her father might notice them and get suspicious, which Kazama will take as a valid point and decide to find another route.

Kazama takes Chizuru's hand as they walk to Edo

Kazama takes Chizuru's hand as they walk to Edo

They walk along a hidden trail way off the beaten track, and Chizuru trips over a wet stone. As she is about to fall off a cliff, Kazama catches her and yanks her back to the ground. Chizuru realizes that Kazama has saved her yet again, and her initial impression of him starts crumbling. He asks whether she is okay and pulls her to continue walking but now he does not let go of her hand in case something happens to her again. She asks whether he intended to take a direct route for her sake, and he replies that female demons are more fragile than male demons, which is why men always protect them.

Chapter 2

Kazama and Chizuru arrive in Edo. They try to meet with the Shinsengumi members in their headquarters but find the place empty as the samurai have embarked on a campaign for their next battle. Upon learning that the Shinsengumi have left for Kōfu, Kazama expresses his discontent with this decision as he is sure that it will be another defeat. Chizuru tries to explain that the Shinsengumi fight for their principles and beliefs rather than imminent victory, which is why they have made such a decision, however, Kazama claims that they rely on instincts rather than logic which makes them no different to an injured beast lashing out. Chizuru decides not to reply, and Kazama changes the topic to Koudou and Kaoru. Seeing as she is upset with not being able to find any information about their whereabouts, Kazama reassures her that he will put an and to them and their Rasetsu army. After than he suddenly tells Chizuru to stay with Dr. Matsumoto or the Shinsengumi as he only promised Sen that he would escort Chizuru to Edo but said nothing about helping her get rid of her father and brother. He tells her to go nowhere near them and stay out of trouble and leaves. Chizuru, unwilling to see his family die, decides to stop Kazama.

Koudou's demon form

Koudou's demon form

Koudou's plans for Chizuru

Koudou's plans for Chizuru

Chizuru returns to her childhood home in Edo hoping to find her father there. To her surprise, everything was covered in dust which was an indication that nobody stepped foot inside in a while. Her nostalgia sinks in, and she remembers her father from her early years and what she learned about him recently. As she is engrossed in her thoughts, the door opens, and Koudou walks in. She tried to remind him of his previous principles as a doctor, and he reveals that he is not a direct descendent of the Yukimura Clan, so his family's blood is diluted making him closer to humans than demons, and his life was once in danger due to an illness. Despite his studies, he has only learnt that no matter how much medicine evolves, humans have an urge to kill each other, which is why he wishes to change the country. He turns into a demon right in front of her, announcing that he himself has drunk Ochimizu. Chizuru realizes that her father is gone and only a monster is left in his stead, and he proves her right by revealing his true plan: make Chizuru mate with Rasetsu and create strong off-spring. He grabs her hand but Kazama suddenly appears behind them and attacks Koudou. He scolds Chizuru for disobeying his order but eventually protects her, and Koudou, seeing the difference in strength, escapes, throwing Chizuru at Kazama. Kazama catches her and loses the chance to catch Koudou. Chizuru thanks Kazama, but the demon is more concerned about why she was there in the first place. She explains that it involves her more than anyone, and he is confused why she wanted to participate despite the fact that female demons are weaker. She asks him whether he could put his own burden on anyone if he were in her shoes, and he realizes her leadership skills. He asks her not to be reckless and agrees to take her with him on the mission to annihilate Koudou and his army of fake demons.

They come to an inn where Amagiri is waiting to report. He is unsure about Chizuru's presence but Kazama insists on her participating in the conversation. Amagiri informs them that Kaoru is in Kōfu with a unit of Rasetsu, the same place the Shinsengumi are headed, and there are negotiations in Edo Castle, which can lead to Koudou's Rasetsu feeding on people in Edo. Eventually, Kazama leaves and tells Chizuru to have some rest. She sees a dream about her childhood and someone pulling her away from a building set on fire. She hears Koudou's voice calling for her and Kaoru, and they all run away from the village into the forest. She remembers that Koudou is her distant relative and not her real father and understands why he hates humans so much.

As Chizuru wakes up, Shiranui visits her looking for Amagiri. While he waits for Kazama, she asks him whether the battle can really start in Edo, and he confirms that with sadness in his voice. She starts to panic, and he attempts to calm her down by saying that the negotiations are in place. But then he mentions that they managed to weasel the Shinsengumi as far away from Edo as possible, elaborating that Bakufu intends to surrender and offered the Shinsengumi to the Imperial Nationalist party as collateral damage. Kazama enters the room, and the topic changes. Shiranui confirms that the Chōshu will most likely agree to use Rasetsu to their advantage, and Chizuru begs him to prevent it. Shiranui promises to help and leaves.

Some time later, Kazama informs Chizuru that Koudou has mobilized, and his army is headed to Ueno. He invites her to join him and Amagiri, and they go after Koudou to a Tosa Domain residence. As they approach, Kaoru appears in their way taunting Kazama, but Chizuru begs to let her try and convince her family to change their plan. Kazama agrees, and they go inside the mansion.

Koudou greets them, and Chizuru tells him about the dream she saw about their past. He hopes that she has started to understand his motives, and she confirms so, but she also asks them not to unleash their Rasetsu as she does not want anyone else to suffer. Koudou seems to understand her reasoning but Kaoru brings up her privileged position as a female demon since he, despite having the same face, had to struggle his whole life for the fact that he cannot bear children. He is determined to restore the Yukimura Clan after the Nagumo Clan abused him and all the others turned a blind eye. Kazama decides that he has heard enough and unsheathes his sword — Yasutsuna's Demonslayer. Kaoru drinks Ochimizu to increase his chances, and the fight begins.

As Kazama and Kaoru exchange sword swings, Amagiri challenges Koudou, but the latter calls for his Rasetsu. Amagiri's weapon is his fists, and that is what he uses to fight them off, however, his punches are not enough, and soon Amagiri and Chizuru are cornered. Chizuru attempts to draw her sword but Koudou grabs her and urges her to escape, using her real parents as an argument. She tries to resist but he pins her with both of his arms. She screams in shock asking whether he actually intends to make her bear children with Rasetsu, and he confirms by saying that he plans to merge demons from the West and demons from the East to produce the strongest demons to ever exist. Suddenly, Kazama appears behind them and demands Koudou to let go of Chizuru. He expects her approval of him killing her father, and she can either nod or look away. Even if she nods, Kazama still tells her to shut her eyes, but she is ready to accept this fate. Koudou attemps to lash at Kazama but gets killed with 1 blow. Surprisingly, he dies as a Rasetsu — crumbling to ashes.

Kazama hugs Chizuru after killing Koudou

Kazama hugs Chizuru after killing Koudou

Chizuru bursts into tears, and Kazama hugs her to try and soothe her pain. He says that Kaoru escaped, even though with a severe injury, and the kindness of his voice makes Chizuru feel slightly better. She starts to remember her father as he was before, and Kazama blames humans for everything that happened to her village and further. Chizuru realizes how proud Kazama is to be a demon and how hard it must have been for him to kill another demon, and she admits that she is heartbroken despite knowing the weight of the situation. Kazama hugs her more tightly to calm her down.

Eventually, Kazama sends Chizuru back to the inn as he and Amagiri decide to go to Ueno to assist Shiranui with fighting other Rasetsu. A few hours later, he comes back and informs Chizuru that all the Rasetsu are gone, and she can now reunite with the Shinsengumi.

Chizuru goes back to her old house to take some of her belongings, and Kazama meets her dressed in a gray western-style outfit. He jokes that she wants such a set herself and promises to get her one later as a gift. When they leave the house, they are met by Shiranui who tells her, with sadness in his eyes, that Harada has passed away.

Harada's route

Kazama does not make an appearance.

Nagakura's route

Although Kazama does not make an appearance, Koudou mentions him as a prospective husband for Chizuru.

Yamazaki's route

Despite his role in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, Kazama later becomes an ally, killing Koudou when both Yamazaki and Chizuru hesitate.

Souma's route

Kazama appears alongside Amagiri in Chapter 4, intending to take Chizuru with them if the Shinsengumi is keeping her against her will. However, he stands down once Chizuru threatens to kill herself rather than go with them.

In the musicals

Kazama is portrayed by Suzuki Shogo in all his HakuMyu appearances until Harada-hen, in which he is played by Sasaki Yoshihide. He is played by Nakagauchi Masataka in HakuMyu Hijikata-hen 2 and Kazama-hen 2, in Souma-hen Suzuki Shogo return as Kazama, although he was not part of the cast in the beginning. Due to rescheduling of the performances, caused by the pandemic, he was submitted instead of Sasaki Yoshihide.

Quotes

  • "If you were being truthful, then it must be clear to you. Their sense of pride. The journey they've traveled, and how you are woven into their myth. Although your tenure together may have been brief, remember them as they were; remember how they honored the path of the samurai. This duty is yours alone… Should you survive, then you will be the sole keeper of their memory." (to Chizuru, Edo Blossoms Chapter 4)
  • "How stupid of you to ask… Do you take me for a charlatan who goes back on his word? I will follow you, no matter the distance." (to Chizuru, Edo Blossoms Chapter 4)
  • "This experience has been enlightening. The men who gave their lives in Ezo are certainly exceptions to that belief [that humans only fight for wealth and power]. My views were upheld by the atrocities we saw back in the battle of Toba-Fushimi, but… Hijikata was no fool, nor did he suffer any sort of delusions of grandeur. He fought, like any man should, to his death." (to Chizuru, Edo Blossoms Chapter 4)

Trivia

  • Kazama does not carry a wakizashi.
  • Kazama is the only non-player character with multiple possible canon relationships — Chizuru (in his route) and Sen (in Heisuke's Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan route).
  • Shiranui states that he would rather Kazama yell at him than smile, as Kazama tends to laugh more the angrier he gets.
  • In Drama CDs, Kazama is mentioned to have strong tolerance towards alcohol, not getting drunk even after drinking a huge amount that normally would have made people drunk.
  • Though Kazama's exact familial relations are never revealed, in Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan's "A Meeting of Demons" DLC, Shiranui asks what his parents would think of his behavior towards Sen. Whether his parents or guardians are alive is never discussed.


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