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Isami Kondō (近藤 勇, Kondou Isami) is one of the founders of the Shinsengumi, an organization created to help keep peace in Kyoto. He is originally from Edo.
Kondou is introduced along with the other Shinsengumi captains when Chizuru is brought for questioning. He is an amiable, slightly older looking man who often laughs and treats everyone with warmth and care. He is close friends with Hijikata as they spent the majority of their youth together having the same hopes and dreams of becoming warriors despite not being born into a samurai family. Kondou also deeply loves Souji whom he raised from an abandoned child to a fearless warrior.
Despite being the Commander of the Shinsengumi, Kondou heavily relies on "Toshi" (Toshizo Hijikata) when making decisions that affect the Shinsengumi as a whole.
Kondō is based on the historical Kondō Isami.
Personality
Kondou is a passionate, hard-working and very kind individual. Although Hijikata has warned him about being too naïve at times, Kondou is extremely trusting of others and always gives them the benefit of the doubt, believing that there is good in everyone. Despite all of his seemingly "weak" qualities, Kondou is incredibly strong mentally and physically. He is able to take responsibility for his own actions and for the actions of his subordinates.
Kondou is a dreamer whose unbending belief in the bright future is irresistibly fascinating. All the Shinsengumi captains have deep admiration and respect towards him because he shows the same to them. He tries to handle every situation with deep analysis and taking everyone's feelings into consideration. However, he is rarely shown making decisions for the Shinsengumi, as it usually lays on Hijikata's shoulders. His job is to be the face of the organization, its representative and the final judge.
Story
This article contains major SPOILERS. Be careful if you do not know the full story yet.
First Season
Kondou is first seen in the meeting room when Inoue brings in Chizuru to be questioned. Kondou habitually starts introducing everyone to her, until Hijikata stops him claiming that it is unnecessary. Eventually, Kondou feels compassion towards Chizuru's situation and agrees to let her join the Shinsengumi in search for her father.
Thanks to the hard work of Yamazaki and Shimada, The Shinsengumi manage to find out about an important Chōshū meeting that is taking place right under their noses. The location of the meeting, however, is unknown. Kondou and Hijikata decide to split up into two groups, and Kondou, with only 10 men plus Souji, Heisuke and Shinpachi, goes to the Ikedaya Inn which later proves to be the correct place.
Kondou is the one to invite Kashitarou Itou to join the Shinsengumi, despite having opposite views on things. Later Kondou is the one to distract him with drinking before Sano and Shinpachi ambush him.
Kondou gets shot
After the assassination of Itou, Kondou is mortally wounded in a revenge assassination attempt while returning from a meeting with the shōgun, because he insisted on going almost alone, without any decent protection. This leaves everyone angry and worried for Kondou's sake, and eventually he gets sent to Osaka for treatment along with Okita who tried to avenge him.
Kondou is last seen in the season when he recovers from his injury and informs the Shinsengumi that the shōgun has left for Edo along with the Aizu Domain.
Second Season
Kondou is granted a new title and a promise to get a daimyo-like status (actually, a hatamoto with a piece of land) on condition that the Shinsengumi, with new uniforms and weaponry, can take over the Kōfu Castle and proceed to fight against the anti-Bakufu movement. Kondou's hunger for social appreciation leads to losing the sight of his goals for the Shinsengumi and attempting to come victorious at any cost because "you must fight as a man" and "are you only fighting the battles you will obviously win" (which he says to Shinpachi and aggravates him, causing him to leave the Shinsengumi shortly after, followed by Harada). However, when Kondou gets to the battlefield personally, he sees one of his subordinates die in an explosion and finally understands that people keep dying in vain all around him. He realizes his mistakes and gives the order to retreat while striving to the epicenter and wishing to atone for his sins with his death. Chizuru stops him and begs him to live for those who have given their lives believing in him, and he agrees.
After leaving the battlefield, Chizuru and Kondou run through the forest where they meet Kaoru. He threatens to kill Kondou in order to take Chizuru away, and Kondou tries to fight but gets defeated almost instantly. Chizuru rushes to protect him but fails, then Okita appears and attempts to protect them both but loses to his tuberculosis, and all three get saved by Kazama who stabs Kaoru.
Hijikata and Shimada bring bad news to Kondou
Later in the story, Hijikata and Shimada run to inform Kondou about the headquarters being surrounded therefore the need has arisen for him to escape immediately. Since the current Shinsengumi members are not enough to defeat 300 enemy soldiers, and there is not enough time to wait for Saitou's reinforcements, the only option available is to run. Hijikata orders Shimada to take Chizuru and Kondou and escape while he himself would stay and deal with the situation, but Kondou refuses and insists on becoming the distraction. He plans to introduce the unit as samurai safekeeping a hatamoto which should buy enough time for his people to escape. But Hijikata is sure that the enemy would instantly see through the lie and just kill Kondou. However, Kondou does not take no for an answer, he is sure that his title still means something, so he will not be killed right away, even though Hijikata protests that titles given by the former Bakufu mean nothing now. Hijikata keeps insisting that he is very strong and can make a diversion but Kondou is adamant to make the sacrifice. With Hijikata's last attempt to prove his point, Kondou uses the commander tone and orders Toshi to follow his decisions. Hijikata is astonished and heartbroken due to the fact that Kondou has always been a friend, in addition to being a commander, and has always listened to what Toshi had to say. But now he has decided to stop the democracy and make Hijikata follow commander's orders.
Kondou gives his last order
Come on, Toshi. It's about time you let me be at peace. You've run about trying to spread my renown, and now you've even become a Rasetsu. It's hard to see you like this. I'm sorry. I am the one who has driven you to such lengths, aren't I?—Kondou Isami, last words to Hijikata before surrendering
Hijikata orders Shimada to gather the people and tells Chizuru to wait with Kondou until everything is ready. When Chizuru and Kondou are left alone, he gives her a small sack of money and asks her to run, explaining that he wants to do something nice for her. But she refuses to escape claiming that she would like to stay with the Shinsengumi and Hijikata. He understands her feelings for Hijikata and comments on them as "you have become accustomed to the position of Toshi's attendant". She begs him to join them but he explains that if he were to wish to flee, Toshi would turn into a Rasetsu and run to kill everyone shortening his lifespan. He asks her to take care of Toshi, and she cries.
They leave Kondou to act as a decoy and run. He gives in to the enemy.
Mid-season it is revealed that Hijikata's attempts to rescue Kondou have failed, and Kondou has been executed by beheading, although the official charges are not stated clearly.
Third Season
When Ryuunosuke comes to thank Kondou with Okita's push in Episode 1 of Reimeiroku, Kondou is shown to be very amiable and welcoming, he offers Ryuunosuke to stay with the Rōshigumi despite the claims that it would be too much extra weight for the squad at the moment. Since Sannan is also against the idea, Kondou offers Ryuunosuke to at least stay for dinner. Later at night, Kondou, Sannan, and Hijikata visit Serizawa's room in order to strike a deal using Serizawa's connections and the Shieikan's strength and swordsmanship abilities. Serizawa accepts and says he will assist Kondou in speaking with the Aizu Domain. In a private chat afterwards, Hijikata admits to Kondou that although he finds Serizawa's help annoying, he has to acknowledge that it is their best option since they need to establish themselves in Kyoto. Hijikata also promises to make Kondou one of the greatest samurai in Japan.
Knowing that the former Shieikan members have to defend Kyoto from rogue samurai while struggling financially, Kondou feels guilty and responsible but others seems to take it easier and with hopes that it will get better in the future.
Kondou, Hijikata and Sannan come to inform Serizawa about protecting the shogun
Next morning Kondou, Hijikata and Sannan come to Serizawa to announce their intention to protect shōgun Iemochi. Serizawa is less than interested and calls the shōgun inept, which annoys everyone present. Heisuke later reveals that there was an incident on the way to Kyoto that Serizawa is apparently still mad about: Kondou was given the job to travel ahead and find rooms for the Rōshigumi, but he made a booking mistake at the Honjou Inn and did not get a room for Serizawa who got annoyed and set a nearby building on fire. Kondou had to get on his knees and apologize.
At the same time as Heisuke is telling the story about the Honjou Inn, Hijikata confronts Kondou and scolds him for acting too nicely in front of Serizawa calling him "Serizawa-dono" and trying to stay in his good favor, reminding the Commander that he is equal to Serizawa and should not feel inferior.
As Aizu make a decision to officially place the Rōshigumi under their charge, Serizawa proposes going to Shimabara to celebrate but Kondou refuses using his alcohol intolerance as an excuse. As Heisuke comes to the headquarters to tell Kondou and Hijikata about Serizawa's behavior at Shimabara, they both run there to see for themselves. After Hijikata is done yelling at Serizawa, Niimi proposes to "leave the mess" for Kondou to deal with. The situation prompts Hijikata to create the Rules of Conduct that would stop Serizawa from acting recklessly again, and this document also makes the ranks clear, putting Kondou, along with Serizawa and Niimi, as a commander of the Rōshigumi.
Kondou reassures Souji
After Hijikata's order for Souji to return to Edo, Souji runs away making everyone look for him. Kondou feels responsible and considers himself the best for the job as he knows Souji better than anyone. He walks the streets accompanied by Ryuunosuke and tells him the story of Souji's past: Souji was born into a samurai family and left at Shieikan by his older sister when he was 9 years old, as his family did not have enough money to raise him. Kondou kept worrying about the boy, especially after learning that other students were beating him. He tried to lecture other students and comforted Souji promising that there was a reason for anything that happened. When Souji lost control during a sword competition, Kondou hugged him and told him that he had won. As Souji mentioned, Kondou never felt pity for him despite the circumstances, which is why Souji was so grateful and loved him deeply, living only to help him.
Next day Kondou learns about Serizawa's conversation with Tonouchi about his assassination, and follows the screams that Souji has come back to the headquarters. He and the others learn that Souji has killed Tonouchi, and Kondou follows Hijikata to Serizawa's room. Serizawa laughs at Hijikata's accusations and claims that Tonouchi was two-faced and deserved it since he was about to break the Rules of Conduct. He goes further and calls Hijikata and Kondou soft claiming that they are the ones who should return to Edo. Kondou admits having a certain lack of resolve, however, he explains that he did not want Souji to soil his name by killing a comrade.
Later on, Kondou announces that the Rōshigumi have been granted an audience with the Lieutenant General of Aizu, which means all the members are going to visit the Kyoto Military Commissioner's headquarters. The commander organizes a few matches to showcase the Shieikan members' swordsmanship.
Kondou witnesses the first Rasetsu creation and supports Hijikata's protests against experimenting on people. When Serizawa insults them both by saying that the ones who were not born a samurai do not have to understand what it means to follow orders (referring to the fact that creating Rasetsu was ordered by the Bakufu), Kondou stops Hijikata's outburst letting Sannan defuse the situation.
Kondou blames himself for what happened with the sumo wrestlers in Osaka as he thinks that he did not watch Serizawa enough (and apparently was not present when the fight happened). As Hijikata shares his feelings about Serizawa with Kondou, Kondou confirms that they can never become the type of samurai Serizawa is and starts to reminisce about their times back in Shieikan many years ago. Their conversation from the past reveals that Kondou dreams of saving the weak and following the way of the warrior, one day becoming a general despite being born into a farmer family. He admires a particular general from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms that his father read to him when he was a child.
In Saitou's memories of his first appearance in Shieikan, Kondou witnesses his fight with Souji and praises his swordsmanship.
Shortly after Serizawa burns a shop, Kondou and Hijikata visit the Aizu in a formal setting. They get praised for their efforts, however, Serizawa's actions have been noticed and cannot be overlooked any longer. Kondou and Hijikata receive a direct order to deal with the commander.
Kondou announces the Shinsengumi name
Receiving a direct order from Aizu to depart and help protecting the Sakaimachi Gate, Kondou and others head to the spot but get stopped by the warriors at place as they have not heard of Mibu Rōshigumi and have not received an order that they will be joining. Kondou asks politely to check with the officials but receives a harsh reply telling him to leave and a spear pointing at him. After Serizawa's interference, the squad joins the battle. In a few days Kondou announces that Aizu complimented the squad's work and decided to officially entrust them with patrolling and protecting Kyoto. Along with the new responsibility, the Lord of Aizu has bequeathed a new name unto the squad - Shinsengumi.
When Hijikata asks Kondou how to deal with Serizawa per Aizu's order, Sannan proposes his removal from the commander's position, and Kondou decides to have a conversation with Serizawa believing in his ideals as a warrior. Kondou arranges a meeting with Serizawa at Shimabara and makes it clear that Serizawa has a choice to stop his behavior or relinquish his position as a commander. Being kind-hearted and honest, Kondou admits that he wishes for Serizawa to continue alongside him and feels thankful for what he has done so far. In response to Serizawa's criticism, Kondou admits having realized long ago that he is not suited to be a general but carries on because Toshi believes in him. Despite his sincerity about his feelings, Serizawa claims that Hijikata holds him in such high regard only because he sees his own dreams come true through his friend, and this responsibility will later bring Kondou anguish. After warning Kondou that the imperial nationalists are going to hate him, Serizawa finishes the conversation by calling for a geisha and does not promise to change his behavior despite Kondou's pleads.
As Kondou and Hijikata report the incident with Niimi's seppuku to the Aizu, they receive praise but get asked how they are dealing with the commander. Kondou explains that he is trying to persuade him to step down. However, the answer does not satisfy the Aizu, and it is hinted that Serizawa has to be completely disposed of. A day before Serizawa's assassination, a few selected captains are gathered in the common room in secret, and Kondou green-lights the operation under Aizu's orders, taking full responsibility.
Movies
Kondou's involvement in the story in movies is mostly similar to the one in the anime series. However, some of his scenes are cut out (it is not shown how he got shot or sent to Osaka for treatment, he does not try to run to the battlefield and there is no fight between him and Shinpachi). There is a new scene where the Rasetsu attack the camp, and Kondou has to personally fight them. The scene with Kondou ordering Hijikata to leave him as a decoy is shorter and less dramatic, Kondou's capture is not shown, yet his demise is unchanged.
Sweet School Life
In the short OVA, Kondou is the headmaster of the Hakuou Academy. He makes a very brief appearance and is only seen scolded by Hijikata for practicing with a wooden sword in the school hallway and later making a small announcement.
Trivia
- In real life, Kondou had a wife and daughter back at his home in Hino, they were mentioned in the game, but not in the anime.
- Kondou has theme music in the anime.
- Much like Hijikata and Souji, Kondou was the youngest in his family of two older brothers, and lost his mother at a young age.
- In real life, Kondou was executed for the murder of Ryōma Sakamoto.