Hakuoki (薄桜鬼) is a franchise of a substantial size that consists of otome games (visual novels), anime series, anime movies and live actions. It found popularity in the country of origin - Japan - due to having the Japanese history as the plot foundation. However, not only Japanese readers and viewers found the story captivating but also people all around the world that loved Hakuoki when they were younger and still do having grown up. Hakuoki tuned 15 years old in 2024!
Is Hakuouki a harem?
Considering the traditionalism that Japan of 19th century (where the story is set) was known for, this question raises quite a few eyebrows. The original story of the Shinsengumi was not filled with love or romance, it was full of fighting for the samurai's beliefs. As history evolved into an otome game, it had to be slightly spiced up to be more attractive for the audience. This is exactly how the first 6 visual novel routes appeared in the very first game of the series Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan (薄桜鬼 〜新選組奇譚〜), also known as Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: The Tale of the Shinsengumi: Hijikata Toshizo, Okita Soji, Saito Hajime, Todo Heisuke, Harada Sanosuke, Kazama Chikage. Each route showcases the path of the chosen character while mentioning what happens with all the others, but as the story progresses it focuses more and more on the romantic side between the chosen love interest and the protagonist (whose default name is Yukimura Chizuru).
Harem as a genre means that a main character is surrounded by multiple potential romantic partners.
So is Hakuoki a harem? The answer is yes, Hakuouki visual novels can be classed as otome games in the reverse harem genre.
However, Hakuōki anime series and movies are not a harem. Unlike in the games, where more than one love interest is possible for Chizuru, the story in the anime adaptation always leads to one and only ending - Chizuru's relationship with Hijikata Toshizo. All the other male characters in the story soon realize this inevitable conclusion and attempt to push her towards him more, finalizing the genre of the anime as romance rather than harem.
What genre is Hakuoki?
Hakuoki is a historical drama with elements of romance, action, and fantasy.
How many love interests are there in Hakuōki?
Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan (Season 1), Hakuouki: Hekketsuroku (Season 2), Hakuouki: Kyoto Ranbu (Movie 1) and Hakuouki: Shikon Soukyuu (Movie 2) have only one love interest - Hijikata Toshizo.
Hakuoki otome games until 2014 (which includes the main one - Shinsengumi Kitan) had 6 possible routes: Hijikata Toshizo, Okita Soji, Saito Hajime, Toudou Heisuke, Harada Sanosuke, Kazama Chikage. Hakuoki spin-off Sweet School Life that was released in 2014 added Nagakura Shinpachi, Sanan Keisuke and Yamazaki Susumu. Main story novels starting from 2016 (consoles and Steam edition Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds and Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms) have 12 potential love interests: the first 9 + Iba Hachiro, Soma Kazue, Sakamoto Ryoma.
Who does Chizuru end up with in Hakuouki?
In the anime series and movies Chizuru stays with Hijikata Toshizou. In live action adaptations she does not choose anyone openly but the plot leads to her choosing Hijikata once again. In the games, her final choice is defined by the route the reader is following.
Who falls in love with Chizuru in Hakuouki?
In the Hakuōki anime series and movies the only character who eventually confesses his feelings for Chizuru is Hijikata Toshizou. In Sweet School Life live action all male characters openly claim and/or demonstrate their potential romantic feelings. In the Hakuoki visual novels only the chosen character, whoever it may be, confesses his love for Chizuru.
This wraps up our blog that is meant to answer all the confusing questions you might have about Hakuouki! Please refer to the character pages for correct name spelling and further information!