The Bakufu had inspired these people to make genius artworks, i.e. manga, anime, novels, TV series, etc. But there is no way in the hell that this page would be a perfect and complete reference, since there were so many others that I've missed or even... neglected ;_; So I'd like to note first, that all what was written here are those which I personally think important and worthy. Then if you want to add some other items, just mail me. You may find some of it were only being written in Nihongo, and probably there were few already been translated in English.

Rurouni Kenshin, Meiji Kenkaku Romantan by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Published by Shueisha, Japan, 1994.
Though its main setting is in the 11th year of Meiji (1878) but few scenes, i.e. flashback, were taken in the Tokugawa Bakufu. Most of those scenes are the stories of Kenshin's former job as Hitokiri Battousai when he was working for the Ishin Shishi. You can find some important Japanese heroes in Edo era, such as Katsura Kogorou (Kido Takayoshi), Takasugi Shinsaku and Ookubo Toshimichi. Meanwhile from the pro-Bakufu side you can see the outstanding Miburo, Shinsengumi. There are Okita Souji, Hijikata Toshizou, Kondou Isami, Nagakura Shinpachi, Harada Sanosuke, and of course Saitou Hajime.
I believe that Watsuki-sensei is a history-freak ^_^, since he knew a lot about the history of Meiji Restoration, Bakufu, even earlier (Sengoku Jidai, Kamakura, Heian, etc). However, I've gotta to thank him a lot! since Rurouni Kenshin had introduced me with Shinsengumi, the Bakufu, and make me bleeding hard to do this project ^_~. I swear, you won't feel sorry to spend off your money to buy this manga or collect its goodies. If you want to know more about it, I have the details of the Manga, Anime, OVA, Movie, Songs, and Games. I also have 12 fancy Rurouni Kenshin wallpapers in my Gallery, go and check it all out!.

Kaze Hikaru by Watanabe Taeko. Published by Shogakukan, Japan, 1997.
A real funny, attractive and touching manga of Shinsengumi. I like this much too, Watanabe-sensei really has a good sense of humor. She changed the vicious "Wolves" into cute "Puppies" ^o^. Since Watanabe-sensei had decided that it should be a shoujo (girlie manga), then there are more feminine matters than guts, but violence and gore also take part. One that I really like in this manga is the smiley Okita (He looks so cute ^^). Meanwhile you can also see the kiddie Serizawa Kamo, Hijikata Toshizou (still handsome, as always), Kondou Isami, and not forget to mention, the overcool Saitou Hajime. Tokoro de, the main role is a girl named Sei Tominaga who disguised as a boy named Seizaburou Kamiya, and joined the Shinsengumi to avenge her family's death. But then the story grows wider as Sei fell in love with Okita and decided to be a true samurai just like Okita. However, Okita had already discovered her true identity but promised to keep it secret. If you love Shinsengumi to the bones then you should not miss this.

Samurai Deeper Kyou by Kamijou Akimine. Published by Shueisha, Japan, 2000.
How is it going if a cute, innocent, ecchi drug dealer has an alter, an infamous assassin known also as Onime no Kyou. Does it remind you a bit to Rurouni Kenshin? Well actually this manga/anime was much more entertaining for me because the characters were so hilarious ^o^. Esp. the main chara, Mibu Kyoushirou who is a real funny, ecchi, and lovable guy ^^". In his journey, Kyoushirou met with a lovely bounty hunter named Shiina Yuya who was actually hunting for Kyou, Sanada Yukimura, Benitora, Okuni and also some real historical heroes like Tokugawa Ieyasu, Oda Nobunaga and Sarutobi Sasuke. The anime made by Studio Deen and was first-aired on July 1, 2002 in TV-Tokyo, Japan, but for me personally, the manga was far better than the anime.

Naruto by Kishimoto Masashi. Published by Shueisha, Japan, 1999.
Wanna learn Ninjutsu in a fun and ecchi way? Learn from his manga/anime! If Rakundai Ninja Rantaro was meant for all-ages, this manga is for adult. I guess you know why ^_^. Undoubtedly Naruto is one of the most successful manga in the year 2002 because you can see the numerous fansites, fanart and those cosplayers in anime-events. There are 3 main chara here i.e. Uzumaki Naruto, a naughty, wild ninja kid who's obsessed to be Hokage; Uchiha Sasuke, a very cool ninja kid who has sharigan in his both eyes; and a sassy kunoichi Haruno Sakura who has an opposite inner self, she really adores Sasuke and hates Naruto because Naruto once indeliberately kissed Sasuke ^.^.

Burai by Iwasaki Yohko, Published by Kadokawa Shoten, Japan, 1998.
I personally haven't gotten a change to read this manga. But I know that this is also featuring the honorable men of Shinsengumi. If Watsuki-sensei figured them as cold blooded dudes, and Watanabe-sensei drawn them in kiddie look, then Iwasaki-sensei has her own way. She idealizes them as beautiful men with rich flowing hair in a very shoujo style (I wonder how they look like). Since I haven't seen it yet then I couldn't give you enough clue (sorry -_-) but I promised as soon as I could find it "here", I will bring you the complete review ^_^.

Shinsetsu Shinsengumi by Sonoda Mitsuyoshi and Kubota Sentarou. Published by Leed (History of Japan Comic Special Selection)
This manga focused on Serizawa Kamo. The design in it became Watsuki-sensei's inspiration of Jin'E Udo, my fave antagonist ^^ (the deserter of Shinsengumi, a real dreadful guy). I wonder how it looks like since I haven't red it yet.

Shinsengumi by Kuragone Hiroshi. Published by PHP, Chuokoron-shinsha, Japan.
For adult reader only, the story line of this manga is quite elaborate, and there are some scenes which based on the real information of Shinsengumi. From the way it's drawn and the storyline, this manga is more compatible as a novel. Another cool manga of Shinsengumi that I hopelessly haven't red yet too.

Moeyo Ken and Shinsengumi Keppuroku by Shiba Ryutarou. Issued by Shinkobunko, Tokyo, 2000.
2 great novels of Shinsengumi, too bad I haven't red it (*sob*). But from so many people who were so lucky to read it, It's said to be very AWESOME! even Watsuki-sensei called it as his "Holy Bible". In my own hometown I still couldn't find the translation (neither in English or Indonesian), so to be able to read that you must've mastered Nihongo.

Shinsengumi Keppuroku (Cast by Watari Tetsuya, Murakami Hiroaki). Produced by Kiku TV, Japan, 2000.
Tales abound of the feats of men like Kondou Isami, Hijikata Toshizou and Okita Souji. Once again, TV Asahi brings to life the passion and glory of these men who lived during the most turbulent time in Japanese history. Full of pathos, action-packed, this is a series not to be missed by “chambara” fans. In Japan the encore presentation ended in August 24, 2000. This drama series had been fully subtitled in English in 10 episodes, but there are no TV stations in my hometown air it 'til the very day I wrote this (poor me ;_;). I wonder Murakami-sama became who in Shinsengumi, but I think, due to his goodlook (real sweetlooking guy ^^), he must be Hijikata Toshizou. I really want to watch this series since I really like Shinsengumi and... Murakami Hiroaki @_@.

The 47 Ronin Story by John Allyn. Issued by Tuttle Publishing, USA, 2000.
Well this one is my fave ^_^. It stories about the brave and loyal rounin/roushi from Akou. It is a very famous heroic story in Japanese History. Set in the beginning of 18th century (1701-1703), rich of the culture of traditional Japan in Tokugawa Bakufu, and true witness of bushido (the way of warrior or as I would love to call it, samurai spirit). I found this novel in such a coincidence when I was looking for Shinsengumi's novel, so my effort got the pay (*grin*). It was written in American-English so I think It'll be more "digestible" ^_~. Though, as those who know the story, the end was tragic but it's still and always be a touching story. I took some parts of it that I think crucial, you can read it in the Akou Roushi.

Sensitive Samurai (Cast by Murakami Hiroaki, Shimizu Misa). Produced by NHK, Japan, 1995.
Yeah! Murakami Hiroaki is the man! He now became a rounin named Matahachirou Aoe who lived in Edo after killed his fiancee's (Miss Yuki) father. As the story goes, he became, somewhat, was bound with the Akou Roushi (but he wasn't one of them). I like this classic drama, Hiroaki-san looked so sweet here since he smiled a lot ^ ^. I have watched it TWICE, but still I didn't know it's original title since what I've watched was the English dubbed version, including the title. If any of you know about it, please contact me at makoto@inuyasha.nu

Inuyasha by Takahashi Rumiko. Published by Shogakukan, Japan, 1997.
Please don't sue me if I enlisted Inuyasha in this page. Inuyasha, daisuki!!! ^ ^ (somehow he reminds me to my former "love", Kurama from Yuu Yuu Hakusho). Inuyasha and his comrades namely Shippou, Sango and Miroku (except Kagome) lived in the Sengoku Jidai, the age of war (about the 15th century), but the story is not so historical as the other Bakufu fictions, instead, you'll meet a lot of youkai, oni, or bakemono. Nevertheless, still I like it a lot since Inuyasha is a very cute adorable hanyou ^_~. If you live in Japan then you must've already seen the Movie, Toki o Koeru Omoi, in January 2002. I've found the manga in my hometown this year (thank god!). Either the Anime or the Manga is still going on this the very day I wrote this. So don't miss it!

Makoto's Caution : My next project i.e. "Inuyasha no Tsubo" is available now! Please visit and support it for the sake of Animals ^_^.

Musashi by Yoshikawa Eiji. Serialized by Asahi Shinbun Co., Japan, 1935.
Undoubtedly it is the story about Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most sensational hero in Edo era. Miyamoto is only kid from a small village but he followed the way of sword to become a true samurai. Wandering in Japan, he devised the Nitouryuu (two swords style). He didn't write only about the technique of sword but also about the spirit of swordsman in Gorin no Sho. His match against Sasaki Kojirou is famous as the duel in Ganryujima. I have seen the translated version in the book store but I haven't gotten enough fund to buy it T_T. I think it's a cool one (just like most samurai novel) and will take a long long time to read it, since it was pretty thick one.

Rankudai Ninja Rantaro by Soubei Amako. Serialized by The Asahi Shimbun Co. Japan, 1992.
I like this manga and anime so much! I called it as "The nicest and funniest way to learn Ninjutsu" ^_^. The story is about 3 innocent and funny nintama (ninja candidate) namely Rantaro, Shinbe and Kirimaru. They have 3 masters namely Doi-sensei, Yamada-sensei, and Tobe-sensei. It's set in the end of Muromachi Bakufu (I'll make the shortcut of it later). What I like from this manga is, of course, the killing jokes that those 3 nintama make up in the ninja school (they are so cute ^^). Soubei-sensei did not only making a lot of fun here, but also shares some of real ninja tricks and another knowledge of ninjutsu. I'm still gathering anything about ninjutsu right now, I hope soon I will be able to present the "Ninja" page ^_~.