Hakuoki

Hakuoki (薄桜鬼, Hakuōki, literally "Thin Cherry Blossom Demon") is a historical fantasy otome visual novel series created by Idea Factory. The series primarily targets a female audience and is known for its romantic storylines set against the backdrop of the late Edo period in Japan, specifically the final years of the Shinsengumi.

The story follows Chizuru Yukimura, a young woman who travels to Kyoto in search of her missing father, a doctor. There, she encounters the Shinsengumi, a special police force, and becomes entangled in their activities, including their involvement with the Rasetsu (Furies), superhuman beings with increased strength and speed, but who are also addicted to blood.

The Hakuoki franchise spans numerous games, anime adaptations, manga, drama CDs, stage plays, and a live-action film. Key themes explored in the series include loyalty, duty, the clash between traditional values and modernization, and the consequences of violence and bloodshed. The historical figures and events incorporated into the narrative are often fictionalized for dramatic and romantic effect. Common elements across the different versions include the romance options with various members of the Shinsengumi, the Rasetsu plotline, and Chizuru's own connection to the supernatural. The anime adaptations are generally faithful to the visual novel storyline, though some adjustments are made for pacing and narrative clarity. Hakuoki is well-known for its bishōnen characters (attractive young men) and its blend of historical drama and fantasy elements.