The Blue Wolves of Mibu and the Begins of the Infamous Shinsengumi.
Let’s Recap the 1st Season of Blue Miburo

In one of the most turbulent times in Japan’s history begins the story of Nio,
a 13-year old, with a burning passion for justice.

Fellow Samurai. It is time to sharpen your swords and ready for battle! Here is all you need to know ahead of
the Season 2 Simulcast of Blue Miburo premiering on December 20th!

This page contains major character or plot details.

Setting the Stage

Title

青のミブロ (Ao no Miburo), Blue Miburo (also known as “The Blue Wolves of Mibu)

Setting

Kyoto, late Edo period (Bakumatsu), during the arrival of Western “black ships” and social upheaval.

Main Theme

A coming-of-age story combined with historical action, focusing on a young boy joining the Shinsengumi precursor group, the Mibu Rōshigumi (“Miburo”).

Kyoto, 1863, during the final years of the Edo Period. Young Nio’s strong sense of justice leads him to join the Miburo, an outcast group of ronin who will one day become the Shinsengumi.

Main Characters

Many characters are based on real Japanese history!

壬生浪士組　Mibu Rōshigumi (“Miburo”).

The Story

Kyoto, 1863. During the Bakumatsu periodーthe final years of the Edo periodーJapan was undergoing an era of great social change. A place where child lived in fear of their lives. In an era when money, land, and even life were taken unjustly. Blue Miburo is the perfect blend of historical fact and fictionーthat follows one young boy named Nio. Nio is an orphan boy cared for by an elderly woman in Kyoto, along side with his “sister.” The three of them run a small establishment that sells dango (rice dumplings). One fateful day, Sōji Okita and Toshizō Hijikata walk into the dango shop. Nio’s quick thinking and sharp observations skills catch their attention. Little does Nio know but Sōji Okita and Toshizō Hijikata were working to find a child snatcher using Nio and his sister for bait. After becoming involved in the Miburo’s plan to catch the child snatchers—and frustrated by his own inability to protect his sister— Nio, inspired by their sense of justice, decides to join the Miburo.

TL;DR Summary

Joining Miburo & Early Training:

Nio meets key figures: Toshizō Hijikata, Sōji Okita, Isami Kondō, Hajime Saitō, Shinpachi Nagakura, and Sanosuke Harada (all famous members of the Shinsengumi). He begins training and living in the feared “Demon’s Lair,” testing his courage and physical ability. Early challenges include a sumo match with Nagakura and losing to Saitō Hajime, teaching him humility and determination. During city patrols, he acts impulsively to save a hostage child, showing his sense of justice.

Encounters & Assassins:

Nio meets Tarō Tanaka, a boy his age under Kamo Serizawa’s care; Hijikata warns him not to get involved. Serizawa, drunk, kills a comrade and orders Tarō to dispose of the body, shocking Nio. The Miburo receives a request from the Aizu Domain and faces assassins, including Jutarō Kimura and Kyōshirō, revealing ideological conflicts about foreign influence. Nio shows courage and negotiation skills during confrontations, learning about passion, resolve, and deception.

Internal Conflicts & Reflection

Miburo members face internal challenges, such as drinking contests and duels. Nio reflects on his love for Kyoto and the responsibilities of being a protector. The haori project begins: making matching jackets to symbolize unity and reassure the citizens.

New Threats & Shogun Escort:

A mysterious boy, Kikuchiyo (revealed as Shogun Iemochi Tokugawa), appears. Miburo must protect him from assassins while escorting him to Nijō Castle. Nio and others confront assassins like Naozumi, testing his courage and strategic thinking. Hijikata intervenes when the situation becomes dire, highlighting mentorship and teamwork.

Political Tension & Personal Challenges:

Nio witnesses the anti-foreigner “expel foreigners” movement and contemplates loyalty to Miburo versus potential service under Kikuchiyo. Miburo works to fund the haori project, facing dangerous side missions, including “dirty work” handled by Saitō Hajime. Nio and Tarō meet Nagi, a pregnant woman, and her husband Yōtarō; their lives intertwine with the protagonists’ journey.

Blood Risshidan Arc:

The Blood Risshidan plans to burn Kyoto by destroying seven bridges. Miburo splits to defend each bridge. Naozumi wields a heavy black sword; battles with allies and foes test everyone’s skill, courage, and resolve. Nagi goes into labor, balancing personal stakes with city-wide danger. Key duels include Kondō vs Yōtarō, Hijikata confronting provocateurs, and Hajime fending off the Blood Risshidan members.

Climactic Battles & Consequences:

Kyoto Hachikan burns; Miburo struggles against enemies motivated by personal and ideological reasons. Nagi survives childbirth with support from Nio and his grandmother, symbolizing hope and continuity. Hajime guards strategic locations; Miburo prepares for new threats, including hints of Sakamoto Ryoma’s future influence.

Season 1 Conclusion

Nio recovers from his injuries and recommits to protecting Kyoto alongside the Miburo. The series concludes with the reaffirmation of Miburo’s mission, balancing personal growth, loyalty, and duty amidst political and historical upheaval.

Season 2 Simulcast!

Season 2 will feature the “Serizawa Assassination” arc. Blue Miburo is based on the manga, The Blue Wolves of Miburo (Blue Miburo, 青のミブロ, Ao no Miburo) by Tsuyoshi Yasuda originally serialized in the weekly SHONEN MAGAZINE published by KODANSHA Ltd.

Season 2 Sneak Preview