This may seem a bit off-topic but I would like to present this
tidbit to our community.
It is believed that the Shinsengumi uniform of which we are all
familiar was inspired by those worn by the 47-ronin. Basically the
jagged-edge design. Although the Shinsengumi color scheme (and our
guys did change their uniform later) may be different the intent to
evoke the 47 ronin was the goal.
Over time the black-white "look" was incorporated into Shinsengumi
media perhaps to add more variety.
You see the uniform/design in many places. Even in movements which
also claim to stand for "loyalty" for whatever reason:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRxK0wsgL4Q
(2 min 30 sec vid)
please click on the outstanding write up provided by "ONIAZUMA"
It is also interesting to note that many Bakumatsu groups like the
Shinsengumi, Byakkotai (Aizu) and even the Sekihoutai! have all at
one point or another been hijacked for right-wing, militarists
purposes because history belongs to "everybody" and they become fair
game for people with an agenda.
These crazy fringe groups ofcourse do not represent all Japanese
people. They are just being outspoken due to the increasingly
conservative political climate in Japan.
-------SHQ WEBSITE TECH REPORT--------
we are in the testing phase of a database search engine thingy
it is not just a one line [search] function...it will allow for
comparative and elimination type searches for example:
[keyword 1] (and/or/not) [keyword 2]
for instance:
Saitou Hajime (not) Itou Kashitarou
or
Saitou Hajime (and) Itou Kashitarou
unfortunately the search will not be "yaoi" dynamic such as Saitou
(x) Itou... (I'm just kidding you sillies...but hey that does sound
like a good idea!)
sorry for many pages/images being screwed up...I am trying to deal
with our programmer about this issue and warned her about the
repercussions of taking stuff offline and starting new
directories...certain areas of the site are totally non-functioning
and this is very regrettable