Rurouni Kenshin: Could Makoto Shishio's Plan Have Worked

In “Rurouni Kenshin,” Shishio Makoto orchestrated a detailed and ruthless strategy to overthrow the Meiji Government and seize control of Japan. His plan involved several critical steps. Shishio would leverage the strengths of his formidable allies, the Juppongatana, and employ acts of terror to destabilize the government. Although he was stopped by Kenshin Himura and his allies, the overarching question remains, if Shishio had bested Himura would his plan have succeeded?

Here’s an in-depth look at Shishio’s strategy:

Forming a Powerful Army

Shishio assembled the Juppongatana, a group of ten elite and fiercely loyal warriors, each with unique skills that made them invaluable to his cause. The members included:

Seta Sōjirō: Known as “Tenken,” he was Shishio’s right-hand man, famed for his incredible speed and emotionless demeanor.
Yumi Komagata: Shishio’s lover and strategist, who provided moral and tactical support.
Chō Sawagejō: Also known as “Sword Hunter,” he specialized in using multiple swords and gathered intelligence for Shishio.
Usui Uonuma: The “Blind Swordsman,” who possessed an acute sense of hearing and a lust for revenge against Shishio.
Anji Yūkyūzan: A former Buddhist monk turned warrior, who wielded immense physical strength and a powerful technique called Futae no Kiwami.
Hōji Sadojima: Shishio’s chief strategist, responsible for planning many of the group’s operations.
Kamatari Honjō: A gender-fluid warrior who wielded a massive scythe with deadly precision.
Fuji: A giant, physically imposing warrior who served as a brute force.
Saizuchi: A manipulative older man who commanded Fuji and provided tactical guidance.
Iwanbō: A seemingly simple-minded yet resilient fighter.

Destabilizing the Government

Shishio’s strategy to destabilize the Meiji Government involved coordinated acts of terror designed to instill fear and chaos:

Kyoto Fire: Shishio planned to set Kyoto ablaze, causing widespread panic and destruction, to demonstrate the government’s inability to protect its citizens.
Assassination of Officials: Targeting key government officials for assassination, Shishio aimed to create a power vacuum and disrupt the administrative functions of the government.
Sabotage of Infrastructure: By destroying bridges, railways, and communication lines, Shishio intended to paralyze the government’s ability to respond effectively to crises.

Exploiting Government Weaknesses

Shishio believed that the Meiji Government was inherently weak and corrupt. He developed this sentiment after his own betrayal by the government after the Bakumatsu. He aimed to exploit these weaknesses by:

Propaganda: Disseminating messages that highlighted government corruption and incompetence, Shishio sought to turn public opinion against the ruling authorities.
Public Uprisings: Inciting discontent among the populace, particularly among those who felt marginalized by the new regime, Shishio aimed to fuel public unrest and rebellion.

Securing a Base of Operations

Kyoto was chosen as Shishio’s stronghold due to its historical significance and strategic location. By establishing a base there, he could effectively launch his campaigns and exert influence over a key region of Japan.

Building Alliances

Shishio actively sought to build alliances with various factions that were dissatisfied with the Meiji Government. He reached out to:

Disgruntled Samurai: Former samurai who had lost their status and livelihood under the new regime.
Former Shogunate Loyalists: Those who remained loyal to the Tokugawa Shogunate and opposed the Meiji restoration.
Criminal Organizations: Leveraging the influence and resources of underground groups to bolster his own power.

Gaining Control of Military Assets

Shishio’s plan to gain control of military assets involved several steps:

Naval Power: He aimed to capture warships and armaments, which would allow him to challenge the government’s naval forces directly.
Armories and Weapon Depots: By seizing control of armories and depots, Shishio could equip his army with superior firepower.
Strategic Locations: Taking over key fortifications and military outposts to secure tactical advantages in battle.

Establishing a New Order

Shishio’s ultimate goal was to establish a new regime based on his philosophy of “survival of the fittest.” He believed that only the strong should rule. Society should be governed by those who could seize and maintain power through strength and cunning. Under his rule, Shishio envisioned a Japan where the weak would be weeded out, and only the strong would thrive.

Confrontation and Defeat

Shishio’s meticulously crafted plan faced a formidable obstacle in the form of Kenshin Himura, a former legendary assassin known as Battosai, and his allies. Recognizing the existential threat posed by Shishio, Kenshin and his friends launched a counteroffensive to stop him. The intense battles and strategic confrontations between Kenshin and Shishio’s forces culminated in a dramatic showdown.

In the climactic battle, Kenshin, along with his allies including Sanosuke Sagara, Saitō Hajime, and Aoshi Shinomori, managed to defeat Shishio and his Juppongatana, thwarting his plan to take over the Meiji Government.

Shishio Makoto’s plan to take over the Meiji Government was a testament to his strategic brilliance, ruthless ambition, and unwavering belief in his own vision. Though ultimately unsuccessful, his actions and the ensuing battles remain a pivotal part of the “Rurouni Kenshin” narrative, showcasing the enduring struggle between order and chaos, peace and violence.

Despite his defeat, Shishio’s ambition and the threat he posed left a lasting impact on Kenshin and the world around him. Since Shishio highlighted the fragile nature of peace and the ever-present danger of those who seek power through violence and terror, this shows us that in some way, Shishio’s plan would have succeeded.