Enter the world of the 1860's era Japan.  Pick a side, either the old, outdated feudal system or the new powerful shogunate, armed with Western connections and ideals. Join an army, find friends, who will become comrades in battle.  Find love.  Become a man.  Easier said than done — particularly for the young Sei, a young girl determined to become a bushi and fight among the Shinsengumi, who protect the shogun.  She can keep most people fooled, but only most of the time, and this doesn't seem to stop the love from happening.  In fact, her commanding officers seem to be in love with each other!?

Highlights

In her guise as the boy, Kamiya Seizaburo, she hopes to avenge her family against the ronin who killed them.  Her direct superior, Okita Soji, both protects her secret and tries to convince her that as she matures it will be harder and harder to hide the fact that she is no man at all from her companions.  So far she has managed to convince him that she is still determined to wield a sword for her own honor and the shogun.

This are becoming even more complicated, as a prominent doctor trained in the Western medicines new to Japan has come to the Shinsengumi for a health inspection — and he knew Sei's family well!  Will he recognize her new appearance after years of being apart?  And what will he say when he asks her to strip for a health exam?  Disaster!

Overall

The art and style of this anime are playful and serious, detailed and character-driven, back and forth with the emotions of the Shinsengumi themselves.  They flirt, fight, laugh and commiserate about the life of the almost-penniless soldier.  And accidentally they find truth and companionship, love and abiding friendships — trust and strength.  And occasionally they just act like idiots.  Because, when it comes down to it, they are just a bunch of guys, doing what guys do best.

If this series has a flaw, I'd say its too tender-hearted.  The shinsengumi, by nature was a force created to put down civil unrest.  During the entire volume, the only violence is in flashbacks or the ocassional fistfight.  Wait?  Where is the violent civil unrest?  That aside, the next volume is going to be better, and will probably meet my needs in terms of bloodshed, as a big raid is brewing at the end of this one.  I withhold judgement until then.  And will read it, wishing I had a sword and the courage Sei has to follow her dreams.

ComicsOnline gives Kaze Hikaru Volume 15, 4 out of 5 swords.