Source: UK (@323ugatetu3) - image used with permission

Was this taken by a time traveler? Edo period police force charges ahead in striking photo

Although they often show up in science fiction, time machines have yet to be invented.

And yet, a surprising photo posted by Twitter user UK (@323ugatetu3) on February 12th, 2022, has some people asking: "Is it possible to go back in time?"

Here's the photo that has been getting so much attention:

Reproduced with permission from UK (@323ugatetu3)

"SL (steam locomotive) Taiju 2 C11 325 brown formation / Shinsengumi (with leader riding one horse) / The Shinsengumi appeared in the Reiwa Era at Nikko"

The photo captured a scene from a special event organized by the Tobu Railway Company and the Edo period theme park Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture.

The event featured recreations (and adaptations of) historical events from the Edo period, including the exploits of the legendary Shinsengumi (新選組, "New Select Brigade"), a special police force founded to protect Tokugawa shogunate representatives in Kyoto and active between 1863 to 1869. A staple of Japanese popular culture, they've been portrayed in everything from novels, film, TV dramas, games, and anime. For example, they frequently appear in Gintama and several characters in Rurouni Kenshin were modeled after them.

In this scene captured by UK, Shinsengumi officers are chasing after female bandits who boarded SL Taiju* 2 and 6.

* The 大樹 Taiju, operated by Tobu Railway Company, is a Class C11, a type of 2-6-4T steam locomotive built by the Japanese Government Railways and the Japanese National Railways from 1932 to 1947, a few dozens of which have been preserved, mainly for tourism, and are in working order.

The expressions on the faces of the Shinsengumi officers as they sprint (and charge on horseback) as fast as they can and the sense of dynamism and speed the image conveys truly brings the scene to life, creating the illusion that you've been transported back in time to the Edo period!

Many people praised the striking photo, leaving comments such as:

  • "They're so cool! The expressions on the Shinsengumi officers' faces are amazing!"
  • "Is this a scene from a comedy film about Shinsengumi officers who have been zapped into the present day and are trying to find a way back home to the Edo period?"
  • "Awesome! This is so exciting!"

This special event is being held for a total of seven days in February 2022, on the 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 23rd, 26th and 27th.

Moreover, on the 26th, they will perform a scene called "The Leader's Ride" in which you'll be able to see the leader of the Shinsengumi, Isamu Kondo, riding a horse as he charges into action!

If you live in Japan, why not see it for yourself? You're sure to make some great memories! Even if you can't make it this year, the event will hopefully take place again in the future. For more information, see the section entitled 『神出鬼出　あっぱれ日光！SL大樹珍道中～EDO WONDER TRAIN～』 at the website here (Japanese only).

By - grape Japan editorial staff.

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