Set in Japan's Bakumatsu period, the story begins after an imperialist gang known as the wipes out the Shinsengumi's Eighth Division, leaving only Heisuke Toudou alive but severely injured. To maintain order and hide the force's near-annihilation from the public, Toudou offers eight criminals a chance at redemption: they must discard their pasts and pose as the deceased Shinsengumi captains.
Bucchigire! (translated as Shine On! Bakumatsu Bad Boys! ) follows seven death-row criminals who are secretly recruited to act as "doubles" for the Shinsengumi in Kyoto. Bucchigire!
The rag-tag group of criminals are color-coded and assigned to replace specific Shinsengumi leaders: Set in Japan's Bakumatsu period, the story begins
: Substitute for Hajime Saito . A religious spiritualist who uses unconventional weapons. (translated as Shine On
: Substitute for Toshizo Hijikata . A stoic, skilled former assassin.