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I don't know which is which here, but "loose translation" and "figurative translation" are usually about the same thing. The opposite would usually be called a "literal translation" or "verbatim translation", but here, you make it sound like "loose" and "figurative" are the opposites. --John Owens (talk) 09:46, 2005 Mar 16 (UTC)

Contents 1 aku soku zan 2 Contradictions 3 Early Life 4 Permission to Carry a Katana 5 The Gatotsu 6 Seinan War Service 7 Wikiproject Law Enforcement tag 7.1 DOB 7.2 Update in Progress

[edit] aku soku zan

Is this historical? I was certain "aku soku zan" was something the creator of Rurouni Kenshin made up.

Not exactly... not in those words. Seven 08:52, 16 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Contradictions

The first section describes exactly what Rurouni Kenshin portayes Saito as, but the second one says that the anime takes several liberties with the character. Who's right?

I think that's an error in writing. The portrayal of Saito in Ruroni Kenshin is said to be as accurate as possible within what is known of the character; however, the version of him in Peace Maker does their own spin on the Shisengumi. I suspect the "several liberties" was meant in reference to Peace Maker.--Mitsukai 18:17, 19 August 2005 (UTC)

The portrayal of Saito in Rurouni Kenshin is NOT as accurate as possible within what is known of the character. Please refer to Watsuki's free talk sessions or/and interviews for more information. The "several liberties" was meant in reference to Peacemaker's historical accounts. For example, in history, the Ichimura brothers joined the Shinsengumi in 1867, not 1864.Seven 21:12, 28 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Early Life

It is true that little is known about Saito's early life. However, he was definitely NOT a son of a ronin. (Thanks to 66.19.103.155 for correcting my typo so quickly.) Seven 04:57, 29 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Permission to Carry a Katana

Since I couldn't find it mentioned in historical references, I've concluded such fact to be based on fiction, mainly Rurouni Kenshin.Seven 05:29, 29 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Gatotsu

I've decided to move the following edit by 71.223.58.70 to the discussion page. Seven 18:49, 1 September 2006 (UTC)

The Gatotsu sword technique that he uses in the series is similar to the description of his original sword technique, but is purely fictional, and not altogether accurate to real swordfighting. For example, Saitou's signature left-handed thrust is not portrayed accurately. He takes his right hand off his sword before he begins to move, clearly telegraphing his intent; the real left-handed thrust is used, in most sword styles, as a surprise maneuver. It is executed as a suki or thrust while stepping through, releasing the right hand at the last moment, leaving the left holding the end of the hilt. The grip-change and the step grant an extra foot or more of reach, completely changing the spacing of the fight, but it must be done suddenly to be most effective.

His left-handed technique is accurately portrayed in the anime Peacemaker Kurogane, but not in the manga (where he is introduced much later, a year after the Ikedaya Incident).

[edit] Seinan War Service

From what I've gathered, Saitou was decorated for bravery during the Seinan War for an incident where he was involved in the taking of several rebel artillery pieces on top of a hill. He was apparently given a 100 yen bonus as well, a hefty sum at a time when one yen was roughly equal to one old ryo. 128.153.205.172 06:51, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wikiproject Law Enforcement tag

I removed the WP:LE tag becasue this article is more approprotate in the JApan and Military Wikiproject(S)EMT1871 01:45, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] DOB

Also, it is said that his birthday is January 2nd, not February 18th. Queen of blades47 05:58, 9 August 2007 (UTC)

Saito was born on February 18, 1844 (lunar calendar date: Tenpo 15, the first day of the first month.) Seven 11:59, 9 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Update in Progress

Just thought I'd make a formal announcement here that I am reworking the article and adding text citations, and will hopefully be done before very long. -Tadakuni 23:02, 1 December 2007 (UTC)

Alright, I'm done my first go-through. Any assistance would be appreciated. -Tadakuni 00:14, 2 December 2007 (UTC)