Okita Souji was a prominent figure in the late Edo period of Japan, known for being a skilled swordsman and a captain in the Shinsengumi, a special police force that operated in Kyoto. Born in 1842, he became famous for his exceptional swordsmanship and played a significant role in the tumultuous events leading up to the Meiji Restoration. Despite his prowess, Okita suffered from tuberculosis, which affected his health and ultimately led to his early death at the age of 25 in 1868. His legacy endures in Japanese culture, often depicted in literature, film, and anime, symbolizing the spirit of the samurai.