"Shinsengumi Kentei"certificate exam has been established to assess the knowledge on "Shinsengumi"--a special police force in late feudal Japan--and the first edition of the test is scheduled for March 18, in Tokyo and Kyoto. With the registration period closing on February 16, an announcement has been made that the exam ties in with "Hakuoki"--a hit romance adventure video game inspired by Shinsengumi--to provide special certificate cards featuring some of the game characters.

The exam aims to promote interest in and understanding of Shinsengumi, and is jointly designed and managed by Nippon Shuppan Hanbai Inc. and Human Resocia Co., Ltd.

The first edition of the test will be conducted at Grade Three (Elementary) and Grade Two (Intermediate), each granting the title "Kumicho" (Leader) and "FuKu-Kumicho" (Sub-leader) to its successful test-takers, respectively.
Official certificates are issued to those who passed the exam, who are also entitled to obtain special certificate cards and business cards for a price. The certificate card can be personalized either with a photographic image of Hijikata Toshizo, or with one of the five characters from "Hakuoki"--Hijikata Toshizo, Okita Soji, Saito Hajime, Todo Heisuke, and Harada Sanosuke--to go on the back side of the card.

Developed by video game publishing house Idea Factory, with Kazuki Yone responsible for character design, "Hakuoki" has captured the hearts of female audience with a host of beautiful adolescent characters that are inspired by the actual Shinsengumi warriors. After hitting home consoles in 2008, the game has been adapted into anime, audio drama, theatrical play, and musical.

The collaboration draws on the rising popularity of the legendary armed organization for the exam's promotional efforts. The exam organizers say the test will satisfy everyone from devoted history buffs to young female fans who have taken interest to Shinsengumi through recent contact with games and mangas.

• The first edition of "Shinsengumi Kentei"
• http://www.kentei-uketsuke.com/shinsen-gumi/