| Name | Info | |
| Akamatsu Arundo | 
Weapons: kusarigama (chain and sickle), shikomi fundou (hidden chain)
Groups & Orginizations: Shimbumi’s Assasin Group
Character Design: Omega Red from the X-Men comic books.
Personailty: Akamtsu thinks about his safetly first and foremost. He likes to pick on those he sees as weaker than him, but when faced with a stronger opponent, he becomes a snivelling wretch.
Short Description: Arundo Akamatu was a member of the assasin group under Shimbumi hired to kill other government officials. He used chain as his weapon. He was over confident and despised Saitou. Saitou used him to test Kenshin's ability. He was first defeated by Kenshin then killed by Saitou.
Current Status: Dead |
| Akane | Family: Sisters Sakura and Kasumi.
Short Description: One of the three slave women that took care of Shinta when he was little.
Current Status: She was killed one night by bandits. (1859) |
| Amakusa Shougo | 
Birth Name: Muto Shougo
Family: Sister Magdaria, Nephew of a man called Hyoue.
Seiyuu: Junichi Inoue
Weapon: Katana
Fighting Technique: The Hiten Mitsrugiryu, Amakareru no Hirameki
Groups & Orginizations: Believe to be a god to the Christians in Shimabara
Short Description: Watching his parents die infront of him, Shougo vowed to return to Shimabara as a god and avenge them. He learned the Hiten Mitsrugi Ryu from his uncle. He wants to kill Kenshin to show he has mastered The Hiten Mitsrugiryu and is therefore a god.
Current Status: He was banished to Holland with 88 followers. He vowed never to use a sword again. |
| Arai Asuza | 
Family: Asuza is Seikuu's wife and mother of Iori
Character Concept/Design: Seikuu’s wife Azusa was just that, a wife, nothing more, nothing less. Seikuu and Azusa were both just random designs that Watsuki-sensei made up.
Personality: Azusa is a mother, and as such loves Iori dearly.
Short Description: To save her son's life Asuza tells Chou the location of the last sword made by Arai Seikuu Sr.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto. |
| Arai Iori | 
Family: Mother Asuza, father Seikuu.
Character Concept/Design: Iori was supposed to be a character that was born not in the war torn Edo era but in the peaceful Meiji era. Iori was based on a well known Shoujo Manga (female manga).
Personality: Iori, is, well, a baby, and as such shows a range of emtions from joy to fear.
Short Description: Iori is a baby that Chou kidnaps to pressure the family in giving him the last sword made by Arai Seikuu Sr.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto. |
| Arai Seikuu Jr. | 
Family: Son of Arai Seikuu Sr. Husband to Asuza, Father to Iori.
Character Concept/Design: Seikuu was supposed to be a father with a weakness for his child. Seikuu and Azusa were both just random designs that Watsuki-sensei made up.
Personality: Seikuu is a father first and foremost, and will do anything for his child. Seikuu seems like a weakling, but he does stand up for what is right.
Short Description: Kenshin came to him to get a new Sabaku sword. Seikuu however does not make swords any more because he believes in peace. To save his son he gives Kenshin his father's last sword. The last sword turns out to be the True Sabaku.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto. |
| Arai Seikuu Sr. | 
Family: son Seikuu Jr.
Short Description: The most famous sword casting master at war. The maker of Kenshin and Shishio's sword. He realized that sword can only kill people. However, his real hope was to use sword to establish a peaceful era. So, he put his final hope on the reverse blade sword he gave Kenshin.
Current Status: Dead. |
| Ayame | 
Family: Dr. Genzai is her Grandfather, little sister Suzume.
Short Description: A little girl that stays with Kaoru at her dojo. Often called Kaoru's "little sister".
Current Status: Living in Tokyo |
| Beshimi | 
Weapon: Rasenbyou - Small Darts with an extremely strong poison on them.
Groups & orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Short Description: The smallest of the Oniwabanshuu members. Nothing is really known about Beshimi's past. He followed Aoshi to Tokyo, where Beshimi and the other Oniwabanshu members were hired by Kanryu to be his protector, and as such did certain tasks for Kanryu. Beshimi was on guard duty over Takani Megumi, who was being forced to produce opium for Kanryu, when she escaped and ran into Kenshin and Sanosuke. When Beshimi chases after her, he meets up with Kenshin and Sanosuke. He was killed by Kanryuu while trying to protect Aoshi.
Current Status: Dead |
| Diagoro | 
Short Description: He can't fight, but he is very smart. He loves to read. He was disowned by Katsu because he couldn't fight and so Kaoru invited him to stay at her dojo and become her student. Diagoro is in love with Itsuko.
Current Status: Alive
Family: Two Granddaughters Ayame & Suzume.
Short Description: Dr. Genzai is a friend of Kaoru and is often at the dojo. Megumi later works for him.
Current Status: Living in Tokyo |
| Fuji | 
A.K.A. Juppongatana Hagun "Otsu"
Groups & Orginizations: Jupon gatana
Weapon: A Giant Sickle or Huge Saber.
Character Concept/Design: The Kyoshinhei (giant god soldier) from the anime "Kaze no Tani no Nausica" (I forgot the English title... I think it's just "Nausica"). Also, a folktale from, Watsuki-sensei believes, comes from Finland called "Shimo no Kyojin" (Giant of the Frost), about a giant who is not a monster, but a real person inside. The overall design is, of course, Eva Test Type 01 from the anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion". Initially, Watsuki-sensei wanted to use his favorite Eva Production Type 02, but his design was too similar to 02 and had to be scrapped. Instead one of his assistants gave him the idea of adding a skull face to Test Type 01. Fuji's face behind the mask was based on Dogura Magura from Obata Takeshi's "Arabian Lamp Lamp".
Personality: Fuji usually follows Saizuchi's orders, and almost never speaks. He does however, contrary to what other people think, have feelings and emotions, as Hiko Seijuurou proved by appealing to Fuji's spirit as a swordsman. Fuji is actually a good person, and serves Saizuchi because Saizuchi once saved his life.
Short Description: Nothing is really known about Fuji's past, except that Saizuchi rescued Fuji from being "put down" (ie. like putting down an animal, in other words killing). Of course the question remains exactly how old was Fuji when Saizuchi rescued him...? Whatever the case, Fuji and Saizuchi destroy the police station while the other three Juppongatana attack Aoiya. After destroying the police station, they arrive at Aoiya only to find the others had been beaten or had run away. Saizuchi and Fuji were partners. Fuji used a giant sickle and left the "Aoiya" Inn a ruin after one strike. Hiko battled with Fuji and won, Fuji then left the area.
Current Status: Alive |
| Gein | 
A.K.A. Kein, Iwanbo
Fighting Technique: Geho Hijutsu
Weapons: Iwanbo
Groups & Orginizations: Jupon gatana(as Iwanbou), Jinchu.
Short Description: Used to be Iwanbo before in the ten swords of Shishio, his real work was to collect information about Kenshin for Enishi. Actually he fought Kenshin just for testing of his machine. He hid within the huge body of Iwanbo, and use string to control the actions. In "Jin Chu", he used his best work "Iwanbo No.3" to fight against Kenshin. He got the upper hand at first and wounded Kenshin seriously. Finally Kenshin used tricks to block a mechanical part of Iwanbo from moving, and Gein was beaten after.
Current Status: Alive |
| Gen-emom | 
Groups & Orginizations: Shougo’s Christians
Weapons: Attack Dogs
Short Description: He is a man that followed Magdaria and Amakusa Shougo. He attacked Kenshin with dogs, thinking him a demon, but Kenshin ended up saving his life.
Current Status: Living in Holland. |
| Gin-Jo | Short Description: The rebel pirate Gin-jo plans to lead a mutiny against Shura
and take over the island. Gin-jo knows that he has stowaways and blows up
the ship, then attacks Shura. Shura wakes up and finds out Gin-jo is behind the
mutiny. She goes after him, she screws up, Kenshin rescues her. One of the
pirates sets a bomb off and the whole island blows up. |
| Gorou | Groups & Orginizations: Anji’s Children.
Character Concept/Design: Tsubaki and the kids were supposed to be a whole group of kids that were being taken care of by Anji, but because Watsuki-sensei thought it would be too hard to draw so many kids, he narrowed it down to just five kids. Nothing very special. Tsubaki's design is NOT based on Kyo Kusanagi from SNK's King of Fighters game. Tsubaki has a bandana to differentiate her from Misao and Kaoru. Watsuki-sensei did get the idea of the bandana from a fashion magazine however.
Personality: Not much can be said about their personalities since they barely appear in the comic... Tasuke likes to pick on Gorou, and Gorou cries a lot. Tsubaki is strict, yet cares for the kids deeply, and perhaps even loves Anji.
Short Description: All the kids lost their parents in the Douran. Tsubaki's father was a supporter of the Edo Bakufu, and he was also the village leader before he was killed. Yuukyuzan Anji adopted the kids and gave them a place to live in his temple.
Current Status: ? |
| Hannya | 
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Fighting Style: Kempo
Weapons: Kegitsume, metal guards. Special Move, Shinwan no Jutsu.
Character Design/Concept: Plainly put, the design was based on a skull. And the difference between the two eyes was planned, and not a mistake!
Personality: Cool, collected, and intelligent, Hannya is what a stereo-typical "ninja" should be like. Hannya, because of his dark, painful past, is compassionate, but his first loyalty is to follow Shinomori Aoshi, and as such will do what Shinomori directs him to do.
Short Description: The villages in the area where he was born practiced "kogaeshi", which literally means returning a child, ie. killing it, in order to decrease the number of mouths to feed. Hannya somehow survived, but he could not return to any of the villages, and so had to live and survive like an animal. Somehow Shinomori came across Hannya and trained him as an onmitsu (ninja), and made him one of the members of the Oniwabanshu. When Shinomori was still living with Okina at Aoiya in Kyoto, Hannya took care of Misao, and even trained her in the art of kenpou. Hannya left with three of the other Oniwabanshu and Shinomori, and was eventually hired by Kanryu as bodyguards. When Takani Megumi escapes Kanryu and seeks help from Kenshin, Hannya is ordered to help Beshimi retreive Megumi. Hannya accompanies Beshimi and Hyottoko to Kamiya Dojo, where he faces off with Kenshin. Next to Aoshi and Okina, Hanya is most likely the strongest of the Oniwabanshuu. He dies trying to protect Aoshi.
Current Status: Dead |
| Harada Sanouske | 
Groups & Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Captain of the 10th division troop. This guy supposedly dies at the Uena war. but some sources say he didn't. So exactly what happened, we don't know.
Current Status: Unknown |
| Hashizume | |
| Higashidani, Kamishimoemon | 
Family: Son Sano, Daughter Uki, and Son Outa. Wife (Dead).
Character Concept/Design: The original idea was that Kamishimoemon was an elder version of Sanosuke, and the story followed this idea. There was no design motif for them at first. Kamishimoemon is a refined version of the older Sano, that would appear in the first idea I had about the Ruroken ending. |
| Higashidani, Outa | 
Family: Father Kamishimoemon, Sister Outa, Brother Sano, Mother (Dead).
Character Concept/Design: Outa would be the exact opposite of Sanosuke, a weak and gentle boy, and the story followed this idea. Outa is my stereotype of a gentle boy from the countryside, and I added that round cheeks thing. |
| Higashidani, Sano | See: Sagara, Sanouske. |
| Higashidani, Uki | 
Family: Father Kamishimoemon, Brothers Sano and Outa. Mother (Dead).
Character Concept/Design: Uki would be an overprotective and active sister, and the story followed this idea. Uki would be sorta modern, and simple to draw. I thought that "since she's Sano's sis, she should have a pointy hair", so her hair became like that. |
| Hijikata Toshizo | 
Groups & Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Vice commander of the shinsengumi. Battling until the end. He died at the age of 34.
Current Status: Dead |
| Hiko, Seijyuurou | 
A.K.A: Shishou, Niitsu Kakunoshin
Birth date: October, 1836
Age: 43
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 87 kg
Blood type: O
Weapon: Katana, Nihontou.
Fighting style or technic: Hiten Mitsrugiryu, Special Moves: Ryusousen, Doryusen, Ryutsuisen, Souryusen, Souryusen-ikazuchi, Hiryusen, Ryushousen, Ryushousen-tsumuji, Ryukansen, Kuzuryusen, Amakakeruryunohirameki.
Character Design/Concept: Nothing specific, just that the word "shishou" (teacher/mentor), conjured up an image which Watsuki-sensei used for Hiko. Also, the "man-ly-ness" aspect was what Watsuki-sensei was shooting for with Hiko, and Watsuki-sensei sees a man alone, quietly drinking sake as manly. Watsuki-sensei's original work "Sengoku no Mikazuki"'s Hiko Seijuurou was the base design, but the design also includes the character Hikenmajin Haamerun from Obata Takeshi's "Arabian Lamp Lamp". Also, since Watsuki-sensei was going for a manly look, he made Hiko muscular. And of course the cape borrows from the American comic "Spawn".
Personality: Hiko exudes a sense of confidence that nearly everyone feels when near him. Some see his self-confidence as egotistical, but Hiko has the power and the skill to carry out his self-confident demeanor. He is usually quiet, yet his gaze is penetrating and see everything. A type of man that demands your attention in a crowded room, Hiko stands out as the preeminent "man".
Short Description: Nothing is really known about Hiko's past, other than the fact he is the 13th "Hiko Seijuurou" (the name is passed down to the one who learns the ways of Hiten Mitsurugiryu). Hiko killed his master learning the final lesson for Hiten Mitsurugiryu (Amakakeruryunohirameki), and earned the name of Hiko Seijuurou. One day, he comes across a band of thieves who had attacked a group of travelers. He kills the thieves, but only a small boy with red hair and a serious expression by the name of Shinta survives to learn the leasons of Hiten Mitsurugiryu. Shinta was also given the new name of Kenshin by Hiko. He lived as a hermit near Kyoto and was working as a ceramics artist. After Kenshin's visit, he started to teach the ultimate technique to Kenshin. At last Kenshin successfully got the technique by severely injured him. During the attack of the ten swords on Aoiya, he appeared at the last moment and helped saving lifes of all of them. After the battles in Kyoto, he continued his plain life as an artist
Current Status: Living in Kyoto |
| Himura, Kenji | 
Family: Father Himura, Kenshin, Mother Kamiya, Kaoru.
Character Concept/Design: About the motif of his design, it's "a small Kenshin", as it's said in the series. And, about the other characters: I had planned to cut Kenshin's hair for quite a long time. Actually, his hair was to be shorter, and I had drawn some sketches of him, but I thought that people might complain that he was too similar to Maruchi or Aoi from "To Heart", so I changed the design to the one you saw.
Personality: The motif for his personality is simply "stupid". Well, somewhat similar to Iori. Actually, the very need of a child of Kenshin and Kaoru made Kenji appear. He's quite a clichée, but I thought, "I don't care if it's a clichée! I don't care if his appearance was too obvious! I had to put him in the story, right?!", and therefore he appeared in the story. I am not so twisted to insert weird thoughts in this happy ending, you hear?
Short Description: The happy ending to the story, the child of Kenshin and Kaoru. Later, Kenji develops all the talent he has running in his blood. He becomes such a genius that he is able to learn some of the Hiten Mitsurugi techniques just by listening to stories about them. However, his personality isn't flawless, and as a genius, he becomes a bit warped, growing up to be a young man more twisted than Saitou and more egocentric than Shishio. Eventually, he will fight with Myoujin Shin-ya, the bright and obstinate son of Yahiko and Tsubame, in a duel to decide who will be the keeper of the Hiten Mitsurugi style and of the sakabatou. Such is the "after story" that Watsu vaguely imagined for "Rurouni Kenshin".
Current Status: Living in Tokyo. |
| Himura, Kenshin | 
Birthname: Shinta
A.K.A: Hitokiri battousai, Himura battousai, baka deshi(stupid pupil)
Birth date: June 20, 1849
Age: 28
Blood Type: AB
Fighting style or technic: The all mighty powerful Hiten Mitsrugiryu, Special Moves: Ryusousen, Doryusen, Ryutsuisen, Souryusen, Souryusen-ikazuchi, Hiryusen, Ryushousen, Ryukansen-tsumuji, Ryukansen, Kuzuryusen, Amakakeruryunohirameki
Weapon: sakabatou (reverse-bladed sword) broken by Soujirou, sakabatou-shinuchi (new reversed bladed sword).
Height: 158 cm/168cm
Weight: 48 kg
Family: wife Tomoe(dead), wife Kaoru, son Kenji.
Groups & Orginizations: Reformation Army, Hitokiri, Kenshin-Gumi
Character Design/Concept: A real assassin by the name of Kawakami Gensai. Gensai was one of the top four assassins of the Bakumatsu. Nothing particular, although Watsuki -sensei wanted to make a character that was completely opposite from the main character of the short-manga he first published in JUMP (can be found in manga volume #6). The opposite image of the ultimate killer happened to be a girl.
Personality: Usually Kenshin is a kind, gentle person who does not hesitate to help other people. When Kenshin becomes angry however, the "hitokiri" or "killer" inside of him appears. This other Kenshin is a cool, calm, cold blooded swordsman whose quickness and power earned him the name "Hitokiri Battousai". When Kenshin changes, he evens talks differently. For instance he normally refers to himself as "sessha", but when he gets angry, he refers to himself as "ore". I won't write an explanation of the two terms other than to say that there is quite a bit of difference. If you really want to know the meanings, go get a dictionary. After his battle with Shishio, however, he conquers his "hitokiri" side and becomes an even greater, if you can imagine, swordsman.
Short Description: Kenshin's original name was Shinta. His parents died in a Cholera epidemic when he was about 8 years old, and after his parents death, he then became a slave. A year later, the slavers were killed by assisans, Kenshin was rescued by Hiko Seijuurou, his present day master. This is how Kenshin met Seijuurou and how he learned Hitenmitsurugiryu. When Seijuurou decided to teach Hitenmitsurugiryu to Shinta, he changed Shinta's name to Kenshin. When Kenshin was 13 years old, he had a big fight with Seijuurou which sparked Kenshin to leave Seijuurou and set out on his own. A few years later, during the Bakumatsu No Douran, Kenshin fought on the Ishinshishi side as a body guard/asssassin. During this period of time, Kenshin married Yukishiro Tomoe, and obtained his trade mark “X” cross scar. Tomoe was accidently killed by Kenshin.
He killed so many people during the Douran that he got the name "Hitokiri Battousai" which means "sword wielding assassin" When the Douran ended, Kenshin vowed never to kill again, and became a "korosazu no rurouni" (a wanderer that does not kill) travelling around Japan to aid people so he could make up for the people he killed during the Bakumatsu. During the eleventh year of the new Meiji era, Kenshin meets Kaoru. After his meeting with Kaoru, he lived in Tokyo Kamiya Dojo. However, his fighting still did not end. He tends to say "Oro" when puzzled. He goes on to marry Kaoru and they have a child together named Kenji.
Current Status; Living in Tokyo |
| Hiruma Gohei | 
Age: 37
Family: Brother of Kihe Himura
Weapons: Nihontou.
Fighting Techniques: Kamiya Kasshin Ryu.
Character Design/Concept: Watsuki-sensei needed a smart bad guy and a macho bad guy, and since it was easier to explain things if they were brothers, the two characters were created. Gohe's design came from a quick sketch Watsuki-sensei made after seeing something in a magazine (which he doesn't remember much about
Personality: Gohe the brawn. Gohe is strong enough to beat the local police and Kaoru easily. A wimp when faced with opposition stronger than him. Gohe is too stupid to know a superior swordsman when he faces Kenshin.
Short Description: Hiruma Gohei is an ex-student of Kaoru's father. He seeks vengances, so he kills people while calling himself the Hitokiri Batousai of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. Kenshin deafeats him and breaks his sword hand so he can't make any more trouble.
Current Status: Living in Tokyo |
| Hiruma Kihe | 
Age: 45
Family: Brother of Gohei Hiruma
Character Concept/Design: Watsuki-sensei needed a smart bad guy and a macho bad guy, and since it was easier to explain things if they were brothers, the two characters were created. Kihe was based on the character of the former Chairman of the Board in Obata Takeshi's "Chikarabito Densetsu" 's
Personality: Kihe is the brains. As such, Kihe is intelligent enough to devise a tactic to take Kamiya Dojo from Kaoru and not be noticed by Kaoru, Kihe is a conniving weasel.
Short Description: A bay guy who wanted to take the land of Kamiya Dojo. After the plan failed, he hired Sanosuke to take revenge on Kenshin. In the battle he tried to use gun to kill Kenshin, but in return was serverly injured by Kenshin.
Current Status: Alive |
| Honjou Kamatari | 
A.K.A.: Rod man, Juppongatana Oogama
Weapon: It's a huge scythe with attachments, a huge sickle and a chain.
Fighting Style: Honjouryu. Special Moves: Midarebenten, Bentenmawashi
Groups & Orginizations: Juppon-gatana, Police Department
Character Design/Concept: The words from one of Watsuki-sensei's assistants: "A Gay sickle user" (it's a play on words in Japanese, but it loses it's meaning in English...) was what led to Kamatari. The design is based on the character Ikari Yui from the anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion". Also, the general shape of Kamatari's body was influenced by the character Lei Lei from Capcom's Vampire Hunter/Savior game.
Personality: Normally very flighty and not very intelligent looking, Kamatari has a very serious side to him that lets him live life. Kamatari is in love with Shishio, but the only way to show his love to Shishio is to use his fighting skills to help Shishio's cause.
Short Description: A girl-like boy who would use his weapon on both his allies and enemies. He has always been competing with Yumi to get Shishio's love. In the battle of Aoiya, he was finally beaten by Kaoru and Misao. After Shishio's death, she had tried to commit suicide, but was stopped by Chou. She then accepted the government's appointment as an overseas secret agent under the identity of a female student.
Current Status: Alive, Living Overseas. |
| Hyottoko | 
Weapons: Fire.
Fighting Technique: None, Special Moves: Kyokudai Kaentoiki.
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu.
Character Concept/Design: There was really no motif, just that Hyottoko (which means "fire man") was supposed to be a fire breather. The design was based on a mutant from an American comic book. (I'm guessing Professor Landon from the Spiderman comics, when Landon transforms into a huge mutant...? )
Personality: Full of hot air. Hyottoko has a high opinion of himself and his fire breathing. He is loyal to the Oniwabanshu and Shinomori however, and shows it by protecting Shinomori with his life.
Short Description: The largest of the Oniwabanshuu, the kanji for Hyottoko's name means 'Fire man'. Having a large body, he was able to put a big bag of inflammable liquid in his stomach. He had a pair of false teeth made of flints to ignite the liquid. He breathed out fire and used this to attack his enemy. He was killed by Takeda Kanryu with a machine gun to protect Aoshi.
Current Status: Dead |
| Hyougo Kujiranami | 
Weapon: He can attach big weapons on his arm, something like an armstrong gun
Groups & Orginizations: Jinchu
Short Description: In the war, he fought with Battosai, and his right arm was cut. Just when he wanted to be killed by him, Battoasi refused. So he thought Battosai insulted his pride as a warrior, and thus seeked revenge. His right arm was modified and can put weapon on, including Armstrong Gun. He was the pioneer in the "Jin Chu" battle, but was knocked down by Kenshin. After that, his Gun shot was reflected by Sanosuke and was finally knocked down by Kenshin. Later, he suddenly woke up and caught Kenshin, but was quickly knocked down again by Saitou.
Current Status: Alive |
| Inoue Genzaburo | Groups & Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Captain of the 6th Squad of the Shinsen Gumi
Current Status: Unknown |
| Inui Banjin | 
Fighting Techniques: Muteki Ryu
Groups & Orginizations: Jinchu
Short Description: His master was of the Yaminobu. Kenshin killed his master, however, he doesn't want to kill Kenshin for that, but to prove to the world that his Muteki Ryu is the strongest. Banjin boasts quite frequently and believes he is the strongest. With the name "Invincible Armor", Banjin wore steel wrist armor which could stop bullets. He was skillful at fighting and throwing techniques. In his final battle with Sanosuke, he was able to block all Sanosuke's attack, and severely injured him. At last, Sanosuke used "Double Limit" against him. The force past through the armour and broke his arms, and he fell.
Current Status: Alive |
| Isurugi, Raijuta | 
Birthdate: July, 1843
Bloodtype: AB
Weight: 78 kg
Height: 182 cm
Weapon: Nihontou
Fighting Techniques: Kenjuutsu, Shinkoryu. Special Moves: Izuna, Matoi-izuna, Tobi-izuna.
Character Design/Concept: A macho character who still believes greatly in the art of killing with a sword (someone completely opposite of Kenshin), or at least he was supposed to be. Supposedly based on an American comic book character.... although Watsuki-sensei admits to having the design change a lot (one could guess it is Magneto from the Marvel comics X-men series.)
Personality: A man who thinks too much of his abilities with the sword, Raijuuta is only a child compared to Kenshin's experience. Shallow does not begin to describe Raijuuta, who doesn't care who he steps on. His main goal is to rejuvenate the declining art of the sword, while destroying all the other "weak" sword techniques, ie. Kaoru's "Kamiya Kasshinryu". Raijuuta is simply a big bully with a sword...
Short Description: In order to restore the swordsmanship of Japan, he put much effort on this. However, he went into wrong way and used dirty method on this. For many years, Raijuuta travelled all around Japan going from dojo to dojo challenging people to duels, seeking people that he could add to his Shinkoryu gang. This included cheating Tukayama and pretending to be Yutarou's master. On Kenshin's refusal on his invitation to join, he took a duel with him. He was finally beaten and lost his confidence as a swordsman.
Current Status: Alive |
| Itou Kashitaro | Groups and Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Military Advisor of the Shinsen Gumi |
| Iwanbo | 
Names: Iwanbo #1, Iwanbo #2, Iwanbo #3
A.K.A.: Gein’s puppet, The Marutama, Iwanbou #3 was nicknamed "Moushuugata"
Weapon: Iwanbou #1 – Finger Razors, Iwanbou #2 – Bombs, Iwanbou #3 – Whole Body.
Fighting Style: None. Special Moves: Iwanbou #3 – Senwangeki, Senshi-Senwangeki
Groups & Orginazations: Jupon gatana
Character Design/Concept: Iwanbou was born and developed from the idea of a costume. Initially, Iwanbou #1 and #2 were based on the characters the Blob and Mojo from the X-Men comics, but as things progressed, the characters Sasquatch and Victor from Capcoms Vampire Hunter/Saviour game was mixed in. Iwanbou #3 was based on the Incredible Hulk design on a character chart insert for MarvelX found in a comic info magazine called Wizard. Watsuki-sensei added the small eyes and the large mouth, plus tattoos, to the Hulk design from the insert in the magazine.
Personality: Iwanbou #1 was portrayed as a total idiot, who had an IQ which was lower than a chimps. Of course, Gein was the one who was inside Iwanbou and controlling him, so it was all an act. Iwanbou #2 and Iwanbou #3 didn't really have any personalities since we learned Gein was controlling Iwanbou.
Short Description: Three puppets that where made and controlled by Gein that resembled a human. Iwanbo perhaps looked a bit silly. He was fat and often smile mysteriously but he did have confidence in his strength. He used the thick layers of fat of his body to resist enemies' attack. He beat the four members of Onibanwashuu easily in the battle of "Aoiya" Inn but escaped quickly after Hen'ya and Kamatari's defeat. |
| Kaioh | Groups & Orginizations: Shougo’s Christians
Short Description: His mother was a christian and blames Japan for taking away his identity. He planned on killing Shougo and Magdaria and taking over Shougo's followers. Once he was their leader the Christians would rise up and topple the Meiji government and Japan would become a colony of Holland, ruled by him.
Current Status: Dead |
| Kajiki | 
|
| Kamiya Kaoru | 
A.K.A: Himura Kaoru, Jou-chan, raccoon girl, Kenjutsu Komachi.
Family: husband Kenshin, son Kenji
Birth date: June, 1862
Age: 17
Blood type: O
Fighting style or technic: Kamiya Kasshin ru
Weapon: bamboo shinai or Bokutou a wooden sword/katana
Height: 155 cm
Weight: 41 kg
Groups & Orginizations: Kenshin-gumi
Personality: Kaoru has certain feelings about Kenshin, and gets jealous every time a woman gets near Kenshin. She is kind hearted, and accepts people as they are (although sometimes it doesn't seem like it, as in Sanosuke's case.). She has a strong will, and rules her dojo with an iron fist. When she gets angry (which happens a lot) she swings her sword around and pummels the offending person (like Kenshin....). However, there is a fragile female behind her normal demeanor as was evident when Kenshin says good-bye to her and leaves for Kyoto (people who haven't seen this episode or have only read it in the manga should watch this scene in the anime.... it actually put tears in my eyes.... one of the few scenes in the anime that I thought were better than the manga). Her feelings for Kenshin are deep enough that she became totally numb after Kenshin left and didn't want to eat or get up from her bed.
Short Description: After the Douran, Kaoru's father started a dojo to teach a sword technique called "Kamiya Kasshinryu". This sword technique was for protecting people, not for killing people, which was what Kaoru's father wished for. He wanted a world where a sword would be used to protect people, not to kill people. However, her father became involved in the Seinan War* and lost his life. After her fathers death, Kaoru took over the dojo and continued to teach her fathers sword technique. In the eleventh year of the Meiji era, two brothers plot to take over Kaoru's dojo by first chasing away all of Kaoru's students, and then getting Kaoru to sell the dojo. However, during this incident Kaoru meets Kenshin who helps Kaoru chase away the two brothers. After the incident, Kenshin prepares to leave, but Kaoru asks Kenshin to stay, and he agrees. In addition, her cooking is really bad.
Current Status: Alive in Tokyo |
| Kariwa, Hen'ya | 
A.K.A. Flying Henya, The Flyer, Juppongatana Hishou
Weapons: Dynamite, and a blade attached to his hand.
Fighting Style or Technic: flies and throws explosives, Special Moves: Hikuuhappa.
Groups & Orginizations: Jupon gatana
Character Design/Concept: A swordsman from early in the Edo era, Matsubayashi Henyasai. The swordsman was known for his acrobatic moves. The design is based on a bat, and then a touch of Cyborg 002 from "Cyborg 009" (old show). Also, from the "Spawn" comic series, the character The Freak.
Personality: Very sure of his skill as a fighter, Henya wanted to challenge Kenshin... Uncaring about others (he kills soldiers on his side), Henya looks down upon others he views as weaker than him (ie. Yahiko).
Short Discription: As we were told from his name, Flying Henya used to attack from air. He was narrow-minded and had a grudge against Aoshi. He had absolute confindence in his martial arts and killed ruthlessly. In the battle of "Aoiya" Inn, he was defeated by Yahiko.
Current Status: Alive |
| Kasumi | Family: Akane and Sakura.
Short Description: One of the three slave women that took care of Shinta when he was little.
Current Status: She was killed one night by bandits. (1859) |
| Katsu Itsuko | 
Short Description: She is the daughter of Katsu Kaishu. Upset that her father disowned Diagoro, she left and stayed at Kaoru's dojo. She is in love with Diagoro.
Current Status: Alive |
| Katsu Kaishu | 
Family: Son Katsu Itsuko
Short Description: Katsu Kaishu was the man who reconstructed the Edo government once they surrendered Edo Castle. He is Diagoro and Tetsuma teacher. Kaishu disowns Diagoro because he is too bookish and can't fight.
Current Status: Alive |
| Katsura Kogorou | 
Born: 1833
Died: 1877
Weapons: Nihontou.
Groups & Orginizations: Reformation Army/ Choushuuhan Ishinshishi
Character Concept/Design: Katsura Kogoro was a real person who was an important part of the Meiji Ishin. Katsura is very famous and is depicted in many novels, and is shown differently in almost every novel. For Rurouni Kenshin, Watsuki-sensei used the "intelligent" Katsura as a base. Katsura's design was based on old pictures of the real person, with artistic touch ups done by Watuski-sensei to make him suitable for a manga.
Personality: Katsura was a man who devoted himself to the Ishin movement heart and soul. He was in many aspects the rallying banner, the figurehead, that for the Choushuuhan Ishinshishi, and the Meiji Ishin itself. A cunning, intelligent man, Katsura was an integral part of the Ishin
Short Description: Katsura and many of the Ishin leaders, including Takasugi Shinsaku, studied under Yoshida Shouin, and it was under his teachings that led them to revolt against the Edo Bakufu. Katsura emerged as the leader of the Choushuuhan Ishinshishi, and Shinsaku was his "second in command". One day, Katsura was called to a location outside Kyoto by Shinsaku. Shinsaku was holding try outs for an army which he named the Kiheitai, an army which consisted of men who supported the Ishin and had the skills to fight, nothing more, nothing less. While watching the men show their skill with their weapons, a young boy with red hair spilts a large log in two with a single sweep of his sword. Katsura, amazed at this show of skill, immediately asks Shinsaku to let him bring the boy to Kyoto. He lead to the union of the reformation force, and finally beat the government. He is well known as one of the three master of reformation.
Current Status: Unknown |
| Kawaji Toshiyoshi | 
Groups & Orginizations: Police Department
Short Description: Historically real person. Chief of police department. He helped Okubo to send Saitou to test Kenshin. After Okubo's dead, he was very sad because it was Okubo who helped him in the government. Then, he sent Saitou to Kyoto to lead the police force fight against Shishio.
Current Status: Alive |
| Kiyosato Akira | 
Short Description: Kiyosato Akira was the next successor of a Shogunate family. He was a childhood friend of Yukishiro Tomoe. Later Tomoe and Akira were to be married, but when Akira was visiting Kyoto he was killed by the Battousai
Current Status: Dead |
| Komagata Yumi | 
A.K.A. The Night Witch, Juppongatana Yotogi
Character Design/Concept: Personality wise, nothing specific, but Watsuki-sensei did use the image of Ogin from "Mitoukoumon Gaiden" (a Japanese TV show based in the Edo era.) Watsuki-sensei wanted Yumi to be sexy. He did admit to being influenced by Morigan from the video game "Vampire Hunter" by Capcom.
Personality: She definitely loves Shishio Makoto. Yumi is totally devoted to Shishio; she listens to what he tells her, and she does what he tells her to do. However, this doesn't mean she has no mind of her own. It's just that she is deeply, madly, totally in love with him. In love enough that she would die for him.... She has a dark side (who wouldn't being around Shishio) but she does have a silly side too, kind of like Kaoru.
Short Description: Before meeting Shishio, Yumi used to be a "yuukaku", sort of like a "playmate". Not really a prostitute, but someone who you would go to get drunk and be flirted with.... I guess.... Anyway, she was a very successful one, and even nobility had trouble getting to see her. However, because of the Maria-Ruse incident*, Yumi was released from her job, and somehow ended up meeting Shishio. Her hatred of the Meiji government spawned by the Maria-Ruse incident made her a perfect match for Shishio. She fell in love with him, and joined the Juppongatana. In the final battle of Shishio against Kenshin, she went to stop them after they both got severe wound. At that moment, Shishio use his sword to attack Kenshin through her body. Finally she died happily in Shishio's embrace.
Current Status: Dead |
| Kondo Isami | Born: 1833
Family: Had a wife, and his daughter Tamako was born just before he went over to Kyoto.
Groups & Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Commander of the Shinsen Gumi. Originally son of a rich peasant farmer, his original name was Miyakawa Katsuta. He was adopted by the former master of Shieikan Dojo, Kondou Shuusai, at the age of 16. His katana was the Nagasone Kotetsu, length 2'3"5. According to most sources, he was a rigid man, loyal to the moral codes of a swordsman. After the utter defeat of the Shinsengumi in then Boshin War, he was captured by the Ishin Army, who had now become the "legal" government army - after Shogun Yoshinobu's resignation, the situation took a complete reverse, so now it is the Shinsengumi who are outlaws.
Current Status: Kondou was decapitated on 25/4/1868 at the age of 35. |
| Kuro | 
Weapon: Kotewa Shuriken
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Short Description: Kuro is the male Oniwabanshuu that is the lumbering giant. The weapon he used against Iwanbou was the "Kotewa Shuriken" large, studded, ringlike objects which proved to be as useless as the earlier attacks by Okan and Omasu.
Current Status: Alive in Kyoto. |
| Lt. Melders | 
Groups & Orginizations: Black Knights
Short Description: Member and a leaders of the Black Knights. He takes over the German ministry that was ran by Minister Ruedel.
Current Status: Alive |
| Magdaria | 
Birth Name: Muto Sayo
Family: she is Shougo's sister.
Groups & Orginizations: Shougo’s Christians
Short Description: She is dieing on consumption. She appearently falls in love with Sano, and maybe he with her. In the end she dies.
Current Status: Dead |
| Makimachi, Misao | 
A.K.A: Weasel girl, Oniwabanshu Okashira, Itachimusume
Birth date: November, 1863
Age: 16
Weight: 37 kg
Height: 149 cm
Blood type: B
Weapon: kenpo, tobi kunai, and other ninja items
Fighting style technic: kenpo, and ninja style. Special Moves: Kechougeri, Kansatsu-Tobikunai, Kansatsu-Tobikunai Kawasemi-no-Hashi.
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Character Design/Concept: Since the story was got a little dark during the start of the Kyoto story, Misao was created to lighten the mood of the story. The character design was a mix of SNK's video game chara's Nakoruru (Samurai Showdown/Spirits), Mai (Fatal Fury) and Yuri (Art of Fighting).
Personality: A bright, humorous young girl, she comes across as being a little flighty, but she does have a serious side to her. She takes her responsibilities seriously, and cares for others with a tender heart. She is quick tempered, and very stubborn which may have come from the fact that she was raised by Okina and spoiled a bit by the Oniwabanshu. She reveres and loves Shinomori Aoshi so much that she continually travelled around Japan to look for Shinomori after he left her at Aoiya.
Short Description: The only daughter of the late Oniwabanshu okashira (the one before Shinomori), she was left in the care of Okina and the remaining Oniwabanshu after her fathers death. She grew up among the Oniwabanshu, meaning she had friends like Hannya, Beshimi, Hyottoko, etc. This is how she learned how to fight, by learning from the Oniwabanshu. She had an especially great attachment to Hannya and Shinomori, Hannya because he looked after her all the time, and Shinomori because she loved him. When Shinomori and the four Oniwanbashu (Hyottoko, Hannya, Beshimi and Shikijou) left Aoiya, Misao was heartbroken, but she didn't let this bother her, as she set out all over Japan looking for them. On one of her travels, Misao meets Kenshin and finds out Kenshin knows something about Shinomori. Misao invites Kenshin to her home at Aoiya so that she could force him to reveal Shinomori Aoshi's whereabouts. She had no idea what sad news Kenshin carried with him. After Aoshi's betrayal on the Oniwabanshu, she took the title of leader, and leaded the fight against Shishio's party. It is said that in the Kenshin Hidden it mentions she finally marries Aoshi.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto. |
| Marimo | 
Family: Father who runs the circus.
Weapons: Herself as a cannon ball.
Short Description: A girl that get shot from a cannon. She and her father, who run a circus, are in trouble and Kenshin-Gumi comes to the rescue.
Current Status: Alive |
| Matsubara Tadaji | Groups & Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Captain of the 4th Squad of the Shinsen Gumi
Current Status: Unknown |
| Mishima, Eiji | 
Family: Parents(Dead), & Brother(Dead)
Weapons: Nihontou.
Character Design/Concept: Eiji was designed to be a child surrounded by sorrow, who eventually would restart his life with some help. Watsuki-sensei was so busy at the time he didn't put much thought into the design, and he even had one of his assistants create the costume for Eiji (which ended up looking a heck of a lot like Yahiko's).
Personality: A strong willed boy, he has a good sense of justice, which gets clouded by grief and the thirst for revenge, Eiji shows compassion to the villagers who ordered him to leave the village because Eiji and his family had defied Senkaku.
Short Description: Born and raised in a poor village called Shingetsumura, his village was taken over by Shishio's men, and his brother (Saitou Hajime hired to be a spy) is killed and his parents are hung to be made examples of by Senkaku. It was while his dying brother was trying to escape from Senkaku with an unconcious Eiji in his arms that Kenshin and Makimachi Misao run across.
Current Status: Living with Saitou’s wife. |
| Moriya Misanagi | Groups & Orginizations: Sanada Ninjas, Black Knights
Short Description: Leader of the Sanada Ninjas. She joins with the German Black Knights to find the Divine Medicine.
Current Status: Alive |
| Musashino | Current Status: Dead |
| Muto Sayo | See: Magdaria |
| Muto Shougo | See: Amakusa Shougo |
| Myoujin, Shin-ya | Short Description: Myoujin Shin-ya is the bright and obstinate son of Yahiko and Tsubame. He will fight in a duel with Kenji to decide who will be the keeper of the Hiten Mitsurugi style and of the sakabatou. Such is the "after story" that Watsu vaguely imagined for "Rurouni Kenshin". |
| Myojin, Yahiko | 
A.K.A.: Yahiko chan
Birth date: January, 1869
Age: 10
Blood type: B
Fighting style or technic: Kamiya Kasshinryu, Special Moves: Miyoumimane-ryutsuisen, Ouginomamori-hadome, Ouginoseme-hawatari, Ryushousen-modoki.
Weapon: shinai (bamboo sword), bokutou (wooden sword), (age 15 - Sakabatou shin uchi)
Height: 128 cm
Weight:23 kg
Groups & Orginizations: Kenshin-gumi
Character Design/Concept: The "feelings" that Watsuki-sensei felt during his teens. Nothing particular, just the typical Shonen manga character with spiky hair.
Personality: Yahiko has a lot of pride in being a shizoku* (kinda like Vegeta in Dragonball) and doesn't like it when people call him Yahiko-chan. The "chan" added at the end of his name is like a childish way of saying his name. Because of his pride and the knowledge that he can't protect his pride and honor without being strong, he is learning Kamiya Kasshinryu from Kaoru (although sometimes it seems unwillingly....). Yahiko has a personality of a "typical" male and believes women are weak and that he has to protect them. He has a great sense of responsibility, and sometimes says and does things that seems beyond his age of 10.
Short Description: Yahiko was born into the shizoku class right when the Meiji era started. His father supported the Bakufu side during the Douran, and even though he could have betrayed the Bakufu and switched sides, Yahiko's father kept his pride and honor by fighting to the death against the Ishinshishi. Yahiko's mother literally worked herself to death to raise Yahiko. After his mother died, Yahiko was picked up by a yakuza group (gang) and was forced to become a pickpocket to pay a fee for being part of the gang. When he tries to pick Kenshin's pocket, he is caught by Kaoru, but is let go by Kenshin. When Kenshin finds out that Yahiko is being used by a yakuza group, Kenshin goes to their hideout and takes Yahiko away from the yakuza. Yahiko protests this rescue and tells Kenshin that he could have gotten out of the gang himself, that he did not need any help if only he were stronger. Kenshin decides to enroll Yahiko in Kaoru's dojo so Yahiko can be "strong" like Kenshin. He always quarrelled with Kaoru, but he had a strong mind to become no.1 swordsman in Japan.
Current Status: Living in Tokyo |
| Nagakura Shinpachi | Groups & Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Captain of the 2nd Squad of the Shinsen Gumi, instructor in Kenjutsu
Current Status: Unknown |
| Okami | Short Description: The inn owner in Kyoto that the Ishinshishi use as a headquarters. She is the one who hires Tomoe to help out at the Inn. |
| Okina | 
AKA Soushi Okina, Nenji Kashiwazaki
Weapons: Tonfers
Fighting Style: None, Special Moves: Ensatsu gou Koukon.
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Character Concept/Design: Okina represents what Watsuki-sensei views as a veteren warrior. The design is bassed on the character Kaizou Tokijirou from Obata Takeshi's "Cyborg Jeechan G".
Personality: Normally Okina is easy going, care free, and sometimes a bit on the crazy side, but when he gets serious, we see the intelligence and fierceness of the Okina who was once considered the next leader of the Oniwabanshu (Okina let Aoshi have the position instead). Okina cares greatly for those close to him, including Misao and Aoshi, and he has the wisdom of age on his side (although sometimes he does make mistakes).
Short Description: Not a whole lot is known about Okina in his early years. Okina is his Oniwabanshu name, his real name being Kashiwazaki Nenji, and he was the only one who could take on the Oniwabanshu leader who held the title before Aoshi. It was Okina who suggested Aoshi become the new Oniwabanshu leader citing the reason that a young person should take the title. Of course, Okina was in part Aoshi's "shishou" (ie. teacher/mentor), so he knew Aoshi well. Okina volunteered to go to Kyoto to establish a intelligence network for the Edo Bakufu, but the Bakufu crumbled before the network became of any use. The restaurant Aoiya was the center point of the network, and Okina used Aoiya as a safe haven for other Oniwabanshu members who needed time to adjust to the new ways of life in the Meiji era. Okina lived at Aoiya with four other Oniwabanshu members who chose to stay, as well as the previous Oniwabanshu leaders' only daughter, Makimachi Misao. Misao set out often to look for Aoshi and four other Oniwanbanshu members who had been the last to leave Aoiya, and it was from one of these trips that Misao came home with a man with red hair and a cross-shaped scar on his face. After Aoshi's betrayal, he fought against him but was severly injured. During the attack of the ten swords on the Aoiya, he took the position of commanding.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto |
| Okon | 
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Weapons: Kunoji Shuriken
Short Description: Not many people know her by name, but Okon is the long haired Oniwabanshuu member who resides at the Aoiya, her and three others only fought once in the series, against Iwanbou during the raid on the Aoiya. The only weapon she used in the fight was the "Kunoji Shuriken" a boomerang which proved useless against Iwanbou.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto |
| Okubo Tetsuma | Short Description: He is a student of Katsu Kaishu who traveled to Europe and learned to "fence". He is looking for the rumored money that Katsu has from the last government.
Current Status: Alive |
| Omasu | 
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Weapons: Enkei Shuriken
Short Description: Omasu is the other female Oniwabanshuu member who helped in the fight against Iwanbou, the name of her weapon was a shield like circle named the "Enkei Shuriken."
Current Status: Living in Kyoto |
| Ookubo, Toshimichi | AKA: Ookubokyou
Groups & Orginizations: Meiji Government
Character Design/Concept: Based on the real Ookubo Toshimichi. Ookubo was a politician to the core, and is said he worked his friend, Saigou Takamori, as a politician. Initially, Watsuki-sensei wanted to based Ookubo on real pictures, but since he couldn't find a picture at the time, he had to use a statue. Unfortunately, it turned out the character didn't look anything like the real Ookubo... Watsuki-sensei also admits to having a bit of Abraham Lincoln in the design.
Personality: A man deeply concerned with the well being and direction of Japan, Ookubo makes many sacrifices to keep the country running, and developing.
Short Description: Historically real person. One of the three representatives of the restoration. Minister of the Meiji government. Ookubo sends Saitou Hajime to test Kenshin's usefulness and strength to find out if he can use Kenshin in assassinating Shishio Makoto. Instead Saitou and Kenshin almost kill each other. Explaining the Shishio situation to Kenshin, Ookubo gives Kenshin a couple of days to think his offer over. He was killed by Soujirou on the day (May 14, 1878) when he went to get Kenshin's reply.
Current Status: Dead |
| Otowa Hyouko | 
Weapon: Hidden weapons
Groups & Orginizations: Jinchu
Short Description: With the name "Hidden Weapon of Manhood". He had six steel rods extended from his chest, and was skillful in using hidden weapons. He joined the team because one of his bloody friend was killed by Battousai. His opponent was Yahiko. His secret weapon made Yahiko got serious injured, and nearly died. When he made the final blow, Yahiko used the secret technique taught by Kaoru to block it, and counter strike him. Hyouko was then knocked down.
Current Status: Alive |
| Prince Shin | Short Description: Prince of the Jakarta Republic and looks exactly like Yahiko. While visiting Japan to establish foreign ties he was attacked and Yahiko had to take his place for a short time.
Current Status: Alive |
| Sadojima Houji | A.K.A. Know All, Juppongatana Hyakushiki
Groups & Orginizations: Meiji Government, Jappon-gatana
Weapons: Rifle
Fighting Style: Military Stragitest
Character Design/Concept: Houji is based on the character Forge from the X-Men comics. Forge isn't a great fighter, but he invents things to help others around him, in other words he is a support member, which is what Houji is to Shishio's army. Totally, 100%, designed by Watsuki-sensei.
Personality: Houji is a complex man. He absolutely believes in Shishio and Shishio's vision of what Japan should be like. To that effect Houji gives himself, body and soul, to Shishio, even ripping out his finger nails to take the blame for something Shishio had planned. However, he will state his opinions and argue against what he believes is wrong (ie. the plan to send some of the Juppongatana to attack Aoiya) to Shishio. Houji would give up his life rather than see the current weak, in Houji's opinion, Meiji government rule Japan.
Short Description: . Houji at sometime or the other took over the administrative duties of running and supplying Shishio's army, including somehow buying a warship. We first see Houji when Shishio returns to his base in Kyoto where Houji greets Shishio with a salute from all the men in Shishio's army. The chief adviser in Shishio's party. He has much knwoledge in the military field. he was in charge of the purchasing of the warship "Inferno" and the planning of the fight in Shishio's secret base. His joining of Shishio's party was because he was downplayed by the Meiji's government, and he found that the present government was too weak to serve. After Shishio's death, he gave himself up to the police in order to have chance to publicize Shishio's idea to the world. However, the government did not give him this chance and tried to enroll him. Finally, he was in despair and committed suicide in the jail.
Current Status: Dead |
| Sagara, Sanosuke | 
A.K.A: Zanza, Sano, Chicken head, Kenkaya Zanza. Higashidani Sanosuke, rooster head, Toriatama,
Birth date: February, 1860
Family: Father Higashidani Kamishimoemon, Sister Uki, Brother Outa, Mother (Dead).
Age: 19
Blood type: B
Fighting style or technic: Futae no Kiwami, Special Moves: Futaenokiwami, Sanjuunokiwami
Weapon: zanbatou (horse cutting sword, broken by Kenshin, repaired and completely destroyed in fight with Banjin), whole body.
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 71kg
Groups and orginzations: Sekihoutai ("Red Report Army”) , Kenshin-gumi
Character Concept/Design: Modelled after Shinsengumi #10 Group Leader Harada Sanosuke. Based on the character Lamp from Obata Takeshi's "Arabian Lamp Lamp".
Personality: Although Sano wears the character for evil on his back, by no means is he evil. On the contrary, he believes in other peoples rights and does not like it when people bully other people. However, his personality is a little on the rough side, and tends to get on peoples nerves sometimes (especially Kaoru's). Sano in some ways is like Yahiko because he wants to be strong so that he will never again lose a friend or someone he honors. This is why he risked his life for Megumi and why he chose to risk his life to learn Futaenokiwami from Anji, one of the Juppongatana. Because of what happened to his mentor/friend Souzou, the Sekihoutai leader, he totally hates the Meiji government. He even tried to blow up some government buildings once with an old friend who also used to be part of the Sekihoutai, but was stopped by Kenshin.
Short Description: At a young age, Sano was part of the Sekihoutai* and idolized the Sekihoutai's leader Sagara Souzou. Although Sano is not related to Souzou, he adopted Souzou's last name. After the Sekihoutai ("Red Report Army”) was disbanded, Sano became a "Kenkaya", a person who is payed by others to fight someone. While travelling around Japan buying fights, he meets Kenshin and asks him for a fight but Kenshin declines. The two brothers, mentioned in Kaoru's History section, hire Sano to fight Kenshin after finding out that Sano is in Tokyo. Sano then does a little research about Kenshin and finds out that he was part of the Ishinshishi. His anger toward the Ishinshishi gives him even more incentive to fight Kenshin. Kenshin and Sano fight each other, and Sano loses, but after a long talk with Kenshin, he realizes that Kenshin is not like the Ishinshishi who killed his mentor Sagara Souzou. He gains a certain respect for Kenshin, and this respect grows as he gets to know him more. He became a member of Kamiya Dojo, and a friend of Kenshin (maybe even his best friend). Since the "Red Report Army" was eliminated by the Meiji army, he hates the Meiji government. He has particapted in many battles together with Kenshin.
Current Status: Alive, wandering the world. |
| Sagara, Souzo | 
A.K.A: Taijou, Sekihoutai Taichou.
Weapon: Katana, Nihontou.
Groups & Orginizations: Leader of Sekihoutai ("Red Report Army”).
Character Concept/Design: A real person named Sagara Souzou (true name Kojima Shirou), but with altered personality. Watsuki-sensei couldn't find any existing pics for Souzou.
Personality: Not much can be said, considering he only appeared in a small portion of the manga and anime.... He was a true believer in making Japan a place where people have equal rights, with no class distinctions. He also seemed to be a quiet, yet passionate leader, and cared for the Sekihoutai* men as a good leader should.
Short Description: It was rumoured that before he became the Sekihoutai's leader, he was a thief (although it is also said he did it unwillingly). After he became the leader of the Sekihoutai, he found and "adopted" Sanosuke. He was a true fighter for the restoration. However his army was betrayed by the restoration army, and he was finally killed (beheaded) for this. He was the man Sanosuke respect most, and Sanosuke's last name was changed after him.
Current Status: Dead as one can be after being beheaded. |
| Saitou, Hajime | 
A.K.A: Mibu no ookami (mibu's wolf), Shinsengumi Sanbantai Taichou, Fujita Goro
Birth date: January, 1844
Died: 27 September 1915
Age:35
Bloodtype: O
Weight: 71 kg
Height: 183 cm
Weapon: Katana, Nihontou.
Fighting style or technic: Gatotsu, Special Moves: Gatotsu-itsushiki, Gatotsu-nishiki, Gatotsu-sanshiki, Gatotsu-zeroshiki.
Groups & Orginizations: Shenshin Gumi, Shimbumi’s Assasin Group, Sword Police
Character Concept/Design: Modelled after the real Shinsengumi #3 Group Leader Saitou Hajime, although with a lot of changes, ie. in personality. Since he was initially supposed to be a "bad guy", Watsuki-sensei tried to make him as evil looking as possible.
Personality: Not a very nice person, he seems to revel in peoples misery. This was clearly evident during the Shingetsumura incident with Senkaku and the cowardly village people. He may be a little on the dark side, well more than a little, but Saitou does hold honour in high regard. Saitou has many traits that people find highly annoying and irritating, like speaking his mind (Kenshin and Misao can testify to this....). Because he was part of the Shinsengumi, he lived by the words "Aku, Soku, Zan" which roughly translated means "Evil, Instant, Cut". It doesn't make much sense in English, but the general meaning is that if you're evil, Saitou will instantly cut you down.
Short Description: Saitou Hajime was the leader of the number three group in the Shinsengumi. He is a fierce swordsman, and coupled with his lean looks, is often called an "ookami" or a wolf. During the Bakumatsu no Douran*, Saitou fought Kenshin a couple of times, but they did not finish their duels because of one reason or the other. After the Douran ended, Saitou Hajime took the name Fujita Goro and became a secret policeman under the Meiji government. When Shishio Makoto started to cause trouble, the Meiji government ordered Saitou to find Kenshin and test his strength as a swordsman to see if he was still the swordsman he once was. However, the battle between Saitou and Kenshin got out of hand, and both end up trying to kill each other. No one at Kamiya dojo could stop the two, not even Kaoru. While facing off for the last strike against each other, Ookubo Toshimichi arrives, stopping the battle and apologizing to Kenshin for testing him. Ookubo relates the story of what Shishio is trying to do, and asks Kenshin to go to Kyoto to kill Shishio before he creates chaos in Japan. Ookubo gives Kenshin a few days to give him an answer, and departs, leaving Kenshin pondering how he should answer. Saitou latercooperated with Kenshin to fight against Shishio Makoto. He likes to eat noodles with clear soup, and has a very good imagination.
Current Status: Alive |
| Saizuchi | 
AKA: Juppongatana Hagun "Kou"
Groups & Orginizations: Juppon-gatana.
Character Design/Concept: The bad little imp that tricks the giant in a folktale* called "Shimo no Kyojin" (Giant of the Frost) coupled with the concept of a pilot for a giant robot. The character Commander Ruchi from NHK's puppet theater "Purin Purin Monogatari".
Personality: Saizuchi is an evil little man who uses the fact he saved Fuji's life to make Fuji follow his orders. Saizuchi is extremely intelligent however, and he is a very good with his words.
Short Description: He rescued Fuji from being "put down" (ie. like putting down an animal, in other words killing). Saizuchi and Fuji were partners after that. Saizuchi was the stratigist, analysing every move of the enemies and gave orders to Fuji. They wanted to kill Kaoru & etc. in the battle of "Aoiya" Inn. Fortunately, Hiko arrived just in time and stopped them.
Current Status: Alive |
| Sakura | Family: Sisters Kasumi, and Akane.
Short Description: One of the three slave women that took care of Shinta when he was little.
Current Status: She was killed one night by bandits. (1859) |
| Sanjyou, Tsubame | 
Weapon: A Tea Tray
Character Concept/Design: Nothing particular, Tsubame was designed to be the young girl in the three part "boy rescues girl" story where she first appears with Yahiko as the boy. Based on Sailor Saturn from the Sailormoon series.
Personality: Quiet and shy, Tsubame is a typical "innocent little girl". She does have character and a back bone however, as is evident when she braves her way into the slum village near Tokyo to beg Kenshin into helping Yahiko fight Kujiranami Hyougo. Tsubame has feelings for Yahiko, of course.
Short Description: Tsubame's father was a low ranking shijoku (noble), and he lived by serving under Nagaoka Mikio's father. Mikio, still using the fact that his father was Tsubame's fathers master, forces Tsubame to start working at Akabeko so she can steal a copy of the key to Akabeko's owners home Sekihara Tae. Yahiko, who started working at Akabeko a little while before Tsubame, stumbles across Mikio and Mikio's henchmen forcing Tsubame to give up the key. Yahiko fought for her and saved her from them. Then she became a friend of Kenshin-Gumi.
Current Status: Alive in Tokyo |
| Sasaki Heihachiro | Short Description: He is an ex-samurai that lives in the same building as Sano. He gave up his sword and teaches poor children to read and write. Toma wants him to pick up his sword again to help Jinpu Tai. When Sasaki Heihachiro still refuses Toma threatens his students. Sasaki Heihachiro almosts has to kill again but Sano and Kenshin come to his aid.
Current Status: Living in Tokyo |
| Sawagejo Chou | 
A.K.A.: Katanagari Chou, broom head, The Sword Collector, Juppongatana Katanagari.
Weapon: A variety of swords. Renbatou (broken by Kenshin), Hakujinnotachi.
Fighting Style: Garyuu, Special Moves: Orochi.
Groups & Orginizations: Juppon-gatana, Police Department
Character Concept/Design: Nothing major, but perhaps a little influence of the stereo-typical Kansai-person (sort of hard to understand unless you're Japanese....). No, not Benimaru from King Of Fighters (SNK), or Galford from Samurai Showdown (SNK), but in fact a design made by Watsuki-sensei when he was 20 years old!!! Originally, the design was for a space alien...
Personality: Chou likes to crack jokes, and absolutely loves to collect nihontou (Japanese swords). He takes the loves of swords a bit too far, and even talks about wanting to see what it feels like to cut-up a baby... Normally grinning from ear-to-ear, when Chou gets mad, he gets very mad. Chou doesn't really seem like a bad sort however (well, excluding his comments about baby killing, which he probably wouldn't have done anyway...), and he even becomes a secret policeman under a "certain" person after Shishio is defeated.
Short Description: Chou at sometime joined up Shishio and became one of Shishio's Juppongatana. Most likely Chou joined because he had nothing better to do. Whatever the case maybe, Chou learns of the existence of Arai Shakku's last sword, and threatens the Arai family on the whereabouts of the sword. He takes Iori, the Arai families baby, and heads to the temple where the sword is. At the temple however, he meets Kenshin, who doesn't have a sword because his sakabatou was broken by a previous fight with Seta Soujirou. Kenshin had heard of Iori's kidnapping and had come to stop Chou He was finally beaten after Kenshin took the remaining sword of Shakku Arai. He was then arrested. After Shishio's death, he took the government's appointment as a secret police under Saitou.
Current Status: Alive |
| Sekihara Sae | 
Family: Sister Tae
Age: 20 something…Same as Tae.
Short Description: Sae is the owner of the Shirobeko in Kyoto, which Yahiko and Kaoru stay at while in Kyoto looking for Kenshin. She is the twin sister of Tae who owns the Akabeko in Tokyo.
Current Status: Alive in Kyoto |
| Sekihara Tae | 
Family: Sister Sae
Age: 20 something…Same as Sae
Character Design/Concept: There was pretty much no motif what-so-ever. Tae was initially created to be a friend of Kaoru's who worked in a shop where Kaoru went to often. Interestingly, Tae's design is actually based on a scrapped design for Kenshin!
Personality: A business woman to the core, she is very friendly and doesn't begrudge anyone. She is liked by everyone, including people like Kujiranami Hyougo (!), and is a wonder she isn't married yet *:O Tae likes to collect nishikie (a type of brush art), and some of her most prized pocessions are nishikie.
Short Description: Tae is a friend of Kaoru's, and is surprised when Kaoru comes to Akabeko one day with Kenshin, whom she thinks is Kaoru's boyfriend. While Kenshin and the others are eating at Akabeko, a couple of roudy customers start making trouble in the restaurant, and Tae tries to stop them, only to be struck aside. Before she can fall however, Sanosuke catches her... and thus starts the cycle of Sanosuke not paying for any of his meals at Akabeko. Tae is the owner of the Akabeko restaurant which Kenshin and others often go. Likes to collect drawings. Sae is her twin sister, who is also a owner of a restaurant in Kyoto. She is the daughter of the owner of the Akabeko.
Current Status: Alive in Tokyo |
| Senkaku | 
Weapon: two blades, Nigirikaiken.
Groups & Orginizations: Juppon-gatana
Character Concept/Design: No motif what-so-ever.... initially Senkaku was designed to be the first Juppongatana, but because of the way the story was moving, Watsuki-sensei decided to tone him down a bit and make him a minor character. The idea came to Watsuki-sensei when he was designing the Abukuma Yonnuudou (the four guys Aoshi killed because they were defacing the Oniwabanshu's graves). Also the Cone-heads from the Sega Saturn commercials, and the giant soldiers from the anime Nausica were influences.
Personality: Senkaku believed he was a great fighter because he had killed 99 people prior to meeting Kenshin. A total "zako" character (a Japanese term for a character (usually an enemy) that comes out and gets his rear-end kicked). Senkaku is deadly afraid of Shishio, as was evident when Shishio warned Senkaku that if Senkaku did't make Kenshin reveal one of his special moves, Shishio would kill him. Consequently, Senkaku jumped at Kenshin with one foot broken and got knocked out by Kenshin's Ryushousen.
Short Description: The governor of the village where Eiji lived. Shishio set him up as the leader of his troops in Shingetsumura, and Senkaku was the one who killed Mishima Eiji's parents and brother. He used two blades in battle. In the battle with Kenshin, he broke his own right leg due to Kenshin's tatics, and was finally beaten by Kenshin. Then he was arrested by the police.
Current Status: Alive |
| Seta, Soujirou | 
A.K.A.: Tenken no Soujiro, Juppongatana Tenken
Birth date: September 1861
Age: 18
Blood type: AB
Fighting style or technic: Tenken (geniuses sword technique), Special Moves: Shukuchi, Shuntensatsu
Weapon: Katana, Kikuichimonjinorimune
Height: 163 cm
Weight: 51 kg
Groups & Orginizations: Juppon-gatana
Character Concept/Design: The Shinsengumi #1 Group Leader Okita Soushi, somewhat based on Okita Soushi, as well as a bit of a feminine look.
Personality: Soujirou is missing three out of the four main emotions: Joy, Anger, and Love. The only emotion he has is ease, which is why he is always smiling. Because of his seemingly easy going appearance, many people don't see the darkness inside of him, which came about due to a long association with Shishio. He does not care if he hurts people, and will do anything that Shishio asks him to do, as was evident when Soujirou assassinated Ookubo Toshimichi. However, he isn't totally lacking in emotions and feelings. He shutout his emotions deep to endure the hardships he faced as a child before meeting Shishio. He grew so used to hiding his emotions that after a while, he no longer felt them.
Short Description: Soujirou grew up in a family that did not care about him because he did not belong to the family. He was abused and beaten regularly by his adopted alcoholic father and made fun of by his adopted older brothers. Soujirou learned that if he smiled and seemed happy to be beaten, the father would stop beating him. Therefore Soujirou started to repress his anger and fear, and only smiled whenever something bad happened to him. This was the case when Soujirou became a witness to Shishio killing a couple of policemen who were trying to kill Shishio. Shishio, realizing that there was a witness, decided to kill Soujirou, but because Soujirou seemed happy to be killed (he was actually so afraid he couldn't even run), Shishio told Soujirou that he would spare his life if Soujirou brought him food and bandages. After Soujirou brought him the food and bandages, Shishio decided to hide out in a storage shed at Soujirou's house. Soujirou's adopted family had heard stories of a man who had killed a couple of policemen near their home, and asked Soujirou if he knew anything about it. Soujirou answered no, and smiled to himself about Shishio hiding out in their own house. For payment for hiding and feeding him, Shishio gave Soujirou his short sword, saying that Soujirou was being abused because he was weak and that only the strong survived in the world. When Soujirou's adopted mother found all the bandages missing from the house, the family realized that Soujirou was hiding the criminal that the police were after. They tried to capture Shishio, but they were killed by Soujirou instead. Soujirou decided to follow Shishio and soon became an expert swordsman, and a loyal follower of Shishio. While on the way back from assassinating Ookubo Toshimichi, Soujirou meets Kenshin, and gives him a few words of advice about staying out of Shishio's affairs. Kenshin later battles with Soujirou who doubts his life and is finally reformed and defeated by Kenshin. Soujirou decides he will try wandering for ten years.
Current Status: Alive, wandering Japan |
| Shibata | Short Description: After Tetsuma tells him about the money and Katsu's "betrayal" of Lord Yoshinobu, he decides to take action. He is the one in charge of kidnapping Itsuko, and attacking Diagoro. In the end Kenshin finished him off.
Current Status: Unknown |
| Shibumi | Groups & Orginizations: Meiji Government
Short Description: The secretary of the Senate, the blackhand behind Udo Jine assasinations. He hired Saitou and Arundo Akamatu to kill Kenshin. Later when he found out Saitou was an agent of Okubo Toshimichi, he wanted to bribe Saitou but was killed instead.
Current Status: Dead |
| Shigure | |
| Shikijou | Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Weapons: Ball & Chain, Physical Strength
Character Design/Concept: Suprisingly enough, Shikijou's motif is Sagara Sanosuke! Shikijou was designed to be a macho fighter with a similar personality to sano, and a sort of "second in command" of the Oniwabanshu (I thought Hannya was second in command....). Nothing particular, just that he was supposed to be a macho fighter, which means lots of muscles, and since just plain muscles is boring, Watsuki-sensei added lots of scars.
Personality: Similar to Sano in many ways, including his confidence in his power (remember this was early on in the manga/anime), Shikijou is loyal to Shinomori and the Oniwabanshu.
Short Description: Shikijou initially was an onmitsu (ninja) for the Ishin side (the reformist). On a mission sneaking into the Edo castle at the age of 13, he was defeated by Shinomori, and then was recruited by Shinomori to join the Oniwabanshu. Shikijou is known as the "Oniwabanshuu keeper of the gate." In terms of brute strength among the Oniwabanshuu, he is unsurpassed. Like Beshimi, he doesn't have any specific waza. At first he used an enormous ball and chain against Sanosuke, but later he switched to using his great physical strength. He boasts that his 'unbeatable' strength came from the Oniwabanshuu's secret muscle building medicine, which is most likely some form of steroids. He died for Aoshi under the fire of an automatic machine gun being shot by Takeda Kanryu.
Current Status: Dead |
| Shinomori, Aoshi | 
A.K.A: Okashira, Aoshi-sama, Lord Aoshi
Birth date: January, 1853
Age: 26
Weight: 172 kg
Height: 182
Blood type: A
Weapon: Kodachi(s)
Fighting style or technic: kenpo, Kodachi nitou Ryu, Special Moves: Kaitenkenbu, Onmyoukousa, Kaitenkenbu-rokuren, Onmyouhasshi, Gokoujuuji.
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu, Jappon-gatana
Character Concept/Design: Shinsengumi Sub-chief Hijikata Toshizou. The image of Hijikata Toshizou influenced the appearance greatly, esp. the hair (check out the manga to see how Aoshi's hair changes...).
Personality: Cool, calm, and cold he has yet to smile in any of his appearances in the manga. His loyalty to the Oniwabanshu is so great that he risks his life to defeat Kenshin so that he can say that the Oniwabanshu were the greatest fighting force during the Bakumatsu. Behind his usual cool exterior, we see that he does have a heart, for he cares greatly for the Oniwabanshu and Makimachi Misao. After the Bakumatsu, Shinomori was offered many high ranking jobs, but he declined all of them and chose to stay with the Oniwabanshu because none of the other Oniwabanshu members received similar offers. He is the epitome of coolness, and I think he is one of, if not the best character in Rurouni Kenshin.
Short Description: Shinomori grew up in the Oniwabanshu*, and became the leader of the Oniwabanshu at a young age of 15 through a nomination by Okina, who was to be the next leader. Shinomori did not fight much during the Bakumatsu no Douran because the main battle did not reach the Edo castle which Shinomori was protecting. After the Douran ended, one by one the members of the Oniwabanshu left the group and headed out to start new lives in the new era. However, four members: Hyottoko, Beshimi, Hannya, and Shikijou did not leave for all they knew how to do was fight. Because these four stayed, Shinomori declined high profile jobs offered by the new government and stayed with what was left of the Oniwabanshu. The four members remaining and Shinomori set out to "celebrate the last of the Oniwabanshu". They get hired by Kanryu as body guards, but soon realize how corrupt Kanryu is. While deciding whether or not to leave Kanryu, the Megumi incident occurs, and Kenshin and Shinomori fight each other. Kenshin beats Shinomori, but Kanryu appears with a gattling gun ready to kill both Kenshin and Shinomori. The four Oniwabanshu succeed in stopping Kanryu from killing Shinomori, but they lose their lives in the process. Shinomori pledges to the four dead members of the Oniwabanshu that he will obtain the title of being the best for them by defeating Kenshin. In order to kill Kenshin he joined Shishio's side. However he was beaten by Kenshin again, and finally was awaken to get back to the right way for a samurai.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto |
| Shiro | 
Groups & Orginizations: Oniwabanshuu
Weapon: Kotewa Shuriken
Short Description: Shiro is the male Oniwabanshuu member with the slightly spiked hair. The weapon he used against Iwanbou was the "Kotewa Shuriken" large, studded, ringlike objects which proved to be as useless as the earlier attacks by Okan and Omasu.
Current Status: Living in Kyoto |
| Shishio, Makoto | 
A.K.A.: hitokiri battousai's successor
Birth date: August, 1848
Age: 31
Blood type: O
Fighting style or technic: His own techniques using fire.
Weapon: Katana, Nagasonekotetsu (damaged beyond repair by Kenshin), Mugenjin
Height: 170 cm
Weight:59 kg
Character Design/Concept: The chara Kibagami Genjurou (from Samurai Spirits/Showdown) had some influence, as well as the Shinsengumi member Serizawa Kamo. Design came from the character Aonuma Shizuma from the movie "Inugamike no Ichijoku", and also a touch of Kibagami Genjurou (from SNK's game Samurai Showdown/Spirits).
Personality: More than a little on the crazy side, Shishio is a very complex person. He actually does love Yumi, which seems strange since he doesn't seem to love anything but death and destruction. To his followers he promises death for those who fail him, and rich rewards who are loyal to him, as was the case when Houji took the blame for the Kyoto incident and was rewarded by Shishio with the promise that Houji would always be at his side during Shishio's glorious moments. Shishio, since is the bad guy, he does have a dark side, a very dark side. He doesn't care who he kills or steps on to reach his goal of conquering Japan. He is extremely smart, and rivals Kenshin both in his skill with a sword and with his mind.
Short Description: After Kenshin left his "job" as an assassin for the Ishin and became a bodyguard for the Ishin members, Shishio Makoto took over the assassin job. He assassinated countless men which held secrets that could have eventually lead to the downfall of the Ishin government. Because the potential of Shishio using these secrets against the Ishin government worried the Ishin, they had him murdered, or they tried to have him murdered. A group hired to kill Shishio took Shishio by surprise and hit him in the head to knock him unconscious and set his body on fire. However, Shishio somehow remained alive though his body had been severely burned and managed to kill his assailants and escape. He waited for many years, gathering swordsmen that would follow him and creating a small army so that he could repay the Meiji (Ishin) government for their treachery and take control of Japan. While in the process of over throwing the government, he finds out that Kenshin is also alive, and that Kenshin is trying to stop him. Shishio relishes the thought of taking out his former "colleague", and decides to have some fun doing it. After restoration, he gathered power and planned to take over the Meiji government. This was because he thought that the present government was too weak and must be changed. His plan was finally stopped by Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Saitou. In the final battle with Kenshin, due to prolonged fighting, his body temperature became too high and resulted in self burning.
Current Status: Dead |
| Shura | 
Short Description: She is a pirate that attacks a ship the kenshin-gumi are on. Kenshin willing is captured by her because she spared Kaoru's life. Later, when some of her crew revolt, Kenshin comes to her aid.
Current Status: Alive |
| Soushi, Okita | 
AKA: Okita Souji (Soushi) Kaneyoshi (Fusanaga)
Born: 1844
Died: 30 May 1868
Fighting Techniques: He is a prodigy at kenjutsu (sword technique).
Weapon: Katana
Groups and Orginizations: Captain of 1st division troops, Shinsengumi.
Short Description: Historically real person. The leader of the first squad of the Shinsengumi. He is a prodigy at kenjutsu (sword technique), and probably the strongest of the Shinsengumi. But he caught turberculosis at an early age, and died at the age of 25.
Current Status: Dead |
| Suzuki Mikisaburo | Short Description: Captain of the 9th Squad of the Shinsen Gumi |
| Suzume | 
Family: Grandfather Dr. Genzai, Sister Ayame.
Short Description: A little girl that stays with Kaoru at her dojo. Often called Kaoru's "little sister". She is the granddaughter of Dr. Genzai and her sister is Ayame. She doesn't appear in the manga.
Current Status: Living in Tokyo |
| Takani, Megumi | 
A.K.A: Fox lady, Ahen Onna, Megitsune
Birth date: Decmeber 1857
Age: 22
Height: 166 cm
Weight: 45 kg
Blood type: B
Character Design/Concept: Nothing particular, but tried to make a female that was grown-up and frivolous (a flirt). The chara Young Baachan from Obata Takeshi's "Cyborg Geechan G". (Geez.. this is kinda old...)
Personality: She likes to tease people (especially Kaoru) and has some interest in Kenshin, which Kaoru does not like at all. When she first appears in the manga, she seems cold-hearted and selfish, but later on we see her true self, a young woman who is lost in the world, searching for her family, and searching for friends to share life with. As Kenshin describes Megumi to Sanosuke "She has a look of a forsaken puppy" (Book 3, pg. 101). Megumi usually acts stouthearted, but she is actually just trying to hide her loneliness and the guilt she holds in her heart. She blames herself for the spreading of a new type of "ahen" (opium), and the deaths the ahen caused.
Short Description: Megumi belonged to a family who for generations were known as being great doctors. During the Aizusensou*, Megumi's father was killed, and Megumi was separated from her mother and her two brothers. She was left alone in the world to fend for herself.
When she became 17 years old, she apprenticed herself to a doctor to become a doctor herself. However, she did not know that the doctor was working with Takeda Kanryu to produce ahen. When the doctor created a new type of ahen which was stronger yet cheaper, he plotted to keep the formula to himself, but Kanryu killed him trying to obtain the formula. Unfortunately for Megumi, she became the only left in the world who knew the formula to create the new ahen. Kanryu forced her to produce the new ahen. Megumi wanted to kill herself for she knew she was making a drug that was harming people, not curing people. But she could not kill herself, for she still had a small spark of hope that she would someday be reunited with her family. One day, seeing a chance to escape, Megumi took all the ahen that she had produced and fled Kanryu's mansion. While being chased, Megumi ran into a house which Kenshin and Sanosuke were also in. Kenshin learns of Kanryu, the Oniwabanshu and the Oniwabanshu's leader Shinomori Aoshi which reside in Kanryu's mansion from Megumi. When Kanryu learns that Megumi is hiding at Kamiya dojo, he threatens to burn it down if Megumi did not return to Kanryu. Megumi, with no alternative, agrees and goes back to Kanryu, leaving a note at Kamiya dojo that she was going back to Aizu, her hometown. However, Kenshin realizes she was forced to return to Kanryu, and goes to the rescue of Megumi. She was saved by Kenshin and regain a new life to become a doctor. She likes Kenshin, so she always has problems with Kaoru. Her medical skill helped Kenshin and Sanosuke many times after battles.
Current Status: Alive |
| Takasugi Shinsaku | 
Born: 27 Sept 1839
Died: 17 May 1867
Weapons: Nihontou.
Groups & Orginizations: Reformation Army, Choushuuhan Ishinshishi.
Character Design/Concept: Takasugi Shinsaku was a real person who was an important part of the Meiji Ishin. Shinsaku is very famous and is depicted in many novels, and is shown differently in almost every novel. For Rurouni Kenshin, Watsuki-sensei used the "wild" Shinsaku as a base. Shinsaku's design was actually a preliminary design of Nagaoka Mikio (see manga volume #5) which Watsuki-sensei kept because the design was too good to use for a bad guy.
Personality: Shinsaku was in many ways the opposite of Katsura Kogoro. Shinsaku did feel strongly about what the Ishin was fighting for, which was the same as Katsura. However, he was a wild, and sometimes a bit out of control person who even assembled an army of men who had only the loyalty to the Ishin and their fighting skills as ties to join them.
Short Description: Shinsaku and many of the Ishin leaders, including Katsura Kogoro, studied under Yoshida Shouin, and it was under his teachings that led them to revolt against the Edo Bakufu. Shinsaku emerged as the right hand man for Katsura in the Choushuuhan Ishinshishi. One day, Shinsaku called Katsura to a location outside Kyoto to have Katsura view the try outs for an army which he named the Kiheitai, an army which consisted of men who supported the Ishin and had the skills to fight, nothing more, nothing less. While watching the men show their skill with their weapons, a young boy with red hair splits a large log in two with a single sweep of his sword. Shinsaku and Katsura are amazed at this show of skill, and Katsura immediately asks Shinsaku to let him bring the boy to Kyoto. Historically a real person. Being left hand of Kogorou, he had an action type character. The "Special Army" established by him took important position in the union of reformation army and in the war against Shogun army. However, he caught T.B., and finally died one year before Meiji reformation.
Current Status: Dead |
| Takatsuki, Gentatsu | 
Takatsuki Gentatsu of the Shinsengumi. |
| Takeda Kanryu | 
Weapons: Machine Gun/Gattling Gun
Character Concept/Design: Shinsengumi Group 5 Leader Takeda Kanryusai. Tried to make Kanryu's suit white so it would be a contrast from Kenshin and Aoshi.
Personality: Kanryu believes money is everything in life. He thinks he can buy everything with money, from people to ultimate power. Punishing and killing people for their failures is just one of his many bad traits. He is the ultimate stereo-typical "money-grubbing-bad-guy".
Short Description: Kanryu sold ahen (opium) to generate money so that he could fund his production of weapons such as the gatling gun. He recruits many mercenaries to protect him, including the Oniwabanshu. His plan to get rich through selling weapons might have succeeded if he had not gotten on the bad side of Kenshin with his treatment of Megumi and his evil deeds. When Kenshin goes to rescue Megumi from Kanryu, Kanryu tries to buy off Kenshin, which enrages Kenshin even more. He was then arrested by the police. He killed the 4 Oniwabanshuu with a machine gun.
Current Status: Alive |
| Takeda Kanryusai | 5th division captain. He betrayed the Shinsen Gumi later to join the Ishin Shishi because of the goods he was going to get through that. But he was assassinated by Saitoh. |
| Tani Sanjyuro | Captain of the 7th Squad of the Shinsen Gumi |
| Tasuke | 
Groups & Orginizations: Anji’s Children.
Character Concept/Design: Tsubaki and the kids were supposed to be a whole group of kids that were being taken care of by Anji, but because Watsuki-sensei thought it would be too hard to draw so many kids, he narrowed it down to just five kids. Nothing very special. Tsubaki's design is NOT based on Kyo Kusanagi from SNK's King of Fighters game. Tsubaki has a bandana to differentiate her from Misao and Kaoru. Watsuki-sensei did get the idea of the bandana from a fashion magazine however.
Personality: Not much can be said about their personalities since they barely appear in the comic... Tasuke likes to pick on Gorou, and Gorou cries a lot. Tsubaki is strict, yet cares for the kids deeply, and perhaps even loves Anji.
Short Description: All the kids lost their parents in the Douran. Tsubaki's father was a supporter of the Edo Bakufu, and he was also the village leader before he was killed. Yuukyuzan Anji adopted the kids and gave them a place to live in his temple.
Current Status: ? |
| Toki Tagaki | Short Description: Shigure woman's |
| Toma | Groups & Orginizations: Jinpu Tai
Short Description: Toma is the leader of the Jinpu Tai. The Jinpu Tai assinate crooked political leaders. His old teacher was Sasaki and he tries to force him to join with the Jinpu Tai. In the end he is arrested.
Current Status: Alive |
| Toudou Heisuke | Captain of the 8th Squad of the Shinsen Gumi |
| Tsubaki | 
Groups & Orginizations: Anji’s Children.
Character Concept/Design: Tsubaki and the kids were supposed to be a whole group of kids that were being taken care of by Anji, but because Watsuki-sensei thought it would be too hard to draw so many kids, he narrowed it down to just five kids. Nothing very special. Tsubaki's design is NOT based on Kyo Kusanagi from SNK's King of Fighters game. Tsubaki has a bandana to differentiate her from Misao and Kaoru. Watsuki-sensei did get the idea of the bandana from a fashion magazine however.
Personality: Not much can be said about their personalities since they barely appear in the comic... Tasuke likes to pick on Gorou, and Gorou cries a lot. Tsubaki is strict, yet cares for the kids deeply, and perhaps even loves Anji.
Short Description: All the kids lost their parents in the Douran. Tsubaki's father was a supporter of the Edo Bakufu, and he was also the village leader before he was killed. Yuukyuzan Anji adopted the kids and gave them a place to live in his temple.
Current Status: ? |
| Tsukayama, Yutaro | 
Weapons: Shinai
Techniques: Kenjuutsu, Kamiya Kasshin Ru, Fencing
Character Concept/Design: Yutarou was designed as Yahiko's rival. Unlike Yahiko however, Yutarou see's his father as a weakling, and so wants to become strong so he won't end up like his father, the exact opposite of why Yahiko wants to be strong. Yutarou's design wasn't based on anything particular, just that he was supposed to be the opposite of Yahiko.
Personality: young boy who hates his father because he sees his father as a weak man, Yutarou tries to act high and mighty. In some respects he is similar to Yahiko, both are short tempered and both have bad manners.
Short Description: Yutarou and his father were "saved" by Raijuuta in an ambush staged by Raijuuta himself. Yutarou's father hires Raijuuta to teach Yutarou how to be a strong man, but doesn't realize Raijuuta is using them to gain their wealth. Raijuuta doesn't teach Yutarou anything, but since he idolizes Raijuuta, he says nothing and does what Raijuuta tells him to do. As Raijuuta travels around Japan destroying Dojo's, Yutarou accompanies Raijuuta to Maekawa Dojo where he meets Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko who are visiting. After, his right arm was seriously wounded by Raijuuta and discovered Raijuuta's true face. Finally he went to Germany with his father for better treatment on his arm, and to learn fencing. He comes back later in the series and his master sends him to find the Divine Medicine. In the Manga he returns to be an instructor at the dojo.
Current Status: Alive |
| Tsukioka, Katsuhiro | 
A.K.A. Katsu, Tsunan, Tsukioka Tsunan
Birth date: january, 1860
Height: 171 cm
Weight: 60 kg
Blood type: AB
Weapon: sakuretsudan (hand bombs)
Groups & Orginizations: Sekihoutai
Character Concept/Design: Strangely enough, he was based on a false announcement about a "false artisit" that appeared in the Weekly Jump Comics. The design was initially supposed to be something that was in Watsuki-sensei's sketch book, a character with dread hair (I think he means spiked hair), but since he realized he could use the design for a bad guy later on in the story (I'm guessing Sawagejou Chou), he whipped up the current design.
Personality: An extremely dark and withdrawn person, a deep hatred for the Ishinshishi runs in his veins. He doesn't like to be around other people, and he rarely ever smiles, or laughs.
Short Description: Tsukioka was a member of the Sekihoutai*, and met and became friends with Sano while in the Sekihoutai. After the Sekihoutai was wiped out, Tsukioka became a eshi (artist), to finance a scheme to get back at the Ishinshishi and what they did to the Sekihoutai. One day, Sano, as a favor to Tae, goes to buy some nishikie and finds a picture of himself, Tsukioka Tsunan (as kids), and Sagara Souzou. He realizes Tsukioka had survived the dismantling of the Sekihoutai, and goes to visit him. He planned to bomb the internal affairs department, but was stopped by Kenshin and Sanosuke in the action. Finally, he started publish newspaper to report the dark side of the government.
Current Status: Alive |
| Udou, Jin'e | 
A.K.A: The black hat, Kurogasa
Birth date: July, 1843
Weight: 78 kg
Height:182cm
Blood type: AB
Fighting style or technic: Shin no ippon, Nikaidouheihou. Special Moves: Isukuminojutsu, Katatehirazuki, Yokonagi, Karatakewari, Haishatou, Hyoukinojutsu.
Weapon: katana
Groups & Orginizations: Shinsengumi, Hitokiri, Juppon-gatana.
Character Concept/Design: The Bakumatsu #1 assassin Okada Izou. The Marvel Comics X-men character Gambit.
Personality: Enjoys killing so much that he even comments on how good it feels when he kills himself.... Cold and ruthless, Jine uses every dirty trick that he has to get enjoyment out of a battle. A true "assassin".
Short Description: Originally part of the Shinsengumi, Jine was cast out because he literally went crazy for the love of killing people. He then switched sides and joined the Ishinshishi as an assassin. Even after the Douran ended, he continues to act as an assassin for certain Ishinshi members who want to "dispose" of certain other members. The police enlist the aid of Kenshin to try to stop Jine. He was finally defeated by Kenshin and then he committed suicide.
Current Status: Dead |
| Ujiki | Weapon: Katana
Groups & Orginizations: Sword Police
Short Description: The leader of sword police force. He had an extremely bad character, and thought he could kill people legally. He met Kenshin in street of Tokyo and wanted to fight with him. However he was easily defeated by Kenshin.
Current Status: Alive |
| Unuma, Usui | 
A.K.A. The blind sword, Juppongatana Mouken
Fighting Style or Technic: Shingun, “The eye of the heart”, technique from Ryuukyu. Special Moves: Shingan, Boukenbouryaku Hyakkaryouran.
Weapon: a funky spear thing, with a metal ball on the other side, Tinbei, Rouchin.
Groups & Orginizations: Juppon-Gatana
Character Concept/Design: Usui was actually an idea brought up by one of Watsuki-sensei's assistants. A blind swordsman who uses his super-sensitive hearing to read the others thoughts and movements was the original idea, and this is what Usui was based on. Character design was based on the character Tao Pai Pai from Toriyama Akira's "Dragonball". The costume Usui wears (lots of eyes), came from one of the Shito (Angels) in the anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion". Initially, Usui was supposed to have long hair and be a handsome character, but the design Watsuki-sensei made looked a heck of a lot like Ukyo from SNK's Samurai Spirits/Showdown game and so he re-designed Usui and came up with the current design.
Personality: Vindicative, cruel, heartless, Usui kills for pleasure, and he doesn't care who he kills, friend or foe. Outwardly, Usui shows total confidence in his skill as a fighter, but inwardly, his loss to Shishio has kept him from getting any stronger than he currently is.
Short Description: Usui was orignally part of the Edo Bakufu, but in a fight with Shishio, he had both his eyes cut/burned out. Discarded by the Bakufu, Usui wandered around, starving and near death when he realized he could hear the sound of a stream from a long, long distance away. He called his super-sensitive hearing and what it let him do (hear the oponents muscles movments, etc) "Shingan" (Mind's Eye). Usui sought out Shishio to gain revenge for his eyes. However, Shishio had gotten even stronger since the last time they had met, and Usui could not defeat him. However, Shishio gave Usui the offer of letting Usui be one of his Juppongatana with a condition that Usui could try to kill Shishio whenever Usui wanted to. Usui accepted, and became one of the strongest Juppongatana, only behind Seta Soujirou. In the battle in Kyoto, he killed 50 elites of the police force. At the final battle with Saitou in the secret base, he was cut into half by Saitou.
Current Status: Dead |
| Yamagata Aritomo | Groups & Organizations: Meiji Government
Short Description: Edo period. He is a very important person. He was a famous commander in the war. After restoration he became the general of the army, and Meiji Ishin cabinet member. He tried to find Kenshin to work for the army for 10 years, and finally found him in Tokyo. However, Kenshin rejected this and continue to be a rurouni.
Current Status: Alive |
| Yamazaki Susumu | Groups & Orginizations: Shinsen Gumi
Short Description: Head of sentries/spies in the Shinsengumi. His job was to keep an eye on the members' conduct, sort of like a disciplinary master, besides being a spy to make sure of the coast before an important operation. Kondou and Hijikata relied and had a lot of faith in him.
Current Status: Unknown |
| Mumyoui Yatsume | 
Weapon: This funky attached claw like thing, human body modification
Groups & Orginizations: Jinchu
Short Description: The Yatusme family were gold miner from generation to generation. After gold mine went out, it turned to focus on "human body modification", and Mumeyoui was their hope. At the war, he fought against Battousai. He was beaten and his face was seen. So, he seeked revenge. In the battle against Saitou, he first used dirty tricks and wounded Saitou. Later, Saitou used "Gatotsu Zero Type" and wounded him. While he prepared to use bombs and sneak attack, he was caught by Saitou. Saitou wanted to kill him, but was stopped by Kenshin.
Current Status: Alive |
| Wu Hei Shin | 
Groups & Orginizations: Jinchu
Short Description: This guy works with Enishi with illegal business like getting weapons.
Current Status: Alive |
| Yukishiro, Enishi | 
Birthday: 1855, May
Weapon: the place where you hold the sword is chinese, the blade is a katana
Family: Father Oibore, Sister Tomoe
Groups & Orginizations: Jinchu
Short Description: Left Japan for 10 years, he just came back from Shanghai. He got silver hair, and was the leader of the vengeance group "The Six Mates". His main reason for revenge was that his sister, Tomoe, was killed by Battousai after she married him. In the final battle with Kenshin, he beat Kenshin, but Kenshin counter attacked when he knew Enishi was going to kill Kaoru. With the help of Kujiranami, he escaped from Kenshin's counter strike, and kill Kaoru to finish his "Jin Chu"
Current Status: Alive |
| Yukishiro, Oibore | 
Family: Daughter Tomoe, Son Enishi
Character Concept/Design: This episode where Oibore is related to evokes the idea of "main character who sits among the homeless". So I've got many people saying that the motif was "Spawn" and thus the motif of Oibore would be the misterious old man Cagliostrus, who appears now and then to give advice. But the truth is completely different. If the motif came from American comics, then it would be the "Silver Surfer" from Möbius, translated into Japanese. (like the ressurrection of the main character) But the true motif is the "Go, Robot!" of the writer Ooishi Makoto sensei, a book for small children. I thought about a homeless, a developed sense of humanity and a misterious man at first sight, and so this Oibore was born. I've realized -- too late -- that he is exactly the same as Granpa Bob from "BOY - Booii - ", Umezawa Haruto sensei's work. |
| Yukishiro, Tomoe | 
A.K.A. Himura Tomoe
Family: Father Oibore, Younger Brother Enishi
Birthday: 1846, Sepetember
Died: Age 18.
Character Concept/Design: Initially, there was no motif for Tomoe. She was supposed to be a beautiful women who showed no outward sign of emotions, in other words a "cool beauty" as Watsuki-sensei puts it. Watsuki-sensei had already been planning Tomoe since the series first started, but when it came down to really creating the character, he ended up creating a Rei Ayanami (from the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion) like character. Tomoe's design ended up being pretty much an Ayanami Rei look-a-like. The only original portion were Tomoe's eyes, single points of light in otherwise dark, mysterious eyes.
Personality: Tomoe is in some ways like Seta Soujirou in that she initially seems to be missing emotions. However, Tomoe isn't missing emotions, she just doesn't show them outwardly. Her face is always calm and cool, showing no evidence of what she is feeling. She is actually a very gentle, quiet person who has trouble smiling, which she admits herself. Tomoe perhaps can be described as too gentle a person, who could neither choose Kenshin nor forget her first love (whom Kenshin killed), which eventually led to her death.
Short Description: Nothing much is known about Tomoe's early years. After her younger brother, Enishi, was born, her mother died and her father was left alone to take care of Tomoe and Enishi. Tomoe's father was not a rich man, but they had enough money to feed themselves and live decent lives. When Kiyosato Akira, a childhood friend of Tomoe's, proposed to her, Tomoe did not, perhaps could not, show any outward emotions, even though she was extremely happy he had chosen her. Perhaps because of this, Kiyosato went to Kyoto to earn a higher social standing to make Tomoe happy, and in the process was killed by a certain assassin only known at the time as the Hitokiri Battousai. After learning of her betrothed death, Tomoe set out to Kyoto to take revenge against the Hitokiri Battousai. She found a group known as the Yaminobu, a secret organization within the Edo Bakufu, who laid out a plan to her which involved Tomoe getting close to the Battousai to learn his weakness. One night, while quietly drinking in a restaurant, Tomoe is accosted by a couple of drunks. Kenshin, who also happened to be at the restaurant, appears and stops them. Tomoe (who perhaps was watching and tracking Kenshin...?), follows Kenshin out of the restaurant, and witnesses a battle between Kenshin an an assassin sent by the Bakufu. Kenshin, realizing he had been seen and that his identity as the Hitokiri Battousai had been revealed to Tomoe, struggles with the notion of whether to get rid of Tomoe. His dilemma is solved however, when Tomoe faints in front of him. Kenshin, not knowing what to do, carries her back to his room.
The Battousai and she finally married and she feel in love with him. One day she went to the group to tell them he had no weakness. They didn't believe her and figured she was his weakness. They sent a note to the Battousai saying they had Tomoe. While Kenshin was fighting for Tomoe she jumped in the middle of the fight to protect him. Before anyone knew what was happing Kenshin cut throught Tomoe, killing her, and hit the guy he was fighting, killing him. The knife Tomoe was holding flew into the air and came down to make a mark on Kenshin's cheek which completed the cross scar. Tomoe died knowing she protected the one she loved.
Current Status: Dead |
| Yukyuzan, Anji | 
A.K.A.: Myou no Anji, The Meioh, Juppongatana Myouou.
Fighting style or technic: Futae no Kiwami (mastered)
Weapon: Futae no Kiwami, small sword.
Groups & Orginizations: Juppon-gatana, Anji’s Children.
Character Concept/Design: The Shisengumi-Gochou Shimada Kai, and the punk rock band Anji's vocalist. Watsuki-sensei had already done a lot of work on designing the appearance of Anji, as is evident in Anji-look-a-likes in Watsuki-sensei's earlier works. The bandanna and black rimmed eyes were from the punk rock band Anji's vocalist.
Personality: A bitter man who had those he cared for ripped away from, Anji spent the 10 years after the start of the Meiji era preparing to "destroy the world so he could create a new world where the innocent will be the only ones alive, and the evil people will have been punished, ie. killed by Anji". Initially, he was a very quiet monk who took care of several orphaned kids in a small temple. He never got angry, and was very kind to the kids, treating them as his sons and daughters. When the kids were killed, he lost faith in Buddha (he was a Buddhist monk), and an inner fire of rage ignited within him, erasing all traces of the quiet, kindhearted, monk.
Short Description: Anji took in several kids who were orphaned by the Douran, and took care of them as if they were his own children. Teaching them the ways of Buddha, he and the kids were living quiet lives in a remote mountain village temple. In the second year of the Meiji era, the villages' leader ordered Anji to leave because of the new law that the Meiji government had passed on prohibiting Buddhism. (Many villages took this law to the extreme, trying to please the Meiji government, and sacred texts, temples, etc were burned). Although Anji agreed to the village leaders request, a henchmen working for the village leader suggested just burning the temple which would be quicker and more efficient. The village leader agreed to this readily, and the temple was set on fire while Anji was away praying at a nearby waterfall. With the children inside, the temple burned to the ground, while Anji, rushing back from the waterfall to rescue the kids, was struck in the head and left for dead by one of the village leaders henchmen. Surviving the blow to his head, crying in anger to the god who did not protect his beloved children, Anji took the ashes from one of the children's hands and put them around his eyes (hence, the black rimmed eyes). His anger exploded, and 5 years later, after intense training and meditation to perfect his Futaenokiwami, Anji repays the village leader and his henchmen with his new found power. Sometime after that, Anji joined with Shishio Makoto to help Shishio destroy the current government and start a "new" government, a "new" world. While training in a forest between Kyoto and Tokyo, Anji meets up with a young man by the name of Sagara Sanosuke, and Anji teaches Sano his Futaenokiwami. Finally he was beaten by Sanosuke's "Tripile Limit". For paying his guilty, he went to jail in Hokaiido for 25 years on his wish .
Current Status: Alive, in jail in Hokaiido. |