List of Samurai Champloo characters
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The following lists and describes characters of significance who appear in the fictional anime series Samurai Champloo.
[edit] Cast
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Japanese
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English
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[edit] Main characters
[edit] Mugen
Name: Mugen
Age: 20
Profession: Vagabond, and former Pirate
Weapon(s): Double-edged katana; in the videogame, Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked, this sword is named "Typhoon Swell"), Tanto (concealed in opposite end of scabbard), Claymore (series finale)
Fighting style(s): mix of various styles incorporating rapid, irregular movements he dubs "Champuru Kendo"
Quote: "I don't give a rat's ass about going to hell. I guess it's because I feel like I'm already there!"
Appears in: All episodes
Mugen (ムゲン) was born in a penal colony on the Ryūkyū Islands (currently Okinawa), which in the Edo period was a separate kingdom with close ties to the Satsuma domain of Japan. Rude, lewd, vulgar, and nihilistic, Mugen relishes being a pain whenever he can. His name means without illusion, as the components of it are the characters for "without" and "dream." Incidentally, he writes his name using the Infinity symbol (∞), a pun on his name, 'Mugen' sounding identical to the Japanese word for 'eternity'. The exact date of his birth is unknown. Some speculate that he is something of a throwback to Spike Spiegel's (of Cowboy Bebop fame) persona during the time previous to his falling out with his comrade Vicious.
He carries two blades, one a small tanto concealed at the end of his scabbard (only resorted to as a trump card). His more principal weapon is a unique sword sheathed across his back—possibly a shamshir (how he chanced upon such a weapon is as mysterious as how he acquired his fighting skills). His clothing is anachronistic as well, reminiscent of baggy hip-hop fashions of today. His gi functions more like a jacket and his hakama is cut off at shorts-length, resembling loose-fitting Bermuda shorts. His black hair is unkept and similar to an afro or Spike Spiegel's, being one of a number of similarities he shares with Spike. (Incidentally, in the English dub, Mugen is voiced by the same actor as Spike, Steven Blum, credited as Daniel Andrews to circumvent union regulations.)
Highly unorthodox swordplay and capoeira-esque movements (ostensibly developed by himself and dubbed "Champuru Kendo") make him a force to be reckoned with. (Although Mugen's fighting style does resemble capoeira, series creator Shinichiro Watanabe based it on breakdancing rather than any existing martial art.[1]). His fighting style is probably best described by Kariya Kagetoki when they fight in Episode 25: "Interesting. You utilize erratic movements to prevent your enemies from predicting your next move." This is further evident in that his moves become increasingly erratic and unique as his opponents are more powerful. Mugen also has a tendency to parry attacks with the steel base of his geta.
He and Jin fight from time to time, but there is an undercurrent of mutual understanding between the two. Mugen's Japanese is quite rough and "Yanki"; he is illiterate until later in the show. The blue tattoos on his wrists and ankles indicate that he was once in prison. The circumstances of his imprisonment, and whether he escaped or emigrated legally, are unclear at first. It is later verified that he was to be executed for engaging in piracy. He was presumed dead when he plunged into the ocean, but survived.
Mugen seems to be the character most enshrouded in uncanny elements. For starters, he seemingly learned Hakkei (with help from Zuikou) in order to defeat Shouryuu, though he is never seen using it after that (he may have simply been mimicking Shoryuu as a tactic.) Furthermore, he seems to be incapable of dying, or at the very least has a body that is more resistant to life-threatining injuries than the average person. When on the verge of death, he appears to cross into a mystical world in the Ryūkyūan religion called Nirai Kanai—depicted in Samurai Champloo as an upside-down mirror world—overseen by the Futuchi who are dressed in black-feathered robes and carry spears. With each visit to this world he is subsequently 'rejected' after protesting that "I'm not ready to go yet." He has been brought back to life in this manner on at least three occasions. It has been speculated that his survival is because he is being preserved for a greater purpose, possibly his saving Japan from American conquest in "Baseball Blues".
Coincidentially, his seiyū, Kazuya Nakai, is also known for playing the "Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro (Roronoa Zolo in the English verson), in the popular shonen anime One Piece.
[edit] Jin
Name: Jin
Age: 21
Profession: Ronin
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): Mujushin Kenjutsu, Jujutsu
Quote: "For my entire life, I've chosen to fight for no one but myself. My dedication, and my study of the sword, was for no one but myself. Until now..."
Appears in: All episodes
Jin (ジン) is of noble heritage and spent the vast majority of his life training in kenjutsu dojos. Unlike Mugen, it is legal for him to carry a daisho (two matching swords: a katana and a wakizashi), as he is of the samurai class. His swords have a lightning and twin-eyed design on the tsuba. He wears traditional hakama and gi in indigo blue patterned with a white diamond kamon made up of smaller white diamonds. (This closely resembles the kamon of the great Takeda Clan, leading to speculation about his family origins.) He also sports a Buddhist rosary and a pair of anachronistic wire-rimmed glasses (which he does not actually need), the latter of which is probably the single most distinctive aspect of his appearance and the one everybody remembers. Jin is usually taciturn and unusually collected. He is an extremely skilled swordsman, using swift, refined, orthodox moves of the Mujushin Kenjutsu discipline, making him the perfect foil for Mugen. Like Mugen, he needs not rely solely on his sword. In one scene, he falls back on Jujutsu techniques, disarming and incapacitating at least six armed samurai before getting his daisho back. His dedication to the sword is so intense that he seems to lack abilities in other areas like holding his liquor, playing the shamisen, cooking eel and fishing. As a testament to his intelligence and unwillingness to readily trust others, he usually is the first to suspect when someone is not who they seem. He is also a formidable player when it comes to board games, especially shogi, and takes his time to think about his moves and doesn't fret to put his life on the line against his opponent.
When he was 18, he was to be assassinated in his sleep by his sensei, Mariya Enshirou, at Kariya Kagetoki's insistence. Jin killed Mariya in self-defense, to his horror. He fled the dojo, becoming a ronin. His death is sought by many, including former classmates and not limited to fame-seekers. Mujushin was a real sword-fighting dojo, and Mariya Enshirou is known to have been the third master — although the circumstances of his death are unclear. The esoteric teachings of Mujushin become vitally important in the series finale. Jin is highly devoted to upholding Bushido and is in fact named after jin (benevolence), one of the seven samurai virtues.
In the last episode, he confesses to both Fuu and Kariya that he has spent his entire life with no devotion to anyone. He lived only for his sword and no master; saying that the lords of that time have no sense of honor, only caring about self-preservation. But he seems to change during his travels with Fuu and Mugen, saying that they are his "first friends."
[edit] Fuu
Name: Kasumi Fuu
Age: 15
Profession: Varies (usually a waitress)
Weapon(s): Tanto
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote: "I'm starving…"
Appears in: All episodes
Fuu (ふう) is the leading lady of the show, a fifteen-year-old girl of samurai lineage, but brought up in poverty. After a not-so-successful stint as a teahouse waitress, she saves Mugen and Jin from execution and forces them to help her on a quest. She is searching for the Samurai who smells of Sunflowers, but never explains what a sunflower smells like or what the man looks like. Mugen and Jin are often reminded of their life-debt to her when they wish to fight each other, much to their chagrin. Without her father around to support them, Fuu and her mother led a difficult life until her mother died of illness.
She is a surprisingly big eater, (In one episode she entered an eating contest and was one of the last two remaining and would have likely won had she not accidentally given the sign that she gave up by squishing a bug) has a bright and trusting personality, and is strongly prone to accidents and trouble although she is quite practical. She often puts on a front of being more worldly and experienced than she actually is so as not to appear completely ingenuous in front of her bodyguards. Fuu wears a deep pink kimono with a pattern of flowers and carries a matching tanto (which she never uses, but has brandished once or twice). Attached to the tanto are three netsuke: a skull (a Christian pendant from her father), a pair of dice (probably referencing her dice-rolling skills in "Hellhounds for Hire") and a dog. A flying squirrel by the name of "Mo-mo" (evidently short for "momonga," which means "flying squirrel" in Japanese) inhabits her clothing and frequently helps out when she's in trouble. Momo also means "Peach" in Japanese, and is a popular modern pet name in Japan.
A running gag throughout the show is Fuu becoming impossibly huge after overeating, reverting to ordinary form after her stomach has digested everything. This occurs in Episodes 6, 15 & 23.
[edit] Supporting characters
[edit] Shibui Matsunosuke
Name: Shibui Matsunosuke
Age: 50s, most likely
Profession: Magistrate
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote: "Money! I'll pay you!"
Appears in: Episode 1
Final status: Deceased (killed by Jin)
Corrupt magistrate who has no qualms about extorting the townsfolk he governs. Evokes the irritation of Jin, who cuts down his bodyguards, the Yagyu Three, to express his dissatisfaction. The last straw arrives when Shibui incarcerates and sentences Jin (along with Mugen) to death for the murder of his son (which Mugen had plenty to do with and Jin nothing). Upon escaping, Jin recites a Buddhist proverb on mercy being granted only once and executes him just as he intended to execute Jin.
Shibui's pipe reappears when Fuu needs a light, and the pipe is given to her by the man whom Shibui was going to execute. We can assume the man picked it up after it fell from Shibui's gaping mouth in response to Jin's actions.
[edit] Shibui Tomonoshin
Name: Shibui Tomonoshin
Age: Early 20s
Profession: Idle
Weapon(s): Katana
Fighting style(s): Unknown
Quote: "…I'm untouchable."
Appears in: Episode 1
Final status: Deceased (perishes in teahouse fire started by Ryujiro)
Shibui Sr.'s son, who carries much of the same traits as his father. As with Mugen, everything about his appearance is anachronistic, from his bleached blond hair to his ear and brow piercings to his jumpsuit. He banks on his father's position to throw his weight around and is first seen in the teahouse Fuu works in, accompanied by a posse. Mugen puts him in his place, after being offered one hundred dumplings by Fuu to do so, mutilating his men and subsequently breaking his fingers one by one until Jin shows up. Technically, he is killed by Ryujiro, who sets fire to the teahouse in a blind rage, but his father blames it on both Mugen and Jin, and summarily decides to have them beheaded. (Ryujiro gets away scot-free initially, though his madness and vengefulness lead to his death later.)
[edit] Ryujiro Sasaki
Name: Sasaki Ryujiro
Age: probably Mid 30s
Profession: (Former) Yojimbo
Weapon(s): Katana
Fighting style(s): Either Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote: "We should go on a killing spree."
Appears in: Episodes 1 & 2
Final status: Deceased (strangled to death by Oniwakamaru)
Mentally unbalanced subordinate to Shibui Matsunosuke, the corrupt magistrate of an oppressed town, who assigns him to protect his brat of a son, Tomonoshin. Ryujiro's arm is chopped off by Mugen after the altercation in the teahouse, driving him over the edge. He has a ruthless sadism which predates the loss of his arm, claiming to have lost his humanity a long time ago and having no problem with killing and torturing his opponents. He burns the teahouse down in retaliation, inadvertently putting Fuu out of work and Jin and Mugen in prison. While Shibui Sr. (and his son) perish, Ryujiro survives and returns later to exact revenge on Mugen. He is strangled to death by Oniwakamaru for threatening Fuu's life.
[edit] Yagyu Three
Name: Yagyu Three
Age: 30s to 40s
Profession: Yojimbo
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): probably Kenjutsu; possibly Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu or Kendo
Quote: "Of course it's honorable."
Appears in: Episode 1
Final status: Deceased (killed by Jin)
Three asparagus-robed samurai, possibly related to Yagyu Jubei, who serve as Shibui Matsunosuke's personal bodyguards. According to a local who advises Jin not to challenge their skill, they are master swordsmen from Edo. Jin questions their ethics in front of the townsfolk, regardless, arousing their ire. All three are sliced dead in a blink when they attempt to rush him.
[edit] The Sunflower Samurai
Name: Kasumi Seizou
Age: Late 40s
Profession: Rebel, Ronin
Weapon(s): most likely Katana & Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): probably Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote: "Fuu, I have no right to ask forgiveness. I don't deserve it. But you should know not a single day has passed when I have not thought of you and your mother. Please forgive me."
Appears in: Episodes 16, 19, 25, 26
Final status: Deceased (killed by Kariya Kagetoki)
The objective of the trio's quest, the Sunflower Samurai is none other than Fuu's father. Her only memory of him is a departing figure shifting through a field of sunflowers. He left her and her mother to save them from anti-Christian persecution (he was a major proponent of Christianity, considered heretical at the time). He was relentlessly pursued by the Shogunate, but succeeded in evading them. Somewhere along the line (more than likely the Shogunate assigned spies to watch Seizou's family), they caught wind of Fuu's intention to search for her father and followed her secretly once she set out. She led them right to him, sick and dying in a hut on Ikitsuki Island. Kariya Kagetoki arrives just after Fuu's tearful reconciliation with her father, and kills him right in front of her.
Fuu's situation with Kasumi is very similar to that between Pao Pu-Zi and his daughter Meifa in the episode "Boogie Woogie Feng-Shui" of Cowboy Bebop.
[edit] Oniwakamaru
Name: Oniwakamaru ("Oniwaka" in English dub)
Age: Unspecified
Profession: Pariah
Weapon(s): double-bladed Bisento
Fighting style(s): Bojutsu
Quote: "You weren't afraid of me. I'm not alone."
Appears in: Episode 2
Final status: Deceased (skewered by Mugen)
Childlike, ogreish killing machine sprung from prison and recruited by Ryujiro to bring Mugen to his knees. Uses a weapon similar to Tessai's from Ninja Scroll (and resembles him, interestingly). He has been feared and ostracized all his life due to his size and deformities, until he is shown kindness by Fuu. He strangles Ryujiro to death after Ryujiro threatens her life. Following that, he and a severely poisoned Mugen duke it out. Fuu screams for them to stop. Oniwaka does, Mugen doesn't. Oniwaka dies with Fuu at his side.
It is never specified how Oniwaka obtained his weapon and who taught him to wield it with such skill, or whether he taught himself, given his status as a pariah. Additionally, "Oniwaka" was the moniker of Saito Musashibo Benkei, an actual person but better remembered as a legendary figure in Japanese folklore of great strength and stature.
Watanabe has admitted that Oniwaka, while similar to the cinematic Frankenstein's monster, is actually a reference to zombies. The entire episode in fact was a reference to the samurai zombie genre.
[edit] Hotaru
Name: Hotaru
Age: Mid 20s
Profession: Assassin
Weapon(s): poisoned Lipstick
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote: "It's called Single Night's Mushroom, because it takes all night to kill you."
Appears in: Episode 2
Final status: Alive
Russet-haired beauty who the trio encounter while traversing a forest in Episode 2. She has full lips and burgundy lipstick. Mugen fixes her broken sandal strap and she entices him to a nearby shack. They make out, but before they have sex Mugen pulls away, realizing he has been poisoned. Hotaru informs him that his drink and her lipstick both contain a toxin called "Single Night's Mushroom", which will kill him slowly but surely by morning. She reveals that she is working for Ryujiro and he has the antidote (as well as Fuu). With time running short, Mugen spares her life and rushes off. This is the last we see of her.
Her name means firefly in Japanese, which coincides with the constant theme of fireflies throughout the episode.
[edit] Inuyama
Name: Inuyama
Age: likely Over 50
Profession: Samurai
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): Ninjitsu
Quote: "Do you know why fireflies glow?"
Appears in: Episode 2
Final status: Alive
Skilled elderly samurai hired by Ryujiro to assassinate Jin. He pretends to be a spineless "samurai by title only" when he is first seen. He uses barely subtle innuendo in his "fireflies" speech while he and Jin are in a hot spring, seemingly to manipulate Jin into a vulnerable position and facilitate the assassination. As Jin begins to leave, Inuyama quickly lies about knowing the whereabouts of the Sunflower Samurai in order to lure Jin deep inside the woods, where the two do battle. Jin comes very close to defeat when Inuyama senses Ryujiro's death and withdraws. He remarks that he expects to cross paths with Jin again, though to our knowledge they never do. He knows about Jin's slaying of Mariya Enshirou, while Jin possibly knows or has seen him somewhere else before.
[edit] Nagatomi Rikiei
Name: Nagatomi Rikiei
Age: 30s
Profession: Yakuza Boss
Weapon(s): Tanto
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote:
Appears in: Episodes 3 & 4
Final status: Deceased (killed by Ishimatsu)
Leader of the Nagatomi yakuza, ruthless and ambitious. He enlists Mugen as his partner after the former impresses him by sitting at his men's table, eating their food and beating them up. Keeps a chinstrap and sports Ray-Bans, a distinguishing part of his appearance. Killed by his personal yojimbo Ishimatsu for his wicked ways after Ishimatsu decides enough is enough.
[edit] Daigorou
Name: Daigorou
Age: 60s
Profession: Carpenter
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote:
Appears in: Episodes 3 & 4
Final status: Alive
Daigorou is the catalyst for the events that unfurl in Episodes 3 & 4. After a dramatic loss at one of Rikiei's gambling establishments, he is pressured to give up either the deed to his business or his daughter, Osuzu, in order to cover his debt. He pleads with Kawara Heitarou for help, suggesting that Rikiei's establishments practice dishonesty. Kawara refuses, citing a lack of evidence. Daigorou has no choice but to give up his store, but Ishimatsu takes Osuzu as well after Sousuke tries to intervene.
[edit] Osuzu
Name: Osuzu
Age: 16 to 20s
Profession: Tutor
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote:
Appears in: Episodes 3 & 4
Final status: Alive
Daigorou's demure daughter; she is quite something to look at. Before she is forcibly procured by Ishimatsu, as an excuse to make up for Sousuke's insolence, she was the latter's tutor. She is put to work with in one of Rikiei's brothels, where she meets Fuu (who is also being forced into prostitution because of bad fortune) and they become friends. Both are emancipated after Rikiei's demise.
[edit] Kawara Sousuke
Name: Kawara Sousuke
Age: 12
Profession: Student
Weapon(s): Katana
Fighting style(s): No formal training
Quote:
Appears in: Episodes 3 & 4
Final status: Alive
Heitarou's pubescent son, heir to the Kawara Clan's leadership. He is hasty and impetuous, not a surprise for his age and the shame his father has to endure. He has strong feelings for Osuzu, and intervenes when Ishimatsu comes to collect her father's business deed, succeeding only in getting her taken away, too. Joins forces with Jin to rescue her but fail as Mugen is guarding the brothel. The night after he goes to see Osuzu again and blows a gasket when a customer puts his hands on her. The man is a Nagatomi, but Sousuke does not know that when he draws his sword and stabs him to death. Heitarou commits seppuku on his account. Rikiei mocks Heitarou, while Sousuke defends him. Upon the Nagatomi Clan's defeat, he assumes his father's position.
[edit] Kawara Heitarou
Name: Kawara Heitarou
Age: 40s to 50s
Profession: Yakuza Boss
Weapon(s): Tanto
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote:
Appears in: Episodes 3 & 4
Final status: Deceased (seppuku)
Known as "The Merciful" despite being a yakuza head, he is poised, level-headed and traditional, running the yakuza to take a form of foster care for its young men who would otherwise be criminals. It is because of this, the unscrupulous Rikiei easily moves in and seizes control of the town. He dotes on Sousuke, his only son. After losing a dice duel to Rikiei (who may have cheated) and in an act that moves almost everyone, he sacrifices his life to ensure the future of the Kawara Clan.
[edit] Ishimatsu
Name: Ishimatsu
Age: roughly Mid 30s
Profession: Yojimbo
Weapon(s): Katana, Manriki
Fighting style(s): probably Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote: "'My eyes are finally open."
Appears in: Episodes 3 & 4
Final status: Deceased (killed honorably by Mugen)
Ishimatsu is yojimbo to an influential yakuza boss, Rikiei. His considerable height, tanned skin and a string of large Buddhist beads he wears around his neck are distinctive features. Rikiei offers Mugen a partnership after Mugen impresses him with his fighting skills. This does not sit well with Ishimatsu, and he and Mugen do not get along; barely past introductions they are attacking each other. Their duel is cut short by Rikiei, who wants to get down to business. Eventually, disillusioned by Kawara Heitarou's sacrifice, Ishimatsu cuts down Rikiei, and finishes his duel with Mugen. He suffers an honorable defeat.
His manriki can be seen as a wild card, in the same light as Mugen's tanto.
[edit] Detective Manzou (a.k.a. "The Saw")
Name: Nokogiri "The Saw" Manzou
Age: 40s
Profession: Police Detective
Weapon(s): Jitte
Fighting style(s): Juttejutsu
Quote: "For Pete's sake!"
Appears in: Episodes 5, 12 & 23
Final status: Uncertain
A recurring character, Manzou is a lampoon of Hanzo Itami. Aside from the main trio, Momotaro and Ichiemon the announcer, he is probably the only other character shown in multiple episodes (discounting flashbacks and multiple-part episodes). His persistence and enthusiasm are not without humorous results. As he is a law enforcer, he carries a jitte with him wherever he goes and is apparently able to use it to perform calisthenics. In all three episodes in which he appears, he plays the narrator for part or all of the story. Oddly enough, his narration transcends time, as he has narrated about future events which he could not feasibly be alive long enough to know about, like Vincent Van Gogh, and the Zen movement in the '60s. He may or may not have been killed by being sat on by an incredibly fat American during the baseball match in episode 23.
[edit] Hishikawa Moronobu
Name: Hishikawa Moronobu
Age: 20s
Profession: Ukiyo-e Artist
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): None
Quote: "I will never forget you"
Appears in: Episode 5
Final status: Alive
A handsome, effeminate ukiyo-e artist who charms young, attractive women into letting him draw ukiyo-e portraits of them, and then allowing his yakuza employers to kidnap the girls and sell them as European sex slaves, using the ukiyo-e painting as the advertisement. He does the same to Fuu; however, as she actually had appreciated his art, he feels guilty and failingly tries to free her. Moronobu also seems to be the object of unrequited attraction by the yakuza leader's wife, which aids his survival when the yakuza discover what he did. He later tells Mugen everything, who proceeds, along with Detective Manzou, to successfully rescue her and expose the slave trade. In the end he tries to stowaway for Europe with a painting of Fuu with sunflowers, inspired by his number one fan, (at least in his mind), Fuu. Although she nevers finds out if he makes it to Europe, Manzou informs us that Moronobu was captured shortly after and returned to Japan but his painting made its way to Holland, where it would inspire Vincent Van Gogh centuries later. Hishikawa Moronobu is based on an actual historical figure.
[edit] "Jouji" (a.k.a. Isaac Kitching)
Name: Isaac Kitching
Age: probably early to mid 30s
Profession: Governor General of the Dutch East India Company
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi (part of disguise)
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote: "I like men better."
Appears in: Episode 6
Final status: Alive
The Redheaded Dutch Stranger of Episode 6's namesake. A quixotic homosexual, he left his homeland for Japan, assuming it to have more open attitudes towards homosexuality according to his interpretation of Bushido and possibly the real-life tradition of shudo. Drags Jin and Mugen along with him to view a kabuki play after he wins their swords from them in an eating contest (Fuu has no choice but to tag along). Also the Governor General of the Dutch East India Company, he has information for Fuu relating to her skull keychain.
[edit] Shinsuke
Name: Shinsuke
Age: about Fuu's age
Profession: Pickpocket
Weapon(s): Tanto
Fighting style(s): None
Quote: "The only people who say money isn't everything are the people who have it."
Appears in: Episode 7
Final status: Deceased (killed by policemen)
A well-meaning but naive young man who tries to pay for his sick mother's medicine by pickpocketing. He picks Fuu's pocket, and later steals a packet of opium from a drug-dealer and attempts to have a connection sell it for him. Unfortunately the friend gives his name to the drug dealers after a torturous interrogation. Fuu tracks down Shinsuke at the same time the drug dealers catch up with him, rousing the attenton of the police, and leaving him with no alternative but to take Fuu hostage in a nearby house. Fuu helps him escape the building because his situation with his mother reminds Fuu of her own situation with hers. Shinsuke tries to escape, but is killed shortly after, leaving behind his mother, who although not being told, had already suspected the activities he was involved in, and is sure that he met his tragic end.
His character and predicament are similar to Roco Bonnaro from Session 8 of Cowboy Bebop, the most highly regarded anime Shinichiro Watanabe helmed.
[edit] Sakonshougen Nagamitsu
Name: Sakonshougen Nagamitsu
Age: 30s
Profession: Samurai (presumably)
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): probably Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote: "'I'm going to be big."
Appears in: Episode 8
Final status: Alive
Sakonshougen Nagamitsu's goal in life (aside from hitting on dishy girls like Fuu) is to become a great samurai warrior by defeating Mariya Enshirou's killer, who happens to be Jin. On his quest, he is accompanied by two "flunkies", the anachronistic, beatboxing Shinpachi and an "apprentice", Ogura Bunta. He goes on and on about his greatness, but falters when he actually comes face-to-face with Jin or anyone who could be considered competition for that matter. Once he finally confronts Jin, Ogura steps in for him instead, revealing that he doesn't particularly care for Nagamitsu and that he has a greater goal to achieve.
[edit] Ogura Bunta
Name: Ogura Bunta
Age: 20s
Profession: Samurai
Weapon(s): Katana
Fighting style(s): Mujushin Kenjutsu
Quote: "Prepare yourself, murderer!"
Appears in: Episode 8
Final status: Deceased (suicide, probably seppuku)
Nagamitsu's apparent flunky, he is really a former student of the deceased Mariya Enshirou. He meets Nagamitsu outside of Osaka Castle whom he associating himself with and endures only because two heads are better than one (Nagamitsu, too, appears obsessed with hunting Jin down). He is defeated effortlessly by Jin, who spares his life. According to Yukimaru, he committed suicide, unable to live with the disgrace.
[edit] Budoukiba
Name: Budoukiba (possibly Osen)
Age: late 20s to Early 30s
Profession: Barfly, Pickpocket
Weapon(s): N/A
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote: "Two handsome men like you shouldn't be drinking alone."
Appears in: Episode 8
Final status: Alive
Pretty barfly who regularly flaunts her ample cleavage. Her husband calls her Osen, which may be her real name or a pet name. She lures Jin and Mugen (who still hasn't learned not to trust attractive women with lipstick and low necklines) to a foreign bar on the pretext of enjoying the wine there. Manages to get Jin inebriated, but is not as lucky with Mugen, who is quite the well when it comes to food and drink. Not to be daunted, she successfully drugs him and steals their money. Appears again to drag Nagamitsu away from making a further fool of himself, and it is revealed that he is her husband. She adds insult to injury by robbing Mugen again before she departs.
[edit] Mariya Enshirou
Name: Mariya Enshirou
Age: probably Late 40s
Profession: Kenjutsu Sensei
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): Mujushin Kenjutsu
Quote: "You've improved tremendously, Jin."
Appears in: Episodes 9, 25 & 26
Final status: Deceased (killed by Jin prior to the show's beginning)
The renowned "Slayer of a Thousand Men" and third master of the Muju. He has perished by the show's beginning, but features prominently in flashbacks. Both his character and the dojo were actual historical entities, albeit relatively obscure. According to Samurai Champloo, he intended to turn the dojo into an academy for training assassins, under pressure from Kensei Kariya Kagetoki, but received passionate opposition from his finest pupil and heir, Jin.
In Episode 25, Jin remembers a flashback of a conversation with Mariya about turning the Dojo into the assassins academy. Jin said if it becomes that, then Mujushin Kenjutsu will no longer be a martial art. (Jin and Mariya were either relatives, otherwise Mariya adopted Jin, given the identical kamon on their kimono.) Change was the only way to survive in this day and age, Mariya lamented. In Kariya Kagetoki's view, if Jin would not see change, he would have to be erased from the picture. Jin would have to be killed in his sleep. However, Jin killed his attacker in the dead of the night, discovering to his horror that it was Mariya. Proudly before passing away, Mariya remarked, "You've improved tremendously, Jin."
[edit] Yamane
Name: Yamane
Age: 20s (present), 50s (future)
Profession: Checkpoint Official
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote: "I remember that look in his eyes. He was like a stray dog that had long ago broken free of its leash."
Appears in: Episode 9
Final status: Alive
A young government official in charge of guarding the Hakone Checkpoint. Nicknamed "The Ogre," he changes little appearance-wise from his youth to his old age—bespectacled face, small stature. He appears as the narrator of Episode 9, reminiscing about his encounter with Mugen, Jin and Fuu (specifically Mugen) several decades ago. He has the ability to dislocate his left shoulder at will, which is especially useful in wiggling out of tight restraints.
[edit] Aohabu
Name: Aohabu
Age: Probably 40s
Profession: Leader of the Tengu Priests
Weapon(s):
Fighting style(s):
Quote:
Appears in: Episode 9
Final status: Stoned
Leader of the souhei warrior monks disguised as tengu. He and his men are a group of warrior priests who were abandoned after the war and hope to gain revenge on the country by causing a revolution with their fields of marijuana. He seems very no-nonsense and is quick to schedule Mugen's execuiton when he judges him as a Shogunate lap dog (ironic, isn't it). He goes ballistic when Mugen and Yamane burn his fields of weed and is seen at the end of the episode high with the two of them.
[edit] Tajima Munetada
Name: Tajima Munetada
Age: 30s
Profession: Samurai
Weapon(s): Katana
Fighting style(s): Fuu Sekisai Ryu
Quote: "All right. I could use a little after-dinner exercise."
Appears in: Episode 10
Final status: Deceased (killed by Shouryuu)
A famous samurai of the Fuu Sekisai Ryu (literally, "Wind Strike") Dojo, he is introduced at the beginning of Episode 10, chewing on a blade of grass, and doesn't stick around for very long. He is approached by Shouryuu by the riverside on his way home and challenged to a duel. Tajima remarks, confidently, that he "could use a little after-dinner exercise," and charges Shouryuu. Shouryuu parries his attack with a wave of ki channeled through his sword. At first, Tajima is puzzled as to why Shouryuu is no longer attacking. A moment later, he hemorrhages out the eyes, face clenching up, and topples into the river, dead.
[edit] Ukon (a.k.a. Shouryuu)
Name: Shouryuu (formerly Ukon)
Age: 30s
Profession: Ronin
Weapon(s): Dao
Fighting style(s): Shaolin Kung Fu, Hakkei
Quote: "Once mastered, the martial arts are a tool for killing."
Appears in: Episode 10
Final status: Deceased (killed by Mugen)
Like Jin, Ukon was born into the samurai bloodline. He studied under Zuikou and became one of his most prized disciples. Ukon was sent on a voyage by the province's daimyo, but his ship met with disaster and capsized. Somehow, he ended up washed ashore in China. There, he encountered a 'mysterious martial art' known as Hakkei, and studied it vigorously under the tutelage of Shaolin monks. He returned to Japan a different man under a different name, Shouryuu, and so different had he become that he had no qualms about killing a fellow student to demonstrate his newfound power. Zuikou expelled him, but Shouryuu had the last laugh. Shouryuu wandered the continent searching for a new master, but no one would have him, labeling him a heretic. He became embittered as he felt his greatness deserved acknowledgement. He began murdering renowned samurai for sport, at the same time hoping to find a worthy opponent. The 'street killer' myth was built around him. His latest victim would have been Mugen, who despite being far superior to most of Shouryuu's opponents and having trained intensively for the fight, had little chance of winning outright. Mugen defeats Shouryuu by pulling out the tanto at the end of his scabbard and stabbing Shouryuu to death with it.
Next to Kariya Kagetoki and Sara, Shouryuu is easily one of the most powerful fighters in the Champloo universe. His stance and fighting style are markedly Shaolin. His discipline, Hakkei, makes use of ki. It is unknown if Shouryuu employs ki to strengthen his defenses, but he certainly uses it to greatly augment his offensive prowess. Already as quick as Mugen, if not quicker, he is able to project ki at a distance or even channel it through his sword. Furthermore, one blow from his palm is a fatal death touch.
[edit] Momoi Seishirou (a.k.a. "The Human Dynamo")
Name: Momoi Seishirou
Age: 30s to 40s
Profession: Samurai
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): probably Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote: "Don't hurt me, please! It was all a lie, I swear to you! The whole Human Dynamo thing, I made it all up!"
Appears in: Episode 10
Final status: Alive
Mustached, goateed, cowardly samurai who surrounds himself with flunkies, in addition to being a self-styled "Human Dynamo". Mistakes Mugen for the street killer after some miscommunication and stands back to watch as the flunkies defend him. Only, Mugen clobbers them all, leaving Momoi to fall to his knees and beg for his life. Mugen spares him, disgusted (also because it would be wise not to stir up any more fuss in broad daylight, what with the townsfolk being on the edge of their seats about the street killer).
[edit] Zuikou
Name: Zuikou
Age: 40s to 50s
Profession: Monk
Weapon(s): Katana (given up after he converted to monkhood)
Fighting style(s): Unspecified (might be unique)
Quote: "That's a lively piece of firewood!"
Appears in: Episodes 10 & 12
Final status: Alive
A muscle-bound monk who gives the trio room and board in his temple in exchange for their menial services. He was once the master of the dojo that Shouryuu trained in and became a monk as penance for his failure to save his pupil's soul. Makes a second prominent appearance in the Episode 12 flashbacks, possibly instructing Mugen on the art of Hakkei (how he knows anything about its workings is quite inexplicable, though it wouldn't be a stretch to assume he researched it).
It would seem that his giving room and board to our trio was not merely for their labor. In "Disorder Diaries", he provided both Jin and Fuu with spiritual guidance. And Zuikou's predictive powers (evident by his telling them to fix the doors before Mugen actually broke them) could lead us to believe that he predicted that Mugen would help his quest to end Ukon's path of destruction.
[edit] Shino
Name: Shino (working name: "Kohana")
Age: probably late-20s
Profession: Prostitute
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote: "An eel's like a good woman. If you try to hang onto them by brute force they'll only run away."
Appears in: Episode 11
Final status: Alive
A benevolent older woman who falls in love with Jin, and vice versa. With a little subtlety, he saves her from jumping off a bridge. They spend the rest of the night manning an eel stand, which its oblivious owner has left Jin in charge of. She divulges that she will be sold to a brothel come morning to pay for her husband's gambling debts (a predicament similar to Osuzu's in Episodes 3 & 4). When they next meet, she has become a prostitute and has assumed the name Kohana. A bunch of samurai pound on Jin for 'window shopping'. Aware that they might blame Kohana if he retaliates, he takes the beating in silence. He borrows money from a stunned Mugen and Fuu in order to see her the following night. Their bond grows stronger, and he persuades her to escape. This is a meticulously hatched plan: he frees her from her contract and sends her off to a divorce shelter where she will stay for the next three years. After that, should he die or remain a penniless ronin, she will at least be free of her husband.
[edit] Mukuro
Name: Mukuro
Age: Late 20s to Early 30s
Profession: Pirate
Weapon(s): Revolver, Kodachi
Fighting style(s): Gunslinger, Other unspecified skills
Quote: "You and I are two birds of the same feather."
Appears in: Episodes 13 & 14
Final status: Deceased (killed by Jin)
Wanted criminal, pirate captain, former cohort of Mugen. He carries a revolver tucked in his waistband. His clothing incudes a sawtooth design, wristbands and ankle bandages, which Kohza and a younger Mugen both share in appearance. Like his sister, Kohza, he has a fairly swarthy complexion. He double-crossed Mugen at least once before and does it again. After their 'reunion', he convinces Mugen to rob a government ship with him, the spoils being heaps of gold bullion. He blows the ship up with Mugen on board and returns to shore, where he and his secret accomplice, a government official named Shiren, hoard the gold. Unfortunately, Kohza is none too fond of her brother (according to her, he killed their mother), and engineers the double-cross into a triple-cross. He and Jin end up dueling. He fans two shots at Jin; however, Jin anticipates and evades them. Mukuro met his end when Jin sliced him seconds after drawing his katana.
Mugen's relationship with Mukuro is analogous to Spike's relationship with Vicious in Cowboy Bebop.
[edit] Kohza
Name: Kohza
Age: Adolescent
Profession: Pirate
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): N/A
Quote: "It's not fair that they get to be beautiful. Not when everything is so ugly down here."
Appears in: Episodes 13 & 14
Final status: Alive, but probably comitted suicide.
Mukuro's perpetually gloomy younger sister. She has a fondness for Mugen that dates back to their days of piracy, though the feeling is not quite mutual. Kohza isn't so much in love with Mugen as she is attached to him. This stems from her chronic dependency—she simply can't bear to be alone, which explains why she has remained with Mukuro all this time, even though he clearly repulses her. She devises a scheme to get rid of Mukuro and leave with Mugen, but as Mugen rejects her advances, she replaces him with Shiren. She neglects to inform Mugen what Mukuro has in store for him. After the ship Mugen is on explodes, she manipulates Jin and Mukuro into fighting, which ends in Mukuro's death. As she is leaving with Shiren, Mugen, having survived the explosion, confronts them and cuts Shiren down with a series of lightning-quick slashes despite being rigorously weakened. Kohza begs him to kill her. He pays her no heed, sick of her antics, and departs, leaving her to suffer alone.
It is disputable whether Kohza is Mukuro's actual sister, as, aside from their skin tone, Fuu observes that they look nothing alike. Moreover, Kohza states that Mukuro "killed her mother", not "our" mother.
There are hints that Mugen may have stronger feelings for her than he displays. For one, his unenthusiastic behavior towards her exemplifies what Watanabe states is the way Mugen would act towards a girl he actually has feelings for [2] . Secondly, at the end of Mugen's near-death experience in Misguided Miscreants Part 2, the last people he sees in his mind are Jin, Fuu and Kohza, the only people who ever cared for him, and possibly whom he ever cared for in return.
[edit] Shiren
Name: Shiren
Age: 20s, probably
Profession: Shogunate Official
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): probably Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote: "I signed on for the money."
Appears in: Episodes 13 & 14
Final status: Deceased (chopped up by Mugen)
A Shogunate official, infatuated with Kohza. He becomes Mukuro's collaborator in double-crossing Mugen and keeping the gold for themselves. It is unknown if he is aware of Kohza's betrayal of Mukuro, though if he did he would surely be in on it, as it would mean more money for him. He is slashed dead by Mugen at the end of everything. As he and Mukuro are the only two people who know where the gold is hidden, it is never recovered.
[edit] Otowa Hankichi
Name: Otowa Hankichi
Age: 20s
Profession: Ninja
Weapon(s): probably Ninjaken, Kunai & Shuriken
Fighting style(s): Ninjutsu
Quote: "Are you sure he's going to be okay? I feel bad just leaving him here."
Appears in: Episode 15
Final status: Alive
A decent-looking young man, apart, perhaps, from the large mole on the left side of his face (which may be a subtle jab at his role as a double agent). He is a Shogunate spy, trained in ninjutsu, though this does not save him from being captured and tortured by members of a counterfeiting ring. He sustains the interrogation, and manages not to blow Yatsuha's cover, though the crooks are not taking chances and decide to silence her, regardless, based on their suspicions.
Otowa is played by the same seiyuu who did Shikamaru from the popular anime Naruto, both being ninjas and both being good at running away.
[edit] Yatsuha
Name: Imano Yatsuha
Age: 20s
Profession: Ninja
Weapon(s): Ninjaken, probably Kunai & Shuriken
Fighting style(s): Ninjutsu
Quote: "Listen, how would you like to try something really amazing?"
Appears in: Episode 15
Final status: Alive
Ostensibly a young geisha employed in a brothel, she is actually a kunoichi and Otawa's partner, working to expose the brothel's counterfeiting operation. Her pretty face and voluptuous body are valuable assets, which spur Jin and Mugen to compete over her through a battle, without any of them holding their weapons though, but both acting like they do... (the physical appearances of the other geisha are also factors). She tries to escape after she realizes she's been found out, but Mugen isn't having any of it. She persuades him to fight alongside her, with promises of "something amazing." Together, they invade the brothel's basement and beat up hordes of Negoro ninja. She arrests Ginsa, leader of the counterfeiting operation and knocks Mugen unconscious after he tries to collect on her promise. The next morning, she confesses to Otawa that she is in love with Mugen and intends to marry him. Otawa has reservations about her taste in men.
[edit] Momochi Ginsa
Name: Momochi Ginsa
Age: 40s
Profession: Counterfeiter
Weapon(s): Kodachi
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote: "Doubts are like bothersome flies. They must all be crushed. That is rule number one."
Appears in: Episode 15
Final status: Deceased (impaled by Yatsuha)
The leader of the counterfeiting operation fronted by a brothel operating overhead that seeks to duplicate koban. The operation is already well underway when Otawa, a government mole, almost exposes their illicit activities. He and his underlings are part of a clan of ninja discounted after the war, similar to the so-called tengu in Episode 9. He sends five of them to dispose of Jin, who is recuperating after having engaged in a session of strenuous activity with a gaggle of geisha, but they die by his sword, instead. Ginsa and Yatsuha's father have history. Ginsa, unable to accept that the rest of his men (over twenty of them) were beaten solely by her and Mugen, draws his blade and tears toward them. He is promptly knocked down by Mugen and impaled to the ground by Yatsuha.
[edit] Okuru
Name: Okuru
Age: Late 30s to Early 40s
Profession: Fugitive
Weapon(s): repeating crossbow, Kodachi
Fighting style(s): Archery, Other unspecified skill
Quote: "Death leaves no beautiful corpses."
Appears in: Episodes 16 & 17
Final status: Uncertain
An Ainu warrior whose village was struck by an epidemic and torched by the Matsumae Han. Overcome with rage, he killed the official who authorized the burning. He was arrested and incarcerated, but escaped before he could be executed. His weapon is unique, a modified crossbow, called a Cho-Ko-Nu, that can repeatedly fire bolts. He mistakes Mugen as part of the Matsumae Han (who, ironically, later mistake Mugen for Okuru) and attacks him. He withdraws after he realizes the error. Later, he saves Fuu after she plunges off a crag. Upon encountering Mugen again, they do battle, and Mugen remarks that he has the "eyes of a dead man, like a severed head that doesn't know it's been cut off." Their fight is interrupted by agents of the Matsumae Han, led by Tobata. Okuru is riddled by flaming arrows, but miraculously remains standing. Jin and Mugen slaughter the rest of the Matsumae Han agents, while Okuru wrenches an arrow out of his gut and stabs Tobata dead with it. Engulfed in flames, he leaps off a cliff into the sea below. This time, Mugen remarks that he is "definitely alive."
Okuru's predicament of not being sure whether he is alive or dead due to life-changing events that occurred in his past bears similarities with that of Cowboy Bebop character Spike Spiegel.
[edit] Yukimaru
Name: Yukimaru
Age: around 18
Profession: Samurai
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): Mujushin Kenjutsu
Quote: "You must understand, I'm not like those others at the dojo. There's no point in avenging our master."
Appears in: Episodes 16 & 17
Final status: Deceased (run through by Jin)
Like Ogura, Yukimaru was a student of Mariya Enshirou's before Jin killed him. Yukimaru contends that, unlike Ogura, he wants to take Jin's life not to avenge Enshirou but to make a name for himself. Unwilling to fight him, Jin takes a dive off the edge of a waterfall. Yukimaru is persistent and hunts him down once more. They clash katana, and Jin gives him one last chance to turn back. Yukimaru charges on. Jin runs him through. On his dying breath, shedding a tear, Yukimaru whispers that he only "wanted to be like you." Jin and Fuu bury him, and pray before his grave.
The Triforce-esque crest on Yukimaru's kimono is identical to the kamon of the Hōjō clan (which is incidentally where the inspiration for the Triforce came from).
[edit] Tobata
Name: Tobata
Age: Early 30s
Profession: Samurai
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): probably Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote:
Appears in: Episodes 16 & 17
Final status: Deceased (stabbed by Okuru)
Commands the band of Matsumae Han officials sent to pursue Okuru. Clearly enjoys what he is doing, as evidenced by the smirk on his face when he (thinks he) finally has Okuru cornered. His allegiance is to his daimyo and cannot be swerved, as he declares that he "has his orders," even after hearing that his superiors' motives might be less than honorable. Is stunned that Okuru is still on his feet after having been riddled by flaming arrows. He rushes forward with his katana drawn, intending to put an end to the enemy of the state. A dispassionate Okuru wrenches an arrow out his body and stabs Tobata to death with it.
[edit] Bundai
Name: Bundai
Age: Probably 30s
Profession: Priest scholar
Weapon(s): (Uses fists) None
Fighting style(s): Brawling
Quote: "Listen here, words have a soul! If you don't know the letters that convey it, you'll miss out."
Appears in: Episode 18
Final status: Alive
A priest-scholar of an apparently abandoned temple. He meets the trio in a restaurant where, in an inebriated state, he disciplines Mugen for his illiteracy. He later kidnaps Mugen and puts him through a humorously hardcore bootcamp-like course in reading. During the tagging of Hiroshima Castle, he is infuriated at the Niwa brothers' improper grammar in their graffiti and kidnaps them at the end to teach them the same way he did with Mugen.
[edit] Niwa Juunosuke
Name: Niwa Juunosuke
Age: Probably 40s
Profession: Kenjutsu sensei
Weapon(s): Katana and Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): Probably Mujushin Kenjutsu
Quote: "If something should happen to me, please take care of my sons."
Appears in: Episode 18
Final status: Deceased (suicide)
A master of the Gojuu dojo in Mihara and former sensei to Jin. His dojo was so envied by other masters that he was ordered by the daimyo to take down his dojo's signboard (an immense sign of disrespect), or cut off his own arm. Rather than allow this to happen, he committed suicide, so his sons could inherit the dojo. Jin learns all of this from a monk upon visiting the abandoned dojo. The Niwas apparently held Jin in high regard not just as a student, but as family, evident from Juunosuke asking Jin to look after his sons in case anything happens to him, as well as his sons' brotherly respect for Jin. His sons' decision to desecrate Hiroshima Castle was partially to avenge him.
[edit] Niwa Kazunosuke & Tatsunoshin
Names: Niwa Kazunosuke
-
- Niwa Tatsunoshin
- Niwa Tatsunoshin
Age: Probably slightly older than Fuu
Profession: Graffiti Tagging Gang Leaders
Weapon(s): Wooden club with protruding nails, Dagger, Paintbrush
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote: "The world's a big place. There's always someone better."
Appears in: Episode 18
Final status: Alive
Two identical twins and sons of Juunosuke Niwa. Appearance wise, their clothing is very hip-hop oriented, while still having Buddha bracelets like Jin's. The twins style also are similar, but contrasting, with one being blonde with nose-ring and earrings, the other black-haired with a black headband. They are heads of the local graffiti gang and are extremely competitive with each other. They deeply respect Jin like an older brother, to whom they reveal that they have given up the sword in exchange for the paintbrush and currently express themselves by "tagging" graffiti in different places. Following a suggestion by Fuu to settle their constant competing, they go on a tagging contest, culminating in the tagging of Hiroshima Castle, but are foiled when the newly literate Mugen beats them to it. This prompts them to finally accept that neither of them is better than the other, while also being recruited by Uohori of Andouya (Champloo's version of Andy Warhol) to shake up the fashion of Ura Edo and become the inspiration of scribbling. However, this is not before they are taken away by Bundai for some difficult trainng in grammar.
[edit] Yuri
Name: Yuri
Age: probably slightly older than Fuu
Profession: Underground Christian
Weapon(s): None
Fighting style(s): None
Quote: "May God protect you."
Appears in: Episode 19
Final status: Alive
A young, determined Christian girl who is the daughter of a gunsmith who hid on Ikitsuki Island with Fuu's father, Kasumi Seizou. They fled when the village was raided and burned, and never saw Kasumi after that. She is pursued and captured by the imposter Francisco Xavier III, who killed her father to prevent him from exposing his gunrunning plot. Francisco attempts to force her to marry him, until Fuu, Mugen and Jin help her escape and expose Xavier. She fires past him possibly by mistake or by divine grace, and after Xavier's death, prays for God to protect the trio on their journey. Yuri is notable for providing the first actual information about Kasumi Seizou and his whereabouts.
[edit] Francisco de Xavier III
Name: Francisco de Xavier III (false name)
Age: 30s to 40s
Profession: Gunrunner
Weapon(s): primitive Rocket Launcher
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote: "To stand against me is to stand against God."
Appears in: Episode 19
Final status: Deceased (accidental suicide)
Not his real name by any means. He claims to be the grandson of the first Francisco de Xavier, an evangelist who introduced Jesus to Japan. He deceives a Christian village into producing firearms for him. His crown is shaved in the fashion of a Western monk, and he is highly amblyopic. He is the only person in the show with access to a rocket launcher, and dies when it backfires on him and explodes. Some believe that the rocket launcher mishap was an act of God, angry at how he took advantage of Christians.
[edit] Sara
Name: Sara
Age: Mid 20s
Profession: Shamisen Player, Shogunate Assassin
Weapon(s): Kama-Yari (disguised as walking staff)
Fighting style(s): Jojutsu
Quote: "I realized something. My son's been dead for a long time now. This whole time, they've just been using me. I cannot [fight them]. The government hired me. I just want you to live, Mugen."
Appears in: Episodes 20 & 21
Final status: Deceased (allowed Mugen to kill her)
A beautiful, blind musician who the trio encounters near the end of their journey. The quartet travel together for a while, and she reveals she has an illegitimate son that was sequestered from her, allegedly due to her blindness. She requests for one of the men to accompany her to reclaim her son. Knowing that Mugen likes Sara, Fuu reluctantly offers Jin, expecting him to reject the offer. But Jin accepts. Sara is in reality a Shogunate assassin, set to expunge both Mugen and Jin. She unfolds the blades on her walking staff and wounds Jin in a matter of moments. Out of desperation, Jin cuts the ropes holding up the bridge they are on and they both go plunging into the river below. Jin recuperates, while Mugen and Fuu locate an unconscious Sara washed up on the bank. Mugen finds Sara's staff by the river and becomes suspicious of her motives. Most likely, he discovers the blades on it and deduces what happened to Jin. When she has recovered, he confronts her about it, quietly, subtly, uncharacteristically. Sara and Mugen fight by the river, and Mugen is utterly defeated. Fuu begs Sara not to kill him, and she relents, partially for Fuu, and partially because she relates to Mugen, as neither of them, in her opinion, have ever been loved. A Shogunate contact disguised as a pinwheel merchant urges Sara to finish the job, especially if she wants to see her son again. One of his many pinwheels stop, abruptly, and it hits her that her son is already dead. In their second battle, Sara allows Mugen to kill her, because she no longer has any reason to live. Her death marks the only time we actually see Mugen regret killing someone.
Sara's fighting ability is one of the strongest in the "Champloo Universe", being able to noticably sunder rocks with her Yari in her fight against Mugen and sense opponents attacks despite her blindness. Jin theorises that she is able to sense movement through air currents, much like how a fish can detect movement in the water.
Sara's concealed yari weapon and blindness may be references to Zatoichi.
[edit] Matagi
Name: Matagi a.k.a. Johnny
Age: probably 60s
Profession: Hermit
Weapon(s): Unknown, if any
Fighting style(s): Unknown
Quote:"To catch a fish, you gotta think like one, see like one. They go with the flow. They use the water surrounding their bodies to sense what'll happen next. If you move against the flow of the water, the fish feels it, and darts away at the last minute. But, if you don't fight the current, and flow with it instead..."
Appears in: Episode 21
Final status: Alive
An old hermit who rescues Jin after the latter nearly drowns from the fight with Sara. Matagi brings him back to an old hut to recuperate. As Jin awakens in the hut, he is told to go across the room to pick up a bowl of rice, which Jin painfully crawls toward to find empty. Later, Jin finds Matagi outside standing in the water trying to catch fish with his bare hands with a method later referred to as the "Way of the Water", although it doesn't exactly work the first time it is demonstrated. As Jin is leaving, he thanks the hermit for the lesson, to which Matagi claims he didn't teach Jin anything. Jin is greatly surprised when he asks the hermit's name and his reply is, in a somber tone, Musashi Miyamoto. But the old man laughs it off, saying that he lied and his real name is Johnny. Whether or not he is indeed the legendary swordsman is left up to the audience to decide. His name has been officially given as Matagi.
[edit] Heike Shige
Name: Heike Shige
Age: Over 500 (appears to be in 20s to 30s)
Profession: (supposed) Nobleman
Weapon(s): Biwa
Fighting Style: Necromancy
Quote: "We shouldn't get too concerned over bloodlines, there's not a drop of blood in our bodies!"
Appears in: Episode 22, can be heard singing in episode 15
Final status: Undead
Heike Shige is the leader of a band of zombie-like workers, who have been mining for the legendary gold of the Heike clan for 500 years. Some unearthly quality of the area's mushroom population preserved them long after their bodies expired. Shige and his men believed only five years had passed, when in fact they had been mining for one hundred times that.
Shige, believing himself a descendant of the Heike(which Jin proves wrong at the end of the episode.), thought to eventually use the gold to defeat their ancient enemies the Genji clan. He claimed (apparently in truth) that his biwa could summon the stars from heaven to strike his foes. When he encountered Mugen, Jin and Fuu, he offered them 10% of the treasure in exchange for their help at the quarry. This would have been a fortune if the gold were truly there. Shige's quixotic quest came to an end, however, when Fuu discovered the nature of his men. During the ensuing confrontation, Jin discovered that Shige was not a true descendant of the Heike. This led to the zombie workers themselves turning on their would-be leader. Seeing his plans come to nothing, Shige at last unveiled his ultimate weapon, and indeed summoned a meteor upon the entire area. Despite being at ground zero, Mugen, Jin and Fuu survived. The ultimate fate of Shige and his men is not known (presumably they were annihilated in the impact.)
Shige was a zombie, much like his men. To stave off the inevitable rot of their bodies, they consumed a large amount of wasabi (which apparently holds preservative properties). Because they were already dead, it was apparently impossible to kill them---although Shige notes it was a "close call" when Mugen nearly beheads him. Presumably the zombies of Champloo are modeled after the most famous zombies of George Romero fame which can only be slain by direct trauma to the head. (Certainly they can sustain impalement, disembowlment and maiming with no problem, and severed limbs will eventually reattatch if held to the stump for a period. However, in concordance with Japanese myths, the zombies of Champloo do not transfer their "condition" via biting, as Mugen is chomped on several times with no lasting effects.) Shige is inspired by Japanese video game designer, Shigesato Itoi (the creator of EarthBound), from his name, direct quotes, and his wasting much time and money searching for, in all likelihood, a nonexistent treasure.
Some aspect of his biwa allowed Shige to resurrect the dead. However, the revived were presumably all Heike vassals and only served Shige because they believed him heir to the line. Therefore, the zombies he revived were not necessarily bound to his will.
While Shige may have truly perished in the impact of the meteor he summoned, the ending credits to his episode are interrupted by a shot of him bursting from the grave--an indication that he "lives" on.
Shige's ablility to summon a meteor may be referencing Dawn of the Dead, which unofficially speculates that meteors were involved in causing the zombies.
[edit] Kagemaru
Name: Kagemaru
Age: probably mid to late 30s
Profession: Former Ninja
Weapon(s): Smoke bomb, probably Ninjaken, Kunai & Shuriken
Fighting style(s): Ninjitsu
Quote: "I die with no regrets."
Appears in: Episode 23
Final status: Uncertain
Kagemaru is a former ninja who wears distinctive orange sunglasses and is a member of an elite guard that dealt with foreigners. It was shut down when Japan's isolation order went into effect, being yet another example of a member of a group which has lost its significance. His prior membership in this group explains why he is familiar enough with foreign culture to know about baseball. He challenges American sailors who landed in Japan (including Alexander Joy Cartwright and Abner Doubleday) to a baseball game, on the condition that the Americans leave if they are defeated. He recruits our main trio, as well as two animals, the extremely old town consul and later, Detective Manzou, to play on his baseball team, teaching them how to the night before the game. When the game finally kicks off, the first one up to bat, he bunts and gets on base by throwing a smoke bomb. Just as with the rest of the team, he is victim to the American team's blatant cheating, dodging hostile pitches and being elbowed by the American players. He seems very easy going about the entire situation, and when the second inning begins, he takes the pitcher's mound and willingly allows himself to be skewered by the wooden shards of Cartwright's baseball bat in order to catch the ball and get Cartwight out. He collapses on the mound upon gasping that he has no regrets. It is unclear whether or not he survived.
[edit] Kariya Kagetoki (a.k.a. "The Divine Hand")
Name: Kariya Kagetoki
Age: Late 40s, probably
Profession: Samurai, Assassin, Guard Captain for the Shogunate
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote: "You have my compliments. You somehow managed to avoid a fatal blow. In your current condition, however, you can't possibly defeat me."
Appears in: Episodes 24, 25 & 26
Final status: Deceased (killed by Jin)
Once known as "The Hand Of The Gods" because of his incomparable skill as a swordsman, as he is the strongest character in the "Champloo Universe". Kariya is unfortunately another Shogunate assassin. He has a calm demeanor, and is very similar to Jin in this way. He knows Sara, because he laments her death after she is brought up to him. Kariya seeks to kill Jin and assume his position (technically, Jin is master of the Mujuushin Kenjutsu Dojo, since he killed Mariya and was his heir). He makes a mockery out of Mugen by avoiding every single one of his strikes and shoving him into the ocean. Jin engages him, but fails to get the upper hand. Following a brief standoff, Kariya cuts Jin down and his body crumples into the sea.
His mission was to find and assassinate Kasumi Seizou, Fuu, and those she traveled with. Kariya finds and assassinates Fuu's father, the Sunflower Samurai, whom Fuu has just reunited with. He goes after Fuu, but Jin appears, still alive. They fight and Kariya stabs Jin but is himself stabbed as Jin sacrifices his own body to breach his opponent's defenses. Kariya dies in disbelief.
The move Jin used to kill Kariya was the last technique taught to him by his master, Mariya Enshirou. Although Mariya described the technique as suicidal, Jin managed to survive.
Like Shouryuu, Kariya is capable of utilizing his ki, though his seems to work differently (eg. instead of causing grave internal injury, it appears to replicate great physical force).
- Note: It should be recognized that while Kariya seems incomparably skilled, he openly admits that he will only be able to defeat Jin by the smallest margin. As Mugen tends to fight the stronger opponents of the series (e.g., Sara, Shouryuu), we rarely get to see just how capable Jin truly is. Kariya's comment gives us a hint as to just how incredible and skillful Jin may be.
[edit] The Brothers
Three brothers who were scarred, crippled and driven insane by Mugen during his time as a pirate. They were held responsible for the loss of the sugar shipment he and Mukuro stole and had to desert their positions in the Satsuma Han in order to escape punishment. As with Ryujiro, Mugen appears to have no recollection of the damage he caused, and, predictably, once he is reminded, he doesn't care, lambasting that "once you point your sword at someone, it's kill or be killed."
[edit] Denkibou
Name: Denkibou
Age: Unspecified
Profession: Mercenary
Weapon(s): retractable Tekko-Kagi (steel claw), diamond-shaped Bisento
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote: "…but the person I want to kill so much is right before me! Patience…is impossible. Impossible!"
Appears in: Episodes 24 & 25
Final status: Deceased (skewered by Mugen/drowned)
The youngest and certainly the ugliest (hunched posture, large fanatical eyes, crooked teeth); wears a steel claw on his left wrist and has been likened to a blond Gollum. He also bears similarities to the X-Men supervillain Toad. He carries a bisento short enough for him to wield and whines or shrieks wildly whenever he opens his mouth. He was referred to, among a share of viewers, as "the troll" before his name was disclosed, though "the gremlin" may have been more apt. He is given the task of bringing Mugen to his brothers, but loses control and attacks Mugen himself instead. He takes advantage of Mugen's inability to fight well in small spaces (they are on a boat), but Mugen overturns the boat. He is the first of the brothers to die, stabbed underwater by Mugen.
[edit] Umanosuke
Name: Umanosuke
Age: probably Mid 30s
Profession: Mercenary
Weapon(s): Katana, Wakizashi, rocket-propelled Kusarigama
Fighting style(s): Kusarigamajutsu, probably Kenjutsu or Kendo
Quote: "Well, if you wish it, I can kill you slowly."
Appears in: Episodes 24, 25 & 26
Final status: Deceased (beheaded by Mugen)
Umanosuke sports a hefty chonmage, is deformed in one eye (it is lidless; he wears an eye patch to compensate for this), and wields a spectacular, seemingly rocket-propelled weapon: a chain-sickle comparable to Sara's bladed staff. He wears a daisho, indicating that he was once samurai, but relies principally on the deadly chain-sickle. It is a fearsome, highly destructive weapon.
While a normal kusarigama makes use of the chain to ensnare the opponent so the wielder may attack at full advantage with the sickle, the chain of Umanosuke's kusarigama is located in the shaft and can be launched to at least forty feet and retracted (one wonders how the space for that much chain is available), ostensibly by some sort of helix mechanism. The sickle cuts effortlessly through solid objects like wood and rock; Umanosuke wields it with immense skill. It is a very practical weapon, as once retracted it is effective as a scythe at close quarters.
Umanosuke is cool and composed, almost suave, when we first see him. He even has no problem with letting Fuu escape as long as he can kill Mugen. Upon his meeting Mugen, the composure crumbles, worse when the eye patch is cut away, and he spirals to Denkibou's level of madness. Mugen gives up his sword in order to rescue Fuu from his clutches, but manages to reclaim it and, after a hard-fought battle, decapitate him with his own weapon. The way he ends the battle is important. In the earlier battle against Kariya, Mugen is told that simply fighting on instinct shows everyone his limits and is soundly defeated. The manner in which Mugen worked out Umanosuke's death shows Mugen overcoming his weakness.
[edit] Toube
Name: Toube
Age: late 40s
Profession: Mercenary
Weapon(s): Firearm and Explosives concealed in wheelchair
Fighting style(s): Unspecified
Quote: Mute
Appears in: Episodes 24, 25 & 26
Final status: Deceased (blew himself up)
Toube is the eldest of the brothers and the most unfortunate (he is confined to a wheelchair). Like his brothers, he lives for Mugen's pain (Mugen severed his leg in the raid on the ship he was protecting, and since then he has never uttered a word). He shoots Mugen in the back (with a pistol concealed in the wheelchair's left armrest) after watching Umanosuke die, then ignites a stash of dynamite (concealed in the wheelchair's base), intending to take Mugen with him. Somehow, Mugen survives, and Toube dies alone -in peace at least- thinking he has finally done Mugen in.
Toube's concealed weapons within his wheelchair may have been inspired by the concealed weapons in Daigoro's baby cart in the Lone Wolf and Cub series.
| Main | Characters | Episodes:1-12 - 13-26 |
|---|---|
| Music | Masta | Playlist | Departure | Impression |
| Game | Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked |
