Shimada Kambei

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Shimada Kambei is the main protagonist of the highly acclaimed Japanese film Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa and its anime adaptation Samurai 7.

[edit] Film Version

In the original 1954 movie, he was portrayed and played by Takashi Shimura as an aged yet skilled samurai who has fought many battles in his past. He claims to have "lost" them, as he is still alive. He was the first to be recruited by the villagers and assumed the leader position. He is also one of the three samurai to survive the battle against the bandits.

[edit] Anime Version

In this adaptation of the original, Kambei was recast as an even more bitter and serious samurai who has all the qualities that every samurai should have but seems to be ashamed of his loss in the great war. He is one of the soldiers together with his comrade/best-friend Shichiroji to greatly take part of the war on the losing side. His appearance was changed from a bald, old Japanese warrior into a dark skinned and long haired samurai. Like the film, he mocks and discourages both Katsushiro and Kikuchiyo because of their immaturity. However, they added a scene in the final episode where Katsushiro has become a true samurai and Kambei presented him his sword. Kirara seems to have feelings for Kambei as it was hinted in the 25th episode that she wants to say her feelings at least to Kambei before they go to the capital for the final battle, but he rejects it for "his heart has dried up long ago". Toward the beginning of the series he fought Kyuzo to a stand still, evenly matched, but he told him the end would have to wait since he had already made a pact to save the village. Kyuzo saves Kambei's life several times claiming that only he has the right to take his life. When Kyuzo dies, he tells Kambei that he will wait for him in Kanna. His fate is unchanged as he is one of the three who survives the battle against the nobuseri.

[edit] Kambei's Sword

The sword Kambei uses in the Anime is called 'an artwork' by Masamune. It doesn't say how was it forged or where did he get it, though. However, it can be seen from the series' opening sequences and close-ups a very distinctive work, much like a Damascus steel sword.