Top 10 Greatest Samurai Characters

Inspired by Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, Mitsurugi is essentially the unofficial main character of the "Soulcalibur" franchise, appearing in every title since 1995's "Soul Edge." Driven by a constant need to test his skills against tougher opponents while also scouring the land for mystical swords, Mitsurugi is – more or less – the stereotypical samurai, which is not a bad thing. As a playable character, Mitsurugi hits hard, fast, and earnestly; as this is a samurai who is far too skilled to care about trickery or feints. Still not convinced? Well, there is also that time Mitsurugi fought Darth Vader on equal footing.

Debuting in 1975 and still going strong, “Super Sentai” has covered everything, so it was only a matter of time before samurai were thrown into the mix. Now, swordsmen engaging in honorable battles already sounds awesome, but the Shinkengers also happen to command mechas that combine to create even bigger robots. Moving past the cool weapons, the six main Shinkengers – led by the expertly-written Takeru Shiba – sacrifice their normal lives to protect the world from monsters seeking to cause a bit of a flood. Unlike the image of the lone wanderer, Shinkengers are a team connected by a shared destiny.

While bearing little in common with the historical Date Masamune, "Sengoku BASARA's" clan leader serves as proof positive that six swords are better than one. In battle, Masamune is an absolute dynamo, proving to be such an overwhelming force that the samurai earned the nickname of the "One-Eyed Dragon." Masamune's rivalry with Sanada Yukimura is the heart of "Sengoku BASARA," with the games and anime taking the time to explore the psyche of both characters. What makes Masamune particularly memorable is the warlord's rapport with the rest of the Date clan, as the samurai is far from only motivated by power.

Blending adorable anthropomorphic animals, extensive Japanese mythology, supernatural mysticism, and graphic but never pointless violence, Stan Sakai's "Usagi Yojimbo" is a masterpiece. At the center of this story spanning longer than three decades is Miyamoto Usagi, a masterless samurai seeking to avenge the death of his master. The comic mainly focuses on the ronin's travels, the people Usagi meets, and the bandits stupid enough to cross the skilled warrior. While never hesitant to use his sword, Usagi is a considerate soul, serving as a great counterpoint to chaotic characters like Jei.

In both the manga and anime, Goemon originally shows up to kill Lupin, but the super-serious samurai eventually forms a friendship with the thief. A throwback to classic samurai films, Goemon dresses the part while also adhering to a stern code of conduct. With a sword, Goemon is deadly and swift, blending various martial arts styles to make short work of most enemies. While Goemon has primarily remained the same throughout "Lupin the Third's" incredibly long-run, some later entries have explored other facets of the samurai, mainly his comedic side and loyalty to Lupin.

Living in an age were swords are outlawed, Gintoki is a relic of a bygone era and – on the surface – is not exactly a great ambassador for samurai. However, there are two sides to the White Demon: The hilarious and selfish slacker who shows up in "Gintama's" comedy episodes, and the tortured samurai capable of single-handedly deciding battles seen in the more serious arcs. Whether locked in a battle of wits over a hot pot, trying to pull-off a Kamehameha, or engaging in a testing and bloody battle to protect his friends, Gintoki is always a delight.

This Japanese prince was destined to vanquish the oppressive demon Aku, only to be hoaxed into a time-warping portal. Jack’s determination to once again face off with Aku is unwavering, as it his only way to return back to his own time. However, Aku’s evil is law in this dystopian future, and his followers are sworn to stop Jack at every turn. Jack is seen drawing his weapon only when absolutely necessary, but isn’t afraid to demonstrate what his long years of training have taught him.

Seven masterless samurai are tasked with saving a small village from vicious bandits, and each of these men brings something else to the fight. It’s hard to single out our favorite among this ragtag group of warriors, from the rookie Katsushirō Okamoto, to the charismatic Heihachi Hayashida, to the solemn Kyūzō to the hilarious Kikuchiyo. Led by a war-weary veteran, the samurai’s conflicting views and backgrounds prevent them from working together efficiently. Through their shared disciplines and place in society, however, they eventually learn to trust each other and come to the aid of the troubled village.

Once revered as the fearsome “Battousai the Manslayer,” Kenshin is now determined to live life as a peaceful pacifist. Although due to the atrocities of his past life, trouble often follows him. Kenshin has taken a solemn vow never to kill again, and keeps this promise by arming himself with the Sakabatō, a katana with the blade reversed so that it cannot kill. Kenshin’s Flying Heaven Honorable Sword Style renders his swordsmanship nearly unmatched, and has only been rivaled by Saitō Hajime’s Shinsengumi-Kenjutsu.



Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.



Afro Samurai

“Afro Samurai” (2007)




Jin

“Samurai Champloo” (2004-05)




Kin'emon

“One Piece” franchise (1997-)




Hidemitsu Samanosuke Akechi

“Onimusha” franchise (2001-19)



Hattori Hanzo

“Shadow Warriors” (1980-85) & “Kill Bill: Volume 1” (2003)

Much like Toshiro Mifune’s character in “Sanjuro,” this nameless rōnin stumbles into adventure. In “Yojimbo,” he becomes the centerpiece of an all-out gang war after stumbling into a small town. In need of cash, Sanjuro befriends both rival gangs in the area, and is employed as their bodyguard. When he realizes the safety of an innocent family is compromised, he pits the two gangs against each other, which allows him opportunity to end their tyranny. Eventually departing the town as inconspicuously as he arrived, Yojimbo leaves only his legend behind.