The following is a list of characters in the ''
Ronin Warriors
''Ronin Warriors'', known in Japan by its original title , is a Japanese anime series created by Hajime Yatate and animated by Sunrise. The television series, co-produced by Nagoya TV, aired across Japan on the All-Nippon News Network from ...
'' manga and anime series authored by
Hajime Yatate
is a pseudonym for the collective contributions of the Sunrise animation staff.
Name
"Hajime Yatate" is considered to be named after a quote of Matsuo Bashō's ''Oku no Hosomichi'':
Credited series
This collective entity is credited as the ...
.
Protagonists
Ryo Sanada
Voiced by
Takeshi Kusao
is a Japanese actor, voice actor and singer. He was born in Tokorozawa, Saitama, and works for Aoni Production.Doi, Hitoshi"Kusao Takeshi" ''Seiyuu Database''. January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
Among his many roles, he is best kno ...
(Japanese),
Matt Hill
Matthew Hill (born January 19, 1968) is a Canadian voice actor working for Ocean Productions.
Career
His roles include Ed in ''Ed, Edd n Eddy'', Kevin Keene/Captain N in '' Captain N: The Game Master'', Kira Yamato in ''Gundam Seed'' and '' G ...
(English)
is the unofficial leader of the Ronin Warriors who is often accompanied by the large white tiger, . Known to be brash and impulsive at times, he is nonetheless goodhearted and fiercely loyal. A tenacious warrior, Ryo was the first of the five
rōnin
A ''rōnin'' ( ; ja, 浪人, , meaning 'drifter' or 'wanderer') was a samurai without a lord or master during the feudal period of Japan (1185–1868). A samurai became masterless upon the death of his master or after the loss of his master's ...
to arrive in Shinjuku to confront the forces of the Evil Dynasty during their first invasion. He was also the first to be rescued by companions Mia and Ully after their initial siege on Talpa's castle.
Though they manage to regroup and defeat Talpa, the Evil Dynasty resurfaced and captured Ryo's fellow rōnin Sage, Kento and Cye. With his only remaining comrade, Rowen, Ryo ventures into the Nether Realm with Mia and Ully to rescue their fellow warriors, ultimately vanquishing Talpa in one final battle.
Guided by the
virtue
Virtue ( la, virtus) is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. In other words, it is a behavior that shows high moral standards ...
of , Ryo commands the red , which draws power from fire, heat and flames. As owner of this armor, Ryo inherits the title . When equipped, Ryo becomes immune to the effects of extreme heat and flames.
Ryo’s weapon is a pair of
katana
A is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. Developed later than the '' tachi'', it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge f ...
called the which can connect at the
kashira
Kashira (russian: Каши́ра) is a town and the administrative center of Kashirsky District in Moscow Oblast, Russia, located on the Oka River south of Moscow. Population:
History
It was first mentioned in 1356 as the village of Koshira ...
to form a double-bladed sword style weapon. Ryo’s finishing move is ("Fury of Wildfire" in the OVA), which creates a giant column of white-hot energy.
Ryo later acquires the white , which requires the additional energies of four other armors to summon. Wielding this armor proved a great challenge for Ryo until he acquired the twin from the Nether Realm warlord, Lord Sabrestryke. Together with the Inferno Armor, Ryo uses these swords to unleash the , which releases the armor's power as rays of light and flame. Ryo’s transformation call is ''Armor of Wildfire, Tao-Jin''. In Japanese, Ryo called .
Following the battle with Mukala and the Black Inferno Armor, the White Inferno and Wildfire armors were destroyed. Ryo would later acquire new armor from the spirit Suzunagi; though the nature and abilities of this new armor were never explored.
Ryo comes from the ninja school of the
Sanada Ten Braves
The are a legendary group of ninja that assisted the warlord Sanada Yukimura during the Warring States era of Japan; that is, the late Sengoku period and its immediate aftermath, also known as the Azuchi–Momoyama and the early Edo periods.
Th ...
, a legendary band of ninja who were believed to have assisted
Sanada Yukimura
, also known as , was a Japanese samurai warrior of the Sengoku period. He was especially known as the leading general on the defending side of the Siege of Osaka.
Yukimura was called "A Hero who may appear once in a hundred years", "Crimson D ...
, a real samurai who died in 1615. He is frequently depicted as wearing red armor, and is widely considered a hero. The crest on Ryo's armor is actually a slightly stylized version the family symbol of the
Takeda clan
The was a Japanese samurai clan active from the late Heian period until the late 16th century. The clan was historically based in Kai Province in present-day Yamanashi Prefecture. The clan reached its greatest influence under the rule of Taked ...
.
In a ''
Newtype
is a monthly magazine publication originating from Japan, covering anime (and to a lesser extent, tokusatsu, manga, Japanese science fiction, seiyuu, and video games). It was launched by publishing company Kadokawa Shoten on March 8, 1985, with i ...
'' poll, Ryo ranked #17 for the top 30 most popular male anime character from the 1980s.
Kento Rei Fang
Voiced by:
Tomohiro Nishimura
is a Japanese actor, voice actor, singer-songwriter, theatre director and sound director. He used to be employed by the talent management firm 81 Produce, but today he is freelance. He is often mixed up with Tomomichi Nishimura.
Since 2003, Nis ...
(Japanese),
Jason Gray-Stanford
Jason Gray-Stanford (born May 19, 1970) is a Canadian film, television and voice actor. He is best known for playing Lieutenant Randy Disher in the Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe-winning TV program ''Monk'' and for voicing the role of Raditz in ''Dra ...
(English, TV),
Andrew Francis
Andrew Michael Scott Francis is a Canadian actor. He has appeared in many television shows and films including '' My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'' as Shining Armor, '' MegaMan NT Warrior'' as MegaMan.EXE, '' Hero 108'' as Lin Chung, '' L ...
(English, OVA)
Kento Rei Fang, known in Japan as , wears the orange and brown , now a diamond. which represents the element of Earth and the guiding virtue . It is said to be the most violent of the armors. His rival is Dais, the Dark Warlord of Illusion. Kento is the .
When the Ancient One sent Kento to Mt. Aso (Mt Daisetsu in Japanese version) to unlock his Armor's true power, Dais followed him with the Sand Strikers. Kento defeated them by learning to focus his power. Kento’s transformation call is ''Armor of Hardrock, Tao-Gi''. In Japanese, Xiu called .
His weapon is a combination of a
three-section staff
The three-section staff, triple staff, three-part staff, originally sanjiegun (, or ) or sansetsukon in Japanese, is a Chinese flail weapon that consists of three wooden or metal staffs connected by metal rings or rope. The weapon is also known as ...
and a
naginata
The ''naginata'' (, ) is a pole weapon and one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades (''nihontō''). ''Naginata'' were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru (foot soldiers) and sōhei ...
which he sometimes wields like a pair of
nunchaku
is a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon consisting of two sticks (traditionally made of wood), connected to each other at their ends by a short metal chain or a rope. It is approximately 30 cm (sticks) and 1 inch (rope). A person w ...
s in close combat. The armor's surekill is which causes a massive earthquake-like disruption around him. Kento gains a new suit of Armor in the 3rd OVA, ''Message'', but its powers and abilities are unknown.
Kento is a descendant of a martial artist who came to Japan long ago from China. Kento’s family own a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, Yokohama.
Sage Date
Voiced by:
Daiki Nakamura
is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with 81 Produce. Some of his best-known work includes Gaine in ''The Brave Express Might Gaine'' and Grandpa in '' Grandpa Danger''.
Filmography
Anime
*''After War Gundam X'' (Shingo Mori)
*'' Aoki Densets ...
(Japanese),
Michael Donovan
Michael Donovan is a Canadian voice actor and director known for his roles as Suikotsu in ''Inuyasha'' and Zoken Mato in ''Fate/stay night''. He has also directed many animated series and feature films.
Roles
Animation
* ''3-2-1 Penguins!''K ...
(English, TV), Matt Smith (English, OVA)
Sage Date, known in Japan as , wears the green Armor of , which represents the element of Light and the guiding virtue of . In the English dub of the series, his guiding virtue is Chi (Wisdom). His rival is Cale, the Dark Warlord of Corruption. He is considered the most mature and aloof member of the team.
When the Ancient One sends him to the Catasota Gulch Pinnacles (Akiyoshidai Plateau in Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japanese version) to unlock his armor's true power, Sage realized the armors can be used for good or evil. He speaks formally in the original "Samurai Troopers" series. Sage as . Sage’s transformation call is ''Armor of Halo, Tao-Chi''. In Japanese, Seiji called .
Sage fights with a
nodachi, a Japanese broadsword. His surekill is the (Lightning Strike in the OVA), an energized thrust thunder power attack; it also appears as a burst of energy beams.
Sage is captured by Shikaiden and the Mad Scientist in the OVA ''Gaiden''. His Armor of Halo is used to kill people in New York, including Runa's brother. Sage gains a new armor in the last OVA, ''Message'', but its abilities are unknown.
Sage's family name, Date, comes from a real-life samurai called
Date Masamune. Date Masamune is famous for being blind in one eye, and has the nickname "''The One-Eyed Dragon.''" As an intentional nod to this, Sage's hair is styled so that his bangs always cover one eye.
Cye Mori
Voiced by:
Nozomu Sasaki (Japanese),
Michael Donovan
Michael Donovan is a Canadian voice actor and director known for his roles as Suikotsu in ''Inuyasha'' and Zoken Mato in ''Fate/stay night''. He has also directed many animated series and feature films.
Roles
Animation
* ''3-2-1 Penguins!''K ...
(English)
Cye Mouri, known in Japan as , wears the light blue , which represents the element of Water and the guiding virtue . In OVA, Shin as Trust, or a Faith. His rival is Sekhmet, the Dark Warlord of Venom. He is the oldest member of the Warriors and one of the calmest.
When the Ancient One sent him to the Sea of Toyama (Naruto Strait in Japanese version) to unlock his armor's true power, he encountered a clone of himself called Red Torrent. He defeated the clone by purifying the water around himself, which strengthened him. He speaks with an English accent in the English dub. Cye is the . Cye’s transformation call is ''Armor of Torrent, Tao-Shin''. In Japanese, Shin calls .
His weapon is a
Jūmonji yari, whose prongs can close, allowing him to grab opponents from afar or cut through obstacles. The armor is also equipped with a tantō dagger and a claw-like weapon on the gauntlet, but he has, apparently, never used either of those. His surekill is , a powerful burst of water. In the 3rd OVA, ''Message'', Cye receives a new suit of Armor, but its abilities are unknown.
According to Cye, his family is said to be descendants of the real-life Japanese daimyo
Mouri Motonari Mouri may refer to:
* Mahiari or Mouri, a census town under Domjur police station in Sadar subdivision of Howrah district in the Indian state of West Bengal
* Moree, Ghana, formerly Mouri, a village in the central region of south Ghana
* Mowri, al ...
.
Rowen Hashiba
Voiced by:
Hiroshi Takemura
is a Japanese voice actor. He is an alumnus of the theatrical troupe Gekidan Baraza, which was directed by Nachi Nozawa. His hobbies include billiards, skiing, fishing and tennis. Takemura is employed by a talent management firm.
Anime TV
*''Aft ...
(Japanese),
Ward Perry
Ward Perry (born March 20, 1970) is a Canadian voice actor and ADR script writer who has voiced characters for a number of anime dubbed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is mostly known as the voice actor of ''Dragon Ball Z'' villain Dr. ...
(English)
Rowen Hashiba, known in Japan as , is the rational and level-headed member of the Ronin Warriors. He often acts as a voice of reason to Ryo and Kento's hotter tempers. Rowen is close friends with Sage, as they share similar interests. He and Kento are childhood friends, having met through Kento's paternal grandfather. He is said to have an IQ of 250, making him the most intelligent of the Ronin Warriors. His enemy is Anubis, the Darklord of Cruelty.
Rowen was the only Ronin not found in a Japanese landmark; but in space instead.
Guided by the
virtue
Virtue ( la, virtus) is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. In other words, it is a behavior that shows high moral standards ...
of (originally in the original dub), Rowen commands the indigo , which draws its power from the air, wind and sky. Rowen’s transformation call is ''Armor of Strata, Tao-Inochi''. In Japanese, Touma calls . Rowen is the .
His weapon is a collapsible, golden bow and a small, back-mounted quiver which supplies an virtually endless amount of arrows. Rowen has demonstrated great expertise using this weapon and displayed exceptional marksmanship
His finishing move is the (Heaven's Shockwave in the OVA), an extremely powerful light arrow. (The first use of which demolished a large section of a mountain). Other abilities include Rowen can erect protective barriers of around himself to slow his descent. Rowen gains a new suit of Armor in the third OVA, ''Message'', but its powers are unknown.
The English dub of the series gives him a thick Brooklyn accent, but that went missing in the OVAs.
Rowen's name Hashiba is most likely from
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
, otherwise known as and , was a Japanese samurai and ''daimyō'' (feudal lord) of the late Sengoku period regarded as the second "Great Unifier" of Japan.Richard Holmes, The World Atlas of Warfare: Military Innovations that Changed the Cour ...
's original surname, Hashiba. Toyotomi was
Oda Nobunaga
was a Japanese ''daimyō'' and one of the leading figures of the Sengoku period. He is regarded as the first "Great Unifier" of Japan.
Nobunaga was head of the very powerful Oda clan, and launched a war against other ''daimyō'' to unify ...
's successor, and unified Japan under his rule for a short while. This can be backed up by Rowen’s claim that he follows the way of the Taiko Kampaku school. A retired Kampaku (which is both a first secretary and regent to an adult Emperor) was called a taiko and this usually referred to
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
, otherwise known as and , was a Japanese samurai and ''daimyō'' (feudal lord) of the late Sengoku period regarded as the second "Great Unifier" of Japan.Richard Holmes, The World Atlas of Warfare: Military Innovations that Changed the Cour ...
Antagonists
Talpa
Voiced by:
Shigezō Sasaoka
, better known by the stage name , was a Japanese voice actor born in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. He died in 1998 from Typhoid. After his death, his ongoing roles were replaced with other voice actors.
Filmography Television animation
*'' Akū ...
(Japanese),
Mina E. Mina (English)
Talpa, the Emperor of the Dynasty, known in Japan as , is the central antagonist of the series. He was defeated by the Ancient One during his first attempt to conquer Earth a thousand years earlier. Talpa's spirit was banished to the Nether Realm while his armor remained on Earth. Since the armor could not be destroyed, the Ancient One split it apart into nine separate armors with their own powers and virtues. Talpa re-acquired four of them, Cruelty, Corruption, Illusion, and Venom, and gave them to four humans who became his Dark Warlords.
When Talpa returns in the modern era, he takes over the city of Tokyo and captures its citizens. Initially appearing as a giant ghostly helmet, Talpa sent the Dark Warlords to do his bidding. He eventually confronts the Warriors and absorbs them along with the Warlords to regain his physical form. He was vanquished by the newly created Armor of Inferno and was assumed to be destroyed. He later returned, along with his trump-card, Lady Kayura, to gain the Armor of Inferno for himself. He nearly succeeded in absorbing all nine armors, but was thwarted by Anubis' sacrifice. In the final battle, he overwhelmed Ryo, who wore the Armor of Inferno, but was destroyed by the Jewel of Life.
Talpa's weapons are six double-edged swords formed in a circle on his back.
Anubis
Voiced by:
Kiyoyuki Yanada
was a Japanese freelance voice actor who was formerly affiliated with Kyu Production, 81 Produce, and D-COLOR.「人気声優にがぶりより! 第32回 梁田清之さん」, Animedia February 1990, Gakken, February 1, 1990, magazine 01579- ...
(Japanese),
Paul Dobson (English)
Anubis, the Dark Warlord of Cruelty, known in Japan as , was the leader of the Four Dark Warlords at the beginning of the series. Four hundred years ago, he was a warrior named , whose ambition and blood-lust made him susceptible to Talpa's influence.
He was the first of the Warlords to fight the Warriors in modern times. He nearly defeated them until the Ancient One intervened. He later appeared to stop Mia and Ully from saving Ryo, and then to stop Ryo from saving Rowen. When he challenged Ryo and Rowen to a battle, he defeated them but could not bring himself to destroy them. Rowen shattered his mask with an Arrow Shockwave, exposing his human face to them. Talpa sensed that Anubis was showing weakness and used Nether Spirits to turn his mind back to the Dynasty. Anubis was saved when Kento defeated the Nether Spirits. The Ancient One then showed Anubis how Talpa regarded him as a tool. Anubis then renounced the Dynasty.
Anubis disappeared after Talpa's first defeat, but he later returned to take on the Ancient One's role as protector. While the Warriors initially distrusted him, Anubis proved himself by aiding them in battle, usually by helping Ryo summon the Inferno Armor. He also met Lady Kayura, whom he recognized as the last living member of the Ancient One's clan and sought to redeem her. He sacrifices himself to free her from the control of Lord Badamon; before his death, he passed on his armor and the Ancient One's staff to her.
Anubis wears the Armor of Cruelty, also known as the Armor of the , which represents Spring. Its guiding virtue is Chū (忠, Loyalty). His weapon is a ''
kusari-gama'' and his surekill is , in which he sends his chain into the ground, which then bursts out into the form of several chains.
Anubis' Japanese name, ''Shutendōji'', is a reference to a demon from Japanese folklore, notable for hating beans (as did the YST version of the character).
Cale
Voiced by:
Yasunori Matsumoto
is a Japanese actor and voice actor affiliated with Sigma Seven. Some of Matsumoto's most notable roles are Wataru Akiyama in '' Initial D'', Jean Havoc in '' Fullmetal Alchemist'', Magnum Ace in Shippū! Iron Leaguer, Gourry Gabriev in '' Sl ...
(Japanese),
Richard Newman, Peter Wilds (Episode 2 Only),
Scott McNeil
Scott McNeil is an Australian-born Canadian actor. He currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. One of the best-known Canadian voice actors of all time, McNeil has provided voices to many characters in animated shows, most notabl ...
(Episodes 31, 32 and 35; uncredited) (English)
Cale, the Dark Warlord of Corruption, known in Japan as , formerly , is the third Warlord to fight the Warriors. He has powers over darkness. He primarily fights Sage of the Halo, who controls light. His armor of Darkness-Corruption/ represents Winter and the guiding virtue Kou (考, filial piety), which is changed to Tei (Obedience) in the English dub. His weapons are a ''
Nodachi'' and claw-like armor spikes. His surekill is , where he fires a number of black lasers.
According to ''The Encyclopedia of YST'', if Cale was to use his powers for good, he would be the Eyes for people lost in the darkness. No matter how powerful his enemies may be, he will be persistent and continue to fight.
Dais
Voiced by:
Jūrōta Kosugi
is a Japanese voice actor. His major roles include Arlong in ''One Piece'', Asuma Sarutobi in '' Naruto'', Akio Ohtori in '' Revolutionary Girl Utena'', Isamu Kenmochi in '' Kindaichi Case Files'', Big Zenki in ''Zenki,'' and Jotaro Kujo in '' ...
(Japanese), Matt Smith and Peter Wilds (Episode 2 Only) (English)
Dais, the Dark Warlord of Illusion, known in Japan as , formerly , is the oldest of the Four Dark Warlords and the fourth Warlord to confront the Warriors. His main opponent is Kento Rei Faun. Dais was the first of the Warlords to confront Anubis when he re-emerged. Anubis tried to sway Dais from evil, but Dais stayed with the Dynasty until Talpa was destroyed for good. His Armor of Illusion/ represents Summer and the guiding virtue Nin (忍, lit. "to endure"), which is rendered as "Serenity" in the English dub. It has six Kamas on its back resembling spider legs, which he can extend to any length he sees fit. The Kamas are connected to a single handle attached to his back, which he can remove at any time. He also has a flail on his right gauntlet and a nunchaku on his left. His armor allows him to spin webs and create illusions. His surekill is , in which he throws his Kamas.
According to ''The Encyclopedia of YST'' if Dais were to use his powers for good, he would be able to create peaceful illusions.
Sekhmet
Voiced by:
Issei Futamata
is a Japanese voice actor and narrator from Misawa, Aomori. He is best known for the roles of Skullomania ('' Street Fighter EX'' and '' Fighting EX Layer''), Yusaku Godai ('' Maison Ikkoku''), Chibi ('' Urusei Yatsura''), Kiyoshi Shusse ('' Hi ...
(Japanese),
Ward Perry
Ward Perry (born March 20, 1970) is a Canadian voice actor and ADR script writer who has voiced characters for a number of anime dubbed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is mostly known as the voice actor of ''Dragon Ball Z'' villain Dr. ...
(English)
Sekhmet, the Dark Warlord of Venom, known in Japan as , formerly , is the second Warlord to fight the Warriors. He has pale skin, purple eyelids, and beady black eyes. He is Cye Mouri's main opponent. His armor is the Armor of the Venom/, which represents Autumn and the guiding virtue Tei (梯, Obedience), which is changed to Kou (Piety) in the English dub.
Sekhmet fights with six katanas, which exude a deadly poison that can also cause blindness. He can also move his arms at speeds that allow him to seemingly grow four extra arms. His surekill is , where he connects his swords together into a whip-like weapon and swings it around before attacking.
According to ''The Encyclopedia of YST'', if Sekhmet were to use his powers for good, he would be able to heal injuries and illnesses. He would also be able to turn venom into medicine.
Lady Kayura
Voiced by:
Masako Katsuki (Japanese),
Jane Perry (English)
is the last known member of the Ancient One's clan. For this reason, she was abducted from her home by the Dynasty at a young age. Talpa kept Kayura under his control with a magical amulet worn around her neck and raised her to be his ultimate weapon against the Ronin Warriors. In her first appearance, she battled Ryo and Rowen while the others were captured by the Dynasty. The Warriors were no match for her until Anubis appeared and summoned the Inferno Armor. Ryo and Rowen faced her several times during their quest through the Nether Realm, and were always at a disadvantage unless they could use the other Warlords' armors to summon the Inferno.
When Ryo inadvertently destroyed Kayura's amulet, she remembered her past and ultimately rejected Talpa's control. At Talpa's behest, Badamon, the leader of the Nether Spirits, possessed Kayura's body to keep her evil. This time, Badamon-Kayura conquered the White Armor's near infinite power. She nearly gained control of the Jewel of Life before White Blaze made a last second swipe at her to force her to drop it to dodge his attack. Kayura was ultimately released from Badamon's control by Anubis's sacrifice, turning the energy from her own surekill attack back on her which, combined with Anubis' armor, shattered Badamon's possession of Kayura, expelling him from her permanently, and putting her back on the side of good. Kayura took up the Ancient One's staff and Anubis's armor to help fight Talpa in the final battle. After Talpa's ultimate destruction, Kayura and the Warlords returned to the Nether Realm to help rebuild the Dynasty into a benevolent empire.
Kayura is several centuries old, though her physical age is 12 according to official publications. She possesses near-infinite supernatural powers, due to her ancestry as a member of the Clan of the Ancients. She wields the twin
sai she called Starlight Swords. Her surekill is called , which summons a massive barrage of stellar energy from the sky. Apparently, the attack had some dependency on water, as she never seemed to use it unless a considerable amount was present. Kayura was also given Anubis' Cruelty armor, and gained the Ancient One's staff, but whether she used them afterwards or not is in question. Because of her new role, Kayura should be referred to as the Ancient One.
In the YST
manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
, Kayura's Virtue is "ai" (愛, love). In the ''Shin Yoroiden Samurai Troopers'' manga, Kayura serves as the mentor to the new wearer of the Armor of Wildfire. She also appears in the YST novel, ''Shinkon-Hen'', which is about the history of the Ancient One's clan.
Dynasty Soldiers
Voiced by:
Minoru Inaba
is a Japanese voice actor from Shizuoka Prefecture. He is affiliated with Ken Production.
Inaba is best known for his roles in Disney productions (as Dale), ''Buzz Lightyear of Star Command'' (as Buzz Lightyear), and '' The Transformers'' (as ...
(Japanese), Matt Smith (English)
are spirits trapped within suits of dark green armor who serve Lord Talpa. They are sometimes known as "Soldiers of Doom." They wield various weapons, including chained
sickle
A sickle, bagging hook, reaping-hook or grasshook is a single-handed agricultural tool designed with variously curved blades and typically used for harvesting, or reaping, grain crops or cutting Succulent plant, succulent forage chiefly for feed ...
s and spears. The only way to kill a Dynasty Soldier is to decapitate it or slice its armor. Dark smoke rising from the Soldier's armor signifies its death.
The Dynasty Soldiers were initially difficult adversaries for the Warriors. As the Warriors grew stronger, they were able to handle them easier. Their fate after Talpa's final defeat is unknown.
There are no Dynasty Soldiers in the
original video animations (OVA). Shikaisen, the main villain of ''Gaiden'', uses
Ninja
A or was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan. The functions of a ninja included reconnaissance
In military operations, reconnaissance or scouting is the exploration of an area by military forces to obtain information about enem ...
, while both Mukala and Suzunagi of ''The Legend of the Inferno Armor'' and ''Message'', respectively, did not use lackeys. The Dynasty Soldiers do not appear in the manga; instead, they are replaced by more appearances of the Dark Warlords and their creatures.
Badamon
Voiced by:
Yoshiya Nemoto (Japanese)
is the Lord of Talpa's Nether Spirits. He's a willing follower of Talpa and is aware of his plans. Badamon first appears to explain the power of the Inferno armor to the Dark Warlords. He decides to trick Ryo into using the Warlords' armor to form Inferno in a plan to control him, but that fails when Ryo's will proves too strong. Badamon later sends the warrior Gash to stop Mia, Ully and Anubis from finding the Jewel of Life. He last appears when he possesses Lady Kayura to keep her under Talpa's control. He captures the Warriors and Warlords and attempts to use their armor to open a gate to the Nether Realm. Anubis, however, breaks free and sacrifices himself to drive Badamon away from Kayura. During the final battle, Badamon and his spirits succeed in opening the door to the Human World, but he's destroyed by Ryo in the Inferno Armor.
Supporting characters
The Ancient One
Voiced by:
Norio Wakamoto
is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with the Sigma Seven talent agency. He was born in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and was raised in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. He graduated from Waseda University.
On adult works, like OVAs or dating sim ...
(Japanese),
David Kaye (English)
The Ancient One, known in Japan as , is a powerful mystic and warrior who defeated Talpa during the Warring States period and banished him to the Nether Realm. He created the nine mystical armors from Talpa's discarded armor. He acts as the Ronin Warriors' mentor during their battle with Talpa. He also helped Anubis defect from Talpa by showing him how Talpa regarded him as a tool.
The Ancient One was mortally wounded in battle by Talpa, but as a last act, turned himself into the Warriors' bridge to Talpa's castle. He continued to assist the Warriors in spirit form by destroying Talpa's Nether Spirits and sending the Warriors on quests to unlock their armors' true power. After his death, his role as protector was inherited by Anubis and then by his last living descendant, Lady Kayura.
He always wears a straw hat which hides his face and usually carries a
shakujo
A khakkhara ( sa, khakkhara; ; , sometimes referred to in English as a pewter staff, is a staff topped with metal rings traditionally carried by Buddhist monks, particularly in East Asian Buddhism.
Originally used as a noisemaker to announce a ...
, a staff with ring-shaped chimes set atop it. The staff is a potent talisman, and is used by both the Ancient and the reformed Anubis to perform feats of magic. It is also used briefly by Mia and Ully. In the flashback to the Ancient defeating Talpa in episode 19 ("Wildfire's Fight Against Fate"), it is revealed that the gold part can be removed from its base and be used as a sword as well, although this has only been seen in the flashback.
The Ancient One's last appearance was in the 3rd OVA, ''Message''. In flashbacks, the Ancient One discovered the sealed Armor of Strata and the ghost-child Suzunagi during World War II. He sensed the girl was filled with hatred and revenge, and felt sorry for her. Nevertheless, he was forced to use the Armor of Strata to drive her away when she attacked him.
Mia Koji
Voiced by:
Kaori Kusakabe (Japanese),
Teryl Rothery
Teryl Rothery is a Canadian actress of stage, television, and film. She is best known for portraying Janet Fraiser in the TV series ''Stargate SG-1''. She co-starred as Grace Sherman in '' Cedar Cove'', and has had major roles as Muriel in ''Vi ...
(Episode 2 only), Lalainia Lindbjerg,
Maggie Blue O'Hara
Maggie Blue O'Hara (born March 16, 1975), born Blueberry Sunshine, also credited as Maggie O'Hara, is a Canadian actress noted for her voice acting. She is well known as the voices of Madison Taylor in ''Cardcaptors'' and Shadowcat in '' X-Men ...
(OVA) (English).
Mia Koji, known in Japan as , aids the Warriors during their quest against the forces of evil. Not much is known about her past, except that she was born in
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
to a
French mother and a
Japanese
Japanese may refer to:
* Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia
* Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan
* Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture
** Japanese diaspor ...
father, and was visiting her paternal grandfather when Talpa's invasion began. Unlike her friends, Mia has no super powers or weapons. However, she is extremely knowledgeable about the mystical armors and various ancient artifacts. She provides vital information to the Warriors and acts as a caretaker for Ully. Over time, Mia becomes like an older sister to them. Mia is 17 years old at the start of the TV series. She is 19 in ''Gaiden'' and in her early twenties in ''The Legend of the Inferno Armor'' and ''Message.''
She helps the Warriors in ''The Legend of the Inferno Armor'' by decoding the Taulagi's ancient language to track down Ryo and Sage. Her last appearance is in ''Message'' as she attends the special session of the
United Nations General Assembly
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA or GA; french: link=no, Assemblée générale, AG) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), serving as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. Curr ...
addressing the Nether Realm's activities. Mia told the assembly she had "all the answers
hey
Hey or Hey! may refer to:
Music
* Hey (band), a Polish rock band
Albums
* ''Hey'' (Andreas Bourani album) or the title song (see below), 2014
* ''Hey!'' (Julio Iglesias album) or the title song, 1980
* ''Hey!'' (Jullie album) or the title s ...
need," though the scene cut-away before she spoke further.
Mia's birthday technically falls on two dates, due to an error by
Sunrise
Sunrise (or sunup) is the moment when the upper rim of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning. The term can also refer to the entire process of the solar disk crossing the horizon and its accompanying atmospheric effects.
Terminology
A ...
. According to the YST book, ''Memorials,'' her birthday is listed as May 15, 1970; however, all other merchandise lists her birthday on May 28, 1970. The latter date is the more commonly accepted one by both
Sunrise
Sunrise (or sunup) is the moment when the upper rim of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning. The term can also refer to the entire process of the solar disk crossing the horizon and its accompanying atmospheric effects.
Terminology
A ...
and fans.
Mia Koji's Japanese given name,
Násti, means "star" in
Northern Sámi language while her Japanese surname,
Yagyū, is based on the real Japanese clan with the same name. Like most of the characters in the series, many of their
family names
In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community.
Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name, ...
are based on historical
Japanese clans
This is a list of Japanese clans. The old clans (''Gōzoku'') mentioned in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki lost their political power before the Heian Period, during which new aristocracies and families, '' Kuge'', emerged in their place. After the H ...
Mia plays the same role in the manga as she does in the anime version of YST. However, her importance is greatly reduced while Ully and White Blaze become major players.
Mia begins a romantic relationship with Sage.
Ully Yamano
Voiced by:
Kumiko Watanabe
is a Japanese voice actress.
She played Sergeant Keroro in ''Sgt. Frog'', Shippō in ''InuYasha'', Mother in '' Atashin'chi'', Klonoa in '' Kaze no Klonoa'', and Regina in '' DokiDoki! PreCure''. She married Kōji Tsujitani in 2012.
Filmog ...
(Japanese), Christopher Turner (English)
Ully Yamano, known in Japan as , is a young friend of the Ronin Warriors. He is eight-years old in the series. The spelling of his name varies (Yulie being the most common of these) but this particular spelling is commonly used in official magazines such as ''
Animerica
''Animerica'' was a monthly magazine published by Viz Media
VIZ Media LLC is an American manga publisher, anime distributor and entertainment company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It was founded in 1986 as VIZ LLC. In 2005, VIZ ...
''.
Ully is first introduced shopping with his parents in the
Shinjuku
is a special ward in Tokyo, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative centre, housing the northern half of the busiest railway station in the world (Shinjuku Station) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the administration ...
ward of
Tokyo
Tokyo (; ja, 東京, , ), officially the Tokyo Metropolis ( ja, 東京都, label=none, ), is the capital and largest city of Japan. Formerly known as Edo, its metropolitan area () is the most populous in the world, with an estimated 37.468 ...
. When Talpa's invasion begins, Ully is separated from his parents in the chaos. He later stumbles upon a confrontation between Ryo, White Blaze, and a Dynasty Soldier. He is nearly killed but Mia saves him, the first of many rescues he would endure. Since then, he helps the Warriors with his bravery and cheerful optimism.
Ully becomes the keeper of the Jewel of Life during the second season. His purity and innocence allows him to unlock its powers and destroy Talpa for good.
Ully appears in the last episode of the OVA, ''Message'', as an 11-year-old
kendo
is a modern Japanese martial art, descended from kenjutsu (one of the old Japanese martial arts, swordsmanship), that uses bamboo swords (shinai) as well as protective armor (bōgu). Today, it is widely practiced within Japan and has spread ...
champion of Sakura Hill Junior High School.
White Blaze
is a large white tiger that's Ryo Sanada's pet or companion. Ryo claims that he comes from the
Himalayas
The Himalayas, or Himalaya (; ; ), is a mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. The range has some of the planet's highest peaks, including the very highest, Mount Everest. Over 100 ...
. White Blaze generally travels with Ully and Mia Koji. He often tries to help the Warriors in battle, but he almost always gets swatted aside. Nevertheless, he doesn't hesitate to charge into battle. He is mortally wounded protecting Ryo from Lord Saberstryke. After his defeat, Lord Saberstryke asked his own companion tiger, Black Blaze, to revive White Blaze by merging with him. Afterwards, White Blaze would transform into Black Blaze whenever Ryo summons the Armor of Inferno. It's unclear if this Black Blaze is still White Blaze, but using Black Blaze's power, or Black Blaze himself.
Runa
Voiced by:
Eriko Hara
is a Japanese voice actress formerly employed by Arts Vision.
Filmography
Television animation
*''Gyakuten! Ippatsuman'' (1982) - Ran Houmu
*''Tokimeki Tonight'' (1982) - Ranze Eto
*''Ginga Hyōryū Vifam'' (1983) - Shalon Publin
*'' Once Upon ...
(credited as
Eri Kouno) (Japanese), Jillian Michaels (English)
Runa, known in Japan as , appears in the OVA ''Gaiden''. Runa is a 14-year-old American who lives in
New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
. Her only known family member is her older brother. She is a brash and hot-headed young girl who is ready to take action when necessary. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, but she's also willing to admit she's made a mistake.
When her brother is murdered by an unknown killer wearing Sage's Armor of Halo, Runa immediately investigates. The other Ronin Warriors went to
New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
to look for Sage. Runa sees Rowen find the body of the photographer who took the first photographs of the killer. She assumed he was the killer, but eventually realized her mistake to help the Warriors track down their real enemy, Shikaisen, and rescue their friends.
Runa tried to avenge her brother's death by attacking Shikaisen. The sorcerer mortally wounds her and she dies in Ryo's arms. In the original Japanese version, her last words to Ryo were inaudible, but in the English dub, she tells Ryo how glad she was to have met him.
Runa showed much interest in Ryo. She was attacked by one of Shikaisen's henchmen in a
Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
cemetery, but was saved by Kento. However, she still shouted for Ryo, which bewildered Kento. According to Sunrise, Runa and Ryo would have developed deeper feelings for one another if she had survived the OVA's events.
While Runa doesn't have any magical armor or superpowers, she does use a
knife
A knife ( : knives; from Old Norse 'knife, dirk') is a tool or weapon with a cutting edge or blade, usually attached to a handle or hilt. One of the earliest tools used by humanity, knives appeared at least 2.5 million years ago, as evidenced ...
. Under normal circumstances she is pretty skilled at using it, as she was able to catch the Warriors off guard the first time she encountered them in Uncle Chin's restaurant in
Chinatown,
New York. Her speed is noted to be quite remarkable for a human.
Mukala
Voiced by:
Eiji Fukushi (Japanese),
Michael Adamthwaite
Michael David Adamthwaite (born September 1, 1981) is a Canadian actor. He is credited with providing the voice for many characters in various anime series. He is also known for portraying the Jaffa Herak in the science fiction television series ...
(English)
, also known as ''Mukala of the Sun'', is an
African
African or Africans may refer to:
* Anything from or pertaining to the continent of Africa:
** People who are native to Africa, descendants of natives of Africa, or individuals who trace their ancestry to indigenous inhabitants of Africa
*** Ethn ...
warrior who appears in the OVA ''Kikôtei Densetsu''. He is a warrior of the Taulagi tribe and is Naria's fiancee. He is also the owner of , an armor which equals Ryo's Armor of Inferno. Mukala is also capable of fighting the Warriors without his armor. He defeated the Warriors in his first appearance and captured Ryo and Sage. He brought them to his home territory, located in
Tanzania
Tanzania (; ), officially the United Republic of Tanzania ( sw, Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania), is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It borders Uganda to the north; Kenya to the northeast; Comoro Islands and ...
, and imprisoned them there.
It was discovered that Mukala's actions were being controlled by the Black Inferno Armor. Its powers were so great that it would destroy the world if it clashed with Ryo's Armor of Inferno. But because of Mukala's position as head warrior and the Taulagi's worship of the Armor, the villagers would not help the Warriors get rid of the Armor. Mukala realized the truth in the last episode when Naria is killed in the crossfire during his battle with Ryo. He freed himself from the Armor's possession and regained his humanity. Both Armors of Inferno were destroyed once and for all. Naria was revived and it was assumed they would marry and live happily ever after.
Mukala's weapon is a giant black
boomerang
A boomerang () is a thrown tool, typically constructed with aerofoil sections and designed to spin about an axis perpendicular to the direction of its flight. A returning boomerang is designed to return to the thrower, while a non-returning ...
with a large blue gem encrusted in its center. It is powerful enough to slice through buildings and pretty much anything that stands in his way. To equip his Armor, he shouts "Noubezaaya, Iijizuuri, Zuuamaumaa, Muunmi!" Hundreds of energy beings shaped like butterflies wrap themselves around Mukala and transform into the Black Inferno Armor.
Suzunagi
Voiced by:
Mitsuki Yayoi (Japanese), Ellen Kennedy (English)
appears in the OVA ''Message''. She was born in the late
Edo period
The or is the period between 1603 and 1867 in the history of Japan, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional '' daimyo''. Emerging from the chaos of the Sengoku period, the Edo period was characteriz ...
to a
Christian
Christians () are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The words ''Christ'' and ''Christian'' derive from the Koine Greek title ''Christós'' (Χρι ...
family, who happened to be indirect descendants of The Ancient One's Clan. Her father was a local playwright who ran a theater house, while her mother helped with theater duties. Suzunagi's father wrote a play about five young men wearing magical suits of armors fighting the forces of evil. However, due to certain circumstances (apparently
due to them being Christians, or her father speaking out against the Shogun), the Shogun's samurai arrived and set the theater on fire. Suzunagi's father was executed by the samurai, while Suzunagi and her mother were killed in the fire.
Suzunagi's spirit wandered throughout the centuries, unable to rest until the armors were destroyed. She learned all she could about her father's manuscript and believed the armors were evil. She encountered The Ancient One during the 1940s (more precisely,
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
) as he prepared to unseal the Armor of Strata. Suzunagi tried to prevent the Ancient One from unsealing the Armor, but the Ancient One unsealed it anyway and used its powers to drive her off.
Years later, Suzunagi appeared again, this time as an adult with increased power and determination. She went after the Ronin Warriors, the people mentioned in her father's play, and captured them one by one by using their own deepest fears and strengths against them. She created her own set of armors to hold them captive. She wanted them to summon their ultimate armor, the White Inferno, and use its power to purge the world from pain and sorrow. Suzunagi slowly realized that they suffered because of the armors. The Warriors helped Suzunagi free herself from her inner demons and reunite her with her mother. In return, Suzunagi gave them new armors free from Talpa's influence. She also helped them realize that being Ronin Warriors was their choice, rather than their destiny.
References
{{reflist
Ronin Warriors
''Ronin Warriors'', known in Japan by its original title , is a Japanese anime series created by Hajime Yatate and animated by Sunrise. The television series, co-produced by Nagoya TV, aired across Japan on the All-Nippon News Network from ...
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