Sharpen your katana and tighten your topknot, because we’re diving into the world of anime samurai characters! From stoic warriors to quirky swordsmen, these 20 legendary figures will slice their way into your heart faster than you can say “Oro?” Get ready for a whirlwind tour of epic battles, dramatic showdowns, and enough swordplay to make even a ninja jealous.
Our Favorite Anime Samurai Characters
Mugen (Samurai Champloo)
Mugen from Samurai Champloo is the wildest samurai you’ll ever come across. He’s got this raw, untamed fighting style that mixes breakdancing with swordplay, making every battle a chaotic dance of blades. His rebellious, hot-headed nature often gets him into trouble, but it’s also what makes him so captivating to watch.
Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)
Gintoki Sakata from Gintama is a silver-haired samurai with a lazy demeanor and a penchant for sweets, especially parfaits. Despite his laid-back attitude and constant complaints about his lack of money, Gintoki is a formidable swordsman with lightning-fast reflexes and incredible strength, often surprising his enemies with his skill. His deadpan humor and unwavering loyalty to his friends make him an unforgettable character who can switch from goofball to hero in the blink of an eye.
Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin)
Kenshin Himura, the wandering samurai from Rurouni Kenshin, is a character who truly embodies the spirit of redemption and peace. With his striking red hair and the iconic cross-shaped scar on his cheek, Kenshin’s gentle demeanor and humble nature often mask his incredible swordsmanship and deadly past as the feared assassin, Hitokiri Battosai. Despite his vow never to kill again, his mastery of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style makes him a formidable protector, always ready to defend the innocent with his reverse-blade sword.
Afro Samurai (Afro Samurai)
Afro Samurai is this badass, stoic samurai with a massive afro that makes him instantly recognizable. He’s got this intense, brooding personality, driven by a thirst for revenge that you can almost feel through the screen. His sword skills are off the charts, slicing through enemies with a precision and style that’s just mesmerizing to watch.
Demon-Eyes Kyo (Samurai Deeper Kyo)
Demon-Eyes Kyo from Samurai Deeper Kyo is a total badass samurai with a ruthless streak and a thirst for battle. With his fiery red eyes and wild black hair, he looks every bit the fierce warrior he is. Kyo’s swordsmanship is off the charts, and his ability to unleash devastating techniques like the Mumyo Jinpu Ryu makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Hyakkimaru (Dororo)
Hyakkimaru from Dororo is a samurai with a hauntingly stoic demeanor, driven by a relentless quest to reclaim his stolen body parts from demons. His pale skin and piercing eyes give him an almost ethereal appearance, while his prosthetic limbs hide deadly weapons, showcasing his incredible combat skills. Despite his initial lack of senses, his determination and evolving humanity make his journey deeply compelling.
Amidamaru (Shaman King)
Amidamaru from Shaman King is a total badass samurai spirit with a heart of gold. He’s got that classic samurai look with his topknot and traditional armor, but what really stands out is his unwavering loyalty and sense of honor. His swordsmanship is off the charts, especially when he teams up with Yoh, slicing through enemies with his Harusame sword and unleashing powerful techniques like the Celestial Slash.
Jin (Samurai Champloo)
Jin from Samurai Champloo is a stoic and reserved samurai with a sharp intellect and unmatched swordsmanship. His traditional attire, complete with glasses and a calm demeanor, contrasts sharply with his deadly precision in battle. Despite his quiet nature, Jin’s loyalty and sense of honor drive him to protect his friends and uphold his principles, making him an unforgettable character in the series.
Akitsu Masanosuke (House of Five Leaves)
Akitsu Masanosuke, the wandering samurai from “House of Five Leaves,” is a character who really tugs at your heartstrings. With his tall, lanky frame and perpetually worried expression, Masa’s gentle nature and lack of confidence make him an unlikely fit for the ruthless world of samurai. Despite his exceptional swordsmanship, his hesitation and moral dilemmas often get in the way, making his journey with the Five Leaves gang all the more compelling.
Manji (Blade of The Immortal)
Manji from “Blade of the Immortal” is a rugged, battle-hardened samurai with a gruff exterior and a heart that’s seen too much pain. His long, unkempt hair and the distinctive scar across his face make him look as fierce as his fighting skills suggest. Cursed with immortality, he wields his dual swords with deadly precision, but it’s his relentless drive for redemption that truly defines him.
Kotarou Katsura (Gintama)
Kotarou Katsura, the samurai from Gintama, is a master of disguise and a brilliant strategist, often underestimated because of his eccentric personality and quirky sense of humor. With his long, flowing hair and traditional samurai garb, he cuts a striking figure, but don’t let his oddball antics fool you—his swordsmanship and tactical genius are top-notch. Whether he’s leading the Joui rebels or evading capture with his trusty pet Elizabeth, Katsura’s blend of seriousness and absurdity makes him one of the most memorable characters in the series.
Katsushiro Okamoto (Samurai 7)
Katsushiro Okamoto from Samurai 7 is a young, earnest samurai with a lot to prove. With his short black hair and determined eyes, he’s always striving to live up to the samurai code, even if it means making tough decisions. His swordsmanship is impressive, but what really stands out is his unwavering sense of honor and his journey from a naive apprentice to a true warrior.
Goemon Ishikawa (Lupin III)
Goemon Ishikawa from Lupin III is a total badass samurai with a stoic personality that contrasts perfectly with the rest of the gang’s antics. He’s got that classic samurai look with his traditional attire and a sword that can cut through anything, even tanks and skyscrapers. His calm demeanor and incredible swordsmanship make him an invaluable ally, and his moments of dry humor are just the cherry on top.
Shinsuke Takasugi (Gintama)
Shinsuke Takasugi from Gintama is a total enigma wrapped in a samurai’s garb. With his wild, dark hair and that ever-present eye patch, he exudes a rebellious aura that matches his destructive ambitions. His swordsmanship is top-notch, but it’s his ruthless, almost nihilistic personality that really sets him apart, making him one of the most compelling antagonists in the series.
Hajime Saito (Rurouni Kenshin)
Hajime Saito from Rurouni Kenshin is a total badass samurai with a no-nonsense attitude and a sharp, piercing gaze that can make anyone think twice before crossing him. His tall, lean frame and signature wolf-like demeanor perfectly complement his incredible swordsmanship, especially his deadly Gatotsu technique. Saito’s unwavering sense of justice and his cold, calculating nature make him one of the most intriguing and formidable characters in the series.
Kyuubei Yagyuu (Gintama)
Kyuubei Yagyuu from Gintama is a total badass samurai with a complex personality. She’s got this fierce determination and a strong sense of duty, but underneath that tough exterior, she’s dealing with some serious emotional struggles. With her striking eye patch and traditional samurai attire, Kyuubei wields her sword with incredible skill, making her a formidable opponent in any battle.
Masamune Date (Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings)
Masamune Date from Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings is a total badass samurai with a wild, rebellious streak. Rocking a distinctive eyepatch and wielding six swords at once, he’s got this fierce, charismatic aura that makes him unforgettable. His dual-wielding sword technique and fearless attitude in battle make him a force to be reckoned with, and his loyalty to his comrades adds depth to his fierce warrior persona.
Benimaru (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)
Benimaru from “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” is a total badass samurai with a fiery personality to match his flame-wielding abilities. With his striking red hair and sharp, confident eyes, he commands respect on the battlefield and among his peers. His loyalty to Rimuru and his fierce combat skills, especially his mastery of the katana and fire magic, make him one of the most formidable and charismatic characters in the series.
Chizuru Yukimura (Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom)
Chizuru Yukimura from Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom is a samurai with a gentle yet determined spirit. She’s got this striking look with her long, dark hair and expressive eyes that really capture her inner strength and vulnerability. Despite her initial inexperience, Chizuru’s swordsmanship evolves impressively throughout the series, showcasing her resilience and dedication to protecting those she cares about.
Makoto Shishio (Rurouni Kenshin)
Makoto Shishio from Rurouni Kenshin is a ruthless samurai with a charred, bandage-wrapped body that makes him look like a walking nightmare. His cold, calculating nature and unyielding ambition to overthrow the Meiji government make him a formidable antagonist. Shishio’s mastery of the sword and his ability to ignite his own blade with the heat from his body are just a few of the terrifying skills that make him unforgettable.
Are you interested in anime samurai characters? Then you might also be interested in our article about anime characters with hoods, anime characters with horns or anime nerd characters! What are your favorite anime samurai characters? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ – Anime Samurai Characters
Who is the best anime samurai?
The best anime samurai is often considered to be Kenshin Himura from “Rurouni Kenshin.” Known as the “Battousai,” Kenshin is a master swordsman with a vow never to kill again, using his reverse-blade sword to protect the innocent while atoning for his past. His depth and complexity make him a standout.
What is the anime about the samurai with orange hair?
The anime about the samurai with orange hair is “Rurouni Kenshin.” It follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin known as Battousai, who vows to protect the innocent without killing. Set in the Meiji era, the series explores his journey for redemption and the battles he faces along the way.
What does samurai mean in anime?
In anime, “samurai” refers to a warrior class from feudal Japan, often depicted with a strong sense of honor, swordsmanship, and loyalty. In “Rurouni Kenshin,” the main character, Kenshin Himura, is a former samurai known as the “Battousai,” who seeks redemption for his past.
Can a samurai beat a viking?
In a hypothetical battle, a samurai like Kenshin Himura from “Rurouni Kenshin” could potentially outmaneuver a Viking due to his superior swordsmanship, agility, and strategic mind. However, the outcome would depend on various factors like environment, weapons, and individual skills.
