The Top 7 Most Powerful Characters in Netflix's Onimusha, Ranked
Netflix's Onimusha showcases an impressive lineup of demon-fighting samurai, each with their unique strengths and fascinating backstories Discover the indomitable spirit and legendary skills of these powerful warriors in this action-packed series
Article Key Points
Sahei is a quiet samurai with book smarts who strategically fights zombies in the anime
Onimusha
adaptation.
Sayo, a girl who lost her parents at a young age, displays her resilience as she takes on the roles of a guide, chef, and skilled thief, paving the way for a prosperous destiny.
Miyamoto Musashi, revered as Japan's legendary samurai, demonstrates his astonishing prowess as he fearlessly engages in fierce battles against hordes of zombies, ultimately harnessing the immense power of the Oni Gauntlet to ascend to new heights of strength.
Netflix's latest venture in converting video games into anime is Onimusha. They have achieved a good success rate thus far, with hits like Castlevania: Nocturne, Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, Arcane, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners in previous years. However, unlike these examples, the Onimusha franchise has been absent from the gaming conversation for quite some time. Therefore, let's provide a refresher.
Originally released on PS2 in 2001, the series can be likened to the samurai version of Resident Evil. The last main game was launched in 2006, with only mobile spin-offs and a 2019 remaster of the original game since then. That sets the stage for the game series, but what can we expect from the Netflix adaptation of Onimusha? Additionally, who are the most powerful characters in this samurai vs. demon anime? Let's delve into it, but be warned, there will be full spoilers ahead.
7. Sahei
The Devious Samurai
Sahei, a member of the samurai group, stands out as one of the most serene warriors. Possessing a calm demeanor, he fearlessly engages in battles. Whether confronting zombies or any adversary, his combat skills are unmatched. However, it is his exceptional intellect that truly sets him apart, enabling him to devise clever tactics to navigate challenging predicaments.
6. Sayo
Although initially quiet, the true nature of his character is revealed in the final episode when he resorts to poisoning Iemon. Sahei, a member of the group, had been assigned the role of a spy to ensure the secrecy of the gold mines. Despite having the opportunity to harm Sayo, he chooses not to, depicting that he is not a villain. The anime intentionally builds tension for dramatic effect.
The Guide Cook
Sayo, the youngest member of the group, is introduced as an orphaned girl and the only survivor of her village, which fell victim to demon invasion led by Iemon. Although not a fighter in Onimusha, Sayo demonstrates her strength in various ways.
Sayo's role extends beyond being a guide for the group, assisting Musashi and the others navigate through valleys and forests. Furthermore, she displays her culinary skills by skillfully preparing meals ranging from grilled rabbit to plant-based dishes for Kaizen. Showing her resourcefulness, Sayo also exhibits her talent for thievery by successfully smuggling gold from the mines, alluding to a possible prosperous future as depicted in the final episode.
5. Kaizen
The Warrior Monk
Accompanying Musashi on his journey is Kaizen, a skilled warrior monk tasked with safeguarding the precious "package". This package happens to be none other than the infamous Oni Gauntlet, a treasured artifact well-known to avid players of the Onimusha games. Within these games, players venture forth to vanquish formidable monsters, gather their souls, and utilize these souls to enhance a variety of upgrades akin to those found in role-playing games (RPGs).
Back to Kaizen, despite his meek appearance, he exemplifies great combat skills by defeating zombified soldiers on numerous occasions. The true extent of his prowess as a warrior is revealed when he selflessly sacrifices his own body to protect Sayo in episode four. While his body is consumed by flames, he finds the strength to lift the bell off of Sayo before meeting an honorable death.
4. Gensai
The Toad Samurai
Gensai, the initial demon encountered by the group in the anime, is revealed to be a hidden traitor, aligned with Iemon just like his mentor, Matsuki Kensuke. Unlike Kensuke, Gensai willingly surrendered his body to the Genma demons, which granted him toad-like abilities.
His eyes protrude from his head, giving him an apparent visual edge, while his tongue functions as a whip, allowing him to attack his adversaries. In comparison to Kensuke, Gensai exhibits greater endurance in battles and presents a formidable challenge to Musashi in the first episode. However, Musashi ultimately overcomes him.
3. The Yoshiokas
Three Demon Brothers
Many of the adversaries Musashi encounters in Onimusha are individuals from his previous encounters. The most notable among them are The Yoshiokas, a trio of brothers. While three sisters are introduced later on, their inclusion seems more for comedic purposes rather than advancing the plot. Similar to Gensai, the Yoshiokas surrendered their bodies to the demons and were bestowed with extraordinary power.
Now, the three brothers resemble Hulks more than they do humans. They mercilessly took the life of one of the heroes, Goromaru, along with one of his beloved pet birds. Additionally, they cunningly ensnared Sayo under the renowned bell, ultimately leading to the tragic demise of Kaizen. Undoubtedly, these brothers possess great strength, but even so, they proved to be no match for Musashi once he set free the immense power of the Oni Gauntlet.
2. Sasaki Kojiro
Musashi’s Greatest Rival
In Japanese history, Sasaki Kojiro is widely recognized as Miyamoto Musashi's greatest rival. Unlike his portrayal in the Onimusha anime as a demonic figure, it should be apparent to viewers that he was not actually a demon. Kojiro makes a significant entrance by swiftly killing Iemon without hesitation.
Iemon, seeking to harness Kojiro's abilities, resurrected him to duel Musashi and even attempted to recruit him into his demon army. However, Kojiro's strong spirit resisted this proposition, prompting him to decline. His sole ambition is to become the most skilled samurai in Japan and he has no interest in territorial expansion. It remains unknown whether he survives the final episode's battle, but regardless, Kojiro possesses an immense amount of power.
1. Miyamoto Musashi
Japan’s Greatest Samurai
Regarded as one of Japan's most esteemed samurai, Miyamoto Musashi holds a prominent place in history. The Onimusha series ingeniously incorporates famous figures into its narrative, with characters such as Oda Nobunaga taking center stage. Hence, it is only fitting for Musashi to make an appearance in the anime. In addition, it is evident that the protagonist of the anime would naturally be the strongest.
He displays his strength right from the start, tangling with the monks unarmed in his quest for the Oni Gauntlet. effortlessly obliterating zombies as if they were made of butter. Upon awakening the powers of the Oni Gauntlet, his prowess reaches new heights. Just like Kojiro, the fate of his survival in the ultimate confrontation remains a mystery. Perhaps this question will find an answer in the potential second season on Netflix.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the release of Netflix's Onimusha anime. The series has a great lineup of demon-fighting samurai, each with their own unique strengths and fascinating backstories.
My favorite character is Sahei, a quiet samurai with book smarts who strategically fights zombies. Sahei is a complex character who is not afraid to use his intelligence to get the job done. He is also a loyal friend and ally, and I am excited to see what he does next.
Overall, I think that Onimusha is a great anime for fans of samurai, demons, and action-packed stories. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series!
