Central protagonist. A post-war acclaimed writer who transforms from a sickly boy into a muscular traditionalist. On Nov 25, 1970, he hostages a military general, addresses soldiers to reinstate the Emperor, and commits seppuku after his speech is ignored.
Hokusai is an unsuccessful ukiyo-e painter who initially lives in poverty with Oei above a geta shop. Fascinated by Onao, he draws her and later leaves her to Nakajima Ise as a concubine. At 89, he is famous and paints Ichimatsu dolls with Oei, then creates erotic art inspired by an ama.
Nagiko's father is a Japanese writer whose publisher exploits him by demanding sexual favors in exchange for publishing his work. He also celebrates Nagiko's birthday by recounting the creation myth and writing auspicious characters on her face, establishing the calligraphic ritual that defines her artistic and erotic desires.
Kazuo is a writer who wins the Naoki Prize and the central figure in the story. His relationships with Yoriko and Keiko deteriorate amid infidelity, family hardship, and separation. After traveling with Tokuko and enduring the death of his son Jiro, he returns to Yoriko and their children, choosing to stay with his family.
Religious figure connected to the Teachers of Eight Leaves or monastic orders.
A man whose early love for a young geisha ends in tragedy when she is killed as they try to flee together. Years later, he works as a zegen, selling girls to Yōkirō, and sells his own daughter there when she is 12. He is also Osode's former mistress's associate and Tamako's current boyfriend.
Igo Gyobu leads the seven rōnin hired to protect Takechiyo during the succession crisis. Once married to Oman Kata, he left after she was forced into Iemitsu Tokugawa's concubinage. He guides Takechiyo through the wilderness, survives as the final defender, kills Iba Shoemon, and dies in the struggle.
Shinnojo's relative, advises on family matters.
Central figure in Gonin saga, driven by personal vendetta and survival in violent underworld.
A struggling printer and central figure who supports Oume and their children while concealing his long-term affair with Kikuyo. When Kikuyo abandons her children, he takes them in but later participates in attempts to hide the children's deaths and considers poisoning Riichi.
A police detective who helped arrest Toshiaki and is involved with Keiko. During the murder investigation, he uses violence while questioning Tanaka, leading to his suspension and transfer to larceny. He later confronts and threatens Toshiaki over the boy’s involvement in Toshiaki’s money-making scheme.
A seasoned tuna fisherman and Tokiko's father, Fusajiro initially refuses Shunichi's request to learn from him, but Shunichi later joins his boat. He is accused of valuing tuna over people after Shunichi is badly injured. As his strength and fishing ability falter, Fusajiro is asked to search for the missing Shunichi; he refuses to cut the line towing the boat and insists that he is still a fisherman.
Ken Ogata has 80 screen credits in a career dating back to 1960. Their work spans 7 cinematic universes — most prominently Samurai Trilogy (Yoji Yamada) Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include Vengeance Is Mine, Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, The Ballad of Narayama. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 7 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q1370767), public domain (CC0).
