Team NINJA has done it again. After the supernatural worlds of Nioh and the fantastical take on the Three Kingdoms in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, the studio is tackling one of the most fascinating periods in Japanese history: the Bakumatsu. This era of cultural upheaval and samurai conflict is brought to life by an incredible cast of historical figures. Getting to know the Rise of the Ronin characters is crucial for enjoying the deep narrative and making meaningful choices that shape your journey. Your adventure starts with the custom protagonist, but the world is populated by dozens of powerful historical figures. This guide covers every major Rise of the Ronin character you need to know, breaking down their alliances, unique weapons, and roles in the sweeping conflict between tradition and modernity.
The Heroes of the Bakumatsu: Your Key Allies
Among the diverse Rise of the Ronin characters, the Anti-Shogunate Faction provides some of the most memorable allies. These are the men and women fighting to change Japan’s future. Understanding their motivations is key to choosing your own path.
Table 1. Primary Anti-Shogunate Faction Characters
| Character | Clan / Affiliation | Signature Weapon | Role & Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryoma Sakamoto | Tosa / Anti-Shogunate | Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki | A ronin seeking the best course for Japan. Earnest and highly charismatic. |
| Kogoro Katsura | Choshu Clan | Bizen Osafune Kiyomitsu | A level-headed strategist and mentor. Known for his cautious approach and love of sake. |
| Genzui Kusaka | Choshu Clan | Hototogisu | The foremost pupil of Shoin Yoshida. A master of the Nito-ryu two-sword style. |
| Shinsaku Takasugi | Choshu Clan | Fujiwara-no-Sadayasu | A man of taste with a wild, gambling side. A brilliant but reckless warrior. |
| Taka Murayama | Yokohama / Independent | N/A | A famed geisha with a sharp wit and melancholic beauty. A key source of information. |
Ryoma Sakamoto is the heart of the pro-opening movement. A former retainer of the Tosa clan, he operates as a ronin who earnestly searches for the right course for Japan. His friendly demeanor makes him a magnet for allies. He is a master of the Hokushin-Itto-ryu school of swordsmanship but is also a sharp shot with a pistol gifted by his best friend, Shinsaku Takasugi. His signature weapon, the Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, is a precious family heirloom featuring ornate dragon mountings on the hilt and scabbard.
Kogoro Katsura acts as the rock of the Choshu clan. A close associate of the revolutionary scholar Shoin Yoshida, he serves as a mentor to younger samurai. Known for his level-headed and cautious approach, he inspires confidence in the clan’s senior statesmen. His only real vice is a weakness for sake, which occasionally leads to scandal. He wields the Bizen Osafune Kiyomitsu, a classic Sue-Bizen blade adorned with a serene pine motif.
Genzui Kusaka and Shinsaku Takasugi are the firebrands of the revolution. Both were educated at the Shoka Sonjuku academy and are fast friends. Genzui is considered Shoin Yoshida’s foremost pupil, a master of the Nito-ryu style. His sword, Hototogisu, is named after a folk tale and features striking gold and lime-green colors. Shinsaku is a true polymath, enjoying poetry, music, and gambling, yet he retains few detractors. He commands the Fujiwara-no-Sadayasu, a Satsuma-style blade originally owned by a Tosa warrior.
The Shogunate’s Finest: The Opposition
The Pro-Shogunate Faction is not without its legendary warriors. These antagonists are just as compelling as the heroes, driven by duty and a desire for stability.
Table 2. Pro-Shogunate Faction Characters
| Character | Affiliation | Weapon | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaishu Katsu | Tokugawa Shogunate | Suishinshi Masahide | A naval commissioner who despises violence. Keeps his katana permanently sheathed. |
| Isami Kondo | Shinsengumi | Minamoto Kiyomaro | A compassionate but rough-edged commander of the Shinsengumi. Deep sense of duty. |
| Naosuke Ii | Ii Clan / Shogunate | Hiroyuki Ringa | The powerful Tairō. A man of refined taste and ruthless political calculation. |
One of the most nuanced Rise of the Ronin characters you will encounter is Kaishu Katsu. The acting naval commissioner for the Shogunate, Katsu is a true “child of Edo” who is frank, charismatic, and cool-headed. His mission is to modernize the Shogun’s navy along Western lines and appoint talent based on skill, not status. Despite being an adept of the Jikishinkage-ryu school, he despises wanton violence. He keeps his katana, the Suishinshi Masahide, knotted in its scabbard, and it remains in near-mint condition.
Isami Kondo represents the legendary Shinsengumi. His rise from a farmer’s family to the head of a dojo is a classic samurai success story. He is rough around the edges, but his compassion and unwavering sense of duty have won him the admiration of his peers. His blade, the Minamoto Kiyomaro, was forged by one of the Three Great Masters of Edo and is known for being incredibly durable—said to never chip no matter how wildly it is swung.
Naosuke Ii is the political mastermind of the Shogunate. A man of taste who loves tea and poetry, he is a formidable political opponent. His sword, the Hiroyuki Ringa, is a family heirloom decorated in honor of his ancestor, the clan head known as the “Red Demon.”
Foreign Powers Shaking the Foundation of Japan
The arrival of the West is the catalyst for the entire conflict. The foreign Rise of the Ronin characters offer a unique, outsider perspective on the central struggle of the Bakumatsu.
Table 3. Foreign Characters in Rise of the Ronin
| Character | Nationality | Role in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Commodore Matthew Perry | United States | Commander of the Black Ships, demanding open ports for trade. |
| Rutherford Alcock | United Kingdom | British diplomat assessing Japan’s economic integration. |
| Jules Brunet | France | French Army officer providing military training to the Shogunate. |
| Ernest Satow | United Kingdom | British interpreter and diplomat. A deep admirer of Japanese culture. |
Commodore Matthew Perry is the catalyst for the game’s central conflict. His fleet of Black Ships represents the unstoppable force of Western imperialism. He carries a standard-issue US Navy officer’s saber, distinguished by its gold-plated brass fittings.
Rutherford Alcock is the blunt British diplomat. He denounces the Shogunate’s exclusionary policies but is deeply fascinated by Japanese craftsmanship. He is also a former surgeon, a useful skill on the battlefield.
Jules Brunet is the cool-tempered French officer. He is a man of his word who refuses to abandon his allies. His equipment includes a Western-style sword and a round shield engraved with a dragon, which according to the official lore symbolizes the way of valor and justice.
Ernest Satow is the young interpreter who becomes a bridge between cultures. A genuine Japanophile, he provides a sympathetic ear and believes Japan possesses an idyllic spirituality lost to the modernizing West.
The Veiled Edge: Forging Your Own Legend in the Bakumatsu
At the heart of the story is your protagonist, the Blade Twin. This is a major departure from most historical games, placing a custom character at the center of real events. You are one half of the Veiled Edge, a secret unit trained by the Bladesmith to oppose the Shogunate. Your family was killed, setting you on a path of revenge and revolution.
- Deep Customization: Team NINJA allows you to radically change your appearance, letting you carve your own identity into the Bakumatsu.
- Allegiance System: Your choices directly impact your relationships with every Rise of the Ronin character listed above. Will you fight alongside Sakamoto, or stand with Kondo? These decisions grant high replayability.
The Legendary Blades of the Bakumatsu
The weapons in Rise of the Ronin are not just stat sticks; they are storied artifacts. Team NINJA has ensured that the equipment of these Rise of the Ronin characters is deeply integrated into their personality and history.
Table 4. Iconic Weapons in Rise of the Ronin
| Blade | Wielder | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki | Ryoma Sakamoto | Tosa clan heirloom with ornate dragon mountings. |
| Bizen Osafune Kiyomitsu | Kogoro Katsura | 15th/16th century Sue-Bizen work. Scabbard features a pine motif. |
| Hototogisu | Genzui Kusaka | Named “Japanese Cuckoo.” Gold and lime-green lacquer. |
| Fujiwara-no-Sadayasu | Shinsaku Takasugi | Satsuma-style decoration. Originally owned by a Tosa warrior. |
| Suishinshi Masahide | Kaishu Katsu | Based on Warring States period designs. In near-mint condition from lack of use. |
| Minamoto Kiyomaro | Isami Kondo | Forged by one of the Three Great Masters of Edo. Extremely durable. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Rise of the Ronin Characters
1. How many major characters are in the game’s story? Beyond your custom protagonist, the game features a deep roster of historical figures from the Bakumatsu period. The official website highlights over a dozen key Rise of the Ronin characters that drive the main narrative, with many more allies and enemies to meet along the way.
2. Can I choose my faction and which characters to side with? Yes. Your allegiances are a core gameplay mechanic. You can align with the Anti-Shogunate faction, the Shogunate, or try to walk a neutral path as a true ronin. Your relationships with characters like Ryoma Sakamoto or Isami Kondo will shift dramatically based on your decisions, offering significant replay value.
3. Is the main character a real historical person? No. The protagonist is the Blade Twin, a fully customizable character created by the player. This allows Team NINJA to place you at the center of major historical events without being restricted by a fixed historical narrative.
4. What motivates the foreign characters? Each foreign power has different goals. Commodore Perry (USA) forces the opening of ports. Jules Brunet (France) provides military support to the Shogun. Rutherford Alcock and Ernest Satow (UK) are diplomats assessing Japan’s potential for economic integration. Their interactions with local Rise of the Ronin characters provide a fascinating multi-national perspective on the Bakumatsu.
For more details on the heroes and villains of the Bakumatsu, check out the official Rise of the Ronin characters page on the Team NINJA website for the full gallery and updates. Ready to dive into the fight? The deep bench of historical figures provides an unforgettable journey through one of Japan’s most transformative periods.