Shinomori Aoshi

Head of the Oniwabanshu

Kenshin's arch-nemesis who later becomes a comrade, the leader of the Oniwabanshu. A wielder of kodachi dual-wield style, a calm and deeply sentimental ninja warrior.

Quotes

  • I don't prefer stabbing the fallen.
  • Outlaws are buried using the power of outlaws.
  • I feel a bit of sympathy for your ill-fated circumstances.
  • I'll place the two characters 'strongest' before your grave.
  • You have good guts as always.

Trivia

  • Modeled after Shinsengumi vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo.
  • Name derived from Aoshino Mori in Nagaoka City.
  • Hairstyle changes influenced by the model.
  • Kodachi dual-wield is the secret technique of Oniwabanshu style.
  • Unusual ninja whose hobbies are tea ceremony and meditation.
  • Declined all offers of employment from the Meiji government.

Alternate names

Shinomori Aoshi Head of the Oniwabanshu Master of the Aoiya

Tags

Rurouni Kenshin Oniwabanshu Shinsengumi Swordsman Kodachi Ninja Meiji Restoration Sword Drama Kyoto Arc Kyoto Great Fire Arc

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
January 3
Birth year
1853

Appearance

Overall appearance
Wearing Oniwabanshu-style ninja attire overlaid with a white Western-Japanese fusion long coat. Covered in numerous scars bearing the marks of battle. Black hair with characteristic voluminous bangs.
Height
Approximately 182cm
Weight
72kg
Eye color
Black
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Countless scars
  • Characteristic voluminous bangs
  • White long coat
Iconic items
  • Kodachi dual-wield
  • White long coat
  • Oniwabanshu ninja garb
  • Kodachi with scabbard
  • Makimachi Misao's amulet

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Calm
Detailed personality
Calm, composed, and realistic due to rigorous covert training from childhood. Taciturn and expressionless, yet deeply sentimental and caring toward comrades.
Keywords
  • Calm
  • Realism
  • Taciturn
  • Sentimental
  • Loyalty
  • Proud
Motto
Outlaws are buried with the power of outlaws
Talents
  • Kodachi handling
  • Ninja techniques
  • Martial arts (Oniwabanshu-style fist technique)
  • Swordsmanship insight
  • High physical ability
  • Infiltration and investigation
  • High-speed movement technique (flowing motion)
Skills
  • Oniwabanshu-style Kodachi dual-wield
  • Kaiten Kenbu
  • In'yo Kousa
  • In'yo Bashi
  • Koto Juuji
  • Close-quarters combat with martial arts
  • Information gathering and analysis
Motivation
To demonstrate the pride of the Oniwabanshu and offer proof of supremacy at the graves of his fallen comrades. To uphold his own justice amid battle.
Habits
Taciturn and expressionless, but selects words brimming with emotion. Few words, but each carries weight.
Hobbies
Tea ceremony, Meditation
Favorite foods
Unknown
Disliked foods
Drinking parties (due to being a lightweight)

History

Backstory
Trained from childhood as the covert Oniwabanshu guarding Edo Castle, succeeded as leader at age 15. After the Meiji Restoration and disbandment of the Oniwabanshu, declined government employment offers and wandered the path of battle with his men.
Debut date
June 26, 1996
Work title
Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Tale-
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Chapter 16 'Megumi, Kanryu, and...'

First appearance in Tokyo arc

Significant event
First appearance in Tokyo arc
Description
As Takeda Kanryu's bodyguard, first clash with Kenshin, defeated and loses subordinates, transforms into a demon.

Reappearance in Kyoto arc

Significant event
Reappearance in Kyoto arc
Description
Forms alliance with Shishio Makoto, rematches with Kenshin. Regains pride as Oniwabanshu.

Jinchu arc

Significant event
Jinchu arc
Description
Pursues Yukishiro Enishi's scheme, punishes villains. Performs reburial for fallen comrades and withdraws from battle.

Live-action film appearance

Significant event
Live-action film appearance
Description
Appears from the second film 'Kyoto Inferno'. Depicts past as a rampaging demon, revival, and decisive battle with Kenshin.

Relationships

Himura Kenshin

Rival

Through fierce battles with Kenshin, changes from enemy to ally

Takeda Kanryu

Former employer

Served as bodyguard but betrayed, loses subordinates

Saito Hajime

Ally

Relationship involving exchange of information and cooperation

Oniwabanshu

Oniwabanshu: leader

Media appearances

Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Tale-

Manga / Protagonist

Serialization began in 1994

Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Tale-

Anime / Supporting

Aired in 1996

Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Tale- Kyoto Arc

Anime / Supporting

Aired in 1997

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno

Movie / Protagonist

Released in 2014

Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends

Movie / Protagonist

Released in 2014

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Rinne

Game / Protagonist

Released in 2006

Rurouni Kenshin Takarazuka Musical

Stage play / Protagonist

Voice cast and creators

Yoshito Yasuhara

Voice actor
Yoshito Yasuhara
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime first series

Yuma Uchida

Voice actor
Yuma Uchida
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime second series

Yusuke Iseya

Voice actor
Yusuke Iseya
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Live-action film version

Nobuhiro Watsuki

Creator name
Nobuhiro Watsuki
Role
Original author

Nobuhiro Watsuki

Creator name
Nobuhiro Watsuki
Role
Character designer

Related goods

Shinomori Aoshi Figure

Item name
Shinomori Aoshi Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Oniwabanshu Kodachi Replica

Item name
Oniwabanshu Kodachi Replica
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

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