Makoto Shishio

Ultimate Fiend, Incarnation of Survival of the Fittest

Ruthless assassin and former Restoration patriot who suffered severe burns on his back. Leader of the Shishio Party, which seeks to overthrow the Meiji government, and one of the protagonist Kenshin's greatest enemies.

Quotes

  • I am an extreme villain. I choose black without any hesitation.
  • Survival of the fittest is the law of this world.
  • It's your fault for being weak.
  • If you trust, you get betrayed. If you let your guard down, you get killed.
  • This is the law of the world of carnage.

Trivia

  • The original author's most favorite character.
  • Modeled after Shinsengumi's Serizawa Kamo and Aonuma Shizuma from the movie 'The Inugami Family'.
  • Pre-burn face modeled after Kijin Hantaro from fighting games.
  • Conceals a metal headband under bandages as countermeasure to surprise attacks.
  • Burns destroyed sweat glands, resulting in constant high fever.
  • Mugenjin considered the sibling sword to Kenshin's reverse-blade sword.

Alternate names

Shishio Makoto Hitokiri Flame Man Mummy Man

Tags

Meiji Restoration Sonnō jōi Reverse-Blade Sword Swordsman Flames Assassin Avenger Bandaged Appearance Juppongatana Survival of the Fittest

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
08-○○
Birth year
1848

Appearance

Overall appearance
Entire body covered in bandages, with a metal headband concealed beneath them. Wears an indigo kimono with one shoulder exposed, along with leather gloves and leather boots. Resembles a mummy radiating intense heat.
Height
About 170cm
Weight
59kg
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Burn scars all over body
  • Body covered in bandages
  • Oiled-back hairstyle (pre-burn)
  • Bandages concealing metal headband
Iconic items
  • Mugenjin (Sibling Sword)
  • Kiseru
  • Indigo Kimono
  • Leather Gloves
  • Hachigane

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Ruthless
Detailed personality
Adheres to survival of the fittest as his creed, mercilessly eliminating the weak. Recognized by himself and others as an extreme villain, seeking a world where only the strong survive. Calm, possessing both intelligence and culture, with a side that shows respect even to enemies. Spares no means for his goals, resorting to betrayal and schemes without hesitation, but avoids despicable acts.
Keywords
  • Ruthless
  • Merciless
  • Intellectual
  • Cunning
  • Ambitious
  • Belief in the Strong
  • Avenger
  • Leader
Motto
Survival of the fittest is the law of the world
Talents
  • Swordsmanship Genius
  • Strategic Planning Ability
  • High Endurance
  • Leadership
  • Charismatic Appeal
Skills
  • Self-Taught Swordsmanship
  • Homuradama
  • Guren Kai na
  • Kagutsuchi
  • Versatility in Sword Techniques
  • Strategic Thinking
Motivation
To overthrow the Meiji government and establish a world of carnage ruled by survival of the fittest.
Habits
Holds a kiseru in his mouth and smokes tobacco. Sometimes mixes politeness into speech endings or forms of address.
Favorite foods
Yuji
Hobbies
Swordsmanship Research, Strategy Construction
Favorite colors
Indigo

History

Backstory
Born in 1848 (Kaei 1) in Kyoto. Active as a Choshu Restoration patriot, succeeded Kenshin the hitokiri during the Meiji Restoration era, but ambushed by comrades, doused in oil, and nearly burned alive. Survived near-fatal injuries, raised the special forces unit Juppongatana over ten years, and as leader of the massive army 'Shishio Party' equipped with cutting-edge weapons, aims to overthrow the Meiji government.
Debut date
November 4, 1996
Work title
Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story-
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Chapter 61 'The Heartless Man'

Ambush and Attempted Burning

Significant event
Ambush and Attempted Burning
Description
During Choshu Restoration patriot era, ambushed by allies, doused in oil and set ablaze, but survives.

Encounter with Kenshin in Shin Getsu Village

Significant event
Encounter with Kenshin in Shin Getsu Village
Description
Staying in a village for yuji, meets Kenshin and Saito, but clashes due to differing ideologies.

Kyoto Great Fire and Purgatory Tokyo Invasion Plan

Significant event
Kyoto Great Fire and Purgatory Tokyo Invasion Plan
Description
With Juppongatana, stages fake Kyoto Great Fire and plans Tokyo invasion using ultimate weapon Purgatory, but thwarted by Kenshin and fails.

Final Battle with Kenshin and Death

Significant event
Final Battle with Kenshin and Death
Description
Engages in final showdown with Kenshin, defeated in near-mutual destruction, self-ignites and burns to death.

Relationships

Yumi Komagata

Teammate

Shishio's trusted female aide. Shields Shishio in the final battle and dies.

Houji Sadojima

Teammate

One of the Juppongatana's aides with high loyalty.

Juppongatana

Leader

Elite officers of the special attack force led by Shishio.

Shishio Party

Shishio Party: leader

Media appearances

Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story-

Manga / Protagonist

Serialization began in 1996

Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story- TV Anime

Anime / Supporting

1996

Rurouni Kenshin Live-Action Movie Series

Movie / Protagonist

2012 onward

Rurouni Kenshin Musical

Musical / Protagonist

Numerous Rurouni Kenshin Games

Game / Protagonist

Voice cast and creators

Masanori Ikeda

Voice actor
Masanori Ikeda
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime 1st Series
Notes
Original Voice Actor

Makoto Furukawa

Voice actor
Makoto Furukawa
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime 2nd Series
Notes
Modern Version Voice Actor

Tatsuya Fujiwara

Voice actor
Tatsuya Fujiwara
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Live-Action Movies

Mario Kuroba

Voice actor
Mario Kuroba
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Musical

Nobuhiro Watsuki

Creator name
Nobuhiro Watsuki
Role
Original author

Nobuhiro Watsuki

Creator name
Nobuhiro Watsuki
Role
Character designer

Related goods

Makoto Shishio Figure

Item name
Makoto Shishio Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Mugenjin Replica

Item name
Mugenjin Replica
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

Makoto Shishio Illustration Clear File

Item name
Makoto Shishio Illustration Clear File
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular

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