Samurai Sentai Shinkenger on TVtropes (part 2)
The Shinkengers
Shiba Takeru | Actor: Matsuzaka Tori
"Shinken Red. Shiba Takeru."
"For once, I am impressed!"
The 18th and current head of the Shiba clan. Looks stern, but actually pretty nice; he'll try to hide it though. Takeru initially went against Jii's urging and tried to fight the Gedoushu alone, mainly because he knows the toll facing them would take on his retainer's life. Once the first Ayakashi of this invasion appeared, however, he was forced to give in.
Takeru grew up being groomed as Shiba Clan's Lord. He faces most things in life, from fighting to training to winning a card game with his vassals, with the gravity and dignity of a samurai lord.
It is later revealed that Takeru's father actually served the head of the Shiba Clan and that Takeru's position is that of a kagemusha as the true heir, Shiba Kaoru, had not even been born yet and was not of age to take the position of lord.
Berserk Button: While this goes for ALL the Samurai, Takeru has a special hurt coming for you if you harm one of his vassals. And do not question his commitment to the Shiba Clan's task.
Bishōnen: His actor, Matsuzaka Tori, already fits the mold pretty damn well. Add Takeru's Tsundere traits and even the guys are squeeing.
Fan Nickname: "ShinkenZengar". That should tell you a lot about Takeru
"Neko Tono"*
Lord Kitty
Freaky Friday Flip: The basis for his recurring embarrassment with ink cat whiskers. He'll probably never live it down...
Image Song: Matsuzaka is the only member of the cast not to sing one. Instead, we get Young Fresh singing about Takeru with clips of dialogue sampled in. The song is aptly called "Shinken Red, Ippitsu Sōjō!".
Japanese Pronouns: "Ore".
Launcher of a Thousand Ships: Pair him up with anyone; it looks good.
Meaningful Name: "Shi"/"Will(power)", and "Take" related to variations of "Strength" and "Hero", describing his Determinator Hero status.
Nakama: Despite being unwilling to summon his vassals initially, he grew to like and warmed up to them, little by little. Well past the halfway point of the series, he's really fond of them, and won't tolerate any harm done to them, a feeling which the others also return. Which is why he says that he's got nothing left when he's taken away from his friends after The Reveal.
The Stoic: Outdone by none, save Kaoru, who's even higher on the scale. One small smile on his lips speaks volumes.
Not So Stoic: Also a prominent part of his nature, as seen slowly emerging throught the series.
Tsundere: Instances vary from subtle to straight, often pairing with Heroic Blue Screen of Death for added "fun".
The Wise Prince/The White Prince- Stoic/tsuntsun modes have this split.
Ikenami Ryunosuke | Actor: Aiba Hiroki
"Similarly, Blue. Ikenami Ryunosuke."
"TONOOOO!"
A kabuki actor prior to being called to become Takeru's vassal. Very, VERY dramatic, partially thanks to his environment and upbringing. The Yes Man to Takeru, and often played for comedy, despite being the second-in-command.
Ryunosuke was considered The Scrappy by many early in the show's run, but that call was premature. Perhaps due to being the product of both samurai and kabuki training, under that hammy exterior is one of the most devoted and competent members of the team.
Berserk Button: Having grown up in a traditional upbringing and a Kabuki business, he has strong attachments to both his parents. As such, calling him "Faza-kon"* or "Maza-kon"* is one of the worst insults he could ever hear.
Bishōnen: Aiba's Bishonen qualities are played into Ryunosuke's look.
Butt Monkey: Less frequent after his Crowning Moment of Awesome in Act 7, but still an aspect.
Bunny-Ears Lawyer: consider that despite his Large Ham tendencies, he is still very good at what he does, not just Shinkenger-wise but on the kabuki stage as well.
Catch Phrase: TONOOOOO!
Also, variations on "Do not X our lord that way!"
Chewing the Scenery: "Tonooooooo!"
Crossdresser: Since Kabuki theater demands the actors to indiscriminately play both genders, he's the go to guy when it comes up; he thinks his skill in this needs work.
Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Butt Monkey. Large Ham. Narm machine. Master fencer and archer. Second in command of a team of demon-slaying Samurai.
Fan Nickname: "Marijuana Man": for people who don't initially recognize the Kanji for water and confuse his visor for that of a cannabis leaf.
"Aibaranger", due to the popularity of his actor, Aiba Hiroki.
Image Song: "Aonami Yonaoshi" *
Blue Wave World Reformation
Japanese Pronouns: "Watashi".
Large Ham: Of course. He's a kabuki, and all.
Meaningful Name: Ryunosuke: "Ike"/"Pond" and "Nami"/"Wave" represents his element. "Ryuu"/"Mannerism" refers to his well-mannered stature, and a homophone for "Dragon", his Origami.
Nakama: Ryunosuke seems to be trying to actively build the Samurai-tachi into one from day one. As is often the case with Ryu-san, half his attempts are annoying as hell.
Shiraishi Mako | Actress: Takanashi Rin
"Similarly, Pink. Shiraishi Mako."
"Being our Lord doesn't necessarily mean you have to be perfect, you know?"
Originally a kindergarten teacher. Mature, levelheaded and reliable. Always count on her to comfort whoever's feeling down.
Mako was at first abandoned by her parents and was left to be raised by her grandmother. Her samurai training robbed her of any chance of a childhood like a normal girl; this shows big time in her protectiveness of children. She dreams of being a housewife, but is really horrid at cooking.
Berserk Button: Hurt her Nakama, hurt children... and Nee-san's got your Tranquil Fury right here.
Image Song: "Nadeshiko Shinken, Hanafubuki" *
Carnation Shinken, Falling Cherry Blossom''
She sings it in the V-Cinema special during her dream sequence of becoming an Idol Singer.
Japanese Pronouns: "Atashi".
Meaningful Name: "Shiro"/"White", the clouds in the sky, "Ishi", homophone for "Will", and "Ko"/"Child". Roughly translates as "Sincere child"; either herself or the nature of pure and innocent children she takes care of.
Ship Tease: At first with Ryuunosuke, but she personally sent torpedoes to sink it, showing her Kuudere qualities. Towards the end of the series she was getting closer to Takeru, but then she got (comical) Ship Tease with Chiaki and Kotoha in Shinkenger Returns.
Tani Chiaki | Actor: Suzuki Shogo
"Similarly, Green. Tani Chiaki."
"Someday, I'll definitely surpass you."
The rebel to Takeru. Lax, and not a very good fighter to start, but a quick thinker who relies on unorthodox methods.
His growth over the series made early calls marking him The Lancer to be retracted. Chiaki, interestingly, seems to be the one to anchor the others to the 'reality' of being samurai in the modern age, often striving to get the others to relax or see things from another perspective. His fighting style and tactical approach starts and remains unorthodox- and proves an asset.
Berserk Button: Chiaki has been shown to be VERY protective of Kotoha, despite her being aknowledged as a better Samurai than him. He's the first to go charging blindly after the Ayakashi that swollowed Kotoha's soul in Act 20. He later pulls one of his most clever mojikara uses to get Nee-san and his father out of a hostage situation. Go after the Wood Samurai's loved ones, get pwned.
Character Development: To be fair, everyone got it, but remember the guy who refused to lower his head or even follow orders from a designated lord? Well, guess who's the first one to happily lower his head when said lord is re-instated almost at the end of the series. It can't get any more blatant than that, can it?
Image Song: "Shinken Days, Never give up, Dōchū" *
On the Journey
.
Japanese Pronouns: "Ore".
Meaningful Name: "Tani"/"Valley", where trees grow; "Chi"/"Thousand", the abundance of trees and leaves; and "Aki"/"Dawn, Awaken", reminding of his late-bloomer trait. Also, his Kanji can be read "Ki".
Nakama: Despite being the one who protested the most about his lifelong mission, he's also the first to refuse to follow Kaoru as her retainer. If not for Takeru's personal request, he most likely would have walked off for good like Genta.
Ship Tease: Has lots of "moments" alone with Kotoha, who's another "junior" of the team like himself.
The Rival: He considers Takeru as the person he'll surpass someday.
The Smart Guy: He may not seem like it initially, but his quick thinking and unorthodox methods definitely him qualify.
Hanaori Kotoha | Actress: Morita Suzuka
"Similarly, Yellow. Hanaori Kotoha."
"Tono-sama?"
The Chick-Cute Bruiser dual pack; a shy, quiet and a bit clutzy country girl. Her loyalty to Takeru rivals Ryunosuke's.
Originally, Kotoha's older sister was supposed to take the place of Shinken Yellow, but because was she often very ill, Kotoha became Shinken Yellow in her stead. Unlike the others initially, she had no regret in becoming Takeru's vassal and willingly volunteered to serve him battle despite his initially cold personality.
Image Song: "Hannari, Metcha Bushidō Girl" *
Elegance, The Extreme Girl
Les Yay: Kotoha idolizes Mako very much and is close to her. While this may be also seen as being a very close friend, in Shinkenger Returns, Kotoha's fantasy is being girl disguised as a boy in an all boys school to be with the "guy" she idolizes and loves. Since guy is in quotations, no cookie for guessing Mako is playing Kotoha's character's crush.
Meaningful Name Kotoha: "Hana"/"Flower" for her gentle and innocent nature. Combine with "Ori"/"To weave" and "Kotoha", possibly relating to "Kotoba"/"Words", and the result is a poetic meaning of "words beautiful as flowers weaved together", a nod to her softspoken nature.*
Or it could be overanalysis.
Ship Tease: Originally thought to be with Chiaki, however, there is strong evidence of her with Takeru as well.
Umemori Genta | Actor: Soma Keisuke
"Similarly, Gold. Umemori Genta."
"Yosh! Now for the Victory Ipponjime!"
Genta was a suspicious sushi seller who suddenly arrived in town. But when the Shinkengers were pinned down by the Ayakashi of the week, he revealed himself as Shinken Gold, and much to the vassals' surprise, Takeru's childhood friend.
Personality-wise, Genta is hyperactive and childish for his age, but like Ryunosuke, his capabilities are, albeit not intentionally, hidden beneath this behaviour.
Hey You: He's the only one who dares call his Lord "Take-chan".
Japanese Pronouns: "Ore".
Meaningful Name "Ume" could be a verbal variation of "Umai"/"Delicious" here. Add it to "Mori"/"Helping" and it makes sense: "Delicious Serving", a direct reference to his foodstall business.
Shiba Kaoru | Actor: Natsui Runa
"Shinken Red. Shiba Kaoru."
"I will succeed! That's why I'm here, Father!"
The true 18th head of the Shiba Clan who was hidden away and taken care of by one of her father's personal retainers in order to keep her and the Shiba Clan sealing character, the power to seal away Dokoku, safe from the Gedoushu. In her stead, Takeru took her place as lord as she trained and mastered the sealing character. Toward the end of the series, she returned to take her place as lord, but her vassals, who were more attached to Takeru, had a hard time following her.
Kaoru initially appears stoic, serious, and focused on her duty to defeat the Gedoushu, much like Takeru in the early parts of the series, making her difficult to approach, especially when she's with her stubborn retainer, Tanba. However, like Takeru, she turns out to be much nicer than she appears.
Eleventh Hour Ranger: Though she actually replaces Takeru as leader. Once Takeru is made the official lord, she no longer goes into battle.
Memetic Mutation: Ever since Kaoru adopted Takeru, fan artists have become very fond of making ridiculous scenes of her trying to act like a mother (One had her attempt to give Takeru a bath. Another had her trying to play matchmaker).
Running Gag: Anytime Tanba, her retainer, annoys her or starts making Jerk Ass comments towards her vassals or her Body Double, she hits him with a Paper Fan Of Doom.
The Ojou: Everyone addresses her as "Hime-sama"*
Princess
. Tanba, her personal retainer, treats as such and tries to get everyone else to treat her the same way. She, on the other hand, is not especially fond of being treated this way.
Shiba Takeru | Actor: Matsuzaka Tori
"Shinken Red. Shiba Takeru."
"For once, I am impressed!"
The 18th and current head of the Shiba clan. Looks stern, but actually pretty nice; he'll try to hide it though. Takeru initially went against Jii's urging and tried to fight the Gedoushu alone, mainly because he knows the toll facing them would take on his retainer's life. Once the first Ayakashi of this invasion appeared, however, he was forced to give in.
Takeru grew up being groomed as Shiba Clan's Lord. He faces most things in life, from fighting to training to winning a card game with his vassals, with the gravity and dignity of a samurai lord.
It is later revealed that Takeru's father actually served the head of the Shiba Clan and that Takeru's position is that of a kagemusha as the true heir, Shiba Kaoru, had not even been born yet and was not of age to take the position of lord.
Berserk Button: While this goes for ALL the Samurai, Takeru has a special hurt coming for you if you harm one of his vassals. And do not question his commitment to the Shiba Clan's task.
Bishōnen: His actor, Matsuzaka Tori, already fits the mold pretty damn well. Add Takeru's Tsundere traits and even the guys are squeeing.
Fan Nickname: "ShinkenZengar". That should tell you a lot about Takeru
"Neko Tono"*
Lord Kitty
Freaky Friday Flip: The basis for his recurring embarrassment with ink cat whiskers. He'll probably never live it down...
Image Song: Matsuzaka is the only member of the cast not to sing one. Instead, we get Young Fresh singing about Takeru with clips of dialogue sampled in. The song is aptly called "Shinken Red, Ippitsu Sōjō!".
Japanese Pronouns: "Ore".
Launcher of a Thousand Ships: Pair him up with anyone; it looks good.
Meaningful Name: "Shi"/"Will(power)", and "Take" related to variations of "Strength" and "Hero", describing his Determinator Hero status.
Nakama: Despite being unwilling to summon his vassals initially, he grew to like and warmed up to them, little by little. Well past the halfway point of the series, he's really fond of them, and won't tolerate any harm done to them, a feeling which the others also return. Which is why he says that he's got nothing left when he's taken away from his friends after The Reveal.
The Stoic: Outdone by none, save Kaoru, who's even higher on the scale. One small smile on his lips speaks volumes.
Not So Stoic: Also a prominent part of his nature, as seen slowly emerging throught the series.
Tsundere: Instances vary from subtle to straight, often pairing with Heroic Blue Screen of Death for added "fun".
The Wise Prince/The White Prince- Stoic/tsuntsun modes have this split.
Ikenami Ryunosuke | Actor: Aiba Hiroki
"Similarly, Blue. Ikenami Ryunosuke."
"TONOOOO!"
A kabuki actor prior to being called to become Takeru's vassal. Very, VERY dramatic, partially thanks to his environment and upbringing. The Yes Man to Takeru, and often played for comedy, despite being the second-in-command.
Ryunosuke was considered The Scrappy by many early in the show's run, but that call was premature. Perhaps due to being the product of both samurai and kabuki training, under that hammy exterior is one of the most devoted and competent members of the team.
Berserk Button: Having grown up in a traditional upbringing and a Kabuki business, he has strong attachments to both his parents. As such, calling him "Faza-kon"* or "Maza-kon"* is one of the worst insults he could ever hear.
Bishōnen: Aiba's Bishonen qualities are played into Ryunosuke's look.
Butt Monkey: Less frequent after his Crowning Moment of Awesome in Act 7, but still an aspect.
Bunny-Ears Lawyer: consider that despite his Large Ham tendencies, he is still very good at what he does, not just Shinkenger-wise but on the kabuki stage as well.
Catch Phrase: TONOOOOO!
Also, variations on "Do not X our lord that way!"
Chewing the Scenery: "Tonooooooo!"
Crossdresser: Since Kabuki theater demands the actors to indiscriminately play both genders, he's the go to guy when it comes up; he thinks his skill in this needs work.
Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Butt Monkey. Large Ham. Narm machine. Master fencer and archer. Second in command of a team of demon-slaying Samurai.
Fan Nickname: "Marijuana Man": for people who don't initially recognize the Kanji for water and confuse his visor for that of a cannabis leaf.
"Aibaranger", due to the popularity of his actor, Aiba Hiroki.
Image Song: "Aonami Yonaoshi" *
Blue Wave World Reformation
Japanese Pronouns: "Watashi".
Large Ham: Of course. He's a kabuki, and all.
Meaningful Name: Ryunosuke: "Ike"/"Pond" and "Nami"/"Wave" represents his element. "Ryuu"/"Mannerism" refers to his well-mannered stature, and a homophone for "Dragon", his Origami.
Nakama: Ryunosuke seems to be trying to actively build the Samurai-tachi into one from day one. As is often the case with Ryu-san, half his attempts are annoying as hell.
Shiraishi Mako | Actress: Takanashi Rin
"Similarly, Pink. Shiraishi Mako."
"Being our Lord doesn't necessarily mean you have to be perfect, you know?"
Originally a kindergarten teacher. Mature, levelheaded and reliable. Always count on her to comfort whoever's feeling down.
Mako was at first abandoned by her parents and was left to be raised by her grandmother. Her samurai training robbed her of any chance of a childhood like a normal girl; this shows big time in her protectiveness of children. She dreams of being a housewife, but is really horrid at cooking.
Berserk Button: Hurt her Nakama, hurt children... and Nee-san's got your Tranquil Fury right here.
Image Song: "Nadeshiko Shinken, Hanafubuki" *
Carnation Shinken, Falling Cherry Blossom''
She sings it in the V-Cinema special during her dream sequence of becoming an Idol Singer.
Japanese Pronouns: "Atashi".
Meaningful Name: "Shiro"/"White", the clouds in the sky, "Ishi", homophone for "Will", and "Ko"/"Child". Roughly translates as "Sincere child"; either herself or the nature of pure and innocent children she takes care of.
Ship Tease: At first with Ryuunosuke, but she personally sent torpedoes to sink it, showing her Kuudere qualities. Towards the end of the series she was getting closer to Takeru, but then she got (comical) Ship Tease with Chiaki and Kotoha in Shinkenger Returns.
Tani Chiaki | Actor: Suzuki Shogo
"Similarly, Green. Tani Chiaki."
"Someday, I'll definitely surpass you."
The rebel to Takeru. Lax, and not a very good fighter to start, but a quick thinker who relies on unorthodox methods.
His growth over the series made early calls marking him The Lancer to be retracted. Chiaki, interestingly, seems to be the one to anchor the others to the 'reality' of being samurai in the modern age, often striving to get the others to relax or see things from another perspective. His fighting style and tactical approach starts and remains unorthodox- and proves an asset.
Berserk Button: Chiaki has been shown to be VERY protective of Kotoha, despite her being aknowledged as a better Samurai than him. He's the first to go charging blindly after the Ayakashi that swollowed Kotoha's soul in Act 20. He later pulls one of his most clever mojikara uses to get Nee-san and his father out of a hostage situation. Go after the Wood Samurai's loved ones, get pwned.
Character Development: To be fair, everyone got it, but remember the guy who refused to lower his head or even follow orders from a designated lord? Well, guess who's the first one to happily lower his head when said lord is re-instated almost at the end of the series. It can't get any more blatant than that, can it?
Image Song: "Shinken Days, Never give up, Dōchū" *
On the Journey
.
Japanese Pronouns: "Ore".
Meaningful Name: "Tani"/"Valley", where trees grow; "Chi"/"Thousand", the abundance of trees and leaves; and "Aki"/"Dawn, Awaken", reminding of his late-bloomer trait. Also, his Kanji can be read "Ki".
Nakama: Despite being the one who protested the most about his lifelong mission, he's also the first to refuse to follow Kaoru as her retainer. If not for Takeru's personal request, he most likely would have walked off for good like Genta.
Ship Tease: Has lots of "moments" alone with Kotoha, who's another "junior" of the team like himself.
The Rival: He considers Takeru as the person he'll surpass someday.
The Smart Guy: He may not seem like it initially, but his quick thinking and unorthodox methods definitely him qualify.
Hanaori Kotoha | Actress: Morita Suzuka
"Similarly, Yellow. Hanaori Kotoha."
"Tono-sama?"
The Chick-Cute Bruiser dual pack; a shy, quiet and a bit clutzy country girl. Her loyalty to Takeru rivals Ryunosuke's.
Originally, Kotoha's older sister was supposed to take the place of Shinken Yellow, but because was she often very ill, Kotoha became Shinken Yellow in her stead. Unlike the others initially, she had no regret in becoming Takeru's vassal and willingly volunteered to serve him battle despite his initially cold personality.
Image Song: "Hannari, Metcha Bushidō Girl" *
Elegance, The Extreme Girl
Les Yay: Kotoha idolizes Mako very much and is close to her. While this may be also seen as being a very close friend, in Shinkenger Returns, Kotoha's fantasy is being girl disguised as a boy in an all boys school to be with the "guy" she idolizes and loves. Since guy is in quotations, no cookie for guessing Mako is playing Kotoha's character's crush.
Meaningful Name Kotoha: "Hana"/"Flower" for her gentle and innocent nature. Combine with "Ori"/"To weave" and "Kotoha", possibly relating to "Kotoba"/"Words", and the result is a poetic meaning of "words beautiful as flowers weaved together", a nod to her softspoken nature.*
Or it could be overanalysis.
Ship Tease: Originally thought to be with Chiaki, however, there is strong evidence of her with Takeru as well.
Umemori Genta | Actor: Soma Keisuke
"Similarly, Gold. Umemori Genta."
"Yosh! Now for the Victory Ipponjime!"
Genta was a suspicious sushi seller who suddenly arrived in town. But when the Shinkengers were pinned down by the Ayakashi of the week, he revealed himself as Shinken Gold, and much to the vassals' surprise, Takeru's childhood friend.
Personality-wise, Genta is hyperactive and childish for his age, but like Ryunosuke, his capabilities are, albeit not intentionally, hidden beneath this behaviour.
Hey You: He's the only one who dares call his Lord "Take-chan".
Japanese Pronouns: "Ore".
Meaningful Name "Ume" could be a verbal variation of "Umai"/"Delicious" here. Add it to "Mori"/"Helping" and it makes sense: "Delicious Serving", a direct reference to his foodstall business.
Shiba Kaoru | Actor: Natsui Runa
"Shinken Red. Shiba Kaoru."
"I will succeed! That's why I'm here, Father!"
The true 18th head of the Shiba Clan who was hidden away and taken care of by one of her father's personal retainers in order to keep her and the Shiba Clan sealing character, the power to seal away Dokoku, safe from the Gedoushu. In her stead, Takeru took her place as lord as she trained and mastered the sealing character. Toward the end of the series, she returned to take her place as lord, but her vassals, who were more attached to Takeru, had a hard time following her.
Kaoru initially appears stoic, serious, and focused on her duty to defeat the Gedoushu, much like Takeru in the early parts of the series, making her difficult to approach, especially when she's with her stubborn retainer, Tanba. However, like Takeru, she turns out to be much nicer than she appears.
Eleventh Hour Ranger: Though she actually replaces Takeru as leader. Once Takeru is made the official lord, she no longer goes into battle.
Memetic Mutation: Ever since Kaoru adopted Takeru, fan artists have become very fond of making ridiculous scenes of her trying to act like a mother (One had her attempt to give Takeru a bath. Another had her trying to play matchmaker).
Running Gag: Anytime Tanba, her retainer, annoys her or starts making Jerk Ass comments towards her vassals or her Body Double, she hits him with a Paper Fan Of Doom.
The Ojou: Everyone addresses her as "Hime-sama"*
Princess
. Tanba, her personal retainer, treats as such and tries to get everyone else to treat her the same way. She, on the other hand, is not especially fond of being treated this way.