Behind the Scenes of Sagara Sanosuke's Creation in the Anime
Behind the Scenes of Sagara Sanosuke's Creation in the Anime
If you're a fan of the popular anime series Rurouni Kenshin, then you're most likely familiar with the character Sagara Sanosuke. He's the wild, street-smart, and fiercely loyal member of the Akabeko restaurant staff and a good friend of the main protagonist, Kenshin Himura. But have you ever wondered how this iconic character came to be? Let's take a look behind the scenes of his creation in the anime.
The Inspiration for Sagara Sanosuke
Believe it or not, the inspiration for Sagara Sanosuke came from a real-life figure. The creator of Rurouni Kenshin, Nobuhiro Watsuki, was inspired by the legendary fighter and rebel, Saigō Takamori. Takamori was a key figure in the Meiji Restoration, a period in Japan's history that saw the end of the feudal system and the beginning of modernization. Just like Sanosuke, Takamori was known for his strength, bravery, and charismatic personality.
The Design of Sagara Sanosuke
When it came to designing Sanosuke, Watsuki wanted to create a character that would stand out from the traditional samurai archetype. He wanted Sanosuke to have a rough and rugged appearance that would reflect his tough personality. Drawing inspiration from Takamori, Watsuki gave Sanosuke wild hair and added elements such as bandages and torn clothing to give him a rebellious and streetwise look.
To further differentiate Sanosuke, Watsuki also added the iconic "X" scar on his left cheek, which was inspired by scars that Takamori had from battles. According to Watsuki, the "X" scar symbolized Sanosuke's fighting spirit and unwavering loyalty to his friends.
Sanosuke's Fighting Style
One of the most beloved aspects of Sagara Sanosuke is his unique fighting style. Instead of using a traditional sword like other samurai characters, Sanosuke fights with his fists and a metal club called the zanbatō. This decision was intentional, as Watsuki wanted to create a character who could hold his own in a fight without relying on a sword.
Sanosuke's fighting style is also a reference to Takamori, who was known for using a zanbatō in battle. But Watsuki also wanted Sanosuke's fighting style to reflect his hot-headedness and sense of justice. This is why most of Sanosuke's attacks are strong and explosive, symbolizing his fiery personality.
The Voice Behind Sanosuke
No behind the scenes look at Sagara Sanosuke would be complete without mentioning the talented voice actor behind the character. In the original Japanese version, Sanosuke is voiced by Shigeru Chiba, who also provided the voice for iconic characters such as Raditz in Dragon Ball Z and Pilaf in Dragon Ball. In the English dub, Sanosuke's voice is brought to life by Lex Lang, who has lent his voice to popular characters like Dr. Neo Cortex in the Crash Bandicoot series and Muzan Kibutsuji in Demon Slayer.
Sagasu Sanosuke Lives On
Thanks to the efforts of Nobuhiro Watsuki and the talented team behind Rurouni Kenshin, Sagara Sanosuke has become a beloved character among anime fans. His rebellious nature, loyalty, and memorable fighting style have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to be an inspiration to many. So, next time you watch Rurouni Kenshin, remember the man behind the character and the thought and skill that went into creating Sagara Sanosuke.