Meet the key political factions that vie for power in this tumultuous time. Anti-shogunate forces, united in their mission to restore imperial authority, pro-shogunate forces, defenders of centralized rule; and Western forces, catalysts of Japan’s opening to foreign trade and change.
◆ Sabaku: Pro-Shogunate
Loyal hearts, steadfast resolve.
The pro-shogunate forces of the Bakumatsu era are supporters of Tokugawa, seeking to maintain its centralized rule and defend the shogunate against external pressures and internal threats to uphold the existing political order.
Naosuke Ii
Chief minister of the shogunate and clan lord of Hikone. Working with the Western powers, he opens Japan’s ports to foreign trade. Known for mercilessly suppressing his opposition, he is feared as “The Red Demon of Ii”, a nickname inherited from his ancestor. Among the martial arts, Iai is his forte. Considered to be a man of taste, Ii also possesses a deep knowledge of the finer things, not least tea and poetry.
—Hiroyuki Ringa
Passed down by members of the Ii clan, this weapon eventually received ornamented fittings styled after a nickname given to the 20th clan head, Naomasa Ii: the “Red Demon.”
Taka Murayama
Famed geisha of the Miyozaki pleasure district in Yokohama. She earned her renown through her witty conversation and rather melancholic good looks. Reputed to have performed as a geisha in Kyoto in the past.
◆ Tobaku: Anti-Shogunate
Silent no more.
The anti-shogunate forces are made up of diverse groups and individuals united by their opposition to the shogunate’s rule and their desire to restore imperial authority in Japan.
Ryoma Sakamoto
Ronin formerly of the Tosa clan. Determined to keep a steady hand on the tiller of Japan as it opens its ports to foreign trade, he tirelessly searches for the right course of action. An endearingly earnest soul, he is quick to gain the affections of others. Not only is he a master of the Hokushin-Itto-ryu school of swordplay, but he is also a sharp shot with a Western-style pistol.
—Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki
The eponymous work of a Tosa swordsmith, this precious heirloom features an ornate custom mounting, dragon-themed scabbard, and hilt ornament.
Kogoro Katsura
Feudal retainer of the Choshu clan, and a close associate of Shoin Yoshida. A compassionate soul, he serves as a mentor for his clan’s younger retainers. He has earned the confidence of Choshu’s senior statesmen with his level-headed and cautious approach. His only flaw is his unhealthy predilection for sake, which has led to the occasional scandal…
—Bizen Osafune Kiyomitsu
A “Sue-Bizen” work of the Osafune school, this elegant blade features an ornate mounting customized for Katsura, and the sword’s hilt ornament and scabbard exhibit a pine motif.
◆ Obei: Western Forces
The winds of change.
The Western forces of the Bakumatsu era consist of US and European powers who seek to open Japan to foreign trade, leading to the end of the country’s long-standing isolationist policies and influencing its political and economic landscape.
Matthew Perry
Commodore of the United States Navy. At the order of President Millard Fillmore, his fleet of Black Ships circumnavigated the globe to negotiate the opening of Japan’s ports for trade. He is determined to compel the opening of Japan before any other Western power.
—Commodore’s Saber
Standard-issue for officers of the United States Navy. Distinguished by the gold-plated brass on its hilt, guard and scabbard, it’s a sword that displays exquisite craftmanship.
Rutherford Alcock
British Diplomat. He’s tasked with assessing the value of Japan’s integration into the global economy, and reporting back his findings to his superiors. Despite denouncing the shogunate’s exclusionary politics as “barbaric”, he has a profound fascination for Japanese craftsmanship. A former surgeon, he can be counted on to treat the wounded.
—Sophisticate’s Saber
Although he is generally accompanied by an escort of bodyguards, Alcock warily keeps this saber on his person should he need to take the defense of his life into his own hands.
Rise of the Ronin is due out for PlayStation 5 on March 22.
