The Most Famous Ronin, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Ronin you think is the most famous!
Updated on Jun 27, 2024 07:47
Throughout history, the stories of rogue samurai, known as Ronin, have captivated audiences with their tales of bravery, skill, and sometimes, vengeance. These masterless warriors roamed feudal Japan, and their narratives have become the stuff of legends. By ranking these figures, we gain a clearer picture of whom people find most compelling or influential, supplying an organized reflection of public interest and historical impact.
This listing process encourages visitors to engage actively by casting votes for the Ronin they believe deserve recognition. Each vote contributes to the evolving status of these warriors in the public eye, highlighting how perceptions of these figures can fluctuate over time. Input from a broad audience ensures the list remains reflective of diverse opinions and perspectives, offering an updated overview of these enigmatic figures.
Who Is the Most Famous Ronin?
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166points
Miyamoto Musashi
A legendary swordsman known for his unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 61 duels.- Era: Late Sengoku and early Edo period
- Notable work: The Book of Five Rings
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226points
Oda Nobunaga
A powerful daimyo of the Sengoku period of Japan, who attempted to unify Japan during the late 16th century.- Achievement: Initiated the unification of Japan under the rule of the shogun.
- Death: Forced to commit seppuku during the Honnō-ji Incident.
In other topics -
316points
Sakamoto Ryoma
A leader of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate during the Bakumatsu period in Japan.- Contribution: Played a key role in the movement that led to the Meiji Restoration.
- Assassination: 1867
In other topics -
48points
Ishikawa Goemon
A semi-legendary Japanese outlaw hero who stole gold and other valuables to give to the poor.- Famous for: His failed assassination attempt against Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
- Execution: Boiled alive
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56points
Kusunoki Masashige
A 14th-century samurai who fought for Emperor Go-Daigo in the Genkō War, symbolizing loyalty and devotion.- Legacy: Regarded as a hero and a symbol of loyalty in Japan.
- Famous last words: Would that I had seven lives to give for my country!
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61points
Sasaki Kojirō
A prominent Japanese swordsman, famous for his long nodachi and his duel with Miyamoto Musashi.- Signature move: Tsubame Gaeshi
- Weapon: Monohoshizao (Drying Pole)
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70points
Chūsuke
A fictional character from the book 'Bushi no Kakeibo' who becomes a ronin after his lord dies.- Fictional Aspect: Represents the ideal loyal and skilled ronin.
- Era: Edo period
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80points
Shimazu Toyohisa
A real historical figure and samurai who was transported to a magical world in the anime 'Drifters', becoming a ronin.- Historical Significance: Part of the Shimazu clan during the Sengoku period.
- Anime Appearance: 'Drifters'
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90points
Takasugi Shinsaku
A samurai who contributed significantly to the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Bakumatsu period.- Innovation: Formed the Kiheitai, a revolutionary, modernized militia.
- Death: Age 27
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100points
Yagyū Munenori
A Japanese swordsman, founder of the Edo branch of Yagyū Shinkage-ryū, one of the most prestigious schools of Japanese swordsmanship.- Era: Early Edo period
- Philosophy: The sword is the mind
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Ronin. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Ronin is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2961 views
- 123 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Ronin once every 24 hours. The rank of each Ronin is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Additional Information
More about the Most Famous Ronin
Rank #1 for the most famous Ronin: Miyamoto Musashi (Source)
In feudal Japan, samurai served their lords with unwavering loyalty. They followed a strict code of honor called bushido. This code demanded courage, honor, and loyalty. When a samurai's lord died or fell from power, the samurai became masterless. These masterless samurai were known as ronin.
Ronin faced a difficult life. Without a lord, they lost their social standing. Many struggled to find work. Some became farmers or craftsmen. Others turned to less honorable means to survive. Despite these hardships, ronin retained their skills and training. They continued to live by the bushido code, even without a master to serve.
The existence of ronin highlighted the instability of the times. Political shifts and battles often left many samurai without masters. This period saw the rise and fall of many clans. Ronin often found themselves in the middle of these power struggles. Some sought new lords to serve. Others wandered, seeking purpose and meaning.
The life of a ronin was not always bleak. Some found new masters and regained their status. Others became teachers, passing on their skills to a new generation. Their stories became legends, inspiring future samurai and common folk alike. Tales of their bravery, loyalty, and skill spread far and wide.
Ronin also played important roles in Japanese culture. They appeared in literature, theater, and art. Their stories became popular subjects for plays and novels. These works often depicted the ronin as tragic heroes. They showed the struggles and sacrifices of these masterless warriors.
The legacy of the ronin continues to this day. Their tales remind us of the importance of honor and loyalty. They show the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The ronin's journey from samurai to masterless warrior reflects the broader themes of change and resilience.
In modern times, the image of the ronin has evolved. They symbolize independence and self-reliance. Their stories inspire those who face their own challenges. The ronin's path, though difficult, is one of perseverance and determination.
The ronin's place in history is secure. They remain a powerful symbol of the samurai spirit. Their stories continue to captivate and inspire. The lessons of their lives resonate across time and culture.
Ronin faced a difficult life. Without a lord, they lost their social standing. Many struggled to find work. Some became farmers or craftsmen. Others turned to less honorable means to survive. Despite these hardships, ronin retained their skills and training. They continued to live by the bushido code, even without a master to serve.
The existence of ronin highlighted the instability of the times. Political shifts and battles often left many samurai without masters. This period saw the rise and fall of many clans. Ronin often found themselves in the middle of these power struggles. Some sought new lords to serve. Others wandered, seeking purpose and meaning.
The life of a ronin was not always bleak. Some found new masters and regained their status. Others became teachers, passing on their skills to a new generation. Their stories became legends, inspiring future samurai and common folk alike. Tales of their bravery, loyalty, and skill spread far and wide.
Ronin also played important roles in Japanese culture. They appeared in literature, theater, and art. Their stories became popular subjects for plays and novels. These works often depicted the ronin as tragic heroes. They showed the struggles and sacrifices of these masterless warriors.
The legacy of the ronin continues to this day. Their tales remind us of the importance of honor and loyalty. They show the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The ronin's journey from samurai to masterless warrior reflects the broader themes of change and resilience.
In modern times, the image of the ronin has evolved. They symbolize independence and self-reliance. Their stories inspire those who face their own challenges. The ronin's path, though difficult, is one of perseverance and determination.
The ronin's place in history is secure. They remain a powerful symbol of the samurai spirit. Their stories continue to captivate and inspire. The lessons of their lives resonate across time and culture.
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