
The Shinkengers

The Shinkengers are the 33rd Super Sentai, a group of samurai tasked to defeat the Gedoshu. Armed with the ShodoPhones, able to channel Mojikara and the Shinkenmaru, the 18th head of the Shiba clan and his loyal retainers continue to fight to ensure the Sanzu River does not overflow.
- The Alliance: The Shinkengers are the current batch of an inter-generational alliance of samurai families.
- Everything's Better with Samurai: Five of them, to be exact! Genta's more of a ninja.
- Experienced Protagonist: It has been explicitly stated that all of the Shinkengers have been training since childhood to properly prepare against their fight with the Gedoushu. This is proven in the first episode where each member of the team is already an Master Swordsman and are shown to wield their respective preferred weapons with great proficiency.
- Legacy Character: The current team is the 18th iteration of the Shinkengers, having inherited their titles from their parents.
- Runic Magic: The Shinkengers possess Mojikara, which allows them to weaponize Kanji for various elemental attacks.
- Samurai: It's in the name.
- Two Girls to a Team: Mako and Kotoha are the only women on the team. Kaoru doesn't count, as she doesn't stay on.
Takeru Shiba/Shinken Red (XVIII/XIX)
Portrayed by: Tori Matsuzaka (live), Hirofumi Fukuzawa (suit), Riichi Seike (substitute)
Young Takeru portrayed by: Masaki Takaiwa

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 the 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, Kaoru Shiba, had not even been born yet and was not of age to take the position of lord.
- Awesomeness by Analysis: It's heavily implied that along with his raw power and nearly flawless technique, he's able to read the situation at an insane speed; this allows him to overcome enemy techniques at a blink of an eye.
- 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. However, see Breaking Speech below.
- Blood Knight: Downplayed. There are various hints that Takeru likes fighting. Unlike the battle-addict Juzo however, Takeru never lets this come between him and his duties. Near the end of the show, he undergoes a Heroic BSoD after Kaoru re-takes command and resigns himself to combat with Juzo, but Takeru's friends arrive to emotionally support him.
- Body Double: Towards Shinkenger's end game, it's revealed that Takeru is not the true 18th head of the Shiba Clan and his purpose is to act as one while the true head, Kaoru, trains in secret.
- Brainwashed and Crazy: In the Goseiger crossover, Takeru is warped by Buredoran and Madakodama into Gedou Shinken Red - essentially the battle-monster Juzo wanted him to become. In this state, Takeru's a force of nature that takes both teams to bring back to normal.
- Breaking Speech: Every second time they meet, Juzo is pulling this on Takeru. Juzo often calls Takeru's qualities as a warrior into question, making this also a case of pushing a Berserk Button to goad Takeru into fighting him.
- Catchphrase: He started the two Catch Phrases which the others picked up pretty quickly.
- The Comically Serious: A steadfast, serious samurai who faces everything with the same serious outlook, whether it be fighting off Gedoshuu or playing cards.
- Conveniently Orphaned: Nothing is known about his mother, and his father died at the hands of Dōkoku and his forces.
- Death Seeker: After Kaoru returns and takes her place as the real head of the Shiba Clan, Takeru believes he has nothing else to live for and resigns himself to battle with Juzo. The other Shinkengers find him and reaffirm their loyalty to him rather than the Clan, reminding him he has more to live for.
- Defrosting Ice King: It was slow at first, but he eventually goes from an absolute Good Is Not Nice stoic to an affable leader who's more willing to have his Not So Above It All moments as well as his Not So Stoic moments.
- Deliberate Injury Gambit: How he beats Juzo in their climatic duel.
- Determinator: A textbook example.
- Elemental Powers: Takeru is the only Shinkenger to have used more then one element.
- Playing with Fire: His primary element.
- Shock and Awe: The Lightning Disk in his arsenal can execute lightning attacks. However, he uses it only a couple of times early in the series.
- Even the Guys Want Him: Adding to his Ship Tease with both Mako and Kotoha, the three other guys are really fond of him in their own ways: Ryuunosuke is a smitten and devoted Yes-Man, Chiaki gradually has a better opinion on him and acts quite like a type B Tsundere, and Genta is his Childhood Friend who really likes to play with him.
- Face Doodling: Chiaki's #1 prized victim.
- Face–Monster Turn: Brainwashed and Crazy in the Goseiger vs. Shinkenger movie, complete with a blackened version of the Super Mode and his use of the Hyakka Ryouran to boot.
- Finishing Move: Shin Kaen no Mainote
- First-Name Basis: While Ryuunosuke, Jii and Kotoha address him as "Tono" ("Tono-sama" in Kotoha's case) respectfully, Chiaki and Mako go for the more informal way by calling him "Takeru".note Genta later takes it even further by using "Take-chan". Episodes #2 and #32 has him outright state that he doesn't really care how others refer to him.
- Five Temperament Ensemble: Choleric with Melancholic tendencies
- "Freaky Friday" Flip: The basis for his recurring embarrassment with ink cat whiskers. He'll probably never live it down...
- Genius Bruiser: His winning in battle is not only because his technique and raw strength is used, but he's also able to read the situation and also the enemy techniques and characteristics and he knows how to overcome them efficiently. Acts 3, 9, 12, 16, 18, 19 & 31 are good examples of this.
- Good Is Not Nice: Despite his stern and strict leadership, he did this for the best of his retainers, especially Chiaki.
- Heroic BSoD: Goes through them quite a bit throughout the series.
- 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!".
- Instant Expert: Averted. Takeru's been training, arguably since he can remember, to fight the Gedoushu.
- It's Not You, It's My Enemies: Non-romantic example here: The reason Takeru had been refusing to call for his vassals, or deal with any other person for that matter, is more because as the lord of Shiba clan, he will clash with Gedoushu again and again, and there will be victims sooner or later even if he doesn't want it; despite what his initial demeanor will have you believe.
- That and he does not believe a shadow warrior deserves a lord's respect.
- I Work Alone: This is how he started out, but he gradually softens up over the course. In his defense, though, he was a lot better than the rest back then, having prior experience. He's also got a decent reason for this attitude, too, as he doesn't want anyone to give their life for a lie.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Aloof and keeps insisting on working alone, before turning into a Tsundere from friendship.
- Lampshade Hanging: Because he borders on The Comically Serious, Takeru often ends up making sure those bulbs aren't bare; mainly when he's introduced with an overly long presentation spee-Takeru: Too long.
- Law of Chromatic Superiority: The first one to don the Super and Hyper Shinkenger attires and the Mogyu Bazooka. He also gets to control the Ushi Origami by himself.
- The Leader: He's of the levelheaded and charismatic variety, being the most experienced and stoic of the group.
- Liar Revealed: Happens in #44 and #45.
- Lightning Bruiser: Can carry his giant sword without being bothered by the weight itself. His reflexes are also quite insane, able to endure lots of punishment when fighting against Juzo and the moment when he's Dual Wielding the two Rekka Daizantou against Doukoku in the final episode.
- Master Swordsman: His swordsmanship is very impressive compare to any character. There's a reason why Juzo is obsessed in beating him.
- Meaningful Name: "Shi"/"Will(power)", and "Take" related to variations of "Strength" and "Hero", describing his Determinator Hero status.
- Mirror Character: The Reveal in #44 and #45 makes him one to both Kotoha and Kaoru:
- He is revealed to be a kagemusha, and thus, not being the "true" 18th Shinken Red as he was substituting for a yet-to-be-born Kaoru. This parallels Kotoha's own situation and feelings about not being the "true" Shinken Yellow due to substituting for her ill sister, with Takeru just much better at hiding and handling his depression and insecurity than Kotoha is until right around the end of the series.
- Kaoru very much resembles whom Takeru was at the beginning of the series: a distant and almost cold figure dedicated to the mission of defeating the Gedoshu that hides a far more kind and caring side to her character.
- Not So Above It All: When he is first confronted by Mako's cooking (she is making dinner for Ryunosuke while he is on a stake-out), he turns to Chiaki and asks, "Do you think that Ryunosuke will survive?" with a small smirk on his face.
- Parental Abandonment: Takeru witnessed his father die during Doukoku's raid on the Shiba Clan manor.
- Pretty Boy: His actor, Tori Matsuzaka, already fits the mold pretty damn well. Add Takeru's Tsundere traits and even the guys are squeeing.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: The blue to Ryunosuke and Genta's red.
- During Shinkenger vs. Go-Onger, he's the blue oni to Sosuke's red oni.
- Sensitive Guy and Manly Man: During Goseiger vs. Shinkenger, he's the manly man to Alata's sensitive guy.
- Serious Business: From fighting hellspawns to confronting bad cooking or playing cards, Takeru seems to face all challenges thrown his way in the same demeanor. When his Determinator side emerges, this can make him a bad opponent to be fighting. When his tsuntsun side emerges, this can make the man nigh-unbearable to deal with.
- Signature Move:
- Shinkenmaru: Kaen no Mainote
- Rekka Daizantou: Hyakka Ryōrannote
- 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 it is seen slowly emerging throughout the series.
- This is one of the reasons he didn't want Genta on the team. He knew that there was no possibility of keeping a straight face with him around. Genta's formal introduction to the team proved him right.
- Superpowered Evil Side: As Gedou Shinken Red in the Goseiger vs. Shinkenger movie. He can take on and overpower his own team and the Goseigers with no effort.
- Team Dad: Has shades of this. He is always the first to put himself in danger for his retainers' safety and even though he is strict, fastidious, and extremely disciplined (especially in training and battle), he deeply cares about his teammates' well-being such as when he mediates Chiaki and Ryuunosuke's squabble in episode 15's ending moment and is proud of his teammates in secret, especially towards Chiaki (the rebel who is an extremely creative, quick-witted strategist in his own right) and Ryuunosuke (the annoying Yes-Man that made great innovations in their Samurai Gattai in episodes 12 and 35).
- Took a Level in Badass: Quite a pants-wetter as a child, according to Jii. Now? Well, just take a look at the above examples.
- True Companions: 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.
- Tsundere: Instances vary from subtle to straight, often pairing with Heroic BSoD for added "fun".
- What's Up, King Dude?: While he is disciplined as any lord of his prestige should be, Takeru has stated multiple times that he does not care about others showing him proper samurai etiquette or being seen as "lord-sama".
- Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?: Any sight of a Haunted House is enough to scare him.
- Worthy Opponent: Seen by Juzo as the biggest one ever.
- You Killed My Father: His father died in a Gedoushu raid on the mansion.
Ryuunosuke Ikenami/Shinken Blue (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Hiroki Aiba (live), Yoshifumi Oshikawa (suit), Riichi Seike (substitute)
Young Ryuunosuke portrayed by: Takumi Horikiri

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 is often played for comedy, despite being the second-in-command.
Some fans were put off by Ryuunosuke’s large personality at first, that judgement was very premature. Perhaps due to being the product of both samurai and kabuki training, underneath that hammy exterior is one of the most devoted and competent members of the team.
- Bash Brothers:
- Him and Chiaki have an insane knack for combination attacks when they put aside their differences. Best seen in #37.
- Him and Genta have this dynamic when they figure out that their similarities can actually make them both stronger.
- Berserk Button:
- Having grown up in a traditional upbringing and a Kabuki business, he has strong attachments to both his parents. As such, accusing him of filial incest is one of the worst insults that he could ever hear.
- Go ahead and say/do something that could even vaguely be interpreted as insulting Takeru. Go ahead.
- Boke and Tsukkomi Routine: Tsukkomi to Genta's Boke.
- Brainwashed and Crazy: In Act #9, with an Open the Iris effect to boot.
- Bunny-Ears Lawyer: Considering that despite his Large Ham tendencies, he is still very good at what he does, not just samurai-wise, but on the kabuki stage as well. A later episode shows that he is not only a gifted performer, but also has dabbled in production, having arranged a performance program at a local theater.
- Butt-Monkey: Less frequent after Act 7, but still an aspect.
- Catchphrase:
- "TONOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
- Also, many variations on "Do not X our lord that way!"
- Character Development: A subtle one, as he goes from an absolute Yes-Man to a person who's more than capable of making and handling his own decisions when the situation calls for it. He also mellows out a bit from his Large Ham tendencies, though it's still very much there.
- Chewing the Scenery: "TONOOOOO!!!"
- Crossdresser: Since Kabuki theater demands the actors to indiscriminately play both genders, he's the go-to-guy when it comes up. However, he thinks that his skill in this still needs work.
- Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Butt-Monkey. Large Ham. Master fencer and archer. Second-in-command of a team of demon-slaying Samurai.
- Disproportionate Penance: If he realizes he made a big mistake to his friends, he won't be satisfied with just an accepted apology; he'll demand physical punishment to be administered to him. And he tends to go way over the top whenever his lord is involved. He does mellow out on this over the series though... a bit.
- Dogged Nice Guy: More so early on. Character Development hit shortly after Ryuunosuke got his ship sank by Mako. While he still does has his moments, they don't get in the way of his calling.
- Dude Looks Like a Lady: The Shinkengers have him disguised as a bride in Act 8.
- Finishing Move: Shin Suiryu no Mainote
- Force and Finesse: He's the Force to Chiaki's Finesse.
- Five Temperament Ensemble: Sanguine, obviously with Choleric Tendencies.
- Genius Bruiser: He's not only trained in both kabuki AND samurai skills as well as basic Mojikara usage, but goes so far as to develop the TenkuuShinkenOh combination, complete with the kanji needed to activate it. While he's not The Strategist like what Chiaki is, he's more than capable of pulling his own weight in both power and intelligence.
- Hero Secret Service: Ryu-san is arguably one of the two most likely to instantly risk their lives for Takeru. In fact, any concern about his Lord's well-being can distract him in battle as Shinken Blue.
- How They Treat the Help: On multiple occasions, he has been shown acting graciously towards the Kuroko, thanking them for their hard work and performing tasks himself that would normally be relegated to them. Of course, the Kuroko are usually horrified at the sight of one of the lord's retainers stooping himself to their level of servant work.
- Image Song: "Aonami Yonaoshi"note
- Jumped at the Call: Did he ever. While he's later shown to have some hesitationsnote , he's been a committed Samurai since Act 1.
- The Lancer: Ryunosuke is Takeru's second-in-command.note
- Large Ham: Boy, is he this! This is mainly due to him being a kabuki actor.
- Making a Splash: His element is Water.
- 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.
- Mighty Glacier: While Ryunosuke is indeed quite strong and sturdy, certain of his attacks are methodical and arranged. Unfortunately, he is not very good in deflecting, making him the one who endures Ayakashi attacks the most.
- Ocular Gushers: If this were an anime, Ryunosuke's teary moments would definitely end in these. Aiba deserves full credit here for invoking this, only without anime cues.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: When saving Takeru from a blazing forest fire after finally coming to terms with where his loyalties lie, there's absolutely no hamminess involved. Just complete, serious silence as he slices apart the flames and lets the others run in to bring Takeru to safety.
- He later starts out his speech to Takeru by addressing quietly and calmly him by name. That's earth-shattering compared to his usually hammy screaming of "TONOOOOO!!!!!".
- Plucky Comic Relief: Often the guy who's on the receiving end of physical comedy and the one to make the most hilarious moments.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: Ironically, the hammy red to Takeru's stoic blue. (One of two)
- Signature Move:
- Shinkenmaru: Suiryu no Mainote
- Water Arrow: Meikyō Shisuinote
- The Starscream: Played for Laughs in the V-Cinema special. Ryuunosuke's illusion involves him being the leader of the Shinkengers, making Takeru bow to him. While everyone called him out for it in the real world, Ryuu-san of course denied it and pointed out his Heroic Sacrifice in the Sci-Fi illusion.
- Occasionally played for laughs, but as often for drama - Ryu-san takes his duty to his lord very seriously.
- The Straight and Arrow Path: The Water Arrow.
- True Companions: Ryunosuke seems to be trying to actively build the Samurai-tachi into this from day one. As is often the case with Ryu-san, half of his attempts are annoying as hell.
- Vitriolic Best Buds: With Chiaki and Genta. Mostly because of the vast contrast in personalities.
- Yes-Man: Unquestioningly loyal to his Lord. This leads to a Heroic BSoD after The Reveal when he feels his loyalties clashing.
Mako Shiraishi/Shinken Pink (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Rin Takanashi (live), Sanae Hitomi (suit), Naoko Kamio (substitute)
Young Mako portrayed by: Marina Nakajima

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 House Wife, but is really horrid at cooking.
- Affectionate Nickname: Kotoha calls her "Mako-chan" while Chiaki and Dai Goyou both call her "nee-san".
- Berserk Button: Hurt her true companions or children... and Nee-san's got your Tranquil Fury right here.
- Blow You Away: Her powers are over wind.
- Cool Big Sis: One of the most levelheaded and kind characters of the team.
- Cooldown Hug: Does this to anyone in need.
- Designated Girl Fight: Tends to get matched in fights against Usukawa Dayuu. And after witnessing Dayu's past in her dream, she seems to be drawn to her in a fight, possibly due to part-sympathy.
- Finishing Move: Shin Tenku no Mainote
- Five Temperament Ensemble: Phlegmatic and Sanguine
- Freudian Excuse: Mako's desire to become a wife and have her own family stems from how she was forced to sacrifice her childhood for samurai training, which was something she initially didn't want.
- Friend to All Children: And anyone who's in need of a Cooldown Hug.
- Girliness Upgrade: When it comes to Kaoru joining the team.
- Glass Cannon: While her attack output and proficiency are nothing to scoff at, her defense is pretty poor when compared to the others.
- The Heart: Is this to the entire team.
- Image Song: "Nadeshiko Shinken, Hanafubuki"note
- In fact, she sings it in the V-Cinema special during her dream sequence of becoming an Idol Singer.
- Lady of War: Mako is a skilled swordwoman who fights with grace especially with her fan. In addition, her element is Heaven and she's the stoic Team Mom of the group.
- Lethal Chef: We can't stress this enough: DON'T! Touch. Mako's cooking... if you value your life.
- In an interesting twist, Mako has never flipped off about this. Instead, she just admits that she still has a long way to go when she found out the boys were badmouthing her cooking.
- Light Feminine and Dark Feminine: She's the dark to Kotoha's light. Also slightly lighter than Kaoru due to the latter's authority and absolute commitment to the Shinkenger's mission.
- 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.
- Oh, Crap!: When you see her holding an apron, run like the wind and don't look back.
- Old Maid: In one episode, an enemy attacks her by calling her a "spinster."
- Onee-sama: For the whole team, but to Kotoha especially.
- Paper Fan of Doom: Heaven Fan.
- Parental Abandonment: She was raised by her grandmother, who wanted to train her as the next Shinken Pink, forcing her father to leave her behind and take care of her crippled mother instead. They got a tearful reunion in Act 34.
- Reluctant Fanservice Girl: In the V-Cinema, Mako is more embarrassed that her illusion involves her getting into a cute idol outfit, stating that she never had any plans to become an idol, despite how Kotoha praised that.
- Ship Tease: At first with Ryuunosuke, but she personally sent torpedoes to sink it, showing her Sugar and Ice 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.
- Signature Move:
- Shinkenmaru: Tenku no Mainote
- Heaven Fan: Hakuryoku Mantennote
- The Stoic: Not quite on Takeru's level, but she's usually calm enough.
- Not So Stoic: But when you throw in her parents to the picture.
- Or when she feels the need to mother someone.
- Not So Stoic: But when you throw in her parents to the picture.
- Sugar-and-Ice Girl: She's nice enough, but don't expect her to show you sympathy all the time. Just ask Ryuunosuke.
- Team Mom: She's essentially the team's psychologist thanks to a combination of being the oldest member of the group and also a trained teacher.
- Yamato Nadeshiko: She has the serenity, the maturity, the nurturing nature and she fights with a paper fan! The only problem is her cooking.
Chiaki Tani/Shinken Green (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Shogo Suzuki (live), Yasuhiro Takeuchi (suit), Masaru Obayashi (substitute)

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.
- Bash Brothers: When they aren't bickering their asses off, him and Ryuunosuke make one badass duo when they fight together. Best shown in #37.
- Batman Gambit: As The Smart Guy of the team, these are Chiaki's most badass moments.
- Berserk Button: Chiaki has been shown to be VERY protective of Kotoha, despite her being acknowledged as being a better Samurai than he is. He's the first to go charging blindly after the Ayakashi that stole Kotoha's soul in Act 20. He later pulls one of his most clever Mojikara uses to get Mako and his father out of a hostage situation. Go after the Wood Samurai's loved ones, get pwned.
- Character Development: 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 reinstated towards the end of the series. It can't get any more blatant than that, can it?
- Face Doodling: If he's annoyed, or just for fun. Takeru is his prized doodle victim.
- Finishing Move: Shin Kogarashi no Mainote
- Force and Finesse: He is the Finesse to Ryuunosuke's Force.
- Five Temperament Ensemble: Sanguine Melancholic
- Fragile Speedster: He is quite fast and agile. However, most of his attacks, especially his Finishing Move, are just enough to scratch. He gets better throughout the series.
- Green Thumb: His element is Wood.
- Image Song: "Shinken days, Never give up, Dōchū"note .
- Instant Expert: Averted; he didn't take his training seriously, and was the weakest member in the beginning. In fact, the fact that Chiaki's training wasn't as intense actually justifies Conservation of Ninjutsu, and allows us the fun of seeing him level up.
- Kid-Appeal Character: He's the guy whose personality and growth endears him to children
- 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".
- Mecha Expansion Pack: Kabuto Origami grants ShikenOh multiple long-range beam capabilities.
- The Rival: He considers Takeru as the person he'll surpass someday.
- Ship Tease: Has lots of "moments" alone with Kotoha, who's another "junior" of the team like himself.
- Signature Move:
- Shinkenmaru: Kogarashi no Mainote
- Wood Spear: Taiki Banseinote
- The Smart Guy: One of two. He may not seem like it initially, but his quick thinking and unorthodox methods definitely make him qualify. It makes up for his initial lack of skill.
- Sour Supporter: Initially. It's why many consider Chiaki as The Lancer early on.
- Took a Level in Badass: Chiaki takes several over the course of the series, as he neglected much of his training before he was summoned.
- True Companions: 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.
- Contrasting his initial feelings about Takeru, he is one of the first to speak against Kaoru taking over the team.
- Vitriolic Best Buds: He initially didn't get along well with Ryunosuke, due to his attitude about his mission. As the series progressed, he still bickered with Ryunosuke, but not as much, and Act 37 shows that when not quarreling, they're downright complimentary in thought and deed.
- Weak, but Skilled: What he makes up for in power is unorthodox methods and quick thinking. He may not be the strongest, but his plans work for a reason.
- Zorro Mark: His default finisher with the ShinkenMarunote involves carving his "wood" kanji on screen.
Kotoha Hanaori/Shinken Yellow (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Suzuka Morita (live), Miwa Hashiguchi (suit), Sanae Hitomi (substitute)
Young Kotoha portrayed by: Ayu Matsuura

A shy, quiet and a bit clumsy country girl. Her loyalty to Takeru rivals even Ryunosuke's.
Originally, Kotoha's older sister was supposed to take the place of Shinken Yellow, but because she was often very ill, Kotoha became Shinken Yellow in her stead. Unlike the others at first, she had no regret in becoming Takeru's vassal, and willingly volunteered to serve him battle despite his initially cold personality.
- Badass Adorable: Don't let her little
Moe appearance fool you; her combat prowess is enough to rival even the best of them. - Comically Missing the Point: Frequently reacts to the part the rest of the team doesn't react to. When Kaoru reveals she adopted Takeru, the others all react with shock that she adopted someone older than her, while Kotoha merely focuses on the idea of Kaoru being a mother (completely ignoring how young she is).
- Cute Bruiser: She may be cute, but she can hit just as hard as her fellow vassals.
- Cute Clumsy Girl: Especially prevalent near the earlier part of the series.
- Dishing Out Dirt: Her element is earth.
- Finishing Move: Shin Tsuchikemuri no Mainote
- Five Temperament Ensemble: Melancholic Phlegmatic
- Fuuma Shuriken: The Land Slicer.
- Heroic Self-Deprecation: She's a naturally talented combatant, but often thinks of herself as weak, clumsy, stupid, or any other variant and believes herself to not be worthy of the Shinken Yellow title. It takes her sister's letter from Act 41 for her to truly start growing out of this.
- Image Song: "Hannari, Metcha Bushidō Girl"note
- Light Feminine and Dark Feminine: The light to Mako and, later, to Kaoru.
- 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 soft-spoken nature.note
- Nice Girl: Kotoha is very selfless, kind, and friendly.
- No-Sell: A truly heartbreaking example; Kotoha was immune to an Ayakashi's power to incapacitate the Shinkengers with their negative inner thoughts because she really did believe she was weak, clumsy, stupid and a crybaby and had called herself those things so many times that the words had lost their sting.
- The Pollyanna: Very optimistic and is rarely seen downbeat.
- Replacement Goldfish: She always felt like she had to live up to her sister, since she's taking her place as Shinken Yellow.
- Ship Tease: The strongest indications of such are with both Chiaki and Takeru, though by series' end, neither pairing came to fruition.
- Shrinking Violet: Was fairly shy and self-depreciating in the beginning. She gets better, especially after Act 41.
- Signature Move:
- Shinkenmaru: Tsuchikemuri no Mainote
- Land Slicer: Funtō Doryokunote
- Spin Attack: Her "Sarumawashi"note and it's Super Mode variant.
- Stone Wall: Her defenses are quite good, especially when fighting in Act 36, even taking the Inromaru in order to match the enemy's Spin Attack.
- Wingding Eyes: Done for a gag during her illusion in Shinkenger Returns, right as she's confessing to "Shiraishi-kun". Subtle at first, before becoming more blatant as she gets closer to saying the key words.
Genta Umemori/Shinken Gold
Portrayed by: Keisuke Sohma (live), Jiro Okamoto (suit)
Young Genta portrayed by: Ryota Kashiba

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 unintentionally, hidden beneath this behavior.
- Astonishingly Appropriate Appearance: His business attire and Ranger form all revolve around Sushi. Justified, in that Genta created most of his own arsenal by himself.
- Audience Surrogate: The only Shinkenger who is an ordinary citizen and not born into a samurai family.
- Boke and Tsukkomi Routine: Boke to Ryuunosuke's Tsukkomi.
- Bunny-Ears Lawyer: Would you believe that this Large Ham is a Genius Bruiser skilled in iaijutsu?
- Character Tic: He tends to roll up his sleeves once he gets serious.
- Chef of Iron: He's a capable self-taught warrior, and his cooking skills are genuinely quite good. As long as what he's serving
isn't sushi, that is... - Chewing the Scenery: Expect him to do something remotely hammy whenever he shows up.
- Contrasting Sequel Main Character: To his predecessor Hiroto/Go-On Gold from Engine Sentai Go-onger. While Hiroto is stern and aloof, Genta is energetic and cheerful as it's shown in the crossover Samurai Sentai Shinkenger vs. Go-Onger: GinmakuBANG!!. They had a Red Oni, Blue Oni dynamic similar to Takeru/Genta.
- Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Going quite far on both sides
◊. - Deus Exit Machina: Despite being powerful, Genta would often be absent from battles (presumably running his sushi stand) or sent off on a separate mission, while the others went to do something else.
- Gadgeteer Genius: He reverse-engineered the Shinkengers' technology to build his own transformation device, weapon and Origami. Thanks to this talent, he becomes the go-to guy for creating brand-new Power-Up items for the team.
- Genius Bruiser: His abilities to manipulate Mojikara and create new mecha from scratch (as well as being just as capable in combat as the rest of them) firmly put him as this.
- Hey, You!: He's the only one who dares call his Lord "Take-chan". Justified, as he is Childhood Friends with Takeru.
- Iaijutsu Practitioner: He mastered this way of fighting - self-taught with a Reverse Grip, no less. His quickdraw ability is so fast that by sheathing his sword after each strike, he is able to spam it, making a dozen strikes before he even appears to have done anything.
- Image Song: "Gold Ninjō, Ipponjime"note
- Irony: The only person who truly loves Genta's sushi... is Juzo.
- Large Ham: He rivals Ryunosuke of all people in this department.
- Light 'em Up: His element.
- Magitek: By reverse-engineering the Shinkengers' ancient Mojikara magic, he was able to invent a stronger modernized version known as Electronic Mojikara, which requires him to simply text the kanji on his Sushi Changer to use its powers, rather than producing it through traditional calligraphy writing (which is something that he is admittedly bad at).
- Manchild: Bordering on Bunny-Ears Lawyer territory.
- 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 food-stall business.
- The Nicknamer: Calls Takeru "Take-chan", and even has nicknames for his Origami: "Ika-chan" for the Ika Origami, and "Ebizo" for the Ebi Origami.
- Plucky Comic Relief
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: The red to Takeru's blue. He's one of two.
- Reverse Grip: He holds the Sakanamaru and its scabbard backwards. In fact, his backhanded Iai style itself is lampshaded as unusual.
- Self-Proclaimed Knight: It's justified, as he learned the ways of the Samurai all by himself.
- Serious Business: When you realize that under the Chef of Iron with little social grace and Large Ham tendencies Genta treats almost everything with the same weight that Takeru does, you realize the two childhood friends have almost as much in common as they do in opposition.
- Signature Move: Hyakumai Oroshinote
- Sixth Ranger: Obviously.
- The Smart Guy: One of two. In his case, his ability to manipulate Mojikara and create new mecha.
- So Okay, It's Average: In-Universe. Despite being a sushi-themed Ranger, the sushi that he makes is often labeled as such.
- Spam Attack: His "Oroshi" slash-storms.
- We Used to Be Friends: Of sorts. While he doesn't hold back against him in battle, Genta openly laments how he'll have to fight Juzo, as the latter was his best customer and the only person who declared their genuine love for his sushi.
Kaoru Shiba/(Princess) Shinken Red (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Runa Natsui (live), Yuichi Hachisuka (suit), Sanae Hitomi (substitute)

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. This makes 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.
- Adoptive Peer Parent: In order to legally transfer leadership of the Shinkengers to Takeru she adopts him as her son and names him the 19th head of the Shiba clan. This despite the fact that she is actually younger then Takeru. Alata is rightfully confused when he meets Kaoru for the first time.
- Always Someone Better: Played With in her case compared to Takeru. As the true heir of the Shiba clan, her Fire Mojikara is far more intense and powerful then Takeru's as shown when it easily paralyses a Gedoushu that almost killed Takeru. She is then able to kill said Gedoushu in its Second Life using just the Shishi Origami. In terms of raw strength this means she is likely stronger then Takeru and she managed to figure out how to complete the Sealing Character, which no other head had ever figured out before. However being such a late addition to the team means she isn't quite as effective of a leader as him and, once Dokoku is able to withstand the Sealing Characters power she decides that unity is more important and willingly stands down so Takeru can lead the charge again.
- Conveniently Orphaned: It is unknown what happened to her mother, and her father was killed by Dōkoku and his forces.
- Cute Bruiser: She's the real 18th head of the Shiba clan, and is also quite cute. Don't let that distract you, though; if you're an enemy, she will obliterate you without a second thought.
- Distaff Counterpart: To Takeru.
- 11th-Hour Ranger: Though she actually replaces Takeru as leader. Once Takeru is made the official lord, she no longer goes into battle.
- Establishing Character Moment: Before going into a battle that she wins handily using a single Origami where the conbined efforts of the other Shinkengers had just failed, she stops to check on Takeru, hinting at the kind person she is under her stoic badass exterior.
- Foil: To Takeru. In many ways, she's much like how Takeru was early in the series, stoic and withdrawn with an intense focus on eliminating the Gedoushu. By then, Takeru himself had become much more open and sympathetic towards his fellow Samurai.
- Instant Expert: Like the others, averted. The whole point of her being hidden was so she could master the sealing character. She is, however, quite proficient in combat, equally or even surpassing the other Shinkengers in battle.
- Law of Chromatic Superiority: As the other Shinken Red and the true lord, this is a given.
- Light Feminine and Dark Feminine: The darkest of the three female Shinkengers.
- The Ojou: Everyone addresses her as "Hime-sama"note . Tanba, her personal retainer, treats her as such and tries to get everyone else to do the same. She, on the other hand, is not especially fond of being treated this way.
- Parental Abandonment: Her father died, sealing away Dokoku before she was born. Her mother was apparently pregnant with her around the time of the raid, but outside of that, nothing is mentioned about her still being alive.
- Passing the Torch: She steps down as lord and makes Takeru her successor. In order for this to legally work, however, she adopts him despite being younger than him.
- Perpetual Frowner: Kaoru is not known for her smile.
- When She Smiles: At some point during the vs Goseiger crossover, she did so out of nowhere. And it was adorable. She smiled in the finale too.
- Playing with Fire: Because she's the direct successor to the Shiba Clan, her fire Mojikara is generally stronger than Takeru's.
- Quickly-Demoted Woman: A justified example, she was also quickly promoted and willingly stepped down for good reasons, restoring the team's cohesion with Takeru as leader and her wounds forced her to sit out of the final fight.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: Kaoru is very much aware of how attached her retainers are with Takeru, and she takes care to give them space and time to adapt to her leading them. She also gives quite a bit of gratitude to Takeru and Genta for their immense contributions, silencing Tanba whenever he tries to put them down.
- Rookie Red Ranger: An unusual example, and even a deconstruction of it. Entering so late in the conflict and just simply taking over damaged the vassals' morale and teamwork. While she did so without any malice, she quickly realized that her presence did more harm than good, as this team, Genta included, had built themselves around Takeru, not the position of the clan's head, meaning she could not simply take over the position from Takeru. After gaining Genta's good graces, she reinstates both him AND Takeru, stepping down for the latter as Shinken Red, all while shutting down Tanba's protests that did even more harm than her own naivete.
- Running Gag: Anytime Tanba, her retainer, annoys her or starts making Jerkass comments towards her vassals or her Body Double; she hits him with a Paper Fan of Doom of any size.
- Small Girl, Big Gun: Can wield the Rekka Daizantou with great skill, despite her young age.
- The Stoic: Moreso than Takeru. While Takeru is usually strict and determined in his stoicism, Kaoru shows almost no emotion in hers and is much more withdrawn.
- Not So Stoic: Witness her telling off Tanba in the last act for his priorities being out of order.
- Sugar-and-Ice Girl: She titers more as this in her later appearances. While she's still stoic, she's more than willing to show off a smile or two.
- Walking Spoiler: She only appears toward the end of the series, and her presence changes the perspective of the entire series, especially Takeru's character.
- Why Can't I Hate You?: None of the four retainers can bring themselves to hate her, since while she took Takeru's place in the team, she is not a bad person nor is she rude or mean to them, she's a Reasonable Authority Figure, who understands how hard it is for them to accept her, and is genuinely devoted to ending the threat of the Gedoushu.
- Wise Beyond Their Years: Kaoru is a lot younger than Takeru (she's estimated to be around 15 while he's 21),note but she isn't any less wise and mature. She realizes that her retainers are more attached to Takeru and gives them time to get used to her rather than unreasonably forcing them. Chiaki, the most stubborn in following Takeru, even has to admit that it would be much easier to hate her if she were just merely a shallow, bitchy princess. Later on, even Genta gets along with her after she voices out how she understands her retainers' feelings.
- You Killed My Father: Her father died in the Gedoushu raid before she was born. Her motivation for mastering the sealing character appears to stem from this.
Allies

Hikoma Kusakabe, a.k.a: Jii | Actor: Goro Ibuki
The Shiba household's retainer. Everyone calls him "Jii". Beside helping make sure the Shiba's traditional style Japanese mansion runs smoothly, he trains the Samurai in use of their mojikara and often oversees sword training and the like. He can be very nice and respectable, despite his strictness. Just don't go against him...
- Badass Biker: He has a bike, but rarely uses it. Probably because it looks odd with his attire.
- Battle Butler: Sort of. He's old, but at least capable of giving a beatdown if needed.
- Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep": The Shinkengers calls him Jii.
- Large Ham: By virtue of being played by a Jidaigeki veteran, but not as dramatic or often as Ryunosuke or Genta; he's the mildest of the three Hams in the series, in fact.
- Meaningful Name: Jii's name is simple; a different reading of the Kanji "Samurai". It also puns lightly on one of the least formal ways to address an elder, often translated as "grandfather". What's more, "Jii" is also a very common name in Japanese media - perhaps almost a nominal stereotype - to address well-aged butlers. All three surprisingly fit him perfectly.
- Parental Abandonment: Not his fault though. His work with the Shiba household, and desire to keep his family from getting caught in the crossfire of the fighting, leaves him just one day a year to visit his wife's grave and his daughter and her family, which he's had to give a miss several times.
- Parental Substitute: Raised Takeru after the tono's father was killed in the Gedoshu raid on Shiba manor.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: To the team as a whole. While he will step in to discipline them if they step out of line (looking at you, Chiaki), he is never malicious about it.
- Stern Teacher: He's mainly this to the Shinkengers, especially Chiaki.
- Team Dad: Since he's the only adult and mentor of the team, this is a given.
The Kuroko

The Shiba household's servant crew, dressed as traditional Japanese stage hands— and they expect to be as ignored. Besides helping Jii maintain the Shiba's ancestral home, they serve as heralds for the Shinkengers, carrying the elaborate curtains and war drums that often accompany the Samurai's entrance. They can even provide distraction and minor battle support, but mostly clear civilians from an area so the Samurai-tachi can focus on the battle at hand.
- Bunny-Ears Lawyer: Don't be fooled by the archaic attires; they're incredibly adept at their tasks, be it at the mansion or the battlefield.
- Funny Background Event: A majority of the scenes featuring them have a few in the background overacting with body language, enhancing the comedy of scenes.
- Red Shirt: Averted. None of them die in battle.
- The Voiceless: They communicate with 100% body language (except for very few occasions when they whisper to Jii). There's two exceptions in the whole series; one is because he's not from the same dimension as them and the other becomes important later.
DaiGoyo | Voice actor: Koichi Tochika

A lantern brought to life through Genta's Mojikara. Acts as the Team Pet and can grow to Mecha scale, goyo de!
- Face–Heel Turn: Pulls a brief one for about 30 seconds in the Shinkenger/Go-Onger team-up. He arrives on Samurai World and helps police capture four of the main characters. He comes to them in their jail cell shortly afterwards to help them escape, apologizing that he (being based on a feudal police lantern) got caught up in the moment and was unable to realize it was them.
- Light 'em Up: Well, he is an offshoot of Genta, whose element is light. His light can be so bright that it can cause hidden secrets to be revealed, while enemies can be blinded.
- Meaningful Name/Punny Name: Being fashioned on an Edo police officer, DaiGoyo's name and Verbal Tic have an interesting reference built in: Go-yo was what Edo period lawmen would say to clear the way when they were on official business. At night, they would carry latterns with the phrase on them in kanji.
- Secret-Keeper: Sort of. During the events of both Shinkenger team-up movies, he was the only character to witness an upcoming new Sentai team when they fought against Gedoushu members who attempted to do some sinister plan while the Shinkengers and the other team were busy fighting the big bad of the movie. After the brief fight, the team would notice DaiGoyo and ask him not to tell the other teams about themselves.
- Team Pet: He's obviously this to the Shinkengers.
- Verbal Tic: Goyo de!
Tanba Toshizo | Actor: Kazuyuki Matsuzawa

Kaoru's personal retainer who served her father. A very stubborn man who prefers a strict adherence to tradition, often scolding anyone who suggests to subvert it even the slightest bit.
- Butt-Monkey: While he's a complete jerk to the other samurai, he never gets off without some kind of punishment from his princess. Kaoru has beaten him with paper fans of varying sizes and she has even had him Bound and Gagged when he was getting really unruly.
- Foil: To Hikoma. Both are retainers for their respective lords and both are very strict. However, Hikoma treats Takeru as a son just as much as a lord and he slowly opens up to the other samurai as well. Tanba, despite also wanting the best for Kaoru, is much more focused on tradition; therefore, his strict adherence to preserving the old ways makes it much harder for anyone to get along with him.
- Hate Sink: His very abrasive nature is very much meant to make Kaoru's appearance much more difficult to swallow as he shouts down at any attempt at insubordination. As such, no one really likes him much. Even Kaoru is rather disgusted by his behavior, despite a lot of it being solely for her sake.
- His presence also diverts a lot of the dislike that would otherwise be aimed at Kaoru herself, since she comes off as quite a Reasonable Authority Figure while he acts condescending towards Takeru and the others. (In real life, his actor Kazuyuki Matsuzawa had taken this interpretation after reading the script and thus played him accordingly.)
- Pet the Dog: All things considered, everything he does is ultimately for Kaoru's sake. When Kaoru is injured after failing to defeat Dokoku, he is constantly checking in on her and his attempts to listen in on her meeting with Takeru is out of concern. In the finale, he tries to stop Kaoru when making the Sealing Character is putting a heavy strain on her and is still recovering from her injuries.
- Ungrateful Bastard: He really doesn't show any respect to Genta for his hard work. This is despite the fact that Genta's contributions had been very instrumental in the Shinkengers' cause.
The Gedōshū

The Gedōshū (外道衆, Gedōshū, literally "Heretical Path Masses" or more simply known as "Heretic Party") are a legion of evil spirits who have been opposed for generations by the Shinkengers.
- Barred from the Afterlife: After befitting their name, the Gedoshu exist outside the cycle of life and death.
- Demon of Human Origin: Most of the Ayakashi and the lieutenants on the Rokumon Junk are the tainted souls of humans whose attachments to life keep them from passing on. The sole exception to this is Dōkoku himself, who was seemingly spat out of the Sanzu River itself as the living embodiment of hatred and rage.
- Mythical Motifs: The seven leading Gedoshu are based on the Seven Gods of Fortune of Japanese myth.
- Standard Evil Organization Squad: The commanders of the Gedoshu: Dokoku, Shitari, Dayu and Akumaro, with Juzo sometimes joining in.
- Yōkai: They are each based on classical mythological Japanese monsters, and In-Universe are stated to be the origin of many of the myths surrounding them.
Chimatsuri Dōkoku
Portrayed by: Rintaro Nishi (voice), Hideaki Kusaka (suit)

Chimatsuri Dōkoku is the leader of the Gedoshu, armed with the Shōryū Bakuzantō, the Kōryū Gaiseitō, and the power to seal his fellow Gedoshu. He is easily angered and his comrades often suffer because of its intensity. The only things that can calm his volcanic temper are sake (rice wine) and whenever Usukawa Dayū plays her shamisen.
- The Alcoholic: To the point where chugging down sake is the only thing he does in most episodes.
- Animal Motif: His armor is based on a Japanese Spiny Lobster. It's no coincidence that lobsters are known for fighting.
- Bad Boss: Dokoku is verbally abusive to all of his underlings, and has a well-earned reputation for killing any of his minions who can not prove their helpfulness to him, whether through failure, or being of no further use to his plans. Even so, Dokoku doesn't play this trope straight, as he also he's seen giving a pep-talk to a maimed Ayakashi, and has been talked out of killing failed underlings on at least two occasions.
- BFS: The Shoryu Bakuzanto, which replaces his original katana.
- Big Bad: He's the leader of the Gedoshu and the one who all of them act in the name of. He's pretty inactive compared to other Big Bads, doing little apart from drinking sake and lashing out at his minions, but when necessary he'll make a show of force to demonstrate just why he has the role.
- Dark Lord on Life Support: Following his rampage against the Shinkengers, he was dried out so much that he needed to soak in the Sanzu River for six episodes, and even then, he only came back because of a massive surge to the river.
- Devour the Dragon: Kills a mortally wounded Dayu and absorbs her, her former humanity rendering him immune to the Sealing Character while able to freely move in the living world. Though Dayu allowed him to do so, and he was visibly upset when she died.
- The Dreaded: Considering Rintaro Nishi is the voice of Shadam, Dairanger audiences might wonder whether Dokoku is going to pull off some ridiculous Kick the Dog stunts to parents and children. We can thank our lucky stars he doesn't. Slightly subverted - he steps on Dayu's remnants, but he did show signs of genuine remorse.
- Drowning My Rage: Regularly drinks sake. The reason why is because he needs it and Dayu's shamisen to soothe his piercing headaches. In fact, he even fell asleep after raging from Juzo's subtle mockery while drinking too much.
- Evil Overlord: The brutal ruler of a race of demons bent on conquering the human world.
- Evil Plan: To flood the earth in the Sanzu river's waters.
- Final Boss: The final villain that has to be dealt with, following the other Gedoshu members' ends.
- Final Boss Preview: He overpowers everyone until he dries out rapidly and has to return to the Sanzu River.
- Hair-Trigger Temper: He makes Maku seem pale in comparison.
- Large Ham: Compared to the rest of the regular villains, who are incredibly understated, Rintaro Nishi is clearly having a blast with this role.
- Mythical Motifs: He is based on Bishamonten, the Japanese god of war.
- Names to Run Away from Really Fast: His name in eastern order translates to “Bloodbath Lamentation”.
- Orcus on His Throne: Out of the whole series, there are only 3 Acts where he does something other than chugging down sake. The reason being that he dries up much faster than any other Gedoushuu.
- Rank Scales with Asskicking: By far and away the strongest Gedoshu in the series, with power that outstrips all of his underlings as he demonstrates to Akumaro.
Usukawa Dayū
Voiced By: (and live actress in flashbacks): Romi Park, Yuichi Hachisuka (suit), Sanae Hitomi (substitute)

Usukawa Dayū is the right hand of Chimatsuri Dōkoku and the only regular female Gedoushu. She perpetually plays her Shamisen Of Murder while lounging around. Dayū is also the only one Dōkoku is kind to, provided she knows her place as his obedient and unquestioning servant.
- Animal Motif: Sea Slugs and mollusks.
- Evil Counterpart: To Mako. Both are the ladylike subordinate for their respective leader (Takeru for Mako and Doukoku for Dayu). If Mako represents the Yamato Nadeshiko (her cooking skills aside), in opposite Human Dayu was a Yandere.
- Her Heart Will Go On: She is able to finally let go of her past and Shinza.
- High-Class Call Girl: Her appearance and role as Dokoku's right hand woman.
- Instrument of Murder: Her Shamisen, which hides a blade in its handle.
- Meaningful Name: Dayu refers to a high-ranking courtesan.
- Mythical Motifs: She is based on Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of the arts.
- The Smurfette Principle: She's the only main female Gedoushuu.
- Was Once a Man: Formerly a human woman named Usuyuki.
- Yandere: In Dayū’s backstory, she was a normal human woman named Usuyuki. She was madly in love with a man named Shinza, who did not love her. Usuyuki crashes Shinza's wedding and sets the venue on fire. When a dying Shinza strains to reach for his unconscious bride, Usuyuki loses it and pulls him to herself. Proclaiming that if she can’t have Shinza in life, she’ll have him in death, Usuyuki offers her soul to the Gedoushu. She is then transformed into Usukawa Dayū, with poor Shinza bound to her as her shamisen.
- Yōkai: Based on the futakuchi-onna (two-mouthed woman).
Shitari of the Bones
Voiced by: Chō

Shitari of the Bones is both The Dragon to Chimatsuri Dōkoku and the Gedoshu's strategist who saw humans as mere specimens for his research.
He was initially thought to have died during the Shinkenger finale. However, he survives the Rokumon Junk's sinking and reappears in Goseiger vs. Shinkenger, where he assists Buredoran of the Chimatsuri. After learning of Buredoran's true intensions, however, Shitari escapes and forms an army of black versions of the Nanashi and Nosakamata to regain the Sanzu River's water. Unfortunately, before he could put his plan into action, he is stopped by the Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, who quickly destroy his army and then Shitari himself after assuming the forms of the previous five Red Sentai warriors.
- Always Need What You Gave Up: He sacrificed his second life (which causes Gedoushouu to grow) in order to power up Oborojime. This comes back to bit him hard when he's taken out by the Gokaigers and unable to revive.
- Animal Motif: Squids,
- Badass Bookworm: Despite usually staying on the junk and studying old records, he is able to hold his own quite well the few times he directly engages in battle.
- Butt-Monkey: Nothing goes right for him at all in Goseiger vs. Shinkenger, as Brajira plays him for a fiddle and steals the Sanzu's waters for his nefarious plans even swaying most of the remaining Ayakashi to his side. When he tries creating stronger troops loyal to him to defeat Brajira, the Gokaigers destroy them and him for good measure; he even lampshades his own bad luck before his death.Shitari: How can I end like this?! Impossible!
- Combat Tentacles: Though he rarely fights, he can employ these to defend himself.
- Cthulhumanoid: Very inspired by the classic Old God.
- Evil Genius: The brains of the Ayakashi, he is the one making up plans to flood the world with the Sanzu River.
- Evil Wizard: Specializes in magic, smarts and trickery over brute force.
- Mythical Motifs: He is based on Fukurokuju, the Japanese god of wisdom.
- Old Retainer: Serves as this to Dokoku as his oldest and most loyal enforcer.
- The Strategist: As the brains of the Ayakashi and with Dokoku sitting on his throne, Shitari is the one in charge of making sure the Ayakashi have a plan to conquer the world.
- Undying Loyalty: To Dokoku.
Sujigarano Akumaro
Voiced by: Ryō Horikawa

Sujigarano Akumaro is an unusually polite and mysterious Gedoshu who surfaces after Dōkoku’s power boost. An expert schemer with a perpetual grin, he usurps Shitari as Dokoku's right-hand man and has a specific army of Ayakashi loyal only to him, which includes Fuwa Jūzō and Usukawa Dayū. Eventually Akumaro reveals himself to have much darker ambitions than his fellow Gedoshu.
- Animal Motifs: Crocodiles bide their time before they strike, reflecting Akumaro's Faux Affably Evil personality and role as The Starscream.
- Bad Boss: He may not be the rage-filled boss Dokoku is (and has even been polite to his own Ayakashi on occasion), he nevertheless cares even less so for his subordinates.:
- He introduces himself to Dokoku by spawning Nanashi of his own, only to wipe them out himself just to demonstrate his powers
- He orders Juzo and Dayu to kill one of his monsters after he's consumed as much as he can so he can unleash his more powerful second life on to the world.
- When his last monster is killed in his first life, he casually brushes it aside, as he is much closer to creating the portal to hell he intends to open.
- The Bad Guy Wins: While he doesn't succeed in his goal unleash it on the world, his death gave him the eternal suffering he always wanted - and he gladly takes it.
- Big Bad Ensemble: While he's The Dragon to Dokoku, Akumaro spends much of the series pursuing an agenda entirely unrelated to Dokoku and the other Gedoshu's goals. Once he makes his treachery known, he goes rogue and briefly becomes the main threat... before being defeated and leaving Dokoku the undisputed Big Bad.
- Brains and Bondage: His massive claws can extend to attack opponents, and he's quite the capable schemer.
- The Chessmaster: He spends most of his tenure carefully laying out the pieces for his evil plan, all while most of the other Gedoshu are none the wiser.
- The Corrupter: He tried to be this to Juzo, only for him to learn the hard way that he is already a monster who puts his own bloodlust over his own family.
- Die Laughing: He spends his final moments in ecstasy, finally getting to taste the hell and suffering he sought.
- The Dragon: Akumaro commands a whole slew of personal Ayakashi and gets away with screwing Doukoku once. That speaks a lot about his power.
- Dragon with an Agenda: He harbors even darker ambitions than his rage-filled boss.
- Enigmatic Minion: It's clear from the moment Akumaro appears that there's more to him than meets the eye, and that he has his own plans apart from the rest of the Gedoshu. What exactly these plans are is unrevealed up until much later on.
- Eviler than Thou:
- Proves himself worse than his fellow Gedoshu with his Evil Plan, which would see both Earth and the Sanzu River caught in the crossfire.
- Also subverted massively. Even though he caused the deaths of Juzo's family, Juzo doesn't give a shit about his family's death and pulls an Eviler than Thou. Akumaro is so disgustingly impressed that he compliments Juzo as a "true Gedou", which is a lot coming from someone just as depraved as him.
- Evil Sorcerer: He's good at what can be considered a Gedoushu Onmyōdō.
- Faux Affably Evil: He speaks politely even when it's clear he is a very dark character.
- The Heavy: Due to Dokoku playing Orcus on His Throne for most of the series, Akumaro assumes this role once he shows up and becomes the most proactive villain the Shinkengers have to face.
- Hedonist: To ridiculous sadomasochistic levels, with his Evil Plan.
- Hell on Earth: Around his debut point, he mentions that he wishes to create it. Turns out that he means it literally when he reveals his plan to reverse Hell and Earth, even betraying his fellow Gedoushu to make it happen.
- Hell Seeker: He's unusually excited at the idea of getting to experience Hell. It turns out later on this is due to his status as a half-human Ayakashi means he could never truly get to experience it.
- Irony: Claims he has nothing left worth living for once his plan fails, but he gets his wish anyways.
- Knight of Cerebus: His plans are even more elaborate than the one's Shitari devises and he orchestrated Fuuwa Juzo's Start of Darkness by murdering his parents.
- Know When to Fold 'Em: He's strong but he knows better than to fight Dokoku.
- Laughing Mad: Especially during his final moments.
- Makara: He is based on the shachihoko
- Mythical Motifs: He is based on after Ebisu, the Japanese god of fishermen.
- Noblewoman's Laugh: "Hoh hoh hoh..."
- Omnicidal Maniac: His plans to enact Hell on Earth would see even his fellow Ayakashi caught in the crossfire.
- The Starscream: He's not necessarily out to usurp Dokoku, but he plots to eventually betray the Gedoshu and his plans wouldn't see his former allies spared.
- Villainous Breakdown: When Juzo stops his 200 year ambition, he freaking loses his shit and goes Psycho Electro.
Fuwa Jūzō
Portrayed by: Mitsuru Karahashi (live), Riichi Seike (suit)

Fuwa Jūzō is an enigmatic Gedoushu swordsman whom the others consider a "stray". Loves fighting, and has a one-sided rivalry towards Takeru-until it becomes very mutual.
- Blood Knight: Probably the darkest, sickest take on this trope in the franchise's history. ALL he cares about is fighting and killing. Akumaro's plan with him fails because he actually thought he cared about something else.
- The Brute: He doesn't take much attention in strategies or such (though he isn't against such), as all he cares about is slicing people up.
- Corrupted Character Copy: Of Jin from Gosei Sentai Dairanger, only without any of Jin's Noble Demon qualities.
- The Corrupter: Juzo spends the entire show trying his hardest to get Takeru to fall to Gedou and become his ideal opponent.
- Deconstructed Character Archetype: Of the many benevolent tropes often associated with The Rival. His desire for a Duel to the Death with Takeru is first and foremost. Any seemingly benevolent actions he performs throughout the series, like saving Takeru or preventing Akumaro's plan for Hell on Earth, is merely just to get that fight and anything else is not his concern in the slightest. His final moments involve him trying to get Takeru to fall to Gedou just like him so he'd have someone to fight forever, showing that while he is not necessarily aligned with them, he is a Gedoushu through and through.
- He's also one of the Blood Knight in that he's so obsessed with fighting and killing that it's literally his only joy in life. Even back when he was a human, he couldn't think of anything else other than mincing people apart with his sword. His family was so concerned they practically held an intervention, and it still didn't talk him out of it. This is the main difference between him and Takeru, as spelled out by his friends during his and Juzo's final duel, Takeru has way more in his life than just the sword.
- Dem Bones: His design motif.
- Eviler than Thou: Pulls this on Akumaro, thwarting his grand plan purely because it got in the way of his desire to have a showdown with Takeru.
- Faux Affably Evil: He talks to others such as Takeru like a soft-spoken and polite human being, even as he is readying his blade for a sadistic, bloodlust-motivated fight.
- For the Evulz: There's no ulterior reason for his kills and obsession with fighting a skilled opponent. He just does it because it's his only joy in life.
- Freudian Excuse Denial Despite Akumaro having murdered his family and using them to create his sword, he reveals he knew that all along, and was willing to kill with it anyway.
- Genius Bruiser: Sadistic Blood Knight he is, he can be just as smart and cunning. For instance, he knew of the sealing ability before Dokokou ever did and he successfully fooled Akumaro into thinking he actually gives a damn about his family until the opportunity was right to strike him down.
- Master Swordsman: He was the leader of a samurai clan after all... Even Takeru has difficulty in beating him.
- Meaningful Name: The characters in his name translate to "disemboweling 10 organs" which is quite fitting for a character whose sole purpose is fighting and killing.
- Mythical Motifs: He is based on after Jurojin, the Japanese god of longervity.
- The Only One Allowed to Defeat You: The lengths he goes through to get a Duel to the Death with Takeru are astounding. He willingly backstabs top Gedoushu like Dokoku and Akumaro, is willing to cut down Jii when he tries to stop the battle, and even tries to goad Takeru into becoming a Gedoushu to ensure that his Duel to the Death with Takeru would never end.
- Pet the Dog:
- He actually likes Genta's sushi, and even allowed him to leave with Takeru once he found their location... just because he genuinely enjoyed it that much.
- While not the best of buddies, he is at least more lenient towards Dayu than he is anyone else.
- Pragmatic Villainy:
- He subverts the Noble Demon he would otherwise be by his desire to fight a worthy opponent for his own pleasure. None of what he does to spare or save Takeru is out of any honor or altruism, only to make sure the fight is more thrilling.
- As for stopping Akumaro's Hell on Earth plan, rather than a case of having standards it shows how beyond redemption he is. Also, you can't have a sword duel if the world is destroyed or merged with a place of eternal suffering.
- The Rival: To Takeru.
- Sadist: If his preoccupation with fighting and killing isn't any indication of this.
- Villainous Rescue: Since Juzo is interested to fight Takeru and considers him worthy for his blade and thirst to fight.
- Was Once a Man: And still retains his human form, even if he was never the nicest off guys to begin with.
- Wild Card: Technically one of the Gedoshu, but he's only concerned with his own schemes.
- Yōkai: He is based on the red primate Shōjō,
Manpuku Aburame
Portrayed by: Mitsuru Karahashi (live), Riichi Seike (suit)
Manpuku Aburame is the leader of the Kusare Gedoshu, powerful Gedoshu that exuded a corpse-like stench, released by Dokoku to enact revenge on the Shiba line.
- Animal Motifs: Octopuses in being clever and able to alter their form.
- Big Bad: Of Samurai Sentai Shinkenger the Movie: The Fateful War.
- Fat Bastard: Zig Zagged. He appears overweight, but turns out to be a shell as he reveals his actual form to be lean and muscular.
- Meaningful Name: The characters in his name translate to "greasy eye, full stomach".
- Mythical Motifs: He is based on Budai, known in western civilization as the Fat Buddha.
- One-Winged Angel: When mortally wounded after entering his second life, Aburame goes from his overweight golden form to a more lean blue form with a neck-extending serpent attached to his crotch.
- Tanuki: His usual form and ears give off the appearance.
Ayakashi
In General
- Monster of the Week: The Shinkengers periodically have to fight one.
- Yōkai: Their name is derived from a kind of river youkai and they're stated to have inspired the youkai myths.
Kagekamuro
Voice actor: Nobuo TobitaThe very first Ayakashi battled by the Shinkengers. The giant blue face that forms his lower body make him the basis for the ōkamuro.
- Dual Swords: Hiki Sogantonote
- Starter Villain: The very first Ayakshi encountered.
Ootsumuji
Voice actor: Daisuke GōriAn Ayakashi equipped with a massive sword and able to create destructive whirlwinds. His powers make him the basis for the kamaitachi.
- Blow You Away
- Cool Sword/Sinister Scythe: Senpu Ogamatonote
Rokuroneri
Voice actor: Takashi NagasakoAn Ayakashi with extendable arms enabling him to attack from long distances underground. His powers make him the basis for the tsuchi-korobi.
- Rubber Man: He can extend his arms for surprise attacks.
Namiayashi
Voice actor: Koji TobeAn Ayakashi whose left half of his body is a tiger and whose right half is water, granting him an attack called the Tora Tsunami. His appearance makes him the basis for the suiko, or "river-tiger".
Yanasudare
Voice actor: Hiroshi TsuchidaA nihilistic Ayakashi with a destructive shotgun and an immunity to bladed weapons. His unique invulnerability makes him the basis for the fusuma.
- Catchphrase: Habitually utters Mudada.note
- No-Sell: Specifically to blade attacks.
- Shotguns Are Just Better: Ryushi Rendanjunote
Zuboshimeshi
Voice actor: Issei FutamataAn Ayakashi with the ability to read minds and turn insecurities into physical pain. His powers make him the basis for the satori.
- The Bully: Blurts hurtful insults to make people suffer. Completely fails on Kotoha, however.
- Cool Sword: Shitasaki Sanjakutonote
Yamiororo
Voice actor: Hideyuki UmezuA tree-like Ayakashi able to breathe poison gas. His arboreal appearance makes him the basis for the kodama.
- Breath Weapon: His breath will slowly poison you for days.
- Cool Sword: Edamata Sensenkennote
Hitomidama
Voice actor: Ryuzou IshinoAn Ayakashi able to control the minds of others. His large white head and small black face resemble a single huge eye from a distance and thus make him the basis for the hitotsume-kozō.
- Brainwashed and Crazy: What he does to ShinkenBlue and Tora Origami.
- Luckily, My Shield Will Protect Me: Ōkainonari Tedatenote
- Whip of Dominance: He has Mind Control powers and uses the whip to deliver their commands to their Brainwashed thralls.
Okakurage
Voice actor: Hidenari UgakiAn Ayakashi able to conjure rainstorms that induce despair in humans. The umbrella-like projection on his head that allows him to fly makes him the basis for the kasa-obake.
Ushirobushi
Voice actor: Jun'ichi SuwabeA fearsome Ayakashi warrior sent to prevent Takeru from mastering the Sealing Character. His ferocious appearance and strength make him the basis for the otoroshi.
- Cool Sword: Onikōbe Sekkeitōnote
- The Dreaded
- Make Some Noise
- Master Swordsman: Not to the extent of Juza or ShinkenRed, but was able to keep up with them.
Nakinakite
Voice actor: Rokurō NayaAn Ayakashi able to spawn minions called Oniko that can either steal children from their parents or acts as crushing weights on enemies they latch onto. His powers make him the basis for the konaki-jijī.
- Carry a Big Stick: Niekane Jigokukonnote
Hachouchin
Voice actor: Yoshimitsu ShimoyamaA trunked Ayakashi able to breathe fire. He strongly resembles a paper lantern, and this makes him the basis for the chōchin-obake.
- Breath Weapon: He breathes fire from his trunk.
- Playing with Fire: His only weapon.
- Elemental Rock–Paper–Scissors: Hachouchin is immune to fire and wind attacks (or at least takes minimal damage and a powerup in the place of taking major damage), but is highly vulnerable to water attacks.
Narisumashi
Voice actor: Masaru ObayashiA faceless jester-like Ayakashi able to impersonate other beings. His powers and appearance make him the basis for the noppera-bō.
- Dual Swords: Urizane Fukusōtōnote
- The Mirror Shows Your True Self
- Voluntary Shapeshifting
Marigomori
Voice actor: Mitsuhiro IchikiA miserable armadillo-like Ayakashi with a nigh-indestructible snail-like shell he can curl into. His armor makes him the basis for the sazae-oni.
- Shy Shelled Animal: Tough-shelled introvert
Isagitsune
Voice actor: Ikuya SawakiAn Ayakashi versed in magic. He is the basis for two yokai - the kitsune through his vulpine traits and numerous magical powers and the tengu through his long nose and wing-like collar.
- Black Mage
- Cool Sword: Teni Yōsenkennote
Hyakuyappa
Voice actor: Chihiro SuzukiAn Ayakashi covered in blades that he can extend from his body to overwhelm enemies. His knack for slashing and cutting things make him the basis for the amikiri.
- Avenging the Villain: He and Isagitsune were friends, until the latter met his end.
- Death of a Thousand Cuts: Zenshin Yaibanote
- Dual Swords: Muradachi Senjintōnote
- Revenge: Wished to avenge Isagitsune.
Oinogare
Voice actor: Toshiharu SakuraiAn Ayakashi whose body constantly leaks a slippery oil. Said oil makes him the basis for the abura-sumashi.
- Cool Sword: Aburatsuki Nameribantōnote
- Slippery Skid: Sanzu no Abura Jigokunote
Utakasane
Voice actor: Mitsuki SaigaA soul-stealing Ayakashi covered in mouths that allow him to split his body into a swarm of mouths. His soul-snatching powers make him the basis for the uwan.
- Cool Sword: Otomata Meikyōtōnote
- One to Million to One: Hyakutai Bunrinote
- Your Soul Is Mine!: Tamashii Ridatsunote
Sasamatage
Voice actor: Mitsukai HoshinoAn Ayakashi who produces eggs that turns humans violent when attached to their bodies. His body carries traits from a turtle ("kame") and a jar of sake, making him the basis for the kameosa.
- Mook Maker: His eggs turn humans into extra mooks.
Urawadachi
Voice actor: Shinya FukumatsuAn Ayakashi with the ability to possess human clothing. His powers make him the basis for the ittan-momen.
Gozunagumo
Voice actor: Kunihiko YasuiA ox-spider Ayakashi who seeks to overthrow Dokoku by obtaining the Sealing Character. His hybrid appearance makes him the basis for the Ushi-oni.
- The Starscream: He seeks to take Dōkoku as the Gedo leader.
- Ushi-oni: His appeareance is based on the bull-spider Yōkai from Japanese Mythology.
Yumebakura
Voice actor: Jūrōta KosugiA Ayakashi with dream-based powers and a body composed of parts from multiple animals. His abilities combined with his chimeric form make him the basis for the baku.
Abekonbe
Voice actor: Nobuyuki HiyamaA cat-like Ayakashi able to snatch souls and place them in new bodies. His feline appearance and soul-stealing abilities make him the basis for the kasha.
- Cat Folk: He has the face of a cat.
- Cephalothorax: His face is on his chest.
- "Freaky Friday" Flip: His Modus Operandi.
Dokurobou
Voice actor: Dai MatsumotoA skeletal Ayakashi able to create ghostly clones of himself. His phantom duplicates, combined with his undead appearance, make him the basis for the kyōkotsu.
Kugutsukai
Voice actor: TaketoraAn Ayakashi able to control humans with strings. His kimono-like body patterns and dexterous finesse with puppeteering make him the basis for the kosode-no-te.
- Marionette Master: Uses the students and staff of Takashiro Academy using a wrist band to take control over them.
Azemidoro
Voice actor: Koichi SakaguchiAn Ayakashi that once served Manpuku Aburame (Big Bad of the summer movie special) and now seeks vengeance for his master. His muddy appearance makes him the basis for the dorotabō.
Happouzu
Voice actor: Tetsu InadaA barnacle-like Ayakashi able to launch out orbs of fire and lightning en masse from his body. His destructive powers make him the basis for the Raijū.
Futagawara
Voice actor: Hisanori KoyatsuAn Ayakashi with a ravenous appetite and massive wall-like shields on his arms. Said protection makes him the basis for the nurikabe.
Sogizarai
Voice actor: Mitsuo IwataA spiny Ayakashi able to spin his body around like a tornado to destroy anything in his path. His prickly body makes him the basis for the yama-oroshi.
Mochibetori
Voice actor: Riichi SeikeAn Ayakashi able to fire globs of sticky glue-like pellets that bind victims together. His distinctive footsteps a white coloration make him the basis for the betobeto-san.
- Sticky Situation: Fires white globs of glue as his gimmick.
Ikusazure
Voice actor: Yosuke AkimotoA rifle-wielding Ayakashi who commands the Nanashi Rifle Squad and the Onanashi Cannon Squad. His fiery body makes him the basis for the tsurubebi.
Sunasusuri
Voice actor: Taiki MatsunoAn Ayakashi resembling a mouth with limbs able to induce incurable hunger in humans. The torturous starvation he inflicts on others makes him the basis for the gaki.
Tsubotoguro
Voice actor: Keiichi SonobeAn Ayakashi able to unleash swarms of stinging insects from his body. His insects bear a strong resemblance of flying human heads, making him the basis for the hitōban.
Yomotsugari
Voice actor: Atsuko YuyaA female Ayakashi assigned to assassinate Takeru by turning the Fire Mojikara against him. Her half-bird, half-human appearance makes her the basis for the onmoraki.
- The Smurfette Principle: The only seen female Ayakashi
Oborojime
Voice actor: Naomi KusumiA wispy Ayakashi with smog-based powers granted a third life by Shitari sacrificing one of his own to quicken Dokoku's resurrection. His smoke-like appearance and powers make him the basis for the enraenra.
Nanashi Company
- Mook: They're the regular foot soldiers of the Gedoshu.
- Giant Mook: They're bigger versions of the Nanashis and are able to fight with the Shinkengers' mechs.
- Flying Mook: They are the Onanashi with the ability to fly thanks to their wings.




















