The Shiba Clan
The Shinkengers
From left to right: Shinken Pink/Mako Shiraishi, Shinken Green/Chiaki Tani, Shinken Gold/Genta Umemori, Shinken Red/Takeru Shiba, Shinken Blue/Ryūnosuke Ikenami and Shinken Yellow/Kotoha Hanaori.
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.
open/close all folders
In General
- 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
Takeru Shiba/Shinken Red (XVIII/XIX)
Portrayed by: Tori Matsuzaka (live), Hirofumi Fukuzawa (suit), Riichi Seike (substitute)
Young Takeru portrayed by: Masaki Takaiwa
"Shinken Red. Shiba Takeru."
Click here to see him as Shinken Red
Click here to see him as Super Shinken Red
Click here to see him as Hyper Shinken Red
"For once, I am impressed!"
The 18th and current head of the Shiba clan. Looks stern, but actually pretty nice; he'll try to hide it though. Takeru initially went against Jii's urging and tried to fight the Gedoushu alone, mainly because he knows the toll facing them would take on his retainer's life. Once the first Ayakashi of this invasion appeared, however, he was forced to give in.
Takeru grew up being groomed as 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.
- Determinator: A textbook example.
- 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.
- 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.
- Liar Revealed: Happens in #44 and #45.
- The Leader: He's of the levelheaded and charismatic variety, being the most experienced and stoic of the group.
- 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 is 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 their 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.
Ryunosuke Ikenami / Shinken Blue
Ryuunosuke Ikenami/Shinken Blue (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Hiroki Aiba (live), Yoshifumi Oshikawa (suit), Riichi Seike (substitute)
Young Ryuunosuke portrayed by: Takumi Horikiri
"Similarly, Blue. Ikenami Ryuunosuke."
Click here to see him as Shinken Blue
Click here to see him as Super Shinken Blue
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, calling him "Faza-kon"note or "Maza-kon"note 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.
- Butt-Monkey: Less frequent after Act 7, but still an aspect.
- 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.
- Catchphrase: TONOOOOO!!!!
- 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.
Narm machine. 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.
- 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.
- Momma's Boy/"Well Done, Son" Guy: Implied by Zuboshimeshi, the Ayakashi of insults.
- Nice to the Waiter: 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.
- 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 Narm or 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: The hammy red to Takeru's stoic blue. (One of two)
- Sharp-Dressed Man: Out of all the members, he's the one to most often wear button-up shirts, dress pants, dress shoes, coats and waistcoats, generally looking more prim and proper than the others, who lean more towards a casual style.
- 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
Mako Shiraishi/Shinken Pink (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Rin Takanashi (live), Sanae Hitomi (suit), Naoko Kamio (substitute)
Young Mako portrayed by: Marina Nakajima
"Similarly, Pink. Shiraishi Mako"
Click here to see her as Shinken Pink
Click here to see her as Super Shinken Pink
"Being our Lord doesn't necessarily mean you have to be perfect, you know?"
Originally a kindergarten teacher. Mature, levelheaded and reliable. Always count on her to comfort whoever's feeling down.
Mako was at first abandoned by her parents and was left to be raised by her grandmother. Her samurai training robbed her of any chance of a childhood like a normal girl; this shows big time in her protectiveness of children. She dreams of being a 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
Chiaki Tani/Shinken Green (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Shogo Suzuki (live), Yasuhiro Takeuchi (suit), Masaru Obayashi (substitute)
"Similarly, Green. Tani Chiaki."
Click here to see him as Shinken Green
Click here to see him as Super Shinken Green
Click here to see him as Hyper Shinken Green
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.
- Batman Gambit: As The Smart Guy of the team, these are Chiaki's most badass moments.
- 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.
- 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
Kotoha Hanaori/Shinken Yellow (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Suzuka Morita (live), Miwa Hashiguchi (suit), Sanae Hitomi (substitute)
Young Kotoha portrayed by: Ayu Matsuura
"Similarly, Yellow. Hanaori Kotoha."
Click here to see her as Shinken Yellow
Click here to see her as Super Shinken Yellow
"Tono-sama?"
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
- 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.
- Nice Girl: Kotoha is very selfless, kind, and friendly.
- 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
Genta Umemori/Shinken Gold
Portrayed by: Keisuke Sohma (live), Jiro Okamoto (suit)
Young Genta portrayed by: Ryota Kashiba
"Similarly, Gold. Umemori Genta."
Click here to see him as Shinken Gold
Click here to see him as Super Shinken Gold
Click here to see him as Hyper Shinken Gold
"Yosh! Now for the victory Ipponjime!"
Genta was a suspicious sushi seller who suddenly arrived in town. But when the Shinkengers were pinned down by the Ayakashi of the week, he revealed himself as Shinken Gold, and much to the vassals' surprise, Takeru's childhood friend.
Personality-wise, Genta is hyperactive and childish for his age, but like Ryunosuke, his capabilities are, albeit 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.
- 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.
- 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 Nicknamer: Calls Takeru "Take-chan", and even has nicknames for his Origami: "Ika-chan" for the Ika Origami, and "Ebizo" for the Ebi Origami.
- 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 SPOILERS
Kaoru Shiba/(Princess) Shinken Red (XVIII)
Portrayed by: Runa Natsui (live), Yuichi Hachisuka (suit), Sanae Hitomi (substitute)
"Shinken Red. Shiba Kaoru."
Click here to see her as Shinken Red
Click here to see her as Super Shinken Red
"I will succeed! That's why I'm here, Father!"
The true 18th head of the Shiba Clan who was hidden away and taken care of by one of her father's personal retainers in order to keep her and the Shiba Clan sealing character, the power to seal away Dokoku, safe from the Gedoushu. In her stead, Takeru took her place as lord as she trained and mastered the sealing character. Toward the end of the series, she returned to take her place as lord, but her vassals, who were more attached to Takeru, had a hard time following her.
Kaoru initially appears stoic, serious, and focused on her duty to defeat the Gedoushu, much like Takeru in the early parts of the series. 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.
- 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.
- Quickly-Demoted Woman: Though to be fair, she was also quickly promoted and willingly stepped down for good reason.note Also completely justified, see Rookie Red Ranger below
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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's 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.
