Who is that character?

General discussion about Usagi Yojimbo, the comics, the stories, the characters, collectibles, TV appearances, Stan Sakai, Space Usagi, Nilson & Hermy, and all other related topics.

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Krash01
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Who is that character?

Post by Krash01 »

I bought that drawing on ebay (there has been a discussion about it in the marketplace topic) and I can't figure it out who is that character, and it keeps bugging me.
Anyone?
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Stan Sakai
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Re: Who is that character?

Post by Stan Sakai »

That is General Oyaneko from The Way of the Samurai from UY vol 1. He was a samurai past his prime whose lord had died and the new lord had no use for him. Since he felt he had no one to serve, he wanted to die in battle according to the proverb "The way of the samurai is found in death." After a duel, Usagi shows him he can continue to serve after all.

"Oyaneko" literally means "Old Cat".
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Stan Sakai
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Re: Who is that character?

Post by Stan Sakai »

I remember this drawing because the person specifically requested this character who appeared in only one story.
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Krash01
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Re: Who is that character?

Post by Krash01 »

Thank You for the detailed explanation Sensei!
I read the first books some years ago, so that's why I couldn't remember it. But now I know what to read today before sleep :)

Hmm, that's a bit sad. I mean that the person sold such a personalized drawing. But at least it found a good place :)
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dhfujii
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Re: Who is that character?

Post by dhfujii »

I don't know if a lot of people know this, but this story actually saved someone's life. I think the older Dojo Members may know this story but apparently a person was suffering from depression and was suicidal. Then, he read this story in Usagi (Book 4) and was inspired by the lesson at the end, and decided to get help. I think through Stan and the Dojo members connections they were able to get him help!

I loved this story before, but after hearing how powerful it impacted someone truly is astounding; and takes my appreciation for Usagi and Stan's work to another level.
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Krash01
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Re: Who is that character?

Post by Krash01 »

dhfujii wrote:I don't know if a lot of people know this, but this story actually saved someone's life. I think the older Dojo Members may know this story but apparently a person was suffering from depression and was suicidal. Then, he read this story in Usagi (Book 4) and was inspired by the lesson at the end, and decided to get help. I think through Stan and the Dojo members connections they were able to get him help!

I loved this story before, but after hearing how powerful it impacted someone truly is astounding; and takes my appreciation for Usagi and Stan's work to another level.
Wao, I didn't know about that, that's so good! I re-read that story after the Sensei's post, and it's pretty inspiring, but lot of Stan's stories have a moral at the end.
My personal favorite is when a peasant took home the unconcious Jei and after healinhg him, Jei killed the poor man. The inspiration of this story was an Aesopus fable if I'm correct, it's a poplular tale here in Hungary.
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Maka
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Re: Who is that character?

Post by Maka »

Awesome history of this story and dojo. Thanks for reminding us and reselling it, Daniel. Peace, maka
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Eltanin
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Re: Who is that character?

Post by Eltanin »

dhfujii wrote:I don't know if a lot of people know this, but this story actually saved someone's life. I think the older Dojo Members may know this story but apparently a person was suffering from depression and was suicidal. Then, he read this story in Usagi (Book 4) and was inspired by the lesson at the end, and decided to get help. I think through Stan and the Dojo members connections they were able to get him help!

I loved this story before, but after hearing how powerful it impacted someone truly is astounding; and takes my appreciation for Usagi and Stan's work to another level.
Thank you for sharing this story. I had heard people mention that Usagi and the Dojo saved a life, but I didn't know the details.
It's a touching and inspiring story, and further proof of the greatness of this forum and its members.
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