Sanada Yukimura (Sengoku Basara)

Sanada Yukimura
Sengoku Basara character
First game Sengoku Basara (2005)
Voiced by

Sanada Yukimura (Japanese: 真田 幸村) is a fictional character in Capcom's Sengoku Basara franchise. He was first introduced in the 2005 hack and slash game of the same title but was renamed "Scorpio" for the English localization which was retitled Devil Kings. A young warrior serving the Takeda clan, Sanada Yukimura, fights in the Sengoku period to help his clan take over Japan. While the first four games involve his growth as a warrior and deal with him taking over leadership, the spin-off game Sengoku Basara: Yukimura Den follows the character's backstory. He has also appeared in the series' anime and manga adaptations.

Capcom created the character based on the historical figure of the same name, after finding he was well enough known to be portrayed as a video game protagonist. Across the series, Yukimura's characterization has changed because of the different arcs he faces, but Capcom decided to keep his hotblooded attitude. Sōichirō Hoshi voiced Yukimura in Japanese, while in English, Andrew Francis voiced him for Devil Kings with Johnny Yong Bosch handling his subsequent appearances.

Yukimura has been a popular character in Japan inspiring a tour that led fans to learn more about the historical figure. He also finished third in a character poll of the best Sengoku Basara characters. Critical reception to the character has been positive. Writers enjoyed how his characterization balanced that of fellow protagonist Date Masamune as well as his growth in the anime. Bosch's acting also received positive responses.

Creation and development

The character was loosely based on Sanada Yukimura.

While developing Sengoku Basara, Capcom researched important figures from Japan's Sengoku period. Their staff discovered that Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura were highly popular in this period and decided to use them as protagonists.[1] During their research they found the original Yukimura worked for the Takeda clan, which used the color red. The staff decided to use this as the character's main color, which in turn helped to contrast him with Masamune's blue colors. Yukimura had used a spear, but the staff decided it would make him more interesting if the video game character wielded two.[2] To provide contrast Yukimura was given modern clothing and Masamune had armor more suitable for the Sengoku era. The character designer was pleased with this result. Yukimura's links with Yoshihiro in Sengoku Basara 3 and the anime are deliberate, a reference to a real member of the Shimazu clan reportedly naming him Nippon Ichi No Tsuwamono (The Number One Soldier In Japan) out of respect.[3]

The director created a rivalry between Yukimura and Masamune because he wanted to contrast their characters. While Masamune was given a calm personality, Yukimura was made hotblooded. In further analyzing them, Yamamoto felt that Masamune originally acts more mature, he is more like Yukimura when both are fighting. Their personalities then fitted each other to form a rivalry. Yamamoto compared the rivalry between the two protagonists to that of sportsmen as both Yukimura and Masamune enjoy fighting. Sengoku Basara 4 did not have any interaction between the two characters, but the updated version was given a scenario where they can interact. Another relationship important to Yukimura, is the ninja Sarutobi Sasuke. While a ninja is meant to be disposable, Yukimura and Sasuke instead befriended each other to the point where they consider themselves brothers. Inspired by the Sengoku Basara 4: Bontenmaru-hen prequel manga titled Benmaru-hen, the director wanted Yukimura to be featured more in Sengoku Basara 4's story.[4]

Capcom addressed the concern that Yukimura's storyline in the third game had him as a more depressed person in contrast to previous entries in the franchise where he acted happier. As a result, for Sengoku Basara 4, the team made him his original straightforward, hot-blooded self after getting over those heavy experiences. However, they gave him a smaller role as the staff wanted Sengoku Basara 4 to focus more on Mitsunari Ishida.[3] For the spin-off game centered around Yukimura, the staff redesigned the main duo as they looked as children. New gameplay features will reflect their young age.[5] Producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi emphasized the game focuses mostly on Yukimura, making it more realistic than previous games due to the addition of his relatives. However, he also said Masamune's fans would not be disappointed because he is also playable.[6]

Sōichirō Hoshi voiced Yukimura in Japanese. In the first Sengoku Basara English game, Andrew Francis voiced him, while Johnny Yong Bosch replaced him for the third title and the anime adaptations.[7] Both Hoshi and actor Kei Hosogai have said they really like the character of Yukimura.[3]

Appearances

Sengoku Basara games

Sanada Yukimura debuted in the 2005 game Sengoku Basara; the English version was titled Devil Kings. For the English localization, he was given the name "Scorpio". A young warrior serving Takeda Shingen, Yukimura fights across Japan to allow his lord to take over the land. He is often seen having arguments with Takeda. They bond by simply yelling at each other during lectures and later through punches. In the game, Yukimura meets warrior Date Masamune and they become friendly rivals. However, their biggest threat is Oda Nobunaga.[8]

Yukimura returns in Sengoku Basara 2 once again serving Takeda and is opposed by Hideyoshi Toyotomi who seeks to unify Japan under his forces.[9] In Sengoku Basara 3, Takeda is wounded, which depresses Yukimura. However, he decides to lead the Takeda clan in place of his lord. In Yukimura's campaign ending, Takeda recovers and looks over to see Yukimura once again faces his rival, Masamune.[10]

In Sengoku Basara 4, Yukimura fights across a retelling of the series. However, he has a smaller role in the story since the game focuses more on Mitsunari Ishida.[11] The following game, Sengoku Basara Yukimura Den centers around his past. The second son of Masayuki, head of the Shinshu Ueda Sanda family, he appears as a young samurai with a strong desire to support the Sanada clan. Takeda Katsuyori from Shingen, the child who succeeded as family head, is captured by the demonic Nobunaga Oda, and is now on the verge of death. To rescue the lord, Yukimura fights against the Oda with his army together with that raised by his father Masayuki and older brother Nobuyuki.[12]

Adaptations

Outside the games, Yukimura is present in the anime adaptation by Prouduction I.G. In the first season, Yukimura meets Masamune and both join forces to defeat the warlord Nobunaga. By the beginning of the second season, Yukimura has a duel with Masamune but loses the fight.[13] Nevertheless, the appearance of Hideyoshi causes him to lead forces to stop his plans to unify Japan. Yukimura's mistakes and the enemies' forces cause him to lose multiple lives, but he manages to defeat one of the main enemies in the finale. In the film sequel The Last Party, Yukimura succeeds Takeda after deciding to support Tokugawa Ieyasu's plan to end the wars. In the climax, he joins his former rivals to stop an undead Nobunaga. In the ending he engages Masamune once again.[14]

Another anime season that retells the events of the third game has Yukimura dealing his lack of self-esteem as he does not consider himself worthy to lead the Takeda clan. He will also appear in an alternative version of Sengoku Basara as a high school student.[15] A manga adaptation of the second game was created by Yak Haibara with Masamune reprising his role from the game.[16] He is also a present in the novelization of Sengoku Basara 2.[17] A live Yukimura is portrayed by Kōhei Takeda in a live-action television show of the game Sengoku Basara -Moonlight Party.[18] In a Sengoku Basara play that made a crossover with the series Devil May Cry, Ryūnosuke Matsumura played Yukimura.[19]

Cultural impact

Popularity

Sanada Yukimura has been popular in Japan. In 2016, the character's image was used to promote tourism in Wakayama Prefecture while also promoting the historical person from the Sengoku period. The prefecture hoped to capitalize on his recent popularity with a "stamp rally" that guided visitors to locations like Kokawa Temple and the Wakayama History Museum.[20] Additionally, Yukimura will appeared on the cover of Sanada Yukimura and Sengoku Wakayama Monogatari, a pamphlet that lists tourism and culinary information for the Wakayama Prefecture.[21] In another promotion related to the fictional character, Japanese restaurants owned by Kiwa Corporation started serving meals that used Yukimura's image, as well as masu boxes from Uratika.[22] Merchandising based around him has also been released,[23] including large action figures of Yukimura and Masamune from Destructoid.[24] In a poll to select the best characters from the series, Yukimura took the third spot, behind Kojuro and Masamune.[3] Unable to pick just one, voice actor Takehito Koyasu considers both Yukimura and Masamune as two of his favorite characters.[4] In a series of Sengoku Basara guides, Yukimura has been featured prominently in the second issue as the volume focuses largely on his role in the franchise.[25]

Response

Johnny Yong Bosch's voice acting received positive response by critics.

Critical response to Yukimura's characterization and role in the Sengoku Basara franchise has been positive. Gamereactor regarded him as a "standard hero" as he found him a normal character in contrast to others like Masamune who look more ridiculous.[26] Japanator liked Yukimura's relationship with Masamune despite the irony that their historical figures never met. While he liking the English dub, the reviewer lamented the fact the video games lacked Japanese voice options preventing fans "from indulging Masamune's penchant for random Engrish, dampening the enjoyment somewhat."[27] On the other hand, Game Revolution said they found Masamune and Yukimura "fairly standard" characters, but the franchise has multiple fighters whose physical looks would amaze players.[28] Kotaku regarded him as one of the most attractive men in the cast, commenting that he was half-naked in most of his appearances which expanded his popularity.[29] Noting the series' cast looked more like characters from romance novels, the same site noted that Yukimura had few similarities with his historical figure.[30] Johnny Yong Bosch's English voice acting as Yukimura was praised despite the constant screaming required of the character.[31][32][33]

ToonZone had mixed thoughts about Yukimura's characterization since he was not highlighted as a result of the large number of featured cast members but still enjoyed his design due to his striking red color.[33] FandomPost liked the action scenes featured by the two protagonists of the anime as seen in the English release of the series.[34] DVD Talk agreed, noting the appeal of the fight's animation comparing it to an "explosion of firepower and blue lightning. It is borderline supernatural and powerful enough to be seen as basically a nuclear blast a couple klicks away".[35] Blu Ray noted that Date's and Yukimura's developing friendship served as one of the strongest parts of the first season,[36] Anime Herald agreed noting the two rivals "rise to greatness" through their fights and the lessons they learn in the series.[37] While also liking the first fight scenes between Date and Yukimura, Fandom Post felt the second season managed to further develop these characters. Yukimura was confronted with more serious scenes, leading more men, whereas in the first season he was an underling for Shingen Takeda.[38] In a review of the movie The Last Party, Fandom Post enjoyed the final clash between Yukimura and his superior Shingen Takeda.[39] Anime News Network felt the fight scenes featuring Yukimura were highly entertaining due to the visuals provided by the anime staff. They also noted his growth as a character having inherited the leadership from Shingen.[40]

References

  1. ↑ "Hiroyuki Kobayashi". Capcom. Archived from the original on November 4, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes Producer On How To Make Action Games For Women". Siliconera. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Sengoku Basara Magazine (in Japanese). 8. Kadokawa. 2015. JAN 4910164120451.
  4. 1 2 Sengoku Basara magazine. 9. Kadokawa. 2015. JAN 4910164120857.
  5. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Legend of Sanada Yukimura Video Shows Yukimura And Masamune As Kids". Siliconera. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Sanada Yukimura-Den announced for PS4, PS3 Update". Gematsu. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Voice of Sanada Yukimura". Behind the Voice Actors. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  8. ↑ Capcom. Sengoku Basara. Capcom.
  9. ↑ Capcom. Sengoku Basara. Capcom.
  10. ↑ Capcom. Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes. Capcom.
  11. ↑ Capcom. Sengoku Basara 4. Capcom.
  12. ↑ Capcom. Sengoku Basara Yukimura Den. Capcom.
  13. ↑ "Troubled Times Once Again! Advent of the Great Cataclysmic Warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi!". Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings. Production I.G. July 11, 2010.
  14. ↑ Sengoku Basara: The Last Party (DVD). Funimation Entertainment. 2011.
  15. ↑ "Gakuen Basara Anime Announced". Manga.Tokyo. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  16. ↑ "UDON Fans! 6 New Books In Stores Today!". UDON Entertainment. April 18, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  17. ↑ "講談社BOX版「戦国BASARA3」の小説がついに文庫化!4ヵ月連続刊行第1弾!". Capcom. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  18. ↑ "GACKT to Star in Live-Action Show of Sengoku Basara Game". Anime News Network. June 16, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Sengoku Basara vs. Devil May Cry Stage Play Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 14, 2018. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Sengoku Basara's Sanada Yukimura to Promote Tourism in Wakayama Prefecture". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Sengoku BASARA characters to be used in Taiga Drama Sanada Maru/Sengoku Wakayama Promotional Campaign!". Capcom. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  22. ↑ "News roundup: The final Sengoku Basara: Sanada Yukimura-den live broadcast". Rain Drop and Day Dreams. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Cardboard Samurai Armor, Now for Adults". Kotaku. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  24. ↑ "All-white Sengoku Basara/Devil Kings Revoltechs available". Destructoid. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  25. ↑ "戦国BASARA (バサラ) マガジン Vol.2 2013夏 2013年 10月号". Amazon.com. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes". Game Reactor. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Japanator Kinda Recommends: Sengoku BASARA Samurai Heroes". Japanator. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Sengoku BASARA Samurai Heroes Preview". GameRevolution. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Sponging Down Sweaty Attractive Men (The Other Side of Fan Service)". Kotaku. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  30. ↑ "A Look At the Real, Not-So-Sexy Samurai of Capcom's Latest Game". Kotaku. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Japanator Kinda Recommends: Sengoku BASARA Samurai Heroes". Japanator. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Review: Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings - The Last Party". Japanator. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  33. 1 2 ""Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings": Taking Outrageous to a New Level". Toon Zone. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season 1 Blu-ray Anime Review". Fandom Post. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings - The Complete Series". DVD Talk. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Sengoku Basara Samurai Kings". Anime Herald. Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Sengoku Basara Samurai Kings". Blu-ray. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season 2 Anime DVD Review". Fandom Post. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  39. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings The Movie: The Last Party Blu-ray Anime Review". Fandom Post. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Sengoku Basara: The Last Party BD+DVD". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
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