Misao Makimachi
The youngest member of the Oniwabanshū who becomes its new Okashira.
Makimachi Misao (巻町 操) is a character from the fictional Rurouni Kenshin universe created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Misao is a 16-year-old girl and the youngest member of the ninja group called Oniwabanshū. She leaves her home to find her missing leader Shinomori Aoshi, and encounters Himura Kenshin in Tokyo before traveling to Kyoto with him. She soon proves herself a valuable ally, and by the end of the series, she becomes the new Okashira of the Oniwabanshū after Aoshi leaves. She develops strong romantic feelings for Aoshi.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Rurouni Kenshin
- First
- Rurouni Kenshin Act 62: On the East Sea Road
- Creator
- Nobuhiro Watsuki
- Portrayed by
- Tao Tsuchiya
- Nickname
- Weasel girl
Lore & Background
Misao is a kunoichi (female ninja) from the Oniwabanshū clan of onmitsu (spies/ninja) previously based in Edo. Her weapon of choice is the kodachi, a short sword. She is about sixteen years old when she is first introduced. In the work, Misao is often compared to a weasel. Misao is the granddaughter of the former Okashira's wife's sister, not a direct granddaughter of the Okashira himself. She was in the care of the last leader of the Oniwabanshū, Shinomori Aoshi, until Aoshi, Han'nya, Shikijō, Beshimi, and Hyottoko left her to Kashiwazaki Nenji, also known as Okina of the Oniwabanshū, when she was eight. She and Okina had a strong bond, though in Misao's mind, Aoshi remained the best. She also had a special affection for Han'nya, who was always the one to take care of her, but her primary combat training came from Okina (Kashiwazaki Nenji), not from other members. When she heard that Aoshi was in Tokyo, she went to search for him and met Himura Kenshin in Tokyo, then traveled to Kyoto with him.
Reader's Guide
Misao was introduced because Watsuki believed that the Kyoto needed an extra heroine character to interact with Kenshin, since Kenshin and Kaoru were separate. He created Misao to be as 'bright' as possible since the story was scheduled to be 'in a dark direction.' Watsuki added that 'It's though Yahiko + Kaoru / 2 = Misao.' The author of Rurouni Kenshin gave her an association with the Oniwabanshū, stemming from the reader suggestion of an Oniwabanshū kunoichi. To prevent additional complications in the storyline, Watsuki wanted Misao as a character who would not develop romantic feelings for Kenshin. Her design originates from Nakoruru in Samurai Shodown (Samurai Spirits); according to Watsuki he received criticism for this. Watsuki believes that she is closer to Mai Shiranui and Yuri Sakazaki from another SNK 'battle-game.' According to Watsuki the setup of the physical design occurred quickly as he 'fussed' with an Oniwabanshū ninja outfit 'a bit.' Watsuki intended for Misao's face and body to resemble that of a young man. While Misao is 16, Watsuki wanted her to appear like a 13-year-old. Watsuki argued with his editors about the inclusion of Misao's braid. Ultimately it was kept since it added emphasis to Misao's movements. Watsuki said that he added the cloak 'just for fun.' The creator of Rurouni Kenshin intended for her to have a 'painful' encounter with Aoshi in the future, but that Misao would 'keep going strong.' Watsuki said that he enjoyed drawing Misao. Her family name originates from a place where Watsuki lived in Niigata. Misao has been played by Tao Tsuchiya in the three live-action sequels to the 2012 Rurouni Kenshin film.
More in Characters & Swordsmen
Elsewhere in Rurouni Kenshin
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