TV-Series
Description
Oda Nobunaga is the titular protagonist of the anime series Nobunaga the Fool, a character loosely inspired by the historical Japanese warlord of the same name. In the story, he is the legitimate heir of the nation of Owari on the Eastern Star and the first son of Lord Nobuhide Oda. Because of his brash, impulsive, and unconventional way of life, he is widely known by the nickname "The Fool," and both his father and the Oda court regard his younger brother Nobukatsu as the more suitable successor to the clan. Nobunaga is also the older brother of Lady Ichihime, who is one of the few people able to see past his wild exterior and recognize his true character.
In personality, Nobunaga is carefree, honest, and outspoken, with a tendency to speak the truth plainly regardless of expectations or consequences. He can be reckless and is never afraid to take risks, preferring to keep looking forward rather than dwell on failure or hesitation, a stance that functions as a personal motto. Despite his erratic and seemingly foolish behavior, he is deeply loyal to his comrades and actively looks out for them in battle. He also possesses the ability to see the true nature of things, a quality that distinguishes him from those around him and hints that his apparent madness masks genuine insight.
His central motivation takes shape early in the series after the Takeda clan, led by Shingen Takeda, overwhelms the Oda forces in a brutal defeat. In the aftermath of that tragedy, Nobunaga vows to his trusted retainers, Akechi Mitsuhide and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, that they will begin a new era and conquer the world together. This ambition intersects with the prophecy of a Savior King, which leads Jeanne Kaguya d'Arc, a girl from the Western Star, to believe that Nobunaga is the destined figure and to pledge her allegiance to his cause.
As the main character, Nobunaga sits at the center of the conflict between the Eastern Star and the Western Star. He comes into possession of a Giant Battle Armor entrusted to him by Leonardo da Vinci and names it "The Fool" after his own nickname. He pilots this suit in combat against enemy forces, including the modernized army of the Takeda clan and the war machines sent by the Western Star under the general Gaius Julius Caesar. His bold, sometimes reckless conduct on the battlefield initially makes others doubt his ability to lead, but his determination and instinct steadily prove his worth.
Several key relationships define his journey. His bond with Jeanne Kaguya d'Arc is central; following the advice of Mitsuhide, he disguises her as a male retainer named Ranmaru Mori, and she becomes one of his closest allies while believing he is the King of Salvation. Leonardo da Vinci acts as his mentor-like friend and ally, granting him the battle armor and offering a watch as a token of their friendship. Himiko, the queen of Yamatai, forms a political alliance with him through an engagement and grants him the Sacred Treasure of Lightning. His retainers Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi remain loyal supporters, while his relationship with his father is strained by Nobuhide's preference for Nobukatsu, and his sister Ichihime provides quiet understanding and encouragement.
Over the course of the story, Nobunaga develops from a dismissed eccentric into a revolutionary leader. After his encounter with Jeanne, he becomes a man who brings revolution to the way wars for domination are fought, and his unconventional methods gradually earn faith from those around him. Guided by his ability to perceive hidden truths and his refusal to look back, he works with his allies to overcome tragedy, withstand betrayal, and ultimately fight to save the world.
In terms of notable abilities, Nobunaga is a capable fighter who uses a bow and arrow in battle and demonstrates skill in swordsmanship, enough to instruct Jeanne during a lesson. His most prominent asset is his Giant Battle Armor named "The Fool," which he pilots in major engagements, and he wields the Sacred Treasure of Lightning obtained through his alliance with Himiko. Combined with his fearless risk-taking, his sharp perception, and his talent for inspiring loyalty, these abilities make him a formidable and transformative force in the war that defines the series.
In personality, Nobunaga is carefree, honest, and outspoken, with a tendency to speak the truth plainly regardless of expectations or consequences. He can be reckless and is never afraid to take risks, preferring to keep looking forward rather than dwell on failure or hesitation, a stance that functions as a personal motto. Despite his erratic and seemingly foolish behavior, he is deeply loyal to his comrades and actively looks out for them in battle. He also possesses the ability to see the true nature of things, a quality that distinguishes him from those around him and hints that his apparent madness masks genuine insight.
His central motivation takes shape early in the series after the Takeda clan, led by Shingen Takeda, overwhelms the Oda forces in a brutal defeat. In the aftermath of that tragedy, Nobunaga vows to his trusted retainers, Akechi Mitsuhide and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, that they will begin a new era and conquer the world together. This ambition intersects with the prophecy of a Savior King, which leads Jeanne Kaguya d'Arc, a girl from the Western Star, to believe that Nobunaga is the destined figure and to pledge her allegiance to his cause.
As the main character, Nobunaga sits at the center of the conflict between the Eastern Star and the Western Star. He comes into possession of a Giant Battle Armor entrusted to him by Leonardo da Vinci and names it "The Fool" after his own nickname. He pilots this suit in combat against enemy forces, including the modernized army of the Takeda clan and the war machines sent by the Western Star under the general Gaius Julius Caesar. His bold, sometimes reckless conduct on the battlefield initially makes others doubt his ability to lead, but his determination and instinct steadily prove his worth.
Several key relationships define his journey. His bond with Jeanne Kaguya d'Arc is central; following the advice of Mitsuhide, he disguises her as a male retainer named Ranmaru Mori, and she becomes one of his closest allies while believing he is the King of Salvation. Leonardo da Vinci acts as his mentor-like friend and ally, granting him the battle armor and offering a watch as a token of their friendship. Himiko, the queen of Yamatai, forms a political alliance with him through an engagement and grants him the Sacred Treasure of Lightning. His retainers Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi remain loyal supporters, while his relationship with his father is strained by Nobuhide's preference for Nobukatsu, and his sister Ichihime provides quiet understanding and encouragement.
Over the course of the story, Nobunaga develops from a dismissed eccentric into a revolutionary leader. After his encounter with Jeanne, he becomes a man who brings revolution to the way wars for domination are fought, and his unconventional methods gradually earn faith from those around him. Guided by his ability to perceive hidden truths and his refusal to look back, he works with his allies to overcome tragedy, withstand betrayal, and ultimately fight to save the world.
In terms of notable abilities, Nobunaga is a capable fighter who uses a bow and arrow in battle and demonstrates skill in swordsmanship, enough to instruct Jeanne during a lesson. His most prominent asset is his Giant Battle Armor named "The Fool," which he pilots in major engagements, and he wields the Sacred Treasure of Lightning obtained through his alliance with Himiko. Combined with his fearless risk-taking, his sharp perception, and his talent for inspiring loyalty, these abilities make him a formidable and transformative force in the war that defines the series.