TV-Series
Description
Ryunosuke Umemiya, known as Bokutou no Ryuu or Wooden Sword Ryu, begins the series as the leader of a neighborhood gang of delinquents. His most distinctive features are his towering, foot-long pompadour hairstyle and his preference for exaggerated 1970s fashion, typically white suits with oversized lapels and pointed shoes. Despite his intimidating appearance and initial role as an antagonist who breaks Manta Oyamada's arm, Ryu possesses a surprisingly philosophical and emotional core. His primary life goal is the search for the Best Place, a location where he and his gang can feel truly happy and at peace with themselves. This search defines much of his early behavior, as he initially claims a cemetery as his group's territory.
Ryu's life changes dramatically after he encounters Yoh Asakura. After being easily defeated by Yoh, and then witnessing the shamanic battle between Yoh and Tao Ren, Ryu becomes fascinated by the world of spirits and begs to become Yoh's student. Anna Kyoyama quickly accepts, largely to assign him all the household chores. His latent shamanic powers first manifest when he is possessed by the ghost of a bandit named Tokagero, a spirit who was a rival of Yoh's guardian ghost, Amidamaru. Through this experience, Ryu learns to merge with Tokagero and perform shamanic techniques. His training is later continued by Yoh's grandfather, Yohmei Asakura, which helps him refine his abilities.
Ryu is defined by his immense loyalty and passion. He cares deeply for his friends and is willing to sacrifice anything for them. In one notable instance, he takes a freezing attack meant for Yoh, only for his burning passion to melt the ice and allow him to continue fighting. While he can come across as not particularly bright and obsessed with his hairstyle and attracting women, he is also capable of great depth and sincerity. His primary motivation shifts from finding his own Best Place to supporting Yoh Asakura in his quest to become the Shaman King. He believes that the world Yoh will create is the true Best Place he has been searching for. His role in the story is that of a loyal friend and ally, providing comic relief but also genuine strength and emotional support to Yoh's team.
In battle, Ryu uses a wooden sword, or bokutou, as his primary medium for creating an Oversoul, a technique where a spirit is fused with an object to fight. His partner, Tokagero, is a cunning and ruthless spirit who initially tried to use Ryu for revenge but eventually develops a genuine partnership with him. Ryu's notable abilities include several powerful Oversoul forms. One of his early techniques is Jigokuryuu Benitokage, a rapid sword attack. His most iconic Oversoul is Ame no Murakumo, where Tokagero manifests as a large, eight-headed serpent known as Yamata no Orochi that can attack with powerful thrusts. Later in the series, he develops even stronger forms, including Yamata no Orochi Go and Sashimi Bocho Susanorou, a form that grants incredible cutting speed. He also possesses a high level of furyoku, the spiritual energy used by shamans, measured at approximately 85,000 units. Ryu's development sees him transform from a small-time thug into a powerful and honorable shaman whose loyalty and burning heart make him an indispensable member of Yoh's group.
Ryu's life changes dramatically after he encounters Yoh Asakura. After being easily defeated by Yoh, and then witnessing the shamanic battle between Yoh and Tao Ren, Ryu becomes fascinated by the world of spirits and begs to become Yoh's student. Anna Kyoyama quickly accepts, largely to assign him all the household chores. His latent shamanic powers first manifest when he is possessed by the ghost of a bandit named Tokagero, a spirit who was a rival of Yoh's guardian ghost, Amidamaru. Through this experience, Ryu learns to merge with Tokagero and perform shamanic techniques. His training is later continued by Yoh's grandfather, Yohmei Asakura, which helps him refine his abilities.
Ryu is defined by his immense loyalty and passion. He cares deeply for his friends and is willing to sacrifice anything for them. In one notable instance, he takes a freezing attack meant for Yoh, only for his burning passion to melt the ice and allow him to continue fighting. While he can come across as not particularly bright and obsessed with his hairstyle and attracting women, he is also capable of great depth and sincerity. His primary motivation shifts from finding his own Best Place to supporting Yoh Asakura in his quest to become the Shaman King. He believes that the world Yoh will create is the true Best Place he has been searching for. His role in the story is that of a loyal friend and ally, providing comic relief but also genuine strength and emotional support to Yoh's team.
In battle, Ryu uses a wooden sword, or bokutou, as his primary medium for creating an Oversoul, a technique where a spirit is fused with an object to fight. His partner, Tokagero, is a cunning and ruthless spirit who initially tried to use Ryu for revenge but eventually develops a genuine partnership with him. Ryu's notable abilities include several powerful Oversoul forms. One of his early techniques is Jigokuryuu Benitokage, a rapid sword attack. His most iconic Oversoul is Ame no Murakumo, where Tokagero manifests as a large, eight-headed serpent known as Yamata no Orochi that can attack with powerful thrusts. Later in the series, he develops even stronger forms, including Yamata no Orochi Go and Sashimi Bocho Susanorou, a form that grants incredible cutting speed. He also possesses a high level of furyoku, the spiritual energy used by shamans, measured at approximately 85,000 units. Ryu's development sees him transform from a small-time thug into a powerful and honorable shaman whose loyalty and burning heart make him an indispensable member of Yoh's group.