Kojirou Kanemaki is a central character in the anime Orient. He is the son of Jisai Kanemaki, a disgraced Bushi, and as a result grew up as an outcast in the mining town of Tatsuyama. Ostracized by the villagers for his lineage, he formed a deep bond with his childhood friend Musashi, sharing a dream of becoming a Bushi and slaying the Oni that rule Japan. Serving as the pragmatic and level-headed counterpart to Musashi’s impulsive nature, Kojirou often acts as the voice of reason for their group. He is kind, caring, and self-sufficient, though the discrimination he faced in his youth left him with a cynical streak and a reluctance to openly embrace the life of a warrior early in the story. Despite this, he possesses a strong competitive drive, particularly in relation to Musashi, and carries the weight of his father's dishonored legacy, striving to redeem the Kanemaki name. Kojirou serves as the captain of the Kanemaki Bushi, the band he forms alongside Musashi. Their shared ambition is to create the greatest Bushi band in history. A skilled swordsman, he inherits and wields his father’s Kitetsu Blade, a special weapon used to fight demons. He begins his journey as a hesitant survivor but gradually evolves into a capable strategist and a confident leader. His character development centers on moving past the trauma of his childhood isolation to fully embrace his identity as a Bushi. His most crucial relationship is his brotherly bond and friendly rivalry with Musashi, whom he supports unconditionally. He also shares a strong respect for his late father, whose legacy he seeks to restore. As the Kanemaki Bushi grows, he forms a strong working relationship with Tsugumi Hattori, who joins their cause. Throughout the series, his journey is defined by his transition from a scorned outcast into a determined leader fighting for a world where humans are free.