Not gonna lie, this one is a little bloated. But that's only because I had just WAY too much to work with and talk about! Even after cutting out 5 minutes of video there was still a TON! So apologies if this gets a tad rambley. Patrons can check out the full, original notes and script on the video in a day or so!

I kinda wish the team from TMNT (2012) did a Usagi Yojimbo series, because how they did that episode in season five was incredible.

I’ve read Usagi Yojimbo for years and I know for a fact that Stan Sakai uses a combination of fact and romanticization/tropes when writing Usagi. Stan Himself has said it himself that one of his chief inspiration is the Kurosawa films. That being said he does solid research into the things he puts into his stories. You said it yourself you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Seriously my friend, the amount of knowledge you have is incredible! Thank you for another amazing video!🎉

Ironically enough, Usagi Yojimbo was what has gotten me into japanese history in the first place. I really adore this series.

It's astounding how Usagi FINALLY gets a cartoon of his own... and it's THAT.

I first heard of Usagi Yojimbo in the original 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. I grew up thinking that he was a TMNT only character, but never knew of his true history. Even though I know of his true history in my adulthood, memories of his appearance in that show still come to mind when I see comics relating to the character.

2003 ninja turtles was my introduction to this character I always thought he was so badass his dynamic with Leonardo was freaking godlike I'll always love Miyamoto Usagi Yojimbo yes I'll keep praising the 2003 turtles till the day I die here's a fun little tidbit he was voiced by Jason Griffith who at the time was the VA for both Sonic and Shadow

I'm surprised you didn't mention that many of us were introduced to Usagi Yojimbo with the TMNT back in the early 90s. The guy even had Playmates action figures within the franchise ;) I've learned the reason why during a panel hosted by Tribute Games devs (about TMNT: Shredder's Revenge): back in the late 80 and early 90s, Stan Sakai, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird were actually good friends. THIS is why both the TMNT and Uasgi Yojimbo crossed over this many times, as it was all about good artistic relationship, marketing and publicity. One could literally ask if their character could be part of a chapter or episode, and the other said "Sure, why not :P ?". Usagi was present a few times in the 87 cartoon, but he was more involved in the 2003 series, under the name Miyamoto Usagi. He does have one guest appareance in the 2012 series. After that, I don't know, sorry ^^;

This one was fun. I remember I read it years ago, and one of their MANY corssovers with tmnt. There was a hilariously awkward bit where one of the turtles wondered if they entered a world of mutants like them. And Usagi and the other villagers didn't understand what the word mutant was. "We are as the kami made us."

Excellent start to the year!

Glad to see this video come out! As for whether Stan Sakai drew from historical samurai or from the romanticized idea of them, I'd say it's about 50/50.

You know, a lot of the Samuraiisms that you complained about could just be the teachings of Usagi's specific clan. The honor, the arts, the choice of weapons... that could all just be what his clan strives for. Can't stay anything about all the rest, especially the ninja thing... The most realistic use of shuriken that I've seen lately has, ironically, came from Mortal Kombat. You know, that game that is inspired by all of those old kung fu movies and tropes, but with the violence cranked up as far as it can go? And then they make even more violent. A character throws four shuriken at Taven's chest, and he just stumbles back, unharmed, thinking "WTF?" more then anything. Hell, the main reason it even hit him in the first place was because he was unaware of his opponent.

I've read at least 6 volumes of Usagi's story and one of my favorite parts is after reading going to the back and seeing what research Stan did for each issue...so yes! I think if you dug a little more you would find some great stuff

I actually think this is kind of an important thing to look into and talk about. It's a great way to learn about history in seeing where things differ and how well they match real-life inspirations, just so long as it's taken with the perspective of both the time period the works originated from (and Gaijin did due diligence there, to no real surprise; He's very thorough!) but also taking into account that the setting is entirely fictional and made up, so that certain things can still be right *for the setting* even when they differ from the actual historical events and people that inspired them. After all, if it were totally accurate, it would just be a slightly more fanciful historical record and while that can be entertaining to some people.. maybe not everyone's cup of tea. And I think that while not outright stated, Gaijin does a good job of at least addressing that in spirit. While also providing a solid compare/contrast of where it differs and why. Stuff like that is what keeps me coming back, honestly. Quality breakdowns, with some respect towards both the historical inspiration and the specific source material being discussed.

I clicked this video faster then a samurai can perform a sheath slash

My first introduction to Usagi Yojimbo was through the way I'm sure a lot of others were introduced to him-by way of his actions figure in the Mattel TMNT toy line. Very cool to see more on him other than what I gleamed from that toy of my youth with this video

I was just starting to watch an Unexpectables compilation when this popped up. Good timing! P.s., since you did such a good job of making a 1-1 DND ninja with Greckles, how would you make a 1-1 Samurai, obviously using the subclass from Xanathar’s? I’d personally say a Hobgoblin (Volo’s) Noble with Retainers, wielding a longbow, longsword and glaive, and taking at least the Mounted Combatant and Skilled feats.

Loved the secret Arny, I laughed so hard! Also this was awesome loved it.❤️

Stan, the man, Sakai is one of the few who attempts to make Japanese, as well as Samurai culture, history and social norms accessable in his comics. Sure, there may be a hiccup of facts here or there, but he's making an effort to educate and bring awareness to its readers. I thank him for that- even if it's full of funny furry characters!

In regards to the Ninja you only saw them briefly. As time goes on you’ll see that they’re more accurate than you give them credit for. They have many traits that have pointed out as being accurate in your “Which Ninja” series. As for the color of their outfits if you look at some of the colored pictures depicting them it can be argued that they are wearing a shade of dark blue that looks black. But I will admit there are some colored pictures where they are clearly wearing Black, I attribute that to Stan using different colorists and possibly try to save ink. P.S. Usagi in one story meets a baby Godzilla. Yes I am quite serious.

There's actually a rather interesting Commodore 64 game for Usagi Yojimbo. If I remember the game keeps track of things like you bowing in greeting to citizens, when you stop for tea actually paying for it, and the like. I watches a play through of it once, it's rather fascinating to see what was done on the hardware of the c64 with the brand.

I think my absolute favorite example of Stan getting Japan right in this series was the Tea Ceremony which shows the WHOLE thing step by step.

I never actually caught the TMNT videos where he guest starred, only later episodes that referenced him. I was actually introduced to him by a few volumes of the comics that were in my middle school's minuscule comics section that I read RELIGIOUSLY

I have been reading Usagi Yojimbo for several years now, and at times Stan Sakai mentions in some cases, he researches certain subjects, like with one character who makes large kites that are as tall as a 2 story house or in another case, how swords are made, like iron sand is gathered, yes, you heard me right, iron sand, then a pit is dug, the iron sand is put into the fire pit, covered and it is left for several days, to which a pump is used to make the fire hotter. I could go on, but it would take a long time to tell you what took a couple or so comics to tell the story, but his attention to detail and over the years, certain things had changed, like I believe that Stan Sakai had changed the color of what the ninja was wearing from black to blue.

You should make a video about TMNT the last ronin Michelangelo

Welcome back Gaijin! Glad you are feeling better and looking forward to all the good stuff!

I don’t mind a long video, as long as the content is good and engaging enough for me. Heck I want more of this.

I totally thought he was just a D-list Ninja Turtles character.

Good to see you back on your feet. :) And I sure would like more Usagi Yojimbo videos in the futur! ^^

I loved the crossover of him and the tmnt. The fact he is playable in shredders revenge is amaIng

Great video. The research you put into this video is amazing. I love learning new facts about ancient Japan and the Samurai culture.

been looking forward to this video for a very long time

Oh man Gaijin what a great video I wish you coulda done more, I want more!

Honestly, one of my most treasured possessions is the hardback book 'Yokai' which is not only signed but also has a sketch by Stan Sakai himself. Usagi Yojimbo has, and will always be a part of my life because of it's impact when I was growing up.

Oh hey, it’s the Ninja Turtles’ Bunny pal

Excellent job on this video, Gaijin ^^ Most entertaining to keep learning about this stuff~ ...and yes, I was one of those goobers that was pointing at the screen saying "Sekigahara!?"

Thank you for covering one of my favorite comic series! It’s surprising how many assumptions I got wrong from it!

What I enjoyed was Stan Sakai taking elements from real history along with combining pop culture references from years past as well as present. The introduction of diseases from foreign people in "black ships" even though the black ships were a reference to the 1853 ships under the command of Commodore Perry. You have an issue where he is saving contraband, a Catholic cross, that highlighted religious intolerance and the clampdown on Christianity by the Tokugawa Shogunate eventually leading to the Shimabara rebellion. You also have pop culture: such the TMNT, we also see Lone Wolf and Cub (Ogami Ittou and Daigorou) turned into Lone Goat and Kid (Yagi and Gorogoro). Not to mention we get plenty of Japanese folklore and legends sprinkled throughout the series. The battle that saw the 3 treasures, especially that of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grasscutter sword), supposedly lost to time. The legendary battle of Yashima, between the Minamoto and Heike, where Nasu no Yoishi shot a fan in half as it hung from a ship's mast. Plenty of stories about yokai that you can definitely sprinkle in there. So Stan Sakai definitely pulls a lot from history but he also puts in a good deal of romanticizing. I think it's a healthy balance of both, combining elements of history and Samurai culture with entertaining stories and legends to keep the comic series very interesting. RIP Spot

Another Dope Video From The GOOMBA Himself❤️‍🔥

I've been waiting for this episode for years!!!!

a Usagi Yojimbo iceberg would be great for this channel

This was a great video as I've been curious for years about this series ...That said, I'm amused how many times you've said "Hijiki" alongside seeing it on-screen written out clearly as "Hikiji" :P

you should do a room/house tour sometime,. the stuff in the background looks awesome and I'm sure I'm not the only one that would love to see it all close up

Thanks again for sharing your hard work

Thanks for posting a new video

Finally! I’ve waited years for this video

Though I haven't read it myself, sadly, but by looking at this vid I feel that Usagi's story is a mixture of Fact, Fiction (obviously), and a hint of romanticism of Samurai. Many things ring true while twisting needed parts for "theatrical flavor" and excitement and not "stealing" real historical events like the battle at Sekigahara Plain.

I was waiting for this opportunity to happen! AND I WANT MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you do more on Usagi Yojimbo, can’t wait to see your take on Stan’s interpretation on super natural in Japan.

I've been looking forward to this.

That is an adorable photo of a samurai with his kids at 2:41!

Great video! Here's some suggestions: Silver Samurai (Marvel Comics) Roronoa Zoro (One Piece) Mugen and Jin (Samurai Champloo) Katana (DC Comics) The Seven Samurai (Kurosawa film) The Jedi (Star Wars) Jetstream Sam (Metal Gear Rising) Ghost Dog (Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai) Nathan Algren (The Last Samurai)

I can't believe I only started watching Gaijin Goomba again just after MatPat's retirement. All the stuff here is great

Great video, I love the Usagi Yojimbo series. I'm planning to catch up to the comics when I heard Usagi has a new travel companion, another rabbit samurai apparently.

14:34 Say it with me now: "REAL NINJA WEAR BLUE!"

so cool to find out more about this

Y'know who'd make a good segment? Kingambit. It literally evolves by becoming the "boss" of different clans of Bisharp and Pawniard

Going to watch this after I study today. Can’t wait for it

It definitely is the year of the rabbit and for this year‘s convention at Phoenix fan fusion i cosplay as yuichi usagi in full costume and I’ll be making the original Miyamoto, Usagi costume next

It's funny that you should mention Inazo and the book, because I'm using his book, Bushido: The Warrior's code as my textbook for my college class of the history, philosophy, and practice of traditional Aikido for women. Mark-Sensei is our instructor, and when I looked him up as part of my research, I was astounded at what I found because while being in community college and learning all of the stuff about Aikido is really fascinating because of my interest in Japanese culture that you had sparked with your channel at an early age in high school, I didn't know that Mark- Sensei held the status of The Last “American Uchideshi” of Morihiro Saito Shihan. That's actually why I'm browsing your channel again, I'm looking for references to aikido as an art to see if I can find anything for my midterm. I actually knew what an Uchideshi was thanks to your channel, you really gave me a lot of Japanese related knowledge that kind of impressed my sensei, I used your Which Ninja videos as references for my intro to Japanese culture class final, and I got an astoundingly good grade on that paper because I could use your videos to reference the six vital things a ninja should never be without and how American Media had gotten ninja right and wrong in their portrayal. Your videos are very hard to cite in an MLA format, but it was very worth it. You really are an inspiration to me, and even if you never see this comment I just wanted to let you know this because you really jumpstarted my interest in learning about other cultures.

Watching this, I'd love to see you do a cultural/historical analysis of The Last Samurai. We get a lot of deeply historical cuts from you on the channel, but it would be interesting to see some of the more recent history as well.

I would unironically watch a nine hour video exclusively on Usagi Yojimbo

Please please PLEEEEEEEEASE do more from Usagi. I know there's a bajillion issues of it, but I promise it is SOOOOOOO worth it.

I'd love to see more on this comic covered, as it's a real trip!

Finally, we get a video on the lapine badass himself

Awesome review rockon miss this 80s manga. Be nice to see area 88 manga come back as well peace keep kool✨️✌️

Great video.

Yes, yes, yes! Please, please, please do more Usagi Yojimbo. I love that series. As for recommendations, Book Seven has a story called "Broken Ritual" that is a great ghost story and would be a great way to discuss the concept of seppuku. It's one of my favourites, so it would be great if you gave it a shot.

I’m so happy and surprised how many people read and follow Stan’s works.

To defend the ninjas, you got to remember these comics were originally black and white and weren't colorized til much later. So, aside from Black Ink or a dark color to emphasize that they are indeed ninjas, it's kind of hard to figure out another neutral color for them.

Gaijin have you seen Ghostdog: Way of the Samurai? I saw it the other day and immediately thought you would love it.

In an art history class, when asked how I knew so much, like Holland's trade with with the Orient making them so wealthy, I responded it was thanks to comics. Specifically, Usagi Yojimbo comics.

Been. Waiting. For. This! Usagi is an OLD favorite character

I have always thought of this comic as a romanticization of the "bushido" samurai period. It would be like saying Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon makes any accurate historical statements about real laws and codes for martial artists vs the Jianghu sub-community of wuxia novels.

The swordsmith’s soul being put into their blade has been used in a lot of media lately. For example Anubis from JOJO BIZARRE ADVENTURE was a stand being bound to a sword that his owner forge years ago. In SCOOBY-DOO AND THE SAMURAI’S SWORD, the Black Samurai used to be a ronin wanting a sword so he contracted a swordsmith to make the sword of fate, but it would have taken a year finish it while a different swordsmith promise to make the sword of doom in half that year. Once the ronin received the sword of doom, the story said that the swordsmith’s wicked personality was infusion into that sword which turn him into the infamous Black Samurai. Certainly the ritual in force users customize their own lightsaber and choose their Kyber crystal in STAR WARS and Sokka in AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER for his final lesson in sword training he has to forge his own sword is in part to add their own personality and make it more meaningful for them.

I love this series so much I own every volume plus artist additions and art books

mah ninjah glad to see you back to 100% health. you are good ninjah. when i grow up i want to be a good ninjah like you

12:38 "TsujiGiri" is the japanese name for the Pokemon attack we know in the west as "Night Slash" a Dark Type attack with an enhanced critical hit ratio (Most likely to denote how deadly it was) mostly employed by Dark Type Pokeomon with sharp claws but Id also like to point out that many Pokemon who learn this wield "Blades" such as Scyther, Kabutops, the Pawniard-Kingambit line the Honedge-Aegislash evolutionary line Lurantis, Greninja, Kartana, Ceruledge, Gallade, Hisuian Samurott, Sceptile and Iron Brave

As a Child of the 90s Teenager in 00s adult now Usagi Is a Damn good story

I remember meeting the creator in during an Obon in Pasadena and he autographed one of the books I bought the one with demon mask.

My all time favorite comic book series!!

Usagi was badass in my middle school library and i seeked his other issues out to where i made my local library get the mangas

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE COMICS OF ALL TIME

I do like this series. I know liberties are taken but if I remember correctly he does have a section at the end of each comic where he goes over the history and sources of his inspiration which I found very interesting

11:15 - "[...] Each samurai and clan had their own individual ideals." So uh, what you're telling me is that there was probably some samurai out there saying "Yeah I'll have the Bushido, hold the Meiyo."

Real life or fantasy. Whether or not eveything is fully accurate to a point, you can still see that the creator is quite passionate of the topic to reacreate it in their own words and vision, especially in such a long duration.

It would be interesting to see Gaijin cover Legend of The 5 Rings. A samurai ttrpg seems tailormade for him.

... When did we do a Which Samurai?? AND TELL ME THERE WILL BE MORE.

The way that Samurai would flick their sword doesn't actually have anything to do with getting blood off of the blade, but rather they would do this to check that the sword is still structurally sound after use. I believe they're specifically checking the piece that secures the blade to the handle and that flicking motion let's them feel if it has loosened.

6:06 I am reminded of Mega Man Battle Network and Chrono Trigger respectively.

i only know Usagi from the TMNT. the '03 had the battle nexus where he was one of the participants, and saved leo from the prince's assasins

11:42 So that's where the triforce came from

I always wondered why everyone in Okami had some weird head accessory, like Buckets of water or various fruits. Now I know Genpuku is why. Thank you.

You should make a vid on the Elusive Samurai, it has a very interesting depiction of the Kamakura War; it's made by the same author of Assassination Classroom

I first know about Usagi from that Episode from the 89 TMNT

I wanna see Gaijin Goomba cover the Backyardigains episode about pie-making samurai and ninjas just to see him get mad.

Honestly i would like if you make a subseries of which samurai for just usagi

Speaking of Which Ninja, I still waiting for my episode about Shuriken School.

How ninja is koga the poison type gym leader from pokemon?