Sagara Sanosuke on the cover of Rurouni KenshinKanzenban Volume 5
First appearance
Rurouni Kenshin Act 5: The Fight Merchant
Created by
Nobuhiro Watsuki
Portrayed by
Munetaka Aoki
Voiced by
Japanese
Tomokazu Seki (drama CD)[1]
Yūji Ueda (1996 series)[2]
Yuriko Fuchizaki (1996 series, child)[3]
Taku Yashiro (2023 series)[4]
Natsumi Fujiwara (2023 series, child)[5]
English
Derek Stephen Prince (Samurai X version)
Lex Lang (1996 series)[6]
Brianne Siddall (1996 series, child)[7]
Gray G. Haddock (OVAs and movie)[8]
Eric Vale (live-action films)
Darius Johnson (2023 series)[9]
In-universe information
Alias
Zanza (斬左)
Nickname
Sano (English anime only)
Affiliations
Sekihō Army (formerly)
Sagara Sanosuke (相楽 左之助) is a fictional character from the Rurouni Kenshin manga and anime series created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. In the English anime adaptations he is known as Sanosuke Sagara and nicknamed Sano. Watsuki, being a fan of the Shinsengumi, created Sanosuke by basing his name and characteristics on that of a real Shinsengumi member named Harada Sanosuke.
Set during a fictional version of Japan in the pre-Meiji period, Sanosuke is a former member of the Sekihō Army. When the group is destroyed by the Meiji Government, he becomes a fighter-for-hire to calm his anger by fighting. During his introduction in the series, he encounters the wanderer Himura Kenshin, who easily defeats him and is able to convince him to stop his mercenary work and instead start protecting people. After that encounter, Sanosuke becomes Kenshin's best friend as well as his partner in most of their fights.
Sanosuke appears in the featured films of the series and in other media relating to the Rurouni Kenshin franchise, including a plethora of electronic games and original video animations (OVAs). Numerous anime and manga publications have commented on Sanosuke's character. Mania Entertainment praised his character development, noting that he becomes more trustworthy and reliable as the series progresses.[10] SciFi.com referred to him as a "video-game icon", and noted how he is portrayed as a "tragic figure".[11] Sanosuke has been popular with the Rurouni Kenshin reader base, placing second in every popularity poll. Merchandise based on Sanosuke has also been released, including key chains, and plush dolls.
^Cite error: The named reference Watsuki 2005 99 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 18, 2022). "New Rurouni Kenshin TV Anime's New Promo Video Reveals Cast for Yahiko, Sannosuke". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
^「るろうに剣心」声優一覧│新アニメの全キャスト49人を網羅＆随時更新 (in Japanese). Abema TV. September 15, 2023. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
^Aniplex, Fuji TV (March 20, 2003). "One Word: Evil. The Fighter Sanosuke Appears". Rurouni Kenshin. Episode 4. Cartoon Network.
^Aniplex, Fuji TV (March 21, 2003). "The Reversed-Blade Sword Vs. The Zanbatou". Rurouni Kenshin. Episode 5. Cartoon Network.
^Cite error: The named reference ova was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Johnson, Darius [@DariusJ_VO] (November 15, 2023). "I'M BAD 惡 Proud to be a part of the reboot of the legendary Rurouni Kenshin as English voice of Sanosuke!!!!⚔️ Thank you @mummynyan , @staleybud , and everyone @BangZoom PS, I don't support the actions of the author! Many of the cast have donated to @childrescuecoalition" (Tweet). Retrieved November 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
^Lavey, Megan (2002-01-22). "Mania.com Review: Rurouni Kenshin volume 6". Mania Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2009-07-18. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
^Robinson, Tasha. "Rurouni Kenshin TV The first steps down a very popular road". SciFi.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-18. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
SagaraSanosuke (相楽 左之助) is a fictional character from the Rurouni Kenshin manga and anime series created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. In the English anime adaptations...
1498–1551), Japanese samurai Sousuke Sagara, the protagonist of the anime and manga series Full Metal Panic SanosukeSagara, a fictional character in the manga...
character SagaraSanosuke. Harada Sanosuke appears as a major character in the otome game and anime series Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan. Harada Sanosuke appears...
Densetsu, the former's title character would later serve as a model for SagaraSanosuke. Watsuki then created three historically-set samurai-themed one-shots;...
begins to establish lifelong relationships with many people, such as SagaraSanosuke, a former Sekihō Army member; Myōjin Yahiko, an orphan from a samurai...
Aoki Munetaka, born 14 March 1980) is a Japanese actor. He played SanosukeSagara in the live action adaptation of the manga and anime series Rurouni...
a black do-rag and a black and blue button-down T-shirt featuring SagaraSanosuke from the anime Rurouni Kenshin and always complains about inconsequential...
characters in Rurouni Kenshin are based on its members, including SagaraSanosuke (inspired by Harada Sanousuke); Shinomori Aoshi (modeled after Hijikata...
not Kenshin and Kamiya Kaoru would become lovers in future chapters. SagaraSanosuke was created to be Kenshin's best friend who would punch him order to...
Brown. He is also known for his anime voice work playing roles such as SagaraSanosuke from Rurouni Kenshin and Goemon Ishikawa XIII in the Lupin III franchise...
that Hōji had purchased for him to attack Tokyo. Kenshin, Saitō, and SagaraSanosuke pursue and intercept Shishio in a harbor not far from his target destroy...
compete at the national level (although she is weaker than Kenshin and SagaraSanosuke). Watsuki said that in volume seven the series took on a more adult...
Battle, 2 Support, 1 Help) Himura Kenshin is a selectable character. SagaraSanosuke and Saitō Hajime are support characters. Shaman King 7 characters (2...
Kenshin has suffered a breakdown, going off to a village of lost men. SagaraSanosuke attempts to reach Kenshin, but his friend is completely lost in his...
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