Picture of Sano
Sagara Sanosuke

Alias(s): Zanbatou Sanosuke, Zanza, Toriatama (Rooster Head)

                Sanosuke generally came into the series with these nicknames. As far as it goes, any Sano fan should know the reasons behind ‘Zanza’. For any who don’t… well, Sanosuke’s weapon of choice when he first entered the picture was the Zanbatou, a sword made large enough to kill a horse and the horsemen in a single blow. Hence, ‘Zanbatou Sanosuke’. People notice little toys like that.

                The ‘Rooster Head’ reference is just because of his hairstyle. I have to say, I wouldn’t have thought of this one on my own, as rooster doesn’t come to my mind first. But, I’m not saying it doesn’t fit!

Birthday: February, 1860

                Consider this; the story of Rurouni Kenshin begins in 1878-1879. As we should all know, that makes Sano still a teen, eighteen or nineteen depending , at the start of the series.

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Born in: Naganoken

Height: 179 cm ( about 5' 9")

Weight: 71kg (About 156lbs.)

Blood Type: B

                In the Japanese culture, specific blood types supposedly tell a bit about the person. This is why they tend to mention such things with anime characters. As for Sanosuke…

                People with B blood are the most practical of the blood groups. They are specialists in what they do. When they start a project, they spend extra time understanding and trying to follow directions than others might. When they are doing something, all of their attention is focused on it. They tend to stick to a goal and follow it through to the end, even if it seems impossible. They tend to be less than cooperative, as they like to follow their own rules and their own ideas. They are individualists. B type people pay attention to their thoughts a little more than their feelings, and therefore can sometimes seem cold and serious.

People with type B blood are often considered more relaxed, freewheeling, and unconventional than other types, although not necessarily to an unacceptable degree.

-information from: http://www.issendai.com/rpgs/takemywings/bloodtypes.htm

Seiyuu (Voice Actor): Japanese: Yuji Ueda

 
       Sanosuke first appears in the anime in episode four, and in the manga in "Act Five: The Fight Merchant". Either way, he's played up as being a fighter-for-higher (Kenkaya) In the east side of Tokyo. Well known in the underground. His 'partner' is the Zanbatou. In his first duel with Kenshin the sword is broken and Sano resorts to using only his fists in future fights.

Infamous Zanbatou

       He's a brash young man with a thick mane of dark brown hair. It's unruly style earned Sanosuke the nick name of "rooster head". He wears a red bandana at all times to commemorate the Sekiho-tai and a white and black outfit with the symbol for "wicked" ("Aku") emblazoned in black on his back. Again, to remember the Sekiho-tai. Even after coming to terms with his hate for the Meiji government, Sanosuke refused to remove the "wicked" from his back. 

Sanosuke's Back

       As for his history, Sanosuke was born to a farmer in Naganoken. He is the eldest of three kids, he has a younger sister, and a much younger brother. It's a little unclear to me, but between the ages of seven and nine, Sanosuke was swept up into the Sekiho-tai. This was a collective of farmers and merchants who fought for the Ishin-Shishi (Imperialist movement) With the hopes of gaining equality amongst the classes. Sanosuke was excepted as a Junior Soldier in the Sekiho-tai.

       Sagara Sozo, the captain  (taicho) of the unit, was Sanosuke's hero. However, as the army spread word, as they were told, about the tax reforms, the Imperialists had a shortage of pocket and change of heart. They slaughtered the Sekiho, calling them frauds, and a "false Army". They were the scapegoat. Sanosuke escaped with his life and a chip the size of Texas on his shoulder. This all happened in approximately 1869. Sanosuke was nine, it left a vivid impression on the lad.

       From there is a blurry ten years in his history. All we know is that he lived to fight, as it helped Sano forget. He wound up in The Tokyo east side, living in the Gotosuki Nagaya (they called in "Ruffian Row on the American dub and sub) on the outskirts of town. Sanosuke earned himself a reputation and a drinking and gambling habit. Maybe it's a good thing Kenshin came along and whooped on him when he did...

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