Kensei
From Free net encyclopedia
In ancient Japan, a kensei (剣聖; also sometimes erroneously rendered in English as Kensai, Ken Sai, Kansei or Kenshei) was a swordsman or -woman of legendary skill. The literal translation of "kensei" is "sword saint". Thus, the term is considered by some to imply a higher degree of perfection (possibly also moral) than the more commonly used kengō (剣豪).
Among the most famous kensei is Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵), although not all native speakers would apply the term to him.
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Kensei in fiction
Kensei frequently appear in fiction, as their skill and morality make for sympathetic and interesting characters.
- The anime series Rurouni Kenshin's protagonist is arguably a kensei, as he morally refrains from killing and is a remarkable adept with a sword.
- The protagonist of Trigun, Vash the Stampede, bears many traits of a kensei, though his chosen weapon is a pistol, not a sword.
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