Yojimbo - Characters & Cast

Initially, Sanjuro's motivation appears to be purely financial gain. He states, 'I'll get paid for killing, and this town is full of people who deserve to die.' However, his actions are also driven by a deep-seated contempt for pathetic people and senseless cruelty, as well as an intellectual pleasure in manipulating the foolish and corrupt gangsters. Ultimately, he is motivated by a personal, unspoken code of honor.

Sanjuro begins as a detached, cynical ronin seemingly motivated only by self-interest and money. As he becomes entangled in the town's affairs, a deeper, albeit rough, sense of justice emerges. He orchestrates the destruction of the gangs, not just for profit, but to eliminate the pervasive evil. His decision to rescue a captive family at great personal risk marks a turning point, revealing the core of honor beneath his hardened exterior. By the end, he has acted as a cleansing force, restoring a brutal kind of peace before wandering off, unchanged in his solitary nature but having affirmed his own hidden moral code.

Unosuke is motivated by a desire for power and control within the gang hierarchy. He enjoys the advantage his pistol gives him, feeling 'naked' without it, and seems to relish the fear and chaos he can create. His primary motivation is to eliminate any threats to his family's dominance, making him Sanjuro's direct antagonist.

Unosuke arrives as a formidable and intelligent threat to Sanjuro's plans. As the younger brother of the gang leader Ushitora, he is shrewder and more dangerous than the other thugs, primarily due to his possession of a pistol. He is the first to suspect Sanjuro's deception. His arc is one of escalating confrontation with Sanjuro, representing a modern, dishonorable form of combat against the samurai's traditional prowess. He remains a cunning and ruthless antagonist until his defeat in the final showdown, where Sanjuro must use his wits to overcome the technological advantage of the gun.

Gonji is motivated by a desire to see his town freed from the tyranny of the two gangs. He is weary of the violence and longs for a return to peace. His initial advice to Sanjuro is driven by self-preservation, but his conscience and admiration for Sanjuro's actions compel him to help, despite the immense danger.

Gonji, the tavern owner, is one of the few decent people left in the town. Initially, he is cautious and advises Sanjuro to leave for his own safety. As he witnesses Sanjuro's skill and complex motivations, he becomes a reluctant ally and confidant. His arc shows a progression from fearful observer to active participant in resisting the town's corruption. He risks his life to help Sanjuro escape after he is captured and beaten, demonstrating his courage and loyalty. He represents the conscience of the town and serves as a moral anchor for Sanjuro.

Ushitora is driven by a simple and direct lust for power. He wants to be the sole ruler of the town's criminal underworld, supplanting his former boss, Seibei. He is aligned with the sake brewer, Tokuemon, to solidify his control over the town's lucrative enterprises. His motivation is pure, uncomplicated greed and ambition.

Ushitora begins as Seibei's former right-hand man who has broken away to form his own rival gang. He is brutish, ambitious, and relies on force. His arc is intertwined with his rival Seibei, as both are manipulated by Sanjuro. Ushitora's power grows when his gun-wielding brother Unosuke arrives, but his reliance on brute force and his failure to see Sanjuro's larger scheme ultimately lead to his downfall. He successfully eliminates Seibei's gang but is then wiped out himself by the returning Sanjuro, demonstrating the futility of his violent ambitions.