Goemon
Name: Ishikawa Goemon
Hometown: Edo
Occupation: Warrior of Good; Helper of the Weak
Given Title: The Great Thief of Edo
Weapon of Choice: Kiseru, Koban
Other Proficient Weapons: Firecrackers, Bombs, Yo-yo


Background
The star of the series, Goemon is a hot blooded resident of Edo bred with a strong sence of justice. Because of his beaming personality, Goemon is quick to battle injustice where ever he sees it, regardless of the situation. This rashness, not so surprisingly, gets Goemon into hot water very often. Regardless if it the government, Giant sized Mecha, Demon Kings from the Underworld or Aliens from outer space, if it's doing wrong, Goemon will confront it. With the Kiseru handed down for two generations before him, Goemon has went on many journeys and adventures, fighting evildoers along the way. He currently stands guard at his home at Edo with Ebisumaru, ready to act when the next big danger hits.

The title, "The Great Theif of Edo" was gained early in Goemon's career, as his march of justice consisted of stealing from the corrupt rich and give to the poor and needy. During that time, Japan was in a state of anarchy, where those with power hoarded money and his theft was necissary to protect the populace from their absuses. It wasn't until Goemon and Ebisumaru rescued Princess Yuki that things finally calmed down in Japan and peace and order returned.

Although Goemon has a fiery personality when it comes to himself and fighting evildoers, he is, suprisingly, realtiviely relaxed and laid back about most everything else. It is probably because of this that Goemon has managed to put up with Ebisumaru's ecentric antics. Goemon also flatters easily, as he has a big ego and loves to recieve praise for all the good deeds he has done. Also over the years, Goemon has gained a girlfriend of sorts, the famous belle of Oedo, Omitsu. Always quick to protect Omitsu from harm, Goemon is particularly chiverous when it comes to her. Goemon is, however, still extremely shy and akward when it comes to expressing his feelings for her despite knowing her for so long.


Ninjutsu Descriptions
Koban of Flame (aka Flaming Ryo):
Storing Chakra into the Koban, Goemon can change the normal Koban he throws into a flaming projectile with pericing properites!
Chain Kiseru (aka Chain pipe):
A special technique to use a rare and specialized kiseru. This allows Goemon the ability to use it not only as a weapon, but as a grappling chain for swinging, a barrier breaking strike, and to deliver a powerful fiery blow!
Critcal Situation Technique (aka Sudden Impact):
Releasing a load of Chakra, Goemon can greatly increase his strength temporarly using this technique!
Double Jump:
A somersault technique that is to be done at the height of a jump. It will give Goemon enough momentum to lauch his body higher than he would with a normal leap!


Character Design Origins

The Kiseru that Goemon wields in the series was a common weapon among Japanese gangsters and theives. It was favored due to the fact that, while it was a compact and formidible weapon, it was a perfectly usable smoking pipe, and could therefore be taken anywhere the malcontent wished. As Goemon started his career as a noble thief, it is a weapon well suited to him.

The Koban Tossing technique used by Goemon has been traced back to a detective of Japanese Folklore, Heiji Zenigata. Created by author Nomura Kodo, this detective hero of Edo had many trademarks, one of which is to throw Heavy coins to stun criminals. As with the Kiseru, it is easy to imagine Goemon improvising a missile out of some of the Koban he stole.


Media
Official Art Anime Manga Fan Art