Ukyo Tachibana

From SNK Wiki

Ukyo
Ukyo Tachibana in Samurai Shodown 64-2
Profile
Full name	Ukyo Tachibana
Birthdate	September 12, 1764
Birthplace	Japan, Ōmi province, Kōka District, Umasugi village
Height	176 cm (5'8")
Weight	41 kg (91 lbs)
Blood type	AB
Family/Relatives	Kei Odagiri (lover)
Job/Occupation	Wanderer
Likes	Being by himself
Dislikes	Being truly alone
Special skill	Embroidery (He refers to his works as "rags.")
Most unpleasant	He can't express himself that well
Weapon	nameless self-made sword
Fighting style	Shinmusou Ittou Ryu

Ukyo Tachibana (橘右京, Tachibana Ukyō) is a character introduced in Samurai Shodown who continues to appear in most titles of the series. He is originally based on the famed swordsman, Sasaki Kojirō, one of Miyamoto Musashi's most famous rivals. Parallel to their historical counter parts, Ukyo was Haohmaru's rival in the first game but this idea is dropped upon Genjuro's introduction in Samurai Shodown II. He later took inspiration from anime character, Goemon Ishikawa, from the Lupin the III series.

In Gamest's 1997 Heroes Collection, Ukyo was tied with Haohmaru for 29th (out of 50) the staff's favorite character rank. He was also a highly fan requested character for Neo Geo Battle Coliseum. Developers, however, decided to not place him in as Haohmaru already had his rival, Genjuro, present.

[edit] Story

Ukyo is an expert iaijutsu swordsman with a body stricken with tuberculosis. Despite having several women chasing for his affections, he treasures only his lone confidante, Kei Odagiri. He avoids enveloping further feelings for her (due to his limited lifespan and her noble status) but continues to fight for her as a show of love for her. In Samurai Shodown, he hears news that the ultimate flower resides in Makai and decides to present it to Kei in gratitude. He continues to fight for Kei throughout the series until she marries another man.

Beginning in Samurai Shodown 64-2, Ukyo moves on to another woman named Saki who also suffers from the same disease. In his ending, he finds a cure for both of their illnesses but chooses to give it to Saki rather than take it for himself. He dies shortly after.

Like Genjuro, his death is believed to be retconned in the newer sequel. In this game, he hears that Kei's husband had taken part of an off-the-record inspection of an American ship. However, the shogunate lost contact with the party, causing Kei to become very worried. Since he knew of the mysterious foreign ship, Ukyo decided to ensure Kei's husband safety and alleviate her stress. In his ending, he succeeds in his goals. After seeing Kei's thankful smile, Ukyo leaves and laments the longevity of his life.

[edit] Personality

He is the embodiment of a Japanese gentleman back in the 1700s. As an archaic show of romanticism, he often composes haiku to best describe his thoughts during and after fights to avoid sounding brash. His poetry, however, is often omitted in most of the English translations, save for his ending in Samurai Shodown IV and Samurai Shodown 64.

[edit] Powers

Quick Draw: Ukyo can draw and sheath his sword at quicker rate than other characters
Multiple Attacks: Ukyo can deliver several slashes at once
Fire Projectile: Ukyo has the ability to project a fiery image of a swallow
Reflector - Ukyo can reflect a projectile back to its sender.

[edit] Fighting Style

Ukyo is relatively defensive, relying on his quick sword strikes to punish his opponents' mistakes. Though his sprite is of average size, Ukyo jumps slowly –almost as slow as bigger characters like Earthquake or Tam Tam – and may be an open target if used too unwisely. One of his moves, Tsubame Gaeshi, is a direct reference to his historical inspiration. Players may use this move whilst in the air to counter most aerial or ground assaults. He was perceived by players to be overpowered in Samurai Shodown II, but he has been toned down since then.

[edit] Music

Otoko Michi - Moon - Samurai Shodown
Moon Flower - Samurai Shodown II
River - Samurai Shodown III, IV
Flower of The Moon - Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits: Bushidou Retsuden
Reverie - Samurai Shodown 64

[edit] Voice Actors

Eiji Yano - since his debut
Kazuki Ishii - Samurai Shodown VI
Sho Hayami - Samurai Shodown Dengeki drama CD series

[edit] Game Appearances

Ukyo card in Card Fighters Clash DS.

[edit] Mobile Appearances

Days of Memories (third and ninth title) - unplayable

[edit] Cameo Appearances

[edit] Similar Characters

Yumeji Kurokouchi

[edit] Trivia

During one of his winposes, Ukyo is chased by a group of fangirls. In the first game, their names are Sanae (one in blue), En (white), Yuki (red). In the second game, their names are Sae (dressed in red), Yayoi (pink), Nene (green), and Ayame (purple). The three other girls in this game are unnamed. Developers later note that he is followed by several other young women, some as young as six years old.
Although he could slice up other fruit, Ukyo chooses to use apples because he likes their taste and seem better when cut. The fruit is also believed to be beneficial for those stricken with tuberculosis.