Nihon Sangoku is filled with eccentric characters, but few leave as strong an impression as Asama Yoshitsune. From his very first appearance, he exudes an undeniable air of “not being ordinary,” and his uniquely striking personality is impossible to forget. To be honest, his quirks are overwhelming. Yet, despite that, he somehow comes across as cool. In fact, the more you see him, the more you fall for him—it is this strange charm that defines him.
And the decisive factor behind this “troublesome allure” is likely the voice actor behind him in the anime adaptation: Jun Fukuyama. This article explores why Asama Yoshitsune captivates audiences so intensely and delves into the depths of his appeal.
■ Bangs and Narcissism? The Overwhelming Quirkiness of Asama Yoshitsune
Nihon Sangoku special visual
First, we must address his visual design.
His neatly trimmed straight bangs, a peculiarly glossy sidelong glance, and a manner of behaving that feels almost theatrical. In the war-torn world of Nihon Sangoku, Yoshitsune’s presence is quite out of place. Many readers likely felt puzzled upon first encountering him, thinking, “What is this person?”
Moreover, he has a significant narcissistic streak. He possesses absolute confidence in his own aesthetic, and every gesture exudes the pressure of a man who knows he is attractive. On top of that, he has a strong attachment to his mother. Listing these traits alone makes him seem like a rather dangerous individual.
But what makes Nihon Sangoku interesting is that it does not treat his “intense eccentricity” as mere comedy or eccentric behavior. Yoshitsune is both an oddball and an overwhelming powerhouse. He is shrewd in strategy, makes cold decisions on the battlefield, and moves with terrifying rationality. Thus, even as you think, “What a high-humidity character,” you find yourself unable to look away from his actions.
■ The Man Who Makes “Troublesome Yet Cool” Work: Asama Yoshitsune
Yoshitsune’s greatest appeal lies in the coexistence of “grossness” and “coolness.”
Ordinarily, a narcissistic and slimy character would invite aversion. However, in Yoshitsune’s case, his charisma surpasses his unusual individuality.
What stands out especially is his unwavering adherence to his own beliefs and aesthetics. He refuses to bend his values no matter how others perceive him. This attitude carries a peculiar persuasiveness and at times appears frighteningly attractive.
Furthermore, because Nihon Sangoku itself portrays a clash between “ideals” and “reality,” Yoshitsune’s dangerous edge is all the more pronounced. He is by no means a good person—rather, he is a troublesome figure with strong self-awareness and deep obsessions. Even so, his determination to survive in a time of war and his unashamed exposure of his own desires give him a certain human intensity.
Above all, Yoshitsune is a character who is thoroughly conscious of how he is perceived. That is precisely why each of his words and actions carries a strange allure. Readers find themselves thinking, “Wow, creepy,” yet they cannot resist his dangerous charm.
■ The Voice of Jun Fukuyama Completes the “Troublesome Allure”
Jun Fukuyama
What gives Yoshitsune’s character an undeniable sense of reality is the presence of Jun Fukuyama.
Fukuyama is a versatile actor who has played everything from fresh-faced protagonists to villains brimming with madness, but he truly shines when portraying “strong-personality men.”
For instance, as Grell Sutcliff in Black Butler, he balanced excessive energy with dangerous allure. As Kishin Komari in Yowamushi Pedal, he forcefully expressed intense obsession and unease. And as Hanamiya Makoto in Kuroko’s Basketball, he combined an insidious unpleasantness with charisma.
Fukuyama’s acting is more than just playing an “odd character.” His voice has a unique viscosity, a seductiveness that gradually erodes the distance between him and his counterpart.
That is precisely why he is such a perfect match for Yoshitsune. The sticky way of speaking, the air of confidence, and the glimpse of madness—when voiced by Fukuyama, Yoshitsune’s “troublesomeness” reaches a higher level of completeness. Honestly, he is a thoroughly bothersome man, yet somehow inexplicably charming. Before you know it, you are drawn to him, thinking, “I want to see more.”
Asama Yoshitsune is a character who pushes the concept of “too quirky to look away from” to its extreme. And with the addition of his voice in the anime, this dangerous appeal is bound to accelerate further.
