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Fist of the North Star

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|} Fist of the North Star (Japanese: 北斗の拳; Hokuto no Ken, literally Fist of the Big Dipper) was a manga series that was originally serialized between 1983 and 1988 in the weekly Japanese version of Weekly Shonen Jump, created by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson.

It spawned two TV anime series (based on different story arcs of the comic), two films (one of them a live-action version) and a recently-released trilogy of OVA films titled Shin Hokuto no Ken (The New Fist of the North Star). A manga prequel has since been made titled Souten no Ken (Fist of the Blue Sky), starring the original protagonist's uncle, which is currently being serialized (as of 2004) in the weekly Comic Bunch in Japan. It was serialized in Raijin Comics in North America until June 2004. As of 2006, the series is having a reincarnation, with an online video game (MMORPG), and a new series consisting of 3 movies and 2 OVAs and an arcade fighting game.

[Spoiler warningSpoiler warning]: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Contents

History

The original pilot version of Hokuto no Ken, published in the April 1983 edition of Weekly Shonen Jump: Special Edition, was set in a contemporary setting and told the story of a teenager by the name of , the successor of the "Hokuto Shinken" style (God-given Skill of the North Star), a deadly martial arts technique which kills or cripples opponents internally by striking pressure points. Kenshiro fought against a rival martial arts clan known as the (Mt. Taishan Temple Martial Arts), which secretly controlled the Japanese government and were also responsible for the death of Kenshiro's girlfriend.

The second pilot, titled Hokuto no Ken II, published in the June 1983 edition of Weekly Shonen Jump: Special Edition, had Kenshiro aiding a young couple who deserted the Taizanji. The second pilot presented the first and only appearance of the Taizanji's supreme commander, whose face was never shown.

These beginnings would give way to a manga revision and several adaptations.

Main characters

The Story

When Hokuto no Ken was picked up to become a weekly series, manga writer (under the pen name of ) was assigned by the editors of Shonen Jump to work with Hara as a scenarionist for the series. Buronson decided to ditch the original premise of the two pilot chapters in favor of the Hokuto no Ken that is known today.

The series told the story of a now grown-up and scarred Kenshiro (who never used his surname and always had his given name spelled in kana) who swears to protect the helpless populace of a post-apocalypse world from the wild gangs of bikers and bandits who prey on them.

Kenshiro's old friend Shin, who uses (Fist of the South Dipper), abducts his girlfriend and leaves him for dead. Afterwards, Kenshiro wanders the wasteland where he meets the young, innocent Rin and the not-so-innocent Batt (known as Lynn and Bart in the English-dubbed anime series). Together they meet a wide range of friends and foes (but mostly foes) on their long journey.

Its style of dramatic, shocking, and literally explosive battle sequences caused much heated arguments over its content. Human bodies are chopped, exploded, diced, and smashed in fist-to-fist battles as though they had been struck with highly destructive objects. As Kenshiro blasts his opponents, he makes sounds similar to those of Bruce Lee's animalistic wails.

The story of Fist of the North Star has been told in several different forms.

Manga

The original incarnation, consisting of the following:

Anime Series

The two ongoing animated versions, told over a combined 152 episodes and consisting primarily of the following story points:

Part 1: Southern Cross

Part 2: Fūun Ryūko Hen

Part 3: Ransei Hadō Hen

Part 4: Saishūshō

Hokuto no Ken 2 (北斗の拳2, Hokuto no Ken 2)

Hokuto No Ken 2 Part: 2

The Animated Movie

Ken, Rei, and Raoh of the Fist of the North Star movie.
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Ken, Rei, and Raoh of the Fist of the North Star movie.

A compilation of the story as told within the series' first two seasons, the Fist of the North Star animated movie holds a certain level of notoriety for being arguably one of the most violent works of anime ever created.

In a notable deviation from the series, the film finds time to begin with a detailed peek at the Earth as it was before and during the fabled nuclear devastation. Starting with a calm, surreal look at various points of mother nature, a brief on-screen message then informs the audience of the imminent calamity, followed by unsettling scenes of human life consumed in flame.

Meticulous details were incorporated into creating and depicting lifelike and extremely violent deaths. The opening fight between Ken and Shin is far more brutal than that of the series. More than one opponent of the fantastic heroes has their head explode or body ripped to shreds in full graphic view of the audience. Even in Japan, the original version of this film was eventually toned down to include the occasional video distortions present in its official U.S. edition. The movie, released in 1986, came out just after Vampire Hunter D (1985) and just before Akira (1988). The violence level in the Fist of the North Star movie put its more popular shonen competitors to shame, with only the most violent scenes in both of the other films as the lowest level "par for the course" in this bloody post-appocalyptic tale. The movie's tagline is "Believe him when he says You are already dead."

Certain major differences between the series and the movie are mentioned below:

The Live-Action Movie

The Live-Action Movie (Toei)
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The Live-Action Movie (Toei)

Arguably the black sheep of the franchise, this 1995 film created by American director Tony Randel and starring Gary Daniels has a mixed reception among fandom. Some are acceptant of it, while detracting voices cite poor production values, too many deviations in this original script co-written by Peter Atkins & Wynne McLaughlin, and an inherent inability to capture the narrative quality of the anime and manga versions. The Japanese version, renamed Hokuto no Ken: Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳～フィスト・オブ・ザ・ノーススター～), was released in VHS the same year by Toei Video. Two editions were available, a subtitled one (字幕) and another one (吹替) dubbed by the '80s TV series' original cast. A Behind the Scenes of Hokuto no Ken: Fist of the North Star (ビハインド・シーン・オブ北斗の拳～フィスト・オブ・ザ・ノーススター～ ) documentary VHS was released two weeks before the movie itself by Toei Japan. The Japanese DVD edition released in 2004 contains both English and Japanese audio tracks but not the documentary.

New Fist of the North Star OVAs (新・北斗の拳, Shin Hokuto no Ken)

From 2003 to 2004, an Original Video Animation series featuring Kenshirō and known as New Fist of the North Star was released. The OVA contained only three episodes based on the novel Jubaku no Machi by Buronson and Hara. The new series has received much positive feedback, though some diehard fans of Hokuto No Ken have been a little disappointed. The scenario has not been well elaborated and the new series relies much more on the animation.

In the post-apocalyptic world, water has become toxic except for a few safe and preserved reservoirs. A man named Sanga has constructed a fortified zone called The Last Land. While Sanga's men go out and seek water through violent means, they encounter Kenshiro who desires to end their reign of terror.

Another point of contention is the recasting of Kenshiro, now played by Takehito Koyasu. Similar to the current trend of American animation, celebrity voices were also employed, including musician Gackt and wrestler Magnum Tokyo.

It was fully licensed by ADV Films, despite the fact that the original series only had 36 episodes released in the US, thus being an incomplete liscence. This has led to some speculation that Saint Seiya may get similar treatment in the near future, known as the "Fist of the North Star" theory.

Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu (新救世主伝説, New Saviour Legend)

Beginning in 2006, new movies and OVAs are scheduled to be released. Preview trailers can be seen on the [Official Japanese Hokuto no ken Site]. The first part of it, "The Legend of Raoh: Martyred Love Arc" (ラオウ伝　殉愛の章, Raoh Den Jun-ai no Shō), debuted March 11th and also has a new version of Ai o Torimodose by Crystal King. New characters include: Remaining Scheduled Works:

Practitioners

[Spoiler warningSpoiler warning]: Plot and/or ending details follow.
The following is a list of the story's gifted characters and the various disciplines in which they are skilled. Characters are listed in order of age with the youngest first.

Hokuto Shinken

  • Ryūken (リュウケン, Ryuuken, Ryuken): The 63rd successor of Hokuto Shinken. Known as Kasumi Ramon in the manga Fist of the Blue Sky. Father that adopted and trained Raoh, Toki, Jagi, and Kenshiro. Slain by Raoh (only by luck, because Ryuken was suffering from a temporary heartattack just when he was about to seal Raoh's fist) after failing to prevent his misuse of Hokuto Shinken and after he chose Kenshiro as the next successor. Kenshiro didn't know Ryuken was killed by Raoh (he was told that Ryuken died from illness), until Toki revealed the shameful secret during their first battle at the end of season two. Both Kenshiro and Raoh remember a lot of Ryuken's education whenever they are in difficult situation. In the Fist of the Blue Sky, he appeared few times as a cameo, the first appearance as a middle aged when naming baby Kenshiro, while the other as a very young arrogant youngster but already expert in Hokuto Shin Ken.

  • Kōryū (コウリュウ, Kouryuu, Kohryu): Studied Hokuto Shinken with Ryuuken his old rival, but yielded the succession despite having the stronger style (to avoid having the tragic fate of death shared by multiple Hokuto Shinken martial artists). Also known as the "Hokuto Dragon." To prevent any knowledge regarding his martial art to be passed on, Kōryū led an ascetic life in the mountains. Is later sought out and killed by Raoh. He had two sons named Zeus and Aus who were spared by Raoh and told not to seek the same tragic path as Raoh and Toki. Some fans believe he may be Kasumi Kenshiro from the prequel Fist of the Blue Sky.

  • Raō (ラオウ, Raou, Raoh): The eldest of Ryuuken's four adopted sons. He is the real brother of Toki. He trained under Ryuuken with a burning desire to become the strongest. When Ryuuken allowed Toki to train as well (knowing fully well the tragic fate these two would now share), Raoh told Toki to stop him in the future if his power would ever run amuck. Upon hearing that Kenshiro would be the next successor to Hokuto Shinken, Raoh broke tradition and did not relinquish his Hokuto style. He killed Ryuuken after his master tried to prevent him from miusuing and soiling the name and tradition of Hokuto. After leaving the dojo, Raoh assumed the name "Ken'ō / Ken-Oh" (Fist King) or "Bōkyō-sei" (Violent Evil Star) and raised a giant army to slowly conquer the world. Raoh built the "City of Wailing Demons" and its infamous "Cassandra Prison." In it, Raoh imprisoned thousands of martial artists, including his own brother Toki, in order to steal their centuries-old techniques. Rei of the Nanto Suichō Ken tried to stop him but was dealt a fatal blow that killed him slowly and painfully over the next few days. Raoh's anticipated fight with Kenshiro resulted in a stalemate and would have killed both fighters if it wasn't stopped by Toki. Ever since the fight with Kenshiro, Raoh has been recuperating before beginning his quest for world domination once again. He watched alongside Toki as Kenshiro battled Souther and later fought Toki for the promise they made in their adolescence. Raoh spared Toki’s life after Toki failed to kill him due to his illness. Kouryuu then tried to stop him but was no match. At the final showdown with Kenshiro, he captured Yuria and used her as a bait to lure Kenshiro out, Raoh revealed his love to Yuria. Was fatally injured by Kenshiro with a strike to his heart while using the "Musou Tensei" technqiue, however they both reconciled each other before Raoh took his own life without regret. One important point about Raoh is that unlike other various scavenging gangs or private army in the wasteland, Raoh conquers but does not destroy, making him more popular among the civilian.

  • Toki (トキ, Toki): Kind and gentle person. Gives up succession of Hokuto Shinken to save Ken and Yuria. Uses his arts for healing. When the nuclear holocaust struck, Toki acquired radiation poisoning. At the time of the series, he is seriously ill, but still a capable fighter, especially with his own "Hokuto Ujō Ken" (Hokuto sympathy fist) style. He was supposed to have the greatest potential among the 3 remaining Hokuto martial artists Kenshiro, Toki and Raoh. However, the radioactive poisoning inhibited his chances to be the strongest of the three. He sacrificed his own life, to make Kenshiro become stronger by sadness and grief (since Hokuto Shin Ken is based on sadness and loneliness) for his upcoming battle against Raoh. Toki is portrayed as a Jesus like saviour in the wasteland.

  • Jagi (ジャギ, Jyagi): The second-youngest of the four Hokuto brothers. Deceptive and evil. Jagi stops at nothing to win, including the use of guns. Hideously disfigured by Kenshiro after trying to kill him, Jagi is obsessed with destroying his younger brother and his reputation. Persuaded Shin to abduct Yuria, and later killed Rei's parents and sold his sister into slavery, inscribing seven scars on his chest so Kenshiro would be blamed. Was killed by Kenshiro's hundred crack fist of the north star, as Kenshiro said "An ugly death suits you right", revealed to Kenshiro that Toki and Raoh were still alive before he exploded.

  • Kenshirō (ケンシロウ, Kenshirou, Kenshiroh): The 64th successor to the Hokuto Shinken after his adopted father, Ryuken. He is considered "one of the greatest" successors in Hokuto Shinken history, due to his knowledge of certain legendary techniques like "Musou Tensei".

  • Baran aka Emperor of Light Baran (光帝バラン, Kōtei Baran): (Not officially a Hokuto Shin Ken successor since he learned it through watching Raoh by himself). As a boy he asked Raoh to teach him some of the Hokuto Shin Ken secrets (like Tenha Kassatsu technique) to get revenge on God for the death of his sister Yūka. However, Raoh declined his request, since Hokuto Shin Ken is "transferred only from father to son", he suggest Baran to learn it by watching and studying Raoh. One fateful day, Raoh's army walked past a destroyed village where Baran saw a girl that lost her mind, feeling pity on her and he tried to give his mantle to her, however Raoh came and told Baran to end her suffering, however Baran couldn't do it and thus Raoh discharged Baran from service. Many years later he conquers the Blanca land and takes over as the "Kōtei" (Emperor of Light). He relinquishes control after being defeated by Kenshirō's proper "Tenha Kassatsu" technique and when Ryu (son of Raoh) persuaded Baran to kill him for Raoh's sin. However seeing the wrong doings he caused, Baran instead had himself executed by the people of Blanca. While teaching Ryu "How to die heroic".

  • Ryū (リュウ, Ryuu, Ryu): Son of Raoh, and the future inheritor of Hokuto Shinken after Kenshiro. At a young age, he already shows his wit and bravery, he also possess his fathers eye. Kenshiro was his personal mentor for some time (during the episode of "dictator Goh Chi" and "Blanca") before he left Ryu to be taken care of by one of Raoh veteran soldier. Kenshiro is waiting Ryu to grow up so he can battle against Ryu for the Hokuto Shin Ken successor title.
Kenshiro
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Kenshiro

Nanto Seiken

Nanto Rokusei Ken

The Nanto Rokusei Ken are the six primary styles of Nanto Seiken, the 102 other branches being their tributaries. Each of them has a fate linked to a certain star in the Nanto constellation (aka the Milk Dipper, part of Sagittarius in Western astrology). Yuda (Japanese for Judas) betrayed the Nanto Rokusei Ken and joined Raoh's army; after this, the fates of all of the Nanto stars turned tragic.
Rei
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Rei
  • Rei (レイ, Rei, Lei, Ray): Nanto Suichō Ken (South Dipper Waterfowl Fist) Man of Gi-sei (Righteous Star). Rei's parents were slain and his sister kidnapped by a man with seven scars on his chest (actually Jagi). He was hired as a mercenary by the Kiba Ichizou to attack Mamiya's village, however, he betrayed them, sensing the noble purpose in Ken. Working together, the two of them and Mamiya were able to eliminate the Kiba clan and recover Rei's sister Airi. He is the first one to meet Raoh, while trying to save Lynn and Airi during an attack of Raoh's troops. Sensing Raoh's immense power, he decides to fight him in order to repay Ken for giving him back his humanity. He uses a special technique, which empowers him to defeat his opponent while sacrificing his own life. But Raoh sees it coming and defeats Rei, who is left with three days to live in pain and agony. Before he dies, though, he is able to kill Yuda, who had kidnapped his love Mamiya years ago.
  • Souther aka Thouther (サウザー, Sauzaa, Thouther): Nanto Hō-ō Ken (South Dipper Phoenix Fist) Man of Shō-sei (command star). Shou-sei rules the other Nanto stars; therefore, none of the other Nanto arts can oppose Souther. Souther establishes himself as Emperor after Raoh's injury and becomes known as a cruel and heartless man, kidnapping children to build his Holy Cross Mausoleum. When he was a child, he was orphaned and adopted by Nanto Hō-ō Ken master Ōgai, who instructed him in the art. When he was fifteen, he was blindfolded and attacked by an assailant. He defended himself, but when he removed the blindfold, he discovered that it had been Ōgai who had attacked. He had not dodged Souther's blow and was mortally wounded. He told Souther that this was the way of their art, that the young replace the old. Souther was crushed, and vowed to never feel love again, believing that it only brought pain. After meeting Shuu, Kenshiro fought against Souther and lost horribly when Hokuto Shinken did not work on Souther's body. After Shū's death, he fought Souther again and was able to discover that Souther's heart and pressure points were reversed. He finished Souther with Toki's merciful Hokuto.
  • Shin (シン, Shin): Nanto Koshuu Ken (South Dipper Lone Eagle Fist; never called anything but Nanto Seiken in the series or manga) Man of Jun-sei (Martyr's Star). Was a very close friend of Kenshiro, however, he desired Yuria from afar. Jagi was able to convince him that in the new world, someone more ambitious than Kenshiro would be needed to prevent Yuria from falling into harm's way. Shin defeated Kenshiro, poking the seven holes in the image of Hokuto onto his chest, and took Yuria with him. Later, he called himself King and raised an army of thugs to build himself an empire, building Yuria the city of Southern Cross. Yuria was unable to accept that so much evil was being done in her name, and seemingly leapt to her death. At the request of the Nanto Goshasei Ken, Shin agreed to pretend Yuria was dead to keep Raoh from taking over Southern Cross to get her. An angry Kenshiro then caught up to Shin and defeated him with "Hokuto Jūji Zan" (Hokuto Cross Kill), inscribing Shin's logo of the bloody cross on his chest. Shin leapt to his death, maintaining that Yuria had died.
  • Shū (シュウ, Shuu, Shu): Nanto Hakurō Ken (South Dipper White Heron Fist) Man of Jin-sei (benevolence star). Originally Souther's second-in-command, Shū was awakened to his destiny by a young Kenshiro. When Kenshiro was ten, Raoh brought him to the Nanto Temple for a test of his worthiness. Kenshiro would defeat ten Nanto warriors or die in the attempt. Sensing that Kenshiro reacted to his ki, Shū volunteered himself as the tenth opponent and handily defeated the boy. When Souther demanded his death, Shū refused and instead clawed out his own eyes, carrying Kenshiro from the temple. Shū taught himself to see with his heart, and later led a resistance movement against Souther. Shū's son Shiba, who Shū did not want taking part in his tragic destiny, died saving Kenshiro from Souther after his defeat. Later, Shū's hideout was raided, and Shū allowed himself to be tormented and slain to protect his young charges. At his death, he was miraculously able to see Kenshiro with his own eyes. A true hero at heart.
Yuda (aka Judas)
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Yuda (aka Judas)
  • Yuda aka Judas (ユダ, Yuda, Judas): Nanto Kōkaku Ken (South Dipper Crimson Crane Fist) Man of You-sei (beauty star, betrayal star, or enchantment star). Betrayer of the Nanto Rokusei Ken. Kidnapped Mamiya at her twentieth birthday, killing her parents before her eyes. He later battled Rei, who sought to avenge her. Yuda had hated Rei for some time, feeling that the beauty of Rei's style was an insult to his own. Slain by Rei, he conceded at his death that Rei was more beautiful.
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  • Yuria aka Julia (ユリア, Yuria): Woman of Jibo-sei (Merciful Mother Star) Kenshiro's fiancee. Kidnapped by Shin. Later in the series, after the death of the other Nanto stars, she becomes the Last General and orders the Nanto Goshasei Ken against Raoh. Raoh manages to kidnap her, but discovers that she is dying of radiation poisoning. This sadness enables him to use the Hokuto Musotensei against Kenshiro. After Raoh gives his life to the heavens, Ken and Yuria leave together, eventually settling in Shoki's village. Yuria eventually dies of her illness. A tragedy worthy of this anime, which centres around the issues of love and hate.

Other Nanto Practitioners

Nanto Gosha-sei

The five Gosha masters are sworn to protect the Last Nanto General. There is conflicting information as to whether the Gosha fist is a Nanto style or something completely separate.

Taizan-ji Kenpō

Gento Kō Ken

Hokuto Ryū Ken

A foreigner of Asura, son of a pirate. Learned Hokuto Ryu Ken after accidentally killing some Asura soldiers when they harassed his girlfriend. Begged Jukei to teach him Hokuto Ryu Ken because Shachi couldn't wait for the "saviour". Shachi lost his humanity when he learned this forbidden art until he met Lynn. Died from bloodloss during a battle against Kaio.
  • Han
    • One of Kaio's general, whom always in danger of being assassinated. Claims to have lost count of disposing assassins after the 100th time. Told Kenshiro that he is from Asura country during a battle with Ken. His fists were so fast they could not be seen when attacking. Kenshiro clobbers his sight and then massacres him with the 100 punches.
  • Hyō
    • Kenshiros real brother, Kaio killed his fiance and laid the blame on Kenshiro. Ken defeated Hyo and knew the truth about his fiance death. Promised to kill Kaio but forgave Kaio due to their deep friendships, died from his injury after destroying Kaio's elit army of thousand man. As they die, Hyo apologizes to Kaio for not being stronger, because if Hyo was stronger Jukei would not have had to force Kaio to be subservient to Hyo, which was one of the sources of Kaio's hatred.
  • Kaiō
    • Oldest brother of Raoh and Toki, got two scars on his face. He was so powerful that he had to wear special armor to harness keep his energy focused. He hated all that Hokuto Shin Ken stood for because Jukei told him that he was destined to be a servant of Hokuto Shin Ken instead of a successor. Kaio secretly hated Hyo for this since he was more powerful than Hyo but was forced by Jukei to lose matches to Hyo.
    During their early training he was forced to lose matches to Hyo because Jukei believed Hyo was of the proper bloodline to be the successor. In one such instance Kaio and Hyo were set to fight on a small suspension bridge. Jukei told Kaio to let Hyo win to boost Hyo's confidence. Kaio was determined to beat Hyo regardless of Jukeis order, but in his attack, Kaio slipped off the bridge and Hyo saved him from falling which further enraged Kaio. Eventually Kaio conquers the land and Hyo is made second in command to Kaio which Hyo is content with since he has always acknowleged Kaio's superiority.

    Kaio was the last one Kenshiro battled with before saving Lynn. Ken striked him with a "Friendly strike fist of the north star", so that Kaio wont feel pain before he dies.This coward demon buried himself into a flux of lava.

    An old man who appeared in the prequel Fist of the Blue Sky as a young boy. Taught Kaio, Han, Shachi and Hyo the art of Hokuto Ryu Ken. Also he is the guardian of Hokuto No Ken clan. Killed his own family during a demonic possession from this Hokuto Ryu Ken until Kasumi Ryuken stopped him. Was killed by a brainwashed Hyo at the end, died with regret.
    A very short dwarfish man, whom worked as a servant of Hokuto bloodline, when Kenshiro was a baby, Kuro-Yasha could already feel an aura of love and friendship from baby Kenshiro. He attacks with iron claws while jumping in the air. Died from his injury after valiantly assisting Hyo against Kaioh's elite army.

    Styles

    The Fist of the North Star—master of Hokuto Shinken.
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    The Fist of the North Star—master of Hokuto Shinken.

    The 1800-year-old Chinese martial arts style used by Kenshiro and his brothers, Hokuto Shinken attacks the human body from within—accomplished by striking or grasping various areas and driving one's energy inside. This will usually result in almost instant death, cause the opponent to become crippled, or occasionally rob the victim of their own physical control. The technique also increases the practitioner's strength tremendously, and can allow them to perform miraculous feats of healing.

    Unlike Nanto Seiken, it can only have one successor at a given time. Usually, it is passed down from father to son or some other blood relative; it was passed on to Ramon Kasumi (aka Ryuken) after Kenshiro Kasumi was presumably killed (see Fist of the Blue Sky). Anyone else schooled in Hokuto Shinken not selected as successor must vow to give up the art or be forced to either have their fists destroyed or their memory removed.

    Ryuken had a series of students who grew up as if they were brothers. The ones shown in the manga are Kenshiro, Jagi, Toki, Raoh, and Kim. Kim was eliminated from the rite of succession early on and was kicked out of the dojo. Toki was eliminated much later due to his nuclear accident which brought on a terminal illness. Jagi was presumably eliminated due to his underhandedness and clear lack of ability compared to his other brothers. Finally, Raoh and Kenshiro were put to a test where they were both confronted by a wild tiger and had to prove their merit as an assassin. Kenshiro was able to cause the tiger to submit quietly to death whereas Raoh caused the tiger to fear death and attack him. Kenshiro was seen as having a true assassin's style and was therefore chosen as the 64th successor to Hokuto Shinken. Raoh told Ryuken that he was making a mistake. Ryuken told Ken that the tiger submiting quietly to death showed that even if Raoh is the strongest, Ken's style is truly the fearsome/terrible one.

    After Ken was chosen Jagi was outraged and tried to rally his brothers to kill Ken so Raoh could be successor, however Toki supported Ken, and Raoh did not care because he refused to give up the Hokuto style anyway. He believed since he was the strongest that he did not need to be named successor to conquer the world. Jagi decided to attack Ken alone but was defeated easily by Ken. When Jagi lunged to attack Ken he "slipped" and Ken took advantage of it to beat Jagi. Jagi made excuses saying that if he had not slipped he could have beat Ken, but it was later revealed that Jagi did not slip, but that Ken was so fast that he struck Jagi's pressure points before Jagi even knew what happened. To stop himself from dying from Ken's attacks, Jagi used his Hokuto skills to hit his own pressure points to stop his head from exploding, but it was not enough to stop permanent damage from occurring. Jagi remained scarred and had to wear braces on his head thereafter.

    The four primary contenders for the Hokuto Shinken style all had at least a basic level of mastery of this martial arts form. The anime series states that Hokuto Shinken is an ancient art of 2000 years and cannot be mastered by anyone without the utmost spirit and determination. Even Jagi, the least skilled of all the brothers, has a fighting prowess that can put non-users to shame. Toki (not present in the animated movie) was firmly embedded in the healing aspects of the powerpoints of Hokuto Shinken even before the nuclear war. Kenshiro's kind but strict nature made him the best choice to carry on the Hokuto Shinken style. Raoh's unforgiving, selfish, and brutally violent nature cost him the chance to succeed as the 64th successor.

    After Kenshiro defeats his one time friend, Shin, Kenshiro is made aware that someone has committed horrible attrocities in his name. This person turned out to be Jagi, and starts off the second season of the series with Kenshiro's quest to make contact with all of his brothers. As the story moves along the audience gets a better picture of what Kenshiro went through in his quest to be the heir to the Fist of the North star.

    Toki is highly respected by Kenshiro, not only for his martial arts mastery, but for his kind demeanor. Toki is characterized by his long white hair, small headband, and kind face. A liberal interpretation of his appearance and actions can be made to say that he is a Christ like figure. Toki tells a story from before the war when Ken, Shin, Raoh, and even himeslf all had feelings for Yuria. Shin and Raoh both only thought of themselves and viewed Yuria as a trophy to be won. Toki, however, defended Yuria against one of Raoh's unwanted advances on one occasion before the nuclear war. Kenshiro recalls that Toki was once so skilled in Hokuto Shinken that he would have probably become the next successor if it were not for the radiation sickness that he received when he sacrificed himself to save Kenshiro and Yuria.

    Toki and Raoh are natural brothers, and are adopted by Ryuken after the death of their parents (later in the manga, this was retconned into the two coming from Shura Island with Kenshiro). Ryuken was originally unwilling to adopt both children, and cast them from a cliff, telling them that the child who made it back up would be his successor. To his surprise, Raoh scaled the cliff with one arm, carrying Toki with the other. Ryuken then adopted both children and began to instruct Raoh in Hokuto Shinken. Years later, after watching Toki beat up a bully many times his size, Ryuken realized that a martial arts genius was hiding in the younger brother as well and allowed Toki to come into the dojo with Raoh. This was the beginning of their tragedy, because they both knew that they would be fated to battle for the succession. Toki had once promised Raoh that if Raoh were to turn to evil, Toki would stop him. Although Toki tried to honor this promise, he was devastated by his illness and unable to stop Raoh. Raoh then freed Toki from his obligation and told him to battle his illness instead.

    Raoh is a large and massive man that towers even over the large frame of Kenshiro. Raoh has a square expressionless face and almost always wears a large helmet and rides a massive black horse. Raoh's single minded ambition and determination fuel his black heart with a lust for power. Even though Raoh loses the contest for successor, he none-the-less continues to use Hokuto Shinken for his own purposes. While it is obvious in both the series and the movie that other characters (Shin, Rei, Jagi, Toki, etc) all possess enough skill to dominate the violent masses, only Ken and Raoh seem to defeat other notable fighters with relative ease. Raoh is such a powerful fighter that the movie ends anti-climatically when Raoh actually defeats Kenshiro in a one-on-one fight of the film's US release. The aformentioned scenario did not occur in the manga or the Japanese series or movie. Only after this confrontation does Raoh seem to understand the words that Ryuken mentioned to him so long ago, "Power without perception means nothing."

    The second half of the series continues with Kenshiro's quest of defeating the remaining Nanto Seiken successors and building his strength to defeat and end Raoh's terror. During this part we learn more about Raoh's past and story as a sympathetic character. At volume 13, it turns out that Yuria never died from her suicide attempt and she is also a Nanto Seiken successor as the "Motherly Star" (hence Ryuken once foretold that the world will be in peace when Hokuto and Nanto join forces). When Raoh knew Yuria was alive he took her as a hostage and forced Kenshiro into life-and-death combat once and for all.

    Nanto Seiken (

    Nanto Rokusei Ken ( The Nanto Seiken style sets generally tend to consist of styles that focus on dazzling maneuvers and using energy to pierce, cut, and dice enemies and objects. Often, they focus on speed, to slice the opponent, and let them fall apart afterwards. Sometimes this will happen so fast, the opponent will not even realize they're dead. It can be debated that, in the manga, air pressure may be used to slice the opponent instead of energy.

    Nanto Koshū Ken
    Nanto Koshū Ken (South Dipper Lone Eagle fist) is a very direct style of Nanto Seiken. It focuses on stabbing and thrusting attacks, seemingly being most useful at a close range. Often, the slicing will be simulated via tearing, where the user will put his hand into an opponent's body, usually torso, and pull it to either side.
    Nanto Suichō Ken
    Nanto Suichō Ken (South Dipper Waterfowl fist) is the most graceful of the Nanto Seiken styles. With a focus on grace and aerial attacks, its primary usage is for medium-range attacks.
    Nanto Kōkaku Ken
    Nanto Kōkaku Ken (South Dipper Crimson Crane fist) is a style based on long-range, vertical attacks. It can attack a wide vertical range, and seems to cause more damage when used for vertical slices.
    Nanto Hakurō Ken
    Nanto Hakurō Ken (South Dipper White Heron fist) is a kick-based style, somewhat rare in Hokuto no Ken. Whereas most Nanto Seiken styles primarily use the hands, Nanto Hakurō Ken primarily uses the feet (though it still uses the hands). The user can attack a wide range around them, even a spinning kick that decimates those around them.

    Nanto Hō-Ō Ken
    Nanto Hō-Ō Ken (South Dipper Phoenix Fist) is the most powerful form of Nanto Seiken. It is a free-form style, without stances or forced routine. The user has the ability to glide forward, leading into a powerful scissor attack. There can absolutely be only one successor to this style; the successor must kill his teacher. The ultimate technique of this style is Tenshō Jūji Hō, the Heaven-soaring cross phoenix, which takes a stance with the user's arms held out evenly, like a cross. As the name suggests, it's launched into a powerful aerial attack. This is the only stance taken in Nanto Hō-Ō Ken, and is only taken when a worthy opponent appears. Its power causes hail to fall from the sky.

    Nanto Goshasei (South Dipper The Nanto Goshasei styles revolve around the use of elements, but still share much in common with the normal Nanto Seiken. Read: Its ability to slice the opponents. However, all forms of this use different techniques and attack styles to do so.

    Wind
    The Gosha Wind style is a style based on swift maneuvers, aerial attacks, and apparently long-range attacks, though it has been seen used as a "Shield" of sorts. This style uses air pressure and cutting winds to slice the opponent to pieces. Due to this usage of wind, it can be used as a long or short range style.

    Fire
    The Gosha Fire style seems to use linear lines of heat to cut through the opponents (basically burning through them). If the opponent has been damaged, due to the large amount of heat, he will burst into flames. The user, if willing to sacrifice himself, can well up the heat in his own body, causing spontaneous combustion.

    Mountain
    The Gosha Mountain style seems to be based on crushing force, pressure tearing the opponent down the middle. Unlike most other Nanto styles, it is not graceful in the least. It is blunt and powerful. As opposed to the fine, linear slices of the other Nanto styles, the attack size of this style is rather large. To further clarify, if an opponent is sliced down the middle of his body, the pressure will crush through the opponent, effectively removing the middle third of the body.

    Cloud
    The Cloud style is a free-form style, apparently without set stances. As opposed to cutting, the cloud style seems to be based on defeating the opponent in a series of long, quick, smooth motions.

    Ocean
    The Ocean style doesn't see much use in the anime series. Noticeably, the user seems to be able to increase his body size, curl into a ball, and send himself flying through the air, destroying whatever is in his path.

    Minor Nanto styles

    Most of these are barely even worth mentioning. Most of them were seen only in the anime series, as well. Filler was needed in the anime, to lengthen the story, especially the Shin arc. According to the anime, Shin taught his generals some Nanto powers, who used their limited Nanto Knowledge to make their own styles. Seems to be mainly for use with claws, needles, and stabbing weapons. Apparently just improves the speed and cutting quality of attacks. A strange knife-throwing style, that requires two users, facing each other, with the opponent in the middle. They throw the knives between each other, around the opponent. One user throws underhand and catches overhand, the other used throws overhand and catches underhand. They slowly move in, barely noticeable, until they are close enough to attack with the knives. Mentioned, but not used. All that's known is that it requires two users. A style based on speed, agility, and height. The user can jump extraordinarily high, throw objects with stunning accuracy and speed, and produce two mirage duplicates around him, with which he can rotate for an illusion. Involves the usage of gliders and claws. Mainly involves diving down onto the opponent. Creative, rough fist to fist art that uses explosives and jumping techniques. A style based on use of sound waves and hypnosis. The style's sound waves tend to come from bells. A set of styles. The first one is fire boxing, in which the user can safely engulf his skin in flames to destroy his opponent. Also in this style, the user can breathe fire. However, if the user is incapable of breathing, the fire can not escape, and the fire will destroy them from the inside out. The second part of this style is an illusion-based style, which also uses knife-throwing. The user apparently could use small crystal orbs to give the illusion of a dragon, which would be hiding knives or flames. Closer to a move than a style. It involves the user being equipped with a sword (apparently katana) and fired into the air via cannon. The user, upon getting above his target, can hold their sword outwards and drop down suddenly and with great, violent force. This is more of a siege style than a fight style.

    Taizan-ji Kenpō ( An ancient fighting style developed at the Taishan Temple in Shanxi, China. The Taizan fighters grew corrupt and eventually carried much influence over the Japanese government in the 1980s before the nuclear war. In the 1990s, many of the Taizan fighters became part of Raoh's army.
    • Taizan Tenrō Ken (Taishan Sirius Fist) - A freezing, flesh-scooping style.
    • Taizan Ryū Sōjō Ben (Taishan Style Twin Streak Whip) - A whip-wielding style.
    • Taizan Yō Ken (Taishan Bewitch Fist) - Uses ribbons and spikes

    Kazan Saigoku Ken ( A few characters used martial arts related to Mount Hua, most notably the entire Kiba clan. Bask also used this style, as did a spearman on the Land of Asura. There is no official name given for the main branch of this martial art.
    • Kazan Kakuteigi (Huashan Horn Resisting Sport) - An old sumo skin-hardening technique
    • *Shōkei Ken (Hieroglyph Fist)
    • *Yōmetsu no Kata (Ominous Destructive Form)
    • *Kazan Bunretsu Ken (Huashan Split Fist)
    • *Kazan Kakutei Harite (Huashan Horn Resisting Slap)
    • Kazan Gunrō Ken (Huashan Wolf-Pack Fist)
    • *Daraidai (Thunder Strike Pedestal)
    • *Kazan Kakuteigi (Huashan Corner Resist Sport)
    • *Kazan Kōgai Kohō (Huashan Steel Armor Technique)
    • Kazan Gokuaku Sō (Huashan Hell Grasp Claw)
    • Saigoku-Ha Ginsō (Western Peak Sect Silver Spear)

    Gento Kō Ken (Original Dipper Imperial Fist)

    The Gento Kō Ken style was created to protect the "Tentei" (Heaven Empress). Their symbol is the Tentei star, also known as the Taikyoku-sei (Polaris). The Gento Kō Ken style focuses on use of ki energy, usually projected outwards as a blast, or sometimes a shield. It uses ki like a blade, to destroy the opponent's body on a cellular level. This style gets surprisingly little use in the series, save for Falco of the golden style. This style is based on and ranked by colors. It is unclear what, if any, constellation that "Gento" refers to. Many fans speculate it is the Little Dipper because it's a dipper-shaped constellation that contains Polaris.

    The colors are:

    The Gold style is the absolute strongest, generally used for varying types of blasts and projectiles. Noticeably, it can also freeze and cut opponents. The Purple style seems to be based around rings of energy, theorizing that they're unavoidable. The Red style gets absolutely no use in the series. One attack is seen in the anime, and it seems fairly generic. Anime-only style. The Blue style seems fairly generic as well. Notably, the sole user of it uses a spear, but it's unknown if this is universal or just a personal preference. Anime-only style. The Green style never sees any use in the series.

    Hokuto Ryuu Ken ( Derived alongside Hokuto Shinken from the original Hokuto Souke ruling family of Shura Island. Its first practitioner was Ryuoh. Practitioners of Hokuto Shinken regard its existence as heresy. While it shares many of its basic attacks with Hokuto Shinken, its essence is deeply rooted in channeling of essence and magic. The effort required to control these energies drives many of its practitioners mad with hatred. The last master of the art, Juukei murdered his own family and attempted to kill Ryuken, who was able to restore him to sanity. Later, Juukei sent Kenshiro, Raoh, and Toki to Ryuken, believing that Raoh would succeed Ryuuken as the Hokuto Shinken successor and free his motherland of Shura from the evil of Hokuto Ryuu Ken. Later, unable to wait for Raoh, he trained Kaioh (Raoh's older brother), Han, and Hyoh (Kenshiro's natural brother) in Hokuto Ryuuken. To his dismay, rather than fight against the evil of Shura, they joined in it. He later joined a resistance movement against the Shura, reluctantly teaching Shachi Hokuto Ryuu Ken to help him fight against the Shura soldiers.

    When Kenshiro followed Lin, Juukei was distraught that it was not Raoh who had succeeded Ryuuken in Hokuto Shin Ken. After Han was killed, Juukei, believing that Kenshiro could not raise his hand against his own brother, sought out Hyoh in combat. He had erased Hyoh's memories of Kenshiro years before so he could focus on the fight. Attempting to undo this erasure, he discovered that Kaioh had modified his memories and was slain by Hyoh. Although Hyoh was eventually able to regain his memory, he was defeated by Kaioh, unable to stop Kaioh's fall to evil. Kaioh later became himself again and destroyed himself with molten lava after being defeated by Kenshiro, bringing Hokuto Ryuu Ken to its end.

    Hokumon no Ken (Fist of the North Gate)

    An inferior offshoot of Hokuto Shin Ken started by a former Hokuto Shin Ken student that failed to be successor. Seiji from Shin Hokuto No Ken (New Fist of the North Star) used this style.

    Goodies

    Image:Shitajikihokutonoken.jpg|Shitajiki Image:Yuriazippo.jpg|Yuria lighter Image:Metalslot.jpg|Metal slot lighter Image:Tradingcarken.jpg|Trading cards Sammy owns the Japanese license for Hokuto no Ken and had released four pachislot machines (mix between a pachinko and a slot machine) with their derivative shitajiki, trading cards, zippo lighters, their scale model metal lighters and moneyboxes and the multiplatform million-seller simulator game ("Jissen PachiSlot Hisshou Hou!"). Sammy had also released Hokuto no Ken licensed pachinko machines and their video game counterpart ("Jissen Pachinko Hisshou Hou!").

    Games

    First video game (1986, Enix)
    Enlarge
    First video game
    (1986, Enix)

    Sega Mark III game (available on PS2)
    Enlarge
    Sega Mark III game (available on PS2)

    Game Peripherals

    Pachislot Machines

    Kenshiroh version
    Enlarge
    Kenshiroh version

    Pachinko Machines

    CR Denshou
    Enlarge
    CR Denshou



    Trivia

    See also

    Media link

    External links

     

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