Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (Japanese:史上最強の弟子 ケンイチ,Hepburn:Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi;lit.'History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi') is a Japanesemanga series written and illustrated bySyun Matsuena [ja]. Matsuena first published a manga titledTatakae! Ryōzanpaku Shijō Saikyō no Deshi, which ran inShogakukan'sShōnen Sunday Super from October 1999 to February 2002.Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is a remake of the series, and was serialized in Shogakukan'sWeekly Shōnen Sunday from April 2002 to September 2014, with its chapters collected in 61tankōbon volumes.
A 50-episodeanime television series adaptation produced byTMS Entertainment aired onTV Tokyo from October 2006 to September 2007.Brain's Base produced an 11-episodeoriginal video animation (OVA) series, titledKenichi: The Mightiest Disciple – The Attack of Darkness, released between March 2012 and May 2014. The anime television series was licensed in North America byFunimation in 2008, but the rights to the series expired in 2018. It was re-licensed byDiscotek Media in 2020.
TheKenichi: The Mightiest Disciple manga has had over 12 million copies in circulation.
The story centers on Kenichi Shirahama, a 15-year-old high school student who has long endured bullying. After befriending transfer student Miu Fūrinji, he resolves to strengthen himself and accompanies her to Ryōzanpaku, adojo overseen by her grandfather, the undefeated martial artist Hayato Fūrinji, where several masters of diverse disciplines reside.
Following basic instruction from Miu, Kenichi defeats a prominent member of the school'skarate club, drawing the attention of delinquents. Initially training for self-defense, he eventually becomes a full disciple of Ryōzanpaku and develops feelings for Miu. His routine alternates between training under the dojo's six masters and confronting members of "Ragnarok", a gang of bullies seeking either to recruit or defeat him.
After Ragnarok's dissolution, Kenichi and Miu face Yomi, disciples trained by masters of Yami, a rival organization to Ryōzanpaku. While Ryōzanpaku adheres to the principle of sparing opponents (Katsujin-ken), Yami embraces lethal methods (Satsujin-ken). The conflict between the factions escalates until a final confrontation over Yami's goal to instigate global chaos, termed "The Eternal Sunset." Following the prevention of this scheme and Yami's defeat, both organizations disband. Kenichi continues his training at Ryōzanpaku; years later, he emerges as a renowned novelist, with implications that he marries Miu and surpasses her grandfather's martial prowess—fulfilling Hayato's vow that Miu may only wed someone capable of defeating him.
Kenichi is a second year high school student. The story follows him as he continues to train, and eventually live, at the Ryozanpaku dojo, fighting increasingly capable enemies. He lacks any form ofsakki (killer intent) and adheres to a strict code of morals. As a result, Kenichi has made many friends, mostly of former enemies, and wins the affections of Renka Ma, Miu, Izumi, and Li Raichi.
Kenichi's classmate and love interest. Miu came into Hayato's care when his son murdered several of his friends and his wife, sparing Miu by accident. Thereafter Miu learned martial arts from her grandfather. Miu is often clumsy among her fellows, and requires Kenichi's support in making friends. Miu has a great fondness for kittens and becomes hostile towards anyone who harms one. She is prone to rash decisions in money-making.
Miu's grandfather and the elder of the Ryōzanpaku Dojo. He is tall, muscular, and possesses tremendous vitality despite his advanced age and is known for never having lost a fight in his entire life. Hayato is a kind old man but still possesses a reckless streak and can be arrogant. He is fond of Kenichi, calling him "Ken-chan", and is the only one who apologizes to him for difficult exercises. He also realizes Kenichi's feelings for Miu but declares that he will only allow Kenichi to marry her if he defeats him in a fight.
A 30-year-old master of karate. He is a tall man almost always seen wearing a leather jacket and has a long scar across the bridge of his nose. He is often depicted as fierce in conversation and embarrassed by trivial things, and tends to quarrel with others, especially Apachai. He also gambles and drinks frequently and often places bets on Kenichi.
A 28-year-old master ofMuay Thai and is known as the "Grim Reaper" of the Muay Thai underworld fighting circuit. He is tall and powerfully built, has tanned skin, and is usually seen wearing a tank top and shorts with bandages wrapped around his hands and feet. Apachai has been fighting life or death battles in underground Muay Thai fights since he was a teenager.
A 23-year-old weapons master, who dresses in a small pink kimono; underneath she wears bandages over her chest and afundoshi. When fighting seriously, she dons chain mail. She has a pet mouse named Tōchūmaru (闘忠丸,Tōchūmaru) who is also a weapons master.
A 38-year-oldJujitsu master, and the first master to train Kenichi. He is an old friend of Miu's father, Saiga. Despite his apparent fragility, he is immensely strong and capable, and can easily interpret other characters' unspoken thoughts. Additionally he has masteredcalligraphy, painting, pottery, and sculpting, and builds contraptions as both training devices for Kenichi and power sources for the dojo, including a treadmill generator. He also owns an orthopedic clinic and can reset bones with ease. He has proved to be a good trauma surgeon also, and speaks Russian fluently.
A 42-year-old master of ChineseKenpō. He is short, balding, and always wears a hat. He has been training in martial arts since he was very young and was the leader of a large martial arts alliance in China, which has 10,000 followers, which he left behind. He has a wife and three children in China. Kenichi has absolute trust in Ma and has stated that he has never questioned his convictions as a martial artist.
A member of the Newspaper Club at Kenichi's school and has a broad range of expertise, including stealth, lock picking, tinkering, programming, and blackmailing. He retreats from most physical danger; but is also a skilled tactician.
Matsuena would later release the remake,Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, which started in Shogakukan'sWeekly Shōnen Sunday on April 17, 2002.[a] The manga finished after 12 years of publication in the magazine on September 17, 2014.[11][12] Shogakukan collected the chapters in 61tankōbon volumes, published under the Shōnen Sunday Comics imprint, from August 9, 2002,[13] to February 18, 2015.[14]
Agaiden volume was released by Shogakukan on September 18, 2007.[15] A spin-off series, titledShijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi Plus (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ プラス,Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi Purasu) was serialized inShōnen Sunday S in 2012 and collected in a volume by Shogakukan on September 18, 2012.[16][17] An official guidebook was released by Shogakukan on May 16, 2014.[18][19]
A 50-episode anime television series adaptation byTMS Entertainment was broadcast onTV Tokyo from October 8, 2006, to September 29, 2007.[20] The first opening theme for episodes 1–25 is "Be Strong", performed byKana Yazumi, and the second opening theme for episodes 26–50 is "Yahhoo" (ヤッホー,Yahhō), performed by Diva × Diva (Miho Morikawa with Akira Asakura). The series' first ending theme for episodes 1–15 is "Kimi Ga Irukara" (君がいるから;lit. "Because You are There"), performed by Issei Eguchi. The second ending theme for episodes 16–25 is "Catch Your Dream", performed by Joanna Koike. The third ending theme for episodes 26–45 is "Run Over", performed by Joanna Koike. The fourth ending theme for episodes 46–49 is "Kokoro Kara no Message" (心からのメッセージ;lit. "A message from Heart") is performed by Sakura. The series' last episode uses the first opening theme "Be Strong" by Kana Yazumi as ending theme.
In North America the series was licensed byFunimation in May 2008.[2] The series was broadcast onFunimation Channel.[21] The rights to the series expired in 2018.[22] In December 2020,Discotek Media announced that they had licensed the anime television and would have an upscale release slated for 2021;[23] it was released on twoBlu-ray Disc sets on August 31, 2021,[24] and January 25, 2022.[25] The series returned to Funimation's streaming service in May 2021.[26]Crunchyroll added the series to their catalog in September 2021.[27][28]
An 11-episodeoriginal video animation (OVA) series produced byBrain's Base started on March 14, 2012.[29] The story continues from the Ragnarok Arc entering the Yomi arc. The second OVA episode, featuring later story in the Yomi arc, was released on June 18, 2012.[30] The third OVA episode was released on November 16, 2012.[31] The fourth and fifth OVA episodes were released on September 16, 2013.[32] The sixth and seventh OVA episodes were released on November 18, 2013.[33] The eighth and ninth OVA episodes were released on February 14, 2014.[34] The 10th and 11th OVA episodes were released on May 16, 2014.[35][36] The main cast for the OVA series is the same from those of the anime series except forRie Kugimiya who replacedTomoko Kawakami as Miu andYuzuru Fujimoto who replacedHiroshi Arikawa as her grandfather Hayato.[37] The episodes aired in 2014 onTokyo MX andBS11, with the titleKenichi: The Mightiest Disciple – The Attack of Darkness (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ 闇の襲撃,Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi Yami no Shūgeki).[38]Iori Nomizu performed the opening theme "Wish" (for episodes 4–9) and the ending themes "Glory Days" (for episodes 1–3) and "Breathless" (for episodes 4–9). During its television broadcast, the series featured the opening theme "Higher Ground", performed byTomokazu Seki, and the same original second ending theme "Breathless", by Iori Nomizu.[39]
In January 2024, Discotek Media announced that they had licensed the OVA, and is set to be released on a Blu-ray set with an English dub on May 28 of the same year.[5][40][41]
On March 15, 2007,Capcom released the series' first game,Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi: Gekitō! Ragnarok Hachikengō, exclusively on thePlayStation 2.[42] The game was developed withEighting.[43]
By February 2012, the manga had over 12 million copies in circulation.[46]
Bamboo Dong ofAnime News Network (ANN) offered a negative assessment of the first season (part one), criticizing its repetitive nature and inconsistent tone, which struggled to balance between mindless action and a semi-serious martial arts narrative. Dong found the technical explanations of combat techniques lacking compared to series likeNaruto, despite the latter featuring fictional abilities. The review concluded by suggesting the show might only appeal to younger viewers seeking confidence-building stories, as it failed to engage older audiences.[47] However, Dong later reviewed the first season (part two) more favorably, praising its improved focus on Kenichi's martial arts progression over his initial transformation from a weakling. The fanservice, while present, was deemed appropriate, and Miu was highlighted as a strong female lead. The series was recommended for fans ofNaruto,Bleach, and otherShōnen Jump titles due to its action and grounded combat.[48]
Theron Martin, also writing forANN, likened the first season (part one) toThe Karate Kid (1984) but noted its lighter tone, which helped mitigate its often absurd scenarios. While criticizing its early pacing and comedic excesses, Martin praised its exploration of martial arts fundamentals and concluded that despite its flaws, the series delivered an entertaining, if cheesy, experience.[3]
Davey C. Jones ofActive Anime lauded the first season (part one) for its dynamic fights and humor, calling it a perfect blend of comedy and martial arts action.[49] In reviewing the second season (part two), Jones compared it favorably toRanma ½, emphasizing its energetic combat and comedic appeal.[50]
C.M. Brendelson ofOtaku USA described Kenichi as a typical underdog protagonist akin toPeter Parker, while Miu stood out as both highly skilled and visually striking. The series was noted for its focus on Kenichi's growth through defeat rather than a desire for supremacy, and while fanservice was prevalent, it did not overshadow the narrative. Brendelson concluded that the show, while not universally appealing, offered a lighthearted mix of action and comedy.[51]
Allen Moody ofTHEM Anime Reviews praised Kenichi as a relatable protagonist with strong moral convictions, along with the series' action and character dynamics. However, he criticized excessive melodrama during fight sequences.[52]
^史上最強の弟子ケンイチ / 1 [History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi Vol. 1] (in Japanese).Shogakukan. Archived fromthe original on August 27, 2014. RetrievedAugust 26, 2009.
^史上最強の弟子ケンイチ/ 61 [History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi Vol. 61] (in Japanese).Shogakukan. Archived fromthe original on February 12, 2015. RetrievedOctober 19, 2020.
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