Who is the Bald Guy in Vagabond?

The bald guy in Vagabond is Inshun, a character from the Japanese epic martial arts manga series Vagabond, written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, and is a descendant of a goshi (country samurai) in Yamashiro Province. Inshun is a monk of the Hozoin Temple and is known for his exceptional skill with the spear, making him a formidable opponent in the series, particularly in his encounter with the protagonist Musashi Miyamoto.

FAQs about Inshun and Vagabond

Inshun and Hozoin Temple

1. Is Inshun a real person? Inshun was a real person and a descendant of a goshi (country samurai) in Yamashiro Province, who entered the Hozoin in 1602 when In’ei was already an old man of 81 years.
2. What is Hozoin Temple? Hozoin Temple is a Buddhist temple where Inshun and other monks, including In’ei, reside and practice their martial arts skills, particularly with the spear.

Vagabond and Musashi Miyamoto

3. Is Vagabond about Musashi? Vagabond is a fictionalized account of the life of Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, based on Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel Musashi.
4. Who is Musashi’s girlfriend in Vagabond? Otsu is one of the main characters in the Vagabond manga series and Musashi’s main love interest.
5. Did Musashi ever lose? Outside of the stick-fighting schools, the claim that Musashi was ever defeated by Gonnosuke is denied, particularly by sword fighting schools who maintain Musashi was never defeated in a duel.

Characters and Duels

6. Who is Sasaki Kojiro in Vagabond? Sasaki Kojiro, known as the “Crazy Tiger from Echizen“, is one of the main protagonists of Vagabond and a skilled swordsman.
7. How did Kojiro lose to Musashi? Musashi had provoked Kojirō to make the first attack, and then came down with his bokken on Kojirō’s chest and supposedly broke one of his ribs, which in turn pierced his heart.
8. Who is the strongest samurai in Vagabond? The strongest characters in Vagabond include Kami’zumi Ise, Yagyu Sekishusai, Shinmen Takezo/Musashi Miyamoto, Inei Hozoin, Ittosai Ito, Sasaki Kojiro, Shinmen Munisai, and Yoshioka Seijuro.

Vagabond and its Availability

9. Will Vagabond ever get an anime? Vagabond is unlikely to ever receive an anime adaptation due to its complex and detailed storyline.
10. Why was Vagabond cancelled? Vagabond went on hiatus due to Takehiko Inoue’s health issues, and although it returned for several more runs, Inoue stated that creating Vagabond put a huge strain on his mental well-being.

Musashi Miyamoto’s Life and Legacy

11. How did Musashi die? Miyamoto Musashi died of what is believed to be thoracic cancer, after finishing the text Dokkōdō (“The Way of Walking Alone”, or “The Way of Self-Reliance”), 21 precepts on self-discipline to guide future generations.
12. Did Musashi actually fight Kojiro? Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro did have a famous duel, which Musashi won by killing Kojiro with a bokken made from an oar.
13. How many kills did Musashi have? Musashi had more than 60 sword duels, and is said to have killed 17 people in his battles, with his first battle taking place when he was 13 years old.

Miscellaneous

14. Is Vagabond Based on a true story? Vagabond is based on the novel “Musashi” by Eiji Yoshikawa, which is a fictionalized account of Musashi Miyamoto’s life, and should not be treated as a biography.
15. Is Musashi a good guy? Musashi was a complex character with both positive and negative traits, and his actions and behaviors were often driven by his desire to improve his skills and reputation as a swordsman.