KEY CHARACTERS

Please note that Japanese names are read surname first

Tokyo

Ray Clarence

Chōshi Tomoe – Ray’s girlfriend

Takata Eiji – leader of the Takata-gumi gang

Kurotaki – a senior member of Takata’s gang

Sumida – a member of Takata’s gang

The Beast – a strongman in the rival Ginzo-kai gang

Knifeman – a strongman in the rival Ginzo-kai gang

Yabu – head of the Tokyo branch of the Ginzo-kai

Kōda – the intermediary between the yakuza heads and Onishi

Onishi – the Education Minister

Sakura – a soapland employee

Horitoku – a traditional tattooist

Ernesto Aerts – an ex-MMA star fallen on hard times

Tatsuzan – a sumo-wrestling star

Fujiwara Daisuke – an actor

Johnny – Ray’s friend

Ishikawa Manabu – a scientist

Edo

Katsuyama

Michiko – Katsuyama’s apprentice

Obasan – the overseer of Katsuyama’s house

Lord Ezoe – a regular client of Katsuyama

Lord Genpachi – a rival to Lord Ezoe

Mizuno – an ex-samurai merchant ally of Lord Genpachi

Yamaryū – a sumo-wrestling star

Chitairō – an actor

Kaoru – a courtesan rival to Katsuyama

Namiji – Kaoru’s apprentice and a friend of Michiko