Kogoro Katsura

Katsura is composed, perceptive and pragmatic. He understands that the revolution requires methods he would not necessarily choose in peaceful circumstances and accepts responsibility for assigning dangerous work to capable subordinates. Unlike more impulsive revolutionaries, he usually approaches problems strategically.

He nevertheless recognizes the human cost of political violence. His interactions with Kenshin show concern over what repeated assassination is doing to the teenage swordsman, even though Katsura continues relying upon him because of the enormous advantage Battōsai gives Chōshū.

His ability to judge people is central to his leadership. He quickly recognizes Kenshin's extraordinary talent after seeing him among the Kiheitai recruits, but also understands that Kenshin's idealism makes him particularly vulnerable to the psychological burden of killing.

Katsura is an accomplished swordsman trained in Shintō Munen-ryū and carries both a katana and wakizashi. The series, however, does not present him as a combatant on the superhuman level of Kenshin or the strongest Shinsengumi swordsmen.

His greatest strengths are leadership, political judgment and clandestine organization. As a senior Chōshū figure operating in Kyoto, he coordinates intelligence, assassination assignments and the movements of Ishin Shishi personnel while avoiding the shogunate forces searching for him.

Katsura is also skilled at concealment and evasion, necessities for a revolutionary leader operating under constant threat of arrest.

Katsura encounters Kenshin after the young swordsman joins the Kiheitai. Impressed by his ability, he brings Kenshin to Kyoto and employs him as a hitokiri. Iizuka accompanies Kenshin as an execution examiner and operational contact.

As political violence escalates, Kenshin's effectiveness makes Battōsai one of the Ishin Shishi's most feared weapons. Katsura eventually recognizes the toll the work is taking on him and arranges for Tomoe Yukishiro to accompany Kenshin while he hides outside Kyoto.

After the revolution advances beyond the need for Kenshin's role as an assassin, Katsura replaces him with Shishio Makoto, allowing Kenshin to fight openly rather than continue carrying out assassinations.

The character is based closely on the historical Katsura Kogorō, later known as Kido Takayoshi, one of the major political architects of the Meiji Restoration.

Kenshin Himura serves directly under Katsura as Chōshū's Hitokiri Battōsai. Katsura values his ability but becomes increasingly aware of the psychological cost of the killings he orders Kenshin to perform.

Shinsaku Takasugi is Katsura's fellow Chōshū revolutionary and the commander associated with the Kiheitai in which Kenshin initially presents himself for service.

Iizuka works within Katsura's organization as an execution examiner and messenger. His covert allegiance to the Yaminobu makes him a dangerous spy inside the Chōshū operation.

Tomoe Yukishiro becomes connected to Katsura's plans when he permits her to accompany Kenshin into hiding.

Makoto Shishio eventually succeeds Kenshin as Chōshū's covert assassin.