Anime is often celebrated for its creative freedom, fantastical worlds, and over-the-top characters. But did you know that some of these beloved characters are actually based on real-life historical figures? That’s right — anime doesn’t always rely solely on imagination. Sometimes, it takes a deep dive into history and revives legendary warriors, strategists, and cultural icons, breathing new life into them through artistic reinterpretation.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 anime characters who are directly inspired by real people, tracing the origins of these fascinating personalities and revealing how their legacies have been transformed into iconic anime roles. From warlords and revolutionaries to mystics and samurai, anime has reimagined history in spectacular ways.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an anime lover curious about deeper layers behind your favorite shows, this post will surely surprise and inform you.
1. Oda Nobunaga
Appears In: Drifters, Sengoku Basara, Nobunaga the Fool, Nobunagun, Yasuke
Based On: Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582)
Era: Sengoku Period, Japan
🏯 The Man Behind the Legend
Oda Nobunaga was a powerful daimyo (warlord) during the turbulent Sengoku (Warring States) period in Japan. Known for his military genius, ruthlessness, and progressive ideas, Nobunaga played a critical role in the unification of Japan. He modernized armies with firearms, broke down the power of Buddhist warrior monks, and sought to centralize authority. His ambition and charisma made him a feared and admired figure.
He met a tragic end when he was betrayed and forced to commit seppuku at Honnō-ji temple in 1582.
🧨 Anime Portrayal
Oda Nobunaga is one of the most frequently adapted historical figures in anime. Shows like Drifters depict him as a cunning strategist with a slightly unhinged personality. In Sengoku Basara, he’s presented almost like a dark overlord, wielding supernatural powers. Meanwhile, Nobunaga the Fool offers a sci-fi take, combining his character with futuristic mecha elements.
⚔️ Why He Inspires Anime
Nobunaga’s real-life persona already reads like a fictional legend. His progressive mindset, epic battles, and controversial reforms make him a perfect fit for larger-than-life storytelling. Whether as a villain, hero, or wild card, Nobunaga’s legacy endures in anime with intense charisma and unpredictable energy.
2. Hijikata Toshizo
Appears In: Gintama, Hakuouki, Rurouni Kenshin, Golden Kamuy
Based On: Hijikata Toshizō (1835–1869)
Era: Bakumatsu (End of Edo Period), Japan
🗡️ The Wolf of Mibu
Hijikata Toshizō was the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, a loyalist police force that supported the Tokugawa Shogunate during Japan’s period of modernization and political upheaval. Known for his fierce discipline, stoic personality, and loyalty, Hijikata was a samurai who clung to tradition even as Japan hurtled toward a new era.
He died fighting in the Boshin War, refusing to surrender as the Meiji Restoration overthrew the samurai class.
😂🩸 Anime Portrayal
In Gintama, Hijikata is humorously exaggerated as a mayonnaise-obsessed swordsman known as the “Demon Vice-Commander,” balancing comedy with loyalty and swordsmanship. In Hakuouki, his character is portrayed in a darker, romantic, and tragic light, closely following historical timelines with supernatural twists.
In Rurouni Kenshin, the presence of the Shinsengumi echoes through characters and philosophies, keeping Hijikata’s historical weight alive in the background.
🧑✈️ Why He Inspires Anime
Hijikata represents the struggle between honor and change. As a symbol of fading samurai values, his story resonates with anime themes of loyalty, rebellion, and tragedy. His calm yet determined demeanor has made him a favorite character for adaptations ranging from parody to epic drama.
3. Date Masamune
Appears In: Sengoku Basara, Brave 10, Samurai Warriors
Based On: Date Masamune (1567–1636)
Era: Late Sengoku and Early Edo Period, Japan
🌙 The One-Eyed Dragon
Date Masamune was a formidable warlord known for his trademark crescent-moon helmet, strong military leadership, and visionary governance. He lost his right eye to smallpox, which earned him the nickname “Dokuganryū” or “One-Eyed Dragon.” Despite his fearsome reputation, he was a shrewd diplomat and was even the first Japanese leader to send an envoy to the Pope in Rome.
🐉 Anime Portrayal
In Sengoku Basara, Date Masamune is turned into a dual-wielding, English-speaking badass with unmatched charisma. His flamboyant attitude, motorbike-style armor, and over-the-top swordplay make him one of the most beloved characters in the series.
In Brave 10, he retains his mysterious and powerful aura, though with more historical restraint.
💥 Why He Inspires Anime
Masamune’s real-life flair, fashion sense, and fearless military history make him the perfect anime anti-hero. His combination of intellect, aesthetic, and raw power appeals to fans of stylish, confident, and slightly rebellious characters.
4. Okita Souji
Appears In: Peacemaker Kurogane, Hakuouki, Gintama
Based On: Okita Sōji (1842–1868)
Era: Bakumatsu Period, Japan
🥀 The Young Blade of Shinsengumi
Okita Sōji was the captain of the first unit of the Shinsengumi and widely recognized for his swordsmanship and youthful energy. Tragically, he suffered from tuberculosis and died young, adding a melancholic layer to his legacy. Despite his illness, he was known for his cheerful demeanor and combat excellence.
🗡️ Anime Portrayal
In Peacemaker Kurogane, Okita is depicted as a kind but lethal warrior. Hakuouki explores his romantic and tragic arc, portraying his illness and noble sacrifice. Gintama takes a more comedic approach, using Okita as a sadistic sharpshooter with a soft spot for mischief.
😔 Why He Inspires Anime
Okita’s story is the classic tragedy of a young hero gone too soon. His combination of charm, skill, and fate makes him a bittersweet figure perfect for emotional anime arcs. Whether portrayed seriously or with humor, Okita’s legacy is a staple in historical anime.
5. Leonardo da Vinci
Appears In: Fate/Grand Order, Da Vinci and the Code of the Universe, Nobunaga the Fool
Based On: Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Era: Renaissance, Italy
🎨 The Renaissance Genius
Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, engineer, anatomist, and visionary whose influence spans centuries. Known for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, he also designed war machines, flying devices, and explored human anatomy in detail.
Da Vinci was the quintessential “Renaissance Man,” blending art, science, and philosophy.
🧠 Anime Portrayal
In Fate/Grand Order, Leonardo is reimagined as a magical female inventor, keeping the brilliance and creativity but adding a mystical twist. In Nobunaga the Fool, he appears as a wise strategist and inventor guiding key characters through their journey.
🚀 Why He Inspires Anime
Da Vinci represents the limitless potential of the human mind. Anime adaptations often lean into his futuristic ideas and artistic genius, portraying him as a sorcerer, strategist, or even gender-bent alchemist. He bridges fantasy and reality beautifully.
✨ Honorable Mentions
🏛️ Rasputin – Drifters
The mysterious Russian mystic is portrayed as a villain with hypnotic powers.
⚔️ Tokugawa Ieyasu – Sengoku Otome, Basilisk
Founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, he often appears as a calm and strategic leader.
🔥 Joan of Arc – Fate/Apocrypha
France’s iconic warrior maiden becomes a noble holy knight with powerful abilities.
🧙 Hattori Hanzo – multiple ninja anime
Famed ninja and bodyguard of Tokugawa Ieyasu, now a pop-culture figure in many anime and games.
📚 Final Thoughts
Anime is more than just fantasy — it’s also a vessel for cultural storytelling. By reimagining historical figures through colorful characters and gripping plots, anime preserves and reinvents the legacies of those who once walked this Earth. From samurai legends to European geniuses, these characters offer us a glimpse into the past while thrilling us with futuristic flair.
Which of these characters surprised you the most?
Have you ever spotted a real historical reference in an anime you love?
👉 Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which historical figure you’d like to see in anime next!