Oguni Gensai is a skilled elderly physician who owns and runs a modest clinic in downtown Tokyo near the Kamiya Dōjō. A longtime friend of the Kamiya family, the good doctor is frequently called in when a member or ally of the Kenshin-gumi is in need of medical aid. In the 1996 anime series, Gensai is most often seen in the company of his two young granddaughters, Ayame and Suzume.
Appearance[]
Gensai is a short elderly man with kind, dark eyes and light grey hair that matches his thick Fu Manchu moustache and short, pointed beard. He is always seen wearing a burgundy kimono under his sky blue doctor's jacket and matching hat.
Personality[]
Amicable and grandfatherly, Gensai is always accommodating in times of need and readily available to help celebrate in times of peace and revelry. He cares deeply about his patients and the people in his community and his sharp observational skills allow him to sometimes serve as a useful source of information regarding the goings-on surrounding the Kenshin-gumi's adventures. His good-nature does appear to have a limit, as shown in his general sense of annoyance towards Sanosuke and his exasperation with Megumi's rare lapses. In addition, the elderly doctor seems to have a lascivious side, as evidenced by his initially lusty behavior toward his lovely new assistant. In the anime, Gensai's constant attachment to Ayame and Suzume seems to foster a slightly more benign temperament.
Relationships[]
- Kamiya Kaoru: Gensai is a long time friend of the Kamiya family and knows Kaoru well. Gensai comes to the Kamiya Dōjō constantly.
- Takani Megumi: Gensai hired Megumi to work at his clinic while she was staying in Tokyo.
- Ayame & Suzume: They are Gensai's granddaughters, and they are his treasures.
- Oguni Hana: Hana is Gensai's younger sister.
Abilities[]
Gensai doesn't have any combat skills but is a skilled doctor.
History[]
Throughout the 1996 anime Gensai has, at times, played a supporting role when Kenshin and his allies are at the Kamiya Dōjō.
Tokyo Arc[]
Gensai usually stops by the Kamiya Dōjō to check on Kaoru and leave his granddaughters Ayame and Suzume there while he works at the clinic. After fights with the enemies, Gensai can be seen treating and conforting any wounded people.
Kyōto Arc[]
When Kenshin leaves to Kyōto and Ayame and Suzume are inconsolable crying, Gensai conforts them in his lap. Several episodes later when there are scenes showing the state of the people in Tokyo, Gensai is shown at the Kamiya Dōjō still conforting Ayame and Suzume in hopes Kenshin will return soon.
Once the Kenshingumi return to Tokyo after the fight with Shishio Makoto, Gensai (alongside Tsubame Ayame and Suzume) greets everyone back.
Etymology[]
- Oguni means "small" (小) (o) and "country" (国) (kuni/guni).
- Gensai means "mysterious, occultness" (玄) (gen) and "purification/religious purification, Buddhist food, room, worship, avoid, alike" (斎) (sai).
Trivia[]
- Oguni Gensai is a 1996 anime original character, (as well as his granddaughters Ayame and Suzume).
Gallery[]
