Takezo Kensei
INTRODUCTION
Takezo Kensei is a revered hero from Japanese history. You can learn more about him by watching the original Yamagato Fellowship production, "Takezo Kensei: Sword Saint." Kensei, a swordsman, fought dozens of battles in the name of defending the people of Japan from those who sought to take their freedom.

A wild savage turned master swordsman whose heroics helped unify Japan.
 
Takezo found a sword frozen in the snow that helped him focus all his strength and courage. Some say this sword, and Takezo’s power, were a Godsend.
 
With war threatening to fracture Japan, he went to the Dragon of Kiso Mountain and asked him to teach him the secrets of the sword. The Dragon agreed to help in exchange for all of his love. Takezo loved a princess with all his heart but knew Japan would fall if he did not triumph, so he agreed. The Dragon taught him and he became Kensei (a sword saint).
 
With his newfound knowledge, Kensei fought and won a great battle – thus saving his people. After the battle, the Dragon came to Kensei’s palace to collect on their deal. The Dragon demanded the life of the princess. Kensei refused and cut out his own heart, handed it to the dragon and said, “My love is in here. Take it.” And then he died. When the Dragon saw what Kensei was willing to sacrifice for his people (and his love) he was so moved that he replaced Kensei’s heart and breathed fire-life back into the swordsman.
 
The Takezo dynasty went on to rule Japan with valor and love for a hundred years.
 
WHY HE IS A HERO
Takezo Kensei stood up to Japan's worst villains in the name of defending his country and its people. With great inner strength and a sense of true and righteous purpose, Kensei set out to correct hundreds of wrongs, and he succeeded in doing so.

His heroics were especially important coming as they did at a pivotal time in Japan's history. With trade opening to the West and guns entering the country for the first time, the very fabric of Japanese society was beginning to pull apart, making the country an easy target for warlords hungry to seize control.