Raoh

Lore & Background

Raoh's origins are revealed through two accounts: initially stated as an orphan adopted by Ryuken alongside his biological brother Toki, and later corrected to show he was a refugee from the Kingdom of Shura sent to Japan with infant Kenshiro and Toki after their homeland fell to civil war. Alongside Jagi, Raoh trained under Ryuken but lost the succession rights to Hokuto Shinken to Kenshiro. Refusing to accept this, Raoh struck down his sifu from behind after Ryuken had survived Toki's Hokuto Ujō Ken, killing him directly with that blow and pursuing his ambition of becoming the world's greatest martial artist. He built an army with childhood friends Reina and Souga, conquering the Dungeon City of Cassandra. His subordinates included Jagi, the impostor Amiba, and Uighur; Ryuga was an ally and rival who later opposed Raoh, not a subordinate. Raoh also claimed Kokuoh-Go, a giant black stallion, as his personal steed.

In Their Own Story

After Kenshiro destroyed Cassandra, Raoh occupied Mamiya's village, defeating Rei and thwarting challenges from both Kenshiro and Toki. In the "Legend of Raoh - Chapter of Love in Death," he killed Souga to boost morale before battling Souther's army; Reina was injured saving an infant, prompting Raoh to save her life with a pressure point strike and entrust her to Toki. After Souther's defeat, Raoh defeated rival Koryu to gauge his recovery and fought Toki again, sparing him out of sympathy for his terminal illness. He battled the Five Chariots before discovering their leader was Yuria. Rushing to capture her, he confronted Kenshiro, who had mastered Musō Tensei. Raoh escaped with Yuria but learned she was also terminally ill. Seeking to master Musō Tensei through sorrow, he fought Fudoh of the Mountains, realizing true sorrow was the key. Before his final battle at Hokuto Renkitōza, Raoh purged power-hungry members of his army. In a grueling fight against Kenshiro, he extended Yuria's lifespan via pressure points before jettisoning his life energy to restore light to the world, declaring, "I have no regrets for the life that I've lived!" His ashes were taken by Kokuoh-Go to Reina in the Land of Asura.

Reader's Guide

Raoh is a central figure whose influence persists after death, affecting characters like Falco and Akashachi. In his homeland, the Land of Asura, he was worshipped as a hero against the corrupt ruler Kaioh, who is revealed to be Raoh's biological elder brother. The final chapters reveal Raoh left behind a son named Ryu. His journey is defined by his quest to conquer the heavens and master Musō Tensei, requiring him to face fear and sorrow. He battles key figures including Fudoh, Souther, Koryu, Toki, and Kenshiro. His leadership style involves eliminating corruption within his own ranks to preserve their integrity after his death. The character appears in various media, including the spinoff manga "Legends of the Dark King," where he is the protagonist, and the movie series "The Legends of the True Savior." To promote the film "Raoh Den Gekitō no Shō," producers held a mock funeral at Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin on April 18, 2007.

Did You Know?

• Raoh's initial silhouetted appearance in Episode 32 of the original television series was voiced by Norio Wakamoto.
• In the Land of Asura, Raoh is remembered as a feared conqueror and the older brother of Kaioh, not as a hero offering hope.
• The producers of the film "Raoh Den Gekitō no Shō" held a mock funeral service for Raoh on April 18, 2007, at Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin.
• Raoh attempted to kill Yuria but was stopped by Kenshiro; it was Toki who extended Yuria's lifespan using his Pressure Points.
• After his final battle, Raoh jettisoned his remaining life energy into the heavens to restore light to the world.