THUNDER JET (Series)

 After the collapse of the Sacred Galaxy Empire, a battle for control of the Milky Way Galaxy breaks out among the warlords. From the chaos emerges a young courageous warrior, Ryuga Rai, also known as Tatsuya Rai in the manga.

Ryuga Rai is a fearless warrior to his foes but to others, he is a gentle soul, dependable and loyal.

Two powerful forces aspire to reign over the entire Empire: Dan-Joe (or Hiki Danjo in the manga), ruler of the Northern Region of the Milky Way, and Lord Masamune, ruler of the Southern Region.

Ryuga Rai sees the ensuing battle and ponders the ultimate goal. Is it power and glory these rulers are seeking for, or a peaceful Milky Way under one ruler? Rai realizes the importance of this battle and his destiny. One day he will bring peace to the Milky Way.

Characters

Thunder Jet & Co.

RAI RYUGA (竜我 雷, Ryuuga Rai) a.k.a. TATSUYA RAI

The protagonist and a hero of the series. His real name is Ryuga Rai (a.k.a. Tatsuya Rai in the manga), his actual age remain unknown but in the manga he was about 18 years old at the time he was in Danjo's army. Joined the Army of the Kingdom of Gojo (Gomasu in the manga) as a Private, but he was quickly promoted to platoon leader and, later, as battalion commander after successive victories in critical battles. In the anime, Rai is portrayed as more of a hero and is more one dimensional compared to his manga appearance. In the manga, he begins with an attitude similar to his anime portrayal, but as the story progresses, his ambitions leave consequences that enable him to rise higher within the ranks of the galactic kingdoms at the expense of the lives of numerous key characters ; this makes Rai a more complex individual who, as he keeps gaining more power, is tragically torn between choosing the right thing to do and following his ambition to become the emperor regardless of the casualties. After Shimon's death in both versions (Muraya in the manga), Rai vows to become a just ruler who will unite the galaxy and protect the people living in peace. His overzealous dream of becoming the ruler of the galaxies serves as Geni's main source of strength, indirectly causing Shimon's death and much of the conflicts fought by Rai throughout the story. In the manga's special epilogue chapter, an older Rai (now emperor) meets Jamka, the son he conceived through a secret affair with Lord Masamune, and the one who would truly realize Shimon's dream of unifying the galaxy.

He was named LOERAY/LOE in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named RUGARAI/RYUGA RAI in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

He was named TATSUYA RAI in the manga.

He was voiced by Nobuyuki Hiyama in the Japanese anime.

Voiced by Fourth Lee In the Philippine Tagalog dub.

UNKAI

A 34-year-old monk born in the same planet as Ryuga Rai. He has tremendous physical strength. Very loyal to Rai.

He was named VINHI in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named FRYER MONK in the Philippine tagalog dub.

He was named KUNHAI in the manga.

He was voiced by Yuu Shimaka in the Japanese anime.

TAISUSKE

A 14-year-old tag-along side-kick of Thunder Jet and Unkai. Often seen using a gun during battles. He died in a mission in the manga when he tried to bomb the Ren Kingdom warships by disguise as a Ren's soldier. During the mission, his masquerade was exposed and severely injured by many of the soldiers on the ship; therefore, he decided to sacrifice by setting off the explosion in the gunpowder unit, blow up a series of ships instantly that later led to Rai's victory.

He was named TAZU in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named TASKEE in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

He was named TASHO in the manga

He was voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi in the Japanese anime.

SISHIN DAIGAKUYA (大覚屋 師真, Daigakuya Shishin)

Shishin is a genius strategist with wide knowledge in history, Confucian classics, war tactics, astronomy and medicine. He is more serious and monotonous in the later episodes of the anime as well as in the manga.

In the manga, he retains his womanizing and comical gimmicks while quickly changing his character whenever the moment required it. He was initially in love with Shimon, but after seeing her be in the relationship with Rai, he decided to let her be. He, however, soon found a new resolve in Kagan (Kagyoku or Hanayu in the manga), Gen-Yee's former lover (a.k.a. Fukayoshi). He eventually becomes Ryuga Rai's closest friend and a brother.

The character was loosely based from Zhuge Liang

He was named SIKEN in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named SISIN in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

He was named DAKUWA SHIZEN in the manga.

He was voiced by Kazuki Yao in the Japanese anime.

DAIGAKUYA EISHIN

A younger brother of Shishin. He supports Ryuga Rai with his brother Shishin as back up strategist. Eishin is a much more complex character in the manga, where he resents being in the shadow of his brother's ingenuity and wants the Galaxy to be ruled by two Kings. Later in the manga, Eishin attempted to infiltrate Rakou's fleet posing as a traitor in order to prove himself worthy of his brother's praise. After a successful stratagem, Eishin returned into Rai's colony to inform Shishin of Rakou's next plans, only to be impaled by Rai's guards immediately after a tearful conversation. Eishin maintains a relatively minor supporting role in the anime, while in the manga he proves himself to be a more multidimensional and deeper character.

He was named PEKEN in the YouTube dub (Hong Kong translated video).

He was named EISIN in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

He was named DAKUWA YOZEN in the manga.

He was voiced by Tetsuya Iwanaga in the Japanese anime.

LIN SOUKUKA

An orphan boy known for reading books (made reference to having read Sun Tzu's The Art of War). He was first hired to do chores through Lan-Lan after bring released from custody for larceny-theft, but later served as assistant strategist for Shishin.

His name was translated as LIN-SOCK on the (Hong Kong translated video).

He was named LINSOKA in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

His name was NOBUGA as in the manga.

He was voiced by Yūsuke Numata in the Japanese anime.

LAN-LAN (蘭々, Ran-ran)

A little girl who serves as an attendant for Shimon, she is also a younger sister of Kagan. She loves and trusts her very much.

In the manga she is Kagan (Kagyoku)'s younger sister, as well as a much less important character; despite being assigned as Shimon's servant, Lan-Lan is not given much of a role. In the end of the manga she becomes Soukuka's wife.

She was voiced by Sumie Baba in the Japanese anime.

SANRAKUSAI

A happy-go-round soldier. His job is to look after the ladies, also serves as Rai's spokesman/messenger/negotiator.

He was named SUNLOCK in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

His name is SANYO HASHI: in the manga

He was voiced by Kenichi Ono in the Japanese anime.

MOUKAKOU

Deputy officer of Kongo ("Emery" in the Philippine Tagalog dub; "Kingkong" in the YouTube dub/Hong Kong translated video), Thunder Jet's flagship.

He is doubtful of TJ's ability to command a ship and a fleet at the beginning. After he witnessed T.J.'s outstanding courage and leadership, he becomes TJ's one of most trustful officers.

He was named TAZE in the YouTube dub

His name was MOVICK in Philippine Tagalog translation

His name was MOKACK in the Hong Kong translations (Hong Kong English).

His name is SANMEI in the manga

He was voiced by Takeshi Watabe in the Japanese anime.

JOMIN

An old soldier who serves as Kongo's Maintenance Officer.

He was voiced by Katsumi Suzuki in the Japanese anime.

KOUEN

"The Pirate King" Leader of the notorious space pirates in the deep south region. He joined forces with Rai along with his fellow space pirates after he was defeated. In the manga, he was killed by Kakouga of the Ren Kingdom in a mission to stop the Ren Army so that the Gomasu could focus in fighting with Masamune.

His name was translated as COLIN in the Hong Kong translated anine (Hong Kong English).

He was named COEN in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

His name was HANYAN in the manga.

He was voiced by Hiroshi Naka in the Japanese anime.

KOUBU

The son of the Pirate King Kouen. Later in the manga he became one of the greatest general of the Gomasu Empire.

His name was translated as COBIN in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named KOBU in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

His name was HANWU in the manga.

He was voiced by Keiichi Sonobe in the Japanese anime.

Kingdom of Sakurai

ASOU SHUZEN

King of the Sakurai Kingdom. Father of Shimon. He was killed by Rai in a raid by the Gomasu Empire. He was a former general of the Sacred Galaxy Empire along with Hiki Danjo.

He was voiced by Ikuya Sawaki in the original Japanese version.

SIMONE (紫紋, Shimon)

Daughter of King Asou Shuzen. She is the only direct descendant of "The Sacred Galaxy Empire." Her age was unknown but seems to be 15 years old and younger than Rai. In the anime, Shimon wants to revenge for her father by killing Rai when she witnessed he killed her father. In the manga, however, she was amazed by Rai's kindness when she first saw him coming to the palace to ask Danjo for increasing the money for the dead soldiers' families (She did not witness her father's death in the manga). Princess Lila jealous with Shimon in both versions, but later when she died and Lila became the Queen in the manga, she was respected and missed by Lila when she looked up in the sky and talked about the greatness of Rai.

Her name is Muraya in the manga.

She was voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi in the original Japanese release.

Kingdom of Gojo (a.k.a. Gomasu)

HIKI DANJO

The King of Gomasu. He was one of two Generals-in-Chief of the Sacred Galaxy Empire. At age 72 years, he intends to destroy his Southern Regional rival to unite the Milky Way. In the anime, he is assassinated by mysterious assassins using poisonous snakes. In the manga version, he died because of illness and was shocked after hearing the news that his testament had been stolen. He died at age 74.

He was named TAZE in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

His name is HIKI DANJO in the manga

He was voiced by Shōzō Iizuka in the Japanese anime.

REILA (麗羅, Reira)

Reila is the clumsy daughter of King Danjo. She secretly admires Rai and jealous with Shimon in this love battle. However, later her relationship with Shimon became better. Especially in the manga when Shimon died, Lila cried and always missed Shimon whenever she was mentioned.

She was named LILO in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

Her name is LILA in the manga

She was voiced by Nina Kumagaya in the Japanese anime.

FOMEI

One of the Four Heavenly Generals of Kingdom of Gojo. He is known as the "Tortoise General". A 42-year-old masked man. Merciless and cunning, he serves as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Gojo.

He was named FOMEE in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named FOMAY in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

His name was HOMITO in the manga.

He was voiced by Tatsuyuki Jinnai in the original Japanese version.

ROUHA

One of the Four Heavenly Generals of the Kingdom of Gojo and is also known as the "Dragon General". A 22-year-old courageous, intelligent and highly loyal female general. The most capable out of the four heavenly generals according to Masamune but can easily be swayed by emotions. She saw the high potential on Rai and promoted him from a footman to the leader of 4077 troops under her wing. She eventually became the mentor of Rai.

Later in the story, she had a duel with her student Ryuga Rai and was defeated and severely injured. She acknowledge that her student already passed him and was very amazed with Rai's great progress. Failing her mission, she then jumped to the burning sun while entrusting Rai the mission to kill Gaira.

She was named LONREN in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

Named as ROGINA (Rojina) in the Philippine tagalog anime.

Her name is GENDO in the manga.

She was voiced by Eiko Yamada in the Japanese anime.

GE-NI

One of Four Heavenly Generals of the Kingdom of Gojo and is also known as the "Phoenix General". A 24-year-old handsome man and a cunning strategist. His true identity was later revealed to be an alien life force. He also possesses strong psychic power. In the manga, he is Kagan's lover and later was killed by Kinado at the palace of the Gomasu's capital. Kagan later became Shishin's love interest.

He was named HARVY in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named GEN-YEE in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

His name is FUKAYOSHI in the manga.

He was voiced by Ryūzaburō Ōtomo in the Japanese anime.

KAGAN (Kagyoku)

An affectionate and devoted follower of Ge-Ni. She also possesses the power of sorcery, and has no hesitation to do whatever she thinks is good for her master, including assassination.

She is a much more complex character in the manga, as she is possessed by Ge-Ni's evil spirit and serves as his subordinate in order to feed him with anguish and hatred. During the final stages of the manga, she breaks free of his possession and becomes Shishin's love interest. In the end, she announces to Shishin the upcoming birth of their child.

He was named HUAYU in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

HANAYU in the manga.

She was voiced by Rei Igarashi in the Japanese anime.

GAIRA

One of Four Heavenly Generals of the Kingdom of Gojo and is also known as the "Tiger General". A 30-year-old ferocious brute and ambitious warrior with "Tiger" face. Gaira stood up to protect Rouha from being executed by Hiki Danjo for failing the southern conquest and being defeated by Masamune. Later in the story he overthrown the government after Hiki Danjo died by killing Fomei and Ge-ni. He was able to recruit Rouha and accepted his offer to join his army since she had nowhere to go.

He was named HERO in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named GARER in the Philippine tagalog dub.

His name is HAILA in the manga.

He was voiced by Tesshō Genda in the Japanese anime.

GAIZAN

Younger brother of Gaira. Gaizan is a strong tiger-faced warrior like Gaira. He was killed by Rai during the revolution.

He was named GAZAN in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

His name is HAISAN in the manga.

Voiced by Chafurin in the japanese anime.

GAIEN

The youngest brother of Gaira. Unlike his brothers who are tiger-faced, Gaien is puma-faced. He wants to help Gaira to ascend to the throne of the Sacred Galaxy Empire by serving as his strategist. He was later executed by Koubu after he refused the offer to become one of the strategist for Rai.

He was named HAYE in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

His name is HAIYAN in the manga.

Voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa in the japanese anime.

CHAHIYE

A pirate from the South who was hired by Gaien to attack Rai's fleet in Nankairo.

An exclusive character from the anime and has no appearance in the manga.

HOCKEN

A general of the Kingdom of Gojo who rose up against Dungeo by joining Fukayoshi (who was instructed by Dungeo to act a rebellion in order to know who the traitors in his kingdom are.)

BUTTO

A general of the new Kingdom of Great Gomasu, which is under the rule of Emperor Haila. He was the ordered by Haila to avenge the death of Haisan.

GAMOU

Rouha's Right hand man and deputy of the 7 dragon generals (Generals under Rouha's command). He remains loyal to Rouha until his death.

He is named as POSAN in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

Kingdom of Ty (a.k.a. JIKO)

MASAMUNE

The One-Eyed Dragon. The Queen of Jiko. The leader of allied Southern Region of the Galaxy. A formidable warrior known as a marksman with pistol. She is equipped with a Japanese Matchlock pistol. In the manga, she was amazed by her first impression with Ryuga Rai and later was killed due to her severe tuberculosis sickness after dueling Rai. It is hinted in the manga that said admiration towards Rai could have turned into love (or lust, in a lesser degree), for she and Rai had a secret affair that would conceive Jamka, as detailed in the Ibun epilogue manga. She was also impressed by Kenzo Shan, Admiral of the Ren Kingdom.

Named as MUSAMNEY in the Philippine Tagalog dub;

Named as MASSINA and has a nickname of ONE-EYED JENZO in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

She was voiced by Gara Takashima in the original Japanese anime.

Her character is based on Masamune Date

TORAMARU

Masamune's younger brother. He was enthroned as the Emperor of the galaxy as part of the Ren Kingdom's plan to strengthen their forces. His older sister agrees to the plan in order to provide Toramaru a better protection during the time of war.

He was named TARAMAROON in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

His name in the manga was kept as TORAMARU

He was voiced by Daisuke Sakaguchi in the Japanese anime.

HIRYU

The deputy commander of Queen Masamune. She assumes No. 2 post in the entire "TY" fleet. She is engaged in espionage as an outstanding 'ninja'. In the manga, she wandered around the galazy after Masamune and Toramaru had died, and later supported Admiral Kenzo Shan of the Ren Kingdom since they were classmates during childhood. She attempts to assassinate Ryuga Rai and is killed by him.

She was named HEE-LAI in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

Her name in the manga is TOBITO.

She was voiced by Megumi Ogata in the Japanese anime.

JURI

The strategist of Masamune. Formerly the vice commander of King Racko of the Kingdom of "REN."

He was named LEIGE in the Hong Kong translated anime (Hong Kong English).

He was named YURI in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

He was voiced by Ikuya Sawaki in the Japanese anime.

SION

A general of the Kingdom of Ty who was instructed by Masamune to invade the province of NANKAIRO, then under the governorship of Ryuga Rai.

Kingdom of Ren[edit]

RAKOU

The young ruler of "REN" Kingdom. He seeks for a chance to destroy General Rouha who killed his father. He then eventually became the rival of Ryuga Rai. In the anime he progressed from being an episodic antagonist to forming a respectful rivalry with Rai, even settling for a peace treaty after being persuaded by Shimon. In the final episode of the anime, Rakou realized through Shimon's death that the only way to achieve peace amidst the galaxy's chaos was by defeating Rai, thus engaging in a climatic battle which aftermath is left ambiguous. In the manga, Rakou's rivalry with Rai is much more intense, and after Masamune's death, the story becomes more focused on their clashing ideologies and ambitions. The final volume portrays the ultimate battle between him and Rai, in which the latter is victorious by beheading him. Despite their heated rivalry, Rai and Rakou had utmost respect for each other, and it is hinted numerous times throughout the story that they could have been the greatest of allies, had they met under different circumstances. In the final chapter of the manga, Rakou appears to Rai in a spiritual form, reminding him that there was still much to do in order to achieve his goal of unifying the galaxy. Immediately after their final showdown, Rai ordered the execution of Rakou and Yuushun's remaining five children. In the end, he was survived by his younger sister, Kira (Kila in the manga), who became Rai's fourth and final wife. Rakou was killed in action at age 27.

He was named ROJO in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

He was voiced by Ryotaro Okiayu in the japanese anime.

YUUSHUN

Racko's fiance. In her first appearance, she attacked one of the defense towers of Ryuga Rai which then broke their alliance. In the manga, she becomes very good friends with Shimon and Reira, both of whom stood beside her during labor, while being held as a political prisoner in the North palace. She was killed by Racko before he came into the final battle with the Gomasu.

She was voiced by Yuka Koyama in the original Japanese version.

KYOUSHISHOU

The chief of joint staff of the Kingdom of Ren and the best friend of King Racko since the childhood days. He also serves as Racko's strategist. He also is a childhood friend with Tobito in the manga, and her love interest later in the manga. At their last meeting, Kenzo asked Tobito to execute him and bring his head in order to lure Ryuga Rai into an assassination plot. Tobito succeeded in stabbing Ryuga Rai with a poisonous knife, but he does not die.

Named as KYOSHEISHO in the Philippine Tagalog dub.

Named as COSISHOO in the Hong Kong translated version (Hong Kong English).

Voiced by Kiyoyuki Yanada in the Japanese anime.

TEIHO

A teen-looking (about racko's age) general of the Kingdom of Ren who indiscriminately bombed Boot, the capital city of the Kingdom of Gomasu, resulting in the death of several of Ryuga Rai's closest friends.

Exclusive character from the anime and has not appeared in the manga.

He was voiced by Tomokazu Seki in the japanese anime.

KAKOUSAI

General of the Kingdom of Ren. Together with his brother Kakouga, they helped in the repair of the "Imperial Tiger", Racko's flagship. He owns the green version of "Imperial Tiger". He also has another brother named Hamaya in the manga.

He was voiced by Takehiro Murozono in the Japanese anime.

KAKOUGA

General of the Kingdom of Ren and the brother of Kakousai. He owns the red version of "Imperial Tiger". Notably seen wearing an eye patch.

He was voiced by Takashi Nagasako in the Japanese anime.

GOBAN

He first appeared as an ambitious wandering warrior from the south. He saved Lan Lan from the ninjas that were deployed by Kagan as part of her plot to assassinate Ryuga Rai. He was offered by Rai to join forces but Goban refused because he wanted to defeat Rai in order to become famous in the galaxy. It was later found out that he was a hired spy by Kakouga and Kakousai. He was promoted but met his fate at the hands of Ryuga Rai during the rescue of Eishin. Ryuga Rai commended Goban for being a great fighter.

Exclusive character from the anime and has not appeared in the manga.

Named as Halbered in the Hong Kong translated version (Hong Kong English).

He was voiced by Tomokazu Seki in the Japanese anime.

Other

SHUNKA

A Fleeing war orphan.