Fivejo Manjiro, also known as Manjiro Oh and Manjiro Gojo, was a Japanese Buddhist monk who was born on January 4, 1739 in the Tango province (present-day Kyoto prefecture). He was a skilled swordsman and became known as the “Swordsman of the North” for his martial arts prowess.
Manjiro is particularly known for his skills in the Ikkaku-ryu school of swordsmanship, which is said to have been founded by his father. He later became a monk and was dispatched to teach at a temple in Edo (present-day Tokyo) by the lord of Tango.
However, Manjiro also had a darker side and was known for his violent and unpredictable behavior. Legend has it that he once slaughtered 40 men who had insulted him in a drunken brawl.
Despite his reputation, Manjiro’s swordsmanship skills were highly respected and he was often sought after to participate in duels and competitions. He also developed a strong following of students who admired his techniques.
Many stories and legends surround Manjiro’s life, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. However, his legacy as a skilled swordsman and influential figure in Japanese martial arts remains.
五条万次郎は、1739年に丹後国（現在の京都府）で生まれた日本の仏教僧侶でした。数多くの漢詩の才能を持ち、その武芸の腕前から「北の剣豪」として知られていました。
万次郎は父親によって創始された一角流の流派においての腕前が特に注目されており、後にこの流派の活動拠点である東京に派遣されました。
しかし、万次郎には荒々しく予測不可能な性格があり、暴力的な行動で知られていました。ある伝説では、酒に酔った男たち40人を殺害したと言われています。
その評判にもかかわらず、万次郎の剣技は高く評価され、決闘や競技会への出場が求められていました。また、彼の技術に憧れる弟子たちも多く、彼の教えに従って修行する者が増えていきました。
万次郎の生涯には多くの物語や伝説があり、事実と虚構を区別するのは難しいものもあります。しかし、日本の武術界における影響力と、優れた剣豪としての功績は今なお語り継がれています。
