Character Profile: Saotome Genma
Fields | USA Info | Japanese Info | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
Name | Saotome Genma | Saotome Genma |  |
Alias | Mr. Panda (by Nodoka) | ||
Race | Human; giant panda | Human; giant panda | |
Gender | Male | Male | |
Age | 47 years old | 47 years old | |
Hair | Bald (as human); black & white fur (as panda) | Bald (as human); black & white fur (as panda) | |
Eyes | |||
Height | |||
Weight | |||
Status | Martial artist, father | Martial artist, father | |
Quote | "The life of a true martial artist is full of perril." | ||
Voice | Robert O. Smith | Kenichi Ogata | |
Debut | Episode 1 | Episode 1 | |
Anime | Ranma 1/2 | Ranma Nibunnoichi |
Character Description: Saotome Genma
Ranma's insensitive father. Long ago, when he and Soun were training under Happosai, he arranged with Soun Tendo that their children would someday marry. While training Ranma at the remote Chinese training ground Jusenkyo, Ranma kicked him into Shonmaoniichuan where a panda drowned 2000 years ago (very tragic story ^_^). To Ranma's shock, Genma emerged as a panda. As the guide explained the tragic legend of the spring, Genma whacked the distracted Ranma into Nyanniichuan.
Unlike Ranma, he doesn't have much trouble with his curse, and becomes quite accustomed to living as a panda (comporting himself with human dignity even as he sips tea and plays shogi with Soun). Since he can't speak as a panda, he uses wooden signs to communicate.
According to the website Ranma ½ Perfect Edition, the name Genma means "Unpolished Horse", which defines his personality quite well. Saotome means "rice planting girl" which is more of a pun with Ranma's name than Genma's.
