Overview of Elite Hunters in Japan
- Japan’s Blade Guild is home to formidable hunters, including Ippei Izawa, Kanae Tawata, and Kenzo Tanaka.
- Atsushi Kumamoto has earned a reputation as Japan’s most feared hunter, known for single-handedly clearing B-rank gates.
- Despite his morally questionable actions, Goto Ryuji, the Guild Master of the Blade Guild, is often regarded as Japan’s greatest hunter.
Within the realms of the Solo Leveling universe, the influence of hunters can significantly impact a nation’s progress, both positively and negatively. Nations that are home to a greater number of powerful hunters wield more authority in comparison to those with fewer or less capable figures.
In the context of Asia, Japan stands as a powerful hunting force, second only to China, prior to Sung Jin-Woo’s monumental second awakening. The hunting industry in Japan is predominantly controlled by the Blade Guild, whose members are among the continent’s strongest fighters. Below is a ranked list of Japan’s elite hunters, evaluated based on their abilities, experience, and notable achievements.
7. Ippei Izawa
S-Rank Hunter of the Blade Guild
- Webtoon Debut: Chapter 90
- Weaponry: Bladed Tonfas
- Class: Assassin
- Affiliations: Blade Guild, Jeju Island Raid Party
Ippei Izawa, a distinguished member of the Blade Guild, is celebrated for his extensive experience combating formidable creatures within treacherous dungeons. His prowess made him a key asset during the Jeju Island raid, where he effectively eliminated numerous powerful ants using his bladed tonfas.
6. Kanae Tawata
Japan’s Premier Female Hunter
- Webtoon Debut: Chapter 90
- Weaponry: Katanas
- Class: Fighter
- Affiliations: Blade Guild, Jeju Island Raid Party
Kanae Tawata is a passionate and fierce hunter, deeply devoted to her team. As an S-rank fighter, her experience proved invaluable during the harrowing Jeju Island raid, where she not only showcased her strength but also played a crucial role in supporting her peers, including Hoshino, in their darkest moments against the Ant King.
5. Kenzo Tanaka
One of Japan’s Elite Hunters
- Webtoon Debut: Chapter 90
- Weaponry: N/A
- Class: Fighter
- Affiliations: Blade Guild, Jeju Island Raid Party
As a fighter-class S-rank hunter, Kenzo Tanaka has proven his mettle by earning a spot on the final Jeju Island raid party. His skills were evident when he triumphed over the Korean S-rank hunter Ma Dongwook during a joint sparring session, demonstrating that he can hold his own against elite competitors.
4. Minoru Hoshino
A Member of the Blade Guild
- Webtoon Debut: Chapter 90
- Weaponry: N/A
- Class: Fighter
- Affiliations: Blade Guild, Jeju Island Raid Party
Minoru Hoshino is another strong S-rank fighter who came out alive from the perilous Jeju Island raid. His capabilities were further highlighted during the Japan Crisis arc, where he engaged in a fierce battle against other elite hunters like Lim Tae-Gyu, proving his skill and strength consistently against high-ranking adversaries.
3. Atsushi Kumamoto
Japan’s Most Feared Hunter
- Webtoon Debut: Chapter 90
- Weaponry: N/A
- Class: Fighter
- Affiliations: Blade Guild, Jeju Island Raid Party
Adept and fierce, Atsushi Kumamoto stands out as Japan’s most feared hunter, renowned for his exceptional speed which allows him to overpower many opponents effortlessly. His selection for the Jeju Island raid underscored the high regard in which he is held within the hunting community.
2. Reiji Sugimoto
Goto’s Likely Successor
- Webtoon Debut: Chapter 94
- Class: N/A
- Affiliations: Japanese Hunters Association, Blade Guild
After Goto Ryuji, Reiji Sugimoto emerges as a leading figure among Japanese hunters. His involvement with the Japanese Hunters Association signifies his impactful role in shaping hunter policies in the nation. An experienced S-rank hunter, Sugimoto balances his commitments from his various roles while continuing to raid hazardous dungeons.
1. Ryuji Goto
The Strongest Hunter in Japan
- Webtoon Debut: Chapter 85
- Weaponry: Katana
- Class: Fighter
- Affiliations: Blade Guild, Jeju Island Raid Party, Japanese Hunters Association
As the Guild Master of the formidable Blade Guild, Goto Ryuji possesses aspirations of becoming a national-level hunter. While he may not be among the very top hunters globally, he is recognized as Japan’s strongest, positioned just below the acclaimed Chinese hunter Liu Zhigang prior to Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation.
Physically imposing and instinctively aware, Goto recognizes the unique potential of Sung Jin-Woo upon first meeting him. However, his ascent to power has led to a decline in his ethics, demonstrating a willingness to exploit others for personal gain and showing a chilling lack of empathy towards his fallen allies.
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