Originally a handsome and distinguished retainer of Lord Enya Hangan. But while on a tryst with his lover Okaru, he missed the critical moment when his lord drew his sword in the palace — and his fate took a dark turn.

Now living at Okaru's family home as a humble hunter, he is tormented by his desire to prove his loyalty and raise the money to join the vendetta. In Act V (Yamazaki Kaidō), he shoots a man in the dark, and a terrible chain of misunderstandings leads him to take his own life.

His famous line — "Iro ni fuketta bakari ni..." ("Because I was lost in love...") — and his beautiful yet tragic death scene are impossible to watch without tears.

Kanpei's lover, a beautiful and passionate woman. Her secret meeting with Kanpei in Act III set the tragedy in motion, but her love for him is deep and genuine — so deep that she agrees to sell herself to a pleasure house to raise money for his cause.

In Act VII (Gion Ichiriki Chaya), she inadvertently reads a secret letter reflected in a mirror, putting herself in mortal danger.

She is a tragic heroine — briefly reunited with her brother Heiemon, only to learn of her beloved Kanpei's death.

Okaru's mother and Yoichibei's wife, appearing in Act VI.

She tearfully sends off her daughter Okaru, who has been sold for Kanpei's sake. Then, moments later, her husband's body is carried in.

She turns her anger and suspicion on Kanpei. When the truth is finally revealed, she weeps anew — a woman who endures one devastating blow after another.

The proprietress of the Ichimonjiya, a house in Gion's pleasure quarter. She has come to collect Okaru.

She is no mere businesswoman — she understands the circumstances of Kanpei and Okaru, and at times persuades the former samurai Kanpei with shrewd, logical arguments. An impressive and formidable woman.

One of the loyal retainers (rōnin) of the league. In Act V, he encounters Kanpei on the Yamazaki Highway and informs him of the conspirators' movements and the coming vendetta.

In Act VI, he comes to collect Kanpei, who has promised to contribute funds. Instead, he ends up witnessing Kanpei's final moments.

A fellow retainer who appears in Act VI to investigate the truth behind the events surrounding Kanpei. He represents the strict discipline and judgment of the league of loyalists.

Unswayed by emotion, he upholds the code of the warrior and the greater cause, drawing clear lines about what is acceptable. He is portrayed as a man of principle and firm resolve.

A gegen (broker who arranges women's contracts with pleasure houses), also known as a hannin. He handles the practical transaction of collecting Okaru and managing the payment.

In Act VI, he accompanies the Ichimonjiya proprietress to take Okaru away. In some productions, the character goes by the name Zenroku.