Exploring Parallel Paths: Locations and Scenes in 'Kenji' vs Shenmue | Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of our analysis comparing the 1980s' manga "Kenji" and Shenmue. The previous part covered Characters and Themes. In this part, we'll look at how both stories follow the protagonist's journey from Japan to China, highlighting certain locations and scenes that shed light on potential influences between the two works.

Parts in this Series So Far

• Part One - Unveiling Inspiration: Exploring the Manga 'Kenji' and Shenmue
• Part Two - Character Threads: Themes and Characters in 'Kenji' vs Shenmue
• Part Three (this part) - Exploring Parallel Paths: Locations and Scenes in Kenji vs Shenmue

Kenji vs Shenmue: Journey from Japan to China

A clear parallel can be seen in terms of the broad setting and locations of the stories. In both, a Japanese boy who has been brought up studying martial arts resolves to set out on an overseas journey by ship that takes him through locations in Hong Kong and mainland China.

In the case of Kenji, his parents are initially against the idea, but reluctantly give their permission after being persuaded by one of Kenji's adult martial arts mentors. Kenji is able to secure his boat trip for free thanks to the connections of his friend. His initial destination is Taiwan, from where he travels by plane to Hong Kong.

In Ryo's case, the main obstacles to his wish to go to Hong Kong are the permission of his housekeeper, Ine-san, and the lack of money for the boat ticket. Overcoming these obstacles - in particular, the second of these - is the focus of Shenmue's first chapter.

Leaving Japan by Ship

Kenji departs from Japan by ship from Yokohama, and is seen off by a group of friends and family. 

Kenji's friends and family see him off at the port in Yokohama

In Shenmue, Ryo also leaves by ship a little further down the coast in Yokosuka. The cutscene that plays shows Master Chen and his son, Guizhang, watching his departure.

Ryo sets off on his journey from Yokosuka after saying farewell to Master Chen and Guizhang

Hong Kong: Aberdeen

One of the areas that Kenji visits while in Hong Kong is the harbor at Aberdeen, where at one point he rides one of the many small boats that are typical of the area.

Kenji: the harbor at Aberdeen

Aberdeen harbor also features in Shenmue, where Wong resides in one of the boats moored there at Beverly Hills Wharf.

Shenmue II: Beverly Hills Wharf

Hong Kong: Kowloon Walled City

Kowloon Walled City was a densely-populated and largely ungoverned area of skyscrapers that existed during the 1980's, although it was later demolished in the 1990's.

It plays a role as a setting in the story of both Kenji and Shenmue while the protagonists are in Hong Kong.

Kenji reacts to seeing Kowloon

Ryo arrives in Kowloon

China: Forbidden Palace

Upon arrival in Beijing, Kenji briefly visits the Forbidden Palace - although it does not play an important role in the later part of the story.

Kenji visits the Forbidden Palace

The Forbidden Palace can be seen in the set of eleven chapter "tiles" revealed by Yu Suzuki during his Shenmue talk at the 2014 Game Developer Conference, although these illustrations were created for Virtua Fighter RPG (Shenmue's earlier form).

In Tile #10, Akira can be seen holding a body in his arms as he stands at the top of stairs at the Forbidden Palace.

Depending on how the plot may be adjusted for Shenmue, potentially this is a location that may appear in a future chapter.

China: Cangzhou

Cangzhou is a city in the north-east of China that is known historically for its martial arts.

Cangzhou is renowned for its ancient 40-ton Iron Lion sculpture, which has stood for over a thousand years and is a symbol of the city. A significant town in Cangzhou is Mengcun, said to be the birthplace of Bajiquan martial arts.

Kenji's search for his grandfather leads him to Cangzhou city, and later also to Mengcun.

Kenji's journey takes him to Cangzhou

The Iron Lion of Cangzhou also features in the VFPRG chapter tiles, in Tile #8.

The Cangzhou Iron Lion in the Virtua Fighter RPG chapter tile #8

Indeed, the Iron Lion can be seen in the background of one of Akira's Virtua Fighter II levels.

The Iron Lion in Virtua Fighter II

Although Cangzhou is an area that Ryo has not yet visited in the released chapters of Shenmue, it has great significance to the plot: Mengcun is the place name mentioned in the prologue by Lan Di as being a man, Zhao Sunming, was killed - a man we later learn to be his father, and for whose death he places the blame on Ryo's father, Iwao Hazuki.

Hence there is a strong likelihood that Ryo will also travel there in future, to unravel the truth behind the death of Zhao Sunming.

Mengcun is mentioned in Shenmue's prologue

China: Shaolin Temple

Shaolin Temple, located in Henan Province, is known for starting Chan Buddhism and developing Shaolin Kung Fu. This martial art, with its tough training and deep philosophy, has influenced martial arts globally.

Therefore, not surprisingly, this is a location where Kenji stays on his adventures, and is taught martial arts by the monks.

Kenji arrives at Shaolin

While no direct mention of Shaolin Temple has been made so far in the Shenmue story, we have mentioned it in this post, as it has featured in very early promotional footage: specifically, the Project Berkley trailer that consisted of various CGI scenes.

In one scene, Shenhua throws off her assailants at what looks to be the entrance to Shaolin Temple. Whether or not such a scene will be included in Shenmue itself remains to be seen, however.

A glimpse of Shaolin temple in the Project Berkley trailer

Kenji vs Shenmue: Scenes

Martial Arts Instruction

Both works have an emphasis on acquiring proficiency in various Chinese martial arts, and are tied to Bajiquan in particular: in the manga, Kenji's grandfather is proficient in Bajiquan having learned it in China when younger; while in Shenmue, Ryo acquires Bajiquan moves such as the Counter Elbow Assault taught to him by Xiuying.

Both protagonists also learn moves from numerous other martial arts styles throughout their adventures.

In the manga, the moves are described in great detail to the reader, such as the following example:

Kenji receives instruction

In Shenmue, moves are also often described in detail by a master, and the player must correctly follow their instructions interactively in order to acquire the move.

Xiuying teaches Ryo the Counter Elbow Assault

Video Game Arcades

During the 1980's, video games and arcades were greatly popular with children and young adults. Both Kenji and Ryo have a game console at their homes, and they both enjoy stopping in at the local arcade.

Kenji and friend at the local arcade

The You Arcade in Shenmue's first chapter hosts several memorable scenes

Biker Gangs

Warehouse districts seem to be a favored place for motorcycle gangs to hang out. It is here that both Kenji and Ryo run into trouble with gangs that try to protect their reputation and "turf" - unsuccessfully! 

Kenji fights the leader of a motorcycle gang in a warehouse area

The Mad Angels biker gang patrols the New Yokosuka harbor area

Martial Arts Training - Horse Stance

Both Kenji and Shenmue emphasize the importance of determined training in order to improve one's martial arts, through a number of techniques.

The iconic Horse Stance is one such fundamental exercise.

Kenji practices the Horse Stance

Ryo trains at the Horse Stance in Bailu Village

Training in the Dark

Heightened awareness of one's senses is vital in martial arts. Training blindfolded or in the dark is considered important in some martial arts disciplines, as it enhances sensory awareness and reaction time.

In Kenji, a martial arts master demonstrates to Kenji his ability to spar without sight by putting on a blindfold:

In Shenmue, Ryo meets Kai, whom he later finds out is an old friend of his father. In an interactive training scene, Kai teaches Ryo how to rely on his non-visual senses by sparring with him in a dark room.

Kai spars with Ryo in a darkened room in Kowloon

A description of this training method can also be found in the Shenmue Passport section that describes the Hazuki Dojo:

"Lighting is provided only by means of candles. This is to allow such things as training in the dark to take place: an ancient martial arts training method passed down from long ago. This practice starts with faint lighting at the beginning, then the room is gradually darkened until eventually you are able to fight by sensing your opponent's presence in the dark."

The practice of training in the dark is mentioned in the Shenmue Passport (screenshot from the Suka Pass mobile app)

Martial Arts Training - Balancing Posts

Standing on tall posts while performing moves is another training method used in some martial arts disciplines to improve balance, stability, and focus.

This is something that Kenji discovers during his China travels:

In Shenmue, Bailu Village has a set of such posts set up in the village square.

Tree Punch Demonstration

Early in the Kenji story, his grandfather is asked to demonstrate his technique on a tree. At first, his single punch appears to have no effect. But as he strides away, the power he imparted becomes clear as falling pine needles fill the air accompanied by a strong rustling sound.

Shenmue contains a memorable interactive scene at Lotus Park in Hong Kong, where Ryo receives instruction on the Iron Palm. Once he has mastered it, a curtain of red leaves drops around him.

Ryo applies the Iron Palm at Lotus Park

Wood Chopping

Although seen only briefly, a wood chopping scene is included in Kenji, when Kenji is still a young boy, suggesting one of the various activities his grandfather encouraged to help his general development.

This activity takes on more significance in Shenmue, where it serves as a way for Ryo to earn money.

Kidnapping and Rescue

Rescuing a damsel in distress is a common element of many hero stories, and this is no different in Kenji where he saves a girl who has been kidnapped on a boat in Hong Kong.

In Shenmue, Ryo's friend Joy is also taken captive and Ryo is forced to defeat the skilled fighter Baihu in order to secure her freedom.

Criminal Organizations

Of a much greater threat than local gangs are powerful criminal organizations.

Kenji finds himself caught up with one such organization in China, called the Yecha Wang. There is one leader and eight subordinates who are known as the Eight Great Fierce Gods.

The Yecha Wang organization

In Shenmue, Ryo finds himself up against the Chi You Men, a powerful organization of which Lan Di is one of its leaders.

While the constitution of the organization may since have been altered by Yu Suzuki, this early illustration released by AM2 around the time of the first two chapters indicates that there were to have been four leaders (with a single boss above them called Tentei).

Chi You Men (at the time of release of the first two chapters)

Historical Basis - Chawan Sign

As we covered in our recent post, making signs with teacups is something with an historical basis. Kenji learns of this from one of his martial arts mentors:

This is a concept that similarly appears in Shenmue, and is used by Ryo to help track down a colleague of Zhu Yuan Da in Hong Kong.

Historical Basis - Identifying Allies with Passwords

In Hong Kong, Kenji is taught how to identify himself as an ally after he arrives in mainland China, using secret question and answer codes which he is told are called "black words".

In Shenmue, Ryo must also correctly respond using a password in order to gain access to the Dancing Dragon building in Kowloon, where he hopes to find Zhu Yuan Da.

Historical Basis - Emperor Pu Yi

In Shenmue III, when Ryo visits Bailu Village he is able to learn more about the history of the Dragon and Phoenix Mirrors. In particular, he is told that the emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Pu Yi, ordered the creation of the mirrors by a stonemason in the village. Earlier, Zhu Yuan Da also spoke of the mirrors being a key to treasures for the revival of the Qing Dynasty, in other words the dynasty of Pu Yi, who was known as the "Last Emperor" as he was the final monarch of China's imperial history.

In Kenji, a historical explanation regarding Pu Yi is also given by one of the characters, in connection with the fact that he became a practitioner of Bajiquan after the dynasty fell. No mention is made of mirrors or treasure! But perhaps his link to Bajiquan is something that will play a role in the story of Shenmue.

Kenji learns about Emperor Pu Yi's connection to Bajiquan

Kenji vs Shenmue: China Research Trips

Both Kenji and Shenmue are filled with detailed portrayals of martial arts, historical customs and locations in China. To that end, a great deal of research was clearly involved, during a time when access to readily-available information through the internet was not an option.

In the Kenji manga, an extra page, reproduced below, describes a research trip to China that was carried out by the manga's artist, Fujiwara Yoshihide in 1988.

At his GDC 2014 talk, Yu Suzuki described his own research trip to China, which we have covered previously in a series of posts. Some of the places he visited include Shaolin Temple, Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou.

Yu Suzuki's China Research Trip (highlighted places were visited)

In both cases, the creators' focus on authenticity is readily apparent in their own journeys made to properly research the topics.

Kenji vs Shenmue: Story Travel Map

In Kenji, the protagonist lives in Japan and, as mentioned at the start of the post, travels from Yokohama to Taiwan, on to Hong Kong and then mainland China. More specifically, cities of interest in China include Beijing, Cangzhou, Mount Song & the Shaolin Temple. 

Kenji recaps the places he has visited

So far in Shenmue's released story, Ryo has been to Bailu Village in Guilin, then on to Niaowu (both are fictional places but Niaowu bears a striking resemblance to the town of Fenghuang).

It seems likely that some of these places, which were also visited by Yu Suzuki during his own research trip, will feature in Shenmue's upcoming chapters in some form.

Final Comment

Some of the familiar locations and settings will make a Shenmue fan feel right at home if reading Kenji for the first time, and the strong historical ties to martial arts make them a natural part of the stories. If there are more that you have noticed, leave a comment below!

To what extent might the developers of Shenmue have drawn on inspiration from Kenji when brainstorming the creation of the game? In the following concluding Part Four of this series, we will include part of an interview that sheds some light on that topic.

Continue to Part Four.

Become a Patron!