"Even if I sacrifice my body, I will never sacrifice my honor."
The cyborg Genji Shimada has made peace with the augmented body he once rejected, and in doing so, he has discovered a higher humanity.[2] While wary of his past, he has acknowledged, and made peace with it. He (almost) constantly wears a mask, as, in his words, "I do not want people to fear me...or pity me."[5]

Genji's sword is a katana named Ryū ichimonji (竜一文字); he maintains it personally and has never allowed anyone else to examine or repair it. It is paired with a traditional wakizashi sheathed horizontally on his lower back.[6]

Background
“ I know what it is to leave behind a past you are not proud of. „
~ Genji
As the youngest son of Sojiro Shimada, the master of the Shimada ninja clan, Genji lived a life of luxury and privilege. He had little interest in the family's illegal businesses, and although he excelled at and enjoyed his ninja training, he spent most of his time pursuing a playboy lifestyle.[2] As Sojori's eldest son, Hanzo had the weight of expectations in a way that Genji did not. However, Genji felt that he was living in Hanzo's shadow.[7]

Asa trains the Shimada brothers

Genji was trained in the ways of the sword by Asa Yamagami,[8] who also taught them how to wall climb.[9] The brothers learnt alongside Asa's daughter, Kiriko, who became a "cute, little niece" figure to the brothers.[10] Genji was closer to Kiriko than Hanzo,[11] as they were both mischief makers.[11] While in the castle, Genji, who often filched sweets for her when the Shimada's many servants weren’t looking,[12] and they would get up to no good inside the castle.[13] At some point, he had a bowl cut to match Kiriko's hairstyle, as she didn't want to be the only one with it.[7]

Genji in his youth

One night, after the End of Summer Festival, Sojiro told Genji, Hanzo, and Kiriko a story from the history of the Shimada clan. How centuries ago, a rival clan attempted to end the Shimada's rule by setting their orchards aflame, as well as the city's Fox Shrine. The rival clan anticipated that the Shimada would move to protect their fields rather than the people of Kanezaka, but instead, the opposite happened. The Shimada aided their people first, and united with the clan, the Kanezakans made short work of the rival clan lying in wait at the orchards. The lesson, as Sojiro imparted to the three children, was that a leader's relationship must be mutually beneficial with their people, or else, they were nothing more than a parasite.[12]

Many within the clan considered the carefree Genji to be a dangerous liability, and they resented his father for coddling and protecting him.[2] He spent a lot of his time in an arcade in Hanamura, where he racked up numerous high scores on the arcade machines.[5] He and Kiriko spent a lot of time in the arcade,[11] and they got into trouble there on at least one occasion.[14]

At some point, Sojiro called Genji "sparrow" as an insult. He would later come to adopt it as a nickname.[5]

Overwatch
“ Together we could've built an empire.
That was your dream. Not mine. „
~ Hanzo and Genji

Genji fights alongside Overwatch

Following Sojiro's untimely death, the clan elders instructed Genji's older brother, Hanzo, to demand that Genji take a more active role in their late father's empire. Genji refused, enraging Hanzo. The tension between the brothers built to a violent confrontation that left Genji on the verge of death. Hanzo believed that he had killed his brother, but Genji was rescued by Overwatch and the intervention of Dr. Angela Ziegler. The global security force saw Genji as a potential asset in its ongoing operations to combat the Shimada clan. As Genji's injuries left him clinging to life, Overwatch offered to rebuild his body in exchange for his help. He was put through an extensive process of cyberization, which enhanced his natural speed and agility and augmented his superlative ninja skills. Transformed into a living weapon, Genji single-mindedly set about the task of dismantling his family's criminal empire.[2] At some point he was stationed at Watchpoint: Gibraltar.[5] As a member of Blackwatch, he had mixed views on fellow members Jesse McCree and Moira O'Deorain.[15] While he knew Blackwatch wasn't on the level, clouded by anger, Genji didn't act on his knowledge.[7]

He and Ziegler were close, having many late night conversations at Overwatch Headquarters.[5]

Retribution

Genji within Rialto

Eight years before the present day, Genji took part in a mission to Rialto in order to apprehend Talon member Antonio Bartalotti. The Blackwatch team arrived in a Venice safehouse and set up survaillance on the manor. They found Talon soldiers patrolling the grounds. When night fell, they infiltrated the manor.[16] They made their way through its interior, killing and/or incapacitating numerous Talon guards. Upon reaching Antonio's office, they found him there, not surprised to see them. Nor was he intimidated, as he pointed out that Overwatch abducting a "respected businessman" would be a public relations nightmare. Furthermore, even if they did take him, his "friends" would have him released within a week. After some thought, Reyes said "you're right" and shot Antonio, the force of the blast sending him through his office window, setting off an alarm. Genji remained silent, even as they engaged in "Plan B"—fight their way out. During the escape, Genji voiced support for Reyes's actions, stating that the commander had found an "expedient solution." He noticed that Cassidy was uneasy about what had occurred, pointing out that they'd killed before. Cassidy stated that what had happened was an execution. Genji simply responded "dead is dead." He further stated that he felt no sympathy for the Talon guards.

The team succeeded in exfiltrating the manor, but the existence of Blackwatch was revealed to the world, resulting in political and public fallout.[17] Genji and the others were put under suspension. However, Overwatch leadership encouraged him to keep training for the larger Overwatch strike team.[18]

Uprising

Genji spars with Tracer

Seven years before the present day, Genji was still a member of Blackwatch. While Null Sector carried out an uprising in King's Row, he trained with cadet Lena Oxton.[19] Genji would later comment that Tracer was "the only one I have trouble keeping up with."[20]

After the Uprising, Genji became a full-fledged member of the Overwatch strike team. He graduated alongside Oxton and Winston.[18] Within a year after the King's Row Uprising. Genji would cut contact with his old team members.[21]

Storm Rising

Genji confronts Maximilian

Six years before the present day, under the command of Sojourn, Genji took part in an operation in Havana consisting of himself, Mercy, Winston, and Tracer. Their objective was to apprehend Maximilien, who was travelling through the city in an armored convoy. The Overwatch team engaged, with Genji using his sword to disable Maximilian's vehicle, and his shuriken to destroy a pair of others. Maximilian fled on foot, but the team was able to catch up with him, Genji putting his sword to the omnic's neck. In exchange for leniency, Maximilian agreed to arrange a "meeting" with Doomfist,[21] informing them that Talon's leader would be in Singapore in three weeks.[22]

Doomfist
“ Doomfist, you are truly a worthy foe.
If we fight again, I can't promise you'll walk away this time.
Nor can I. „
~ Genji and Doomfist reflecting on their battle in Singapore

Genji in battle

Three weeks later alongside Tracer and Winston, Genji confronted Doomfist in Singapore. He initially attacked Doomfist with his shurikens, but the man either deflected them with his gauntlet, or utilized a powerful shield to keep them at bay. Doomfist slammed his gauntlet into the ground, sending pillars of earth upwards, forcing Genji to jump into the air for safety. It was the opening that Doomfist needed, as he jumped up and hit Genji with his gauntlet, sending him skidding along the streets and smashing into a car. Genji's cybernetic body began to give out, but luckily, Winston was able to defeat Doomfist shortly afterwards.[23]

Inner Peace
“ Genji, how'd you ever get used to...You know...It was hard enough for me and it was just the one arm.
It was a long and difficult road, but now, I feel at ease in my own body. „
~ Cassidy and Genji discussing their cybernetics

Genji finds inner peace

When Overwatch fell from grace, Genji felt increasingly at war with himself. For the second time, he abandoned his former life, and wandered the world in search of meaning.[24] Genji sought healing from many wounds he'd suffered, beginning with the horrific duel he’d fought with his brother, through his questionable missions in Blackwatch, to the fall of Overwatch.[25] He drifted for many years before crossing paths with the omnic monk Zenyatta. Though Genji initially rejected Zenyatta's wisdom, the benevolent omnic would not be deterred. In time, Zenyatta became his mentor, and under the monk's tutelage, Genji reconciled his dual existence as both man and machine. He learned to accept that although he had a cyborg body, his human soul was intact, and, through Zenyatta, Genji came to see his trials and cybernetic form as both a gift and unique strength.[25]

Now, for the first time in his life, Genji was free. Even he could not say where his path would ultimately lead.[2]

Recall
When Winston issued a recall of Overwatch agents, Genji was seemingly in western North America.[26] He decided to rejoin the organization.[27]

Dragons
“ Real life is not like the stories our father told us. You are a fool for believing it so!
Perhaps I am a fool to think that there is still hope for you, but I do. Think on that, brother. „
~ Hanzo and Genji part ways

Genji reveals himself

At some point after the recall, Genji headed to Japan to confront his brother. He contacted Angela Ziegler, informing her of his decision.[28]

On the tenth anniversary of Genji's supposed death, as he had done every year, Hanzo broke into Shimada Castle and took down the guards before they could alert anyone. In the main room in front of the sword display with the grand hanging scroll, he lit an incense offering and prayed to honor his brother. Genji had tracked him before he even set foot in the castle and revealed his presence to Hanzo, who sensed his presence and immediately presumed him as the next of many assassins out for Hanzo's blood. The two sparred both physically and verbally, discussing Hanzo's assassination of his brother. Hanzo unleashed his Dragon Strike ability, but Genji was able to manipulate it with his sword, a feat that only a Shimada should be capable of. Finally, with Hanzo stunned from the attack (as well as hopeless confusion), Genji held him at bladepoint with his wakasashi and Hanzo ordered him to finish the battle while he still had the chance. However, Genji refused to give his brother the death he desired, declaring that he still had a purpose in life. Genji finally releaved Hanzo of his decade-old shame by revealing to him he was his supposedly deceased brother. He took off his mask, revealing himself as Hanzo's very much alive brother. He told Hanzo that he had forgiven him, and now, Hanzo had to forgive himself. The world was changing once again and it was time for Hanzo to pick a side as Genji has. Hanzo wasn't swayed, but Genji told him that he still had hope for his brother. And with that, he disappeared into the night in a literal puff of smoke, leaving his signature sparrow feather in his place.[29]

Reflections

Genji writes his letter

At Christmas, Genji was with Zenyatta. He wrote a letter using a quill. The letter could've been sent to Mercy, who received a letter with an identical quill to Genji's, but it also could've been sent to Hanzo; Genji was writing in Japanese.[30]

Zero Hour
“ Hello Genji! Thanks for the help in Paris. I thought your hoodie was very stylish.
Our paths cross for now. As to the future, we shall see. „
~ Genji and Mei after the battle in Paris

Genji's return

Sometime after Winston's recall, Genji arrived on location in Paris with impecable timing, where he aided Tracer, Winston and Mei in repelling Null Sector's forces after the opposition began pushing them toward an early retreat. After playing a crucial part in crippling and taking down the terrorist organization's Titan, Genji rejoined Overwatch, alongside Reinhardt, Brigitte, Mercy, and Echo.[31] He was willing to work with Overwatch, at least in the short term.[20]

A New War
After Paris, Genji and the others traveled to Watchpoint: Gibraltar, which they used as their base of operations.[32] As it turned out, Null Sector's attack on Paris was simply the prelude to a global invasion. Winston pointed out that Null Sector wasn't the only threat Overwatch had to deal with. He declared that they'd had to fight their way through one city at a time. [33]

Note: The following events aren't necessarily in chronological order.

Rio

Genji and Brigitte in Rio

Genji and the rest of Overwatch deployed to Rio de Janeiro when it was attacked by Null Sector. They teamed up with Lúcio and were able to blunt the initial attack, though Lúcio warned that as long as Null Sector's command ship remained airborne, the omnics would just keep coming. Genji and Brigitte kept Null Sector busy, while Winston and Ziegler evacuated civilians, and the rest of the team assaulted the command ship. The plan was a success, and the command ship successfully destroyed.[34]

Reunion
“ I knew you would return one day.
It has been too long, master. „
~ Zenyatta and Genji

Genji reunites with Zenyatta

After helping thwart Null Sector's attack on Paris, Genji returned to Zenyatta.[33]

Genji's name may be a reference to the main character in the Japanese classic novel, The Tale of Genji. Overwatch's Genji is described as a 'playboy', while the novel's Genji is heavily characterized by his relationships with multiple women. Similarly, both men experience being banished from their families.
Genji's design may be based off of Uzu Sanageyama from the 2013 Japanese Anime "Kill La Kill" As they are both robotic samurais with extremely similar outfits and both excel in sword combat.
In his youth, Genji's father Sojiro gave him the nickname "Sparrow." He appears to use the feather of a Japanese sparrowhawk as a calling card.
Genji and Hanzo were the first playable heroes in Overwatch to be related, followed by Pharah and Ana, and Torbjörn and Brigitte.
A giant action figure of Genji was put on display in Paris as part of a pre-release promotion for Overwatch.[35]
Genji's sword was replicated by armory series Man at Arms.[36]
Genji is the fourth playable Overwatch character in Heroes of the Storm.[37] He is also a purchasable announcer.
Genji seems to be ambidextrous, as he throws shurikens and uses Dragonblade with his right hand, and sword for Swift Strike and Deflect with his left hand.
Genji used to have an exclusive skin (See Picture: Oni) only obtainable from doing the Nexus Challenge in Heroes of the Storm, it later returned again in the Nexus Challenge 2.0, along with an exclusive skin for D.Va. As of Patch 1.12.0.2, they were added to the classic lootboxes and ccould be purchased for 1,000 credits.
The Japanese word bushin (武神, lit. "wargod") is written on Genji's chest, likely an homage to the Final Fight character Guy.
Genji uses his own armor polish. Walnuts are part of the ingredients.[7]
Triceratops is his favorite animal.[7]
Genji's backstory was retconned between Overwatch and Overwatch 2. In his initial hero description, it was stated that he left Overwatch while it was still active, that after the dismantling of the Shimada clan, his mission was complete.[38] His Overwatch 2 page, however, states that Genji left Overwatch after it was disbanded.[24]
Genji is playable in Loverwatch.[39]

Edit Report
Pub: 07 May 2023 06:47 UTC
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