Take one teenage rabbit named Usagi with samurai ambitions, a haunting family curse and a ragtag group of valiant friends and you get Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, a new animated show on Netflix, based on the beloved comic book series Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai. 

There’s a lot going on, but to help you keep track of Usagi, his friends, and his world as he journeys to becoming a samurai, we’ve got you covered with this starter guide.

Characters

Usagi This rabbit is only 16-years-old, but Usagi has big dreams of becoming a samurai, just like his warrior ancestor, Miyamoto Usagi. He’s still got a long way to go in learning how to rein in his own impulsiveness. When Usagi isn’t getting easily distracted, he’s fearless and fiercely loyal, chasing down his dreams with his friends by his side — a mark of a true samurai.

Auntie Usagi’s aunt, who raised him, lives on a farm and is hesitant to let her nephew chase his dreams without a sensei to guide him. But when she finally accepts Usagi’s destiny, Auntie gives him a family sword, showing that she supports his dreams, no matter what.

Gen As a bounty hunter in search of the most dangerous criminals in Neo Edo, Gen is known for how tough he is— as long as he doesn’t get even the smallest cut or scratch, in which case he turns into a very big baby. Although he’s a little skeptical of Usagi, at first, they become fast friends. 

Kitsune This sly fox lives up to her kind. Kitsune is a gifted pickpocket, which makes her incredibly helpful when it comes to fighting enemies alongside Usagi.

Chizu Shhh — spoiler alert! Although it may not look like it, Chizu is actually an undercover ninja working as a spy for Lady Fuwa, the leader of the Neko Ninja Crew, who plans on taking over the city of Neo Edo. But thanks to the power of friendship, Chizu’s role changes throughout the series.

Tetsujin A wise temple leader who can transform into a flying green spirit, thanks in part to Usagi’s hidden powers.

Kagehito The central villain in Samurai Rabbit who emerges from the Ki-stone after Usagi accidentally releases him. He looks like a monster-spider hybrid with multiple eyes all over his body and has plans to defeat Neo Edo for good, even before the Neko Ninja Crew can do the same.

Yokai Spirit energies scattered around the city that can take the shape of other people, including normal people or everyday objects. Sometimes, they appear at the worst possible time or appear to taunt the person they’re after, which doesn’t make defeating them an easy feat. But as Usagi comes to find out, these energies can be good or bad, depending on how they’re treated, and this can be used to Usagi’s advantage.

Lord Kogane The egotistical ruler of Neo Edo who has a penchant for power trips. 

Spot Usagi’s pet dinosaur and loyal companion. Even though Spot can’t speak, he often yips at his owner’s side.

Locations

Neo Edo The main city of Usagi and his friends, ruled by Lord Kogane. 

Things

Ki-stone A crystal located in Tetsujin’s temple that unleashes Kagehito and his yokai and chooses Usagi as the next warrior fated to defeat the villain.