Jiraiya


, originally known as Ogata Shuma Hiroyuki, is the toad-riding character of the Japanese folk tale. The tale was adapted into a 19th-century serial novel, a kabuki drama, several films, video games, and a manga and has also influenced various other works.

Classic tale

In the legend, Jiraiya is a ninja who uses shapeshifting magic to morph into a gigantic toad. As the heir of the mighty Ogata clan in Kyūshū, Jiraiya fell in love with Tsunade, a beautiful young maiden who has mastered slug magic. His arch-enemy was his one-time follower Yashagorō, later known as Orochimaru, a master of serpent magic. It was first recorded in 1806.A novel version of the story was written by different authors and published in 43 installments from 1839 to 1868; one of its illustrators was woodblock artist Kunisada. Kawatake Mokuami wrote a kabuki drama based on the first ten parts of the novel, which premiered in Edo in 1852, starring Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII in the leading role.

Legacy and influence

The story of Jiraiya inspired three homonymous characters from the manga and anime series Naruto.
A Persona representing the spirit of Jiraiya is also summoned by the character Yosuke Hanamura in Persona 4.