Kambei Shimada  

, カンベイ

The wisest of the seven samurais is Kambei, who assumes leadership and devises strategies for defending the village. He possesses bravery, strength, and wisdom beyond his years due to his extensive battle experience. Despite this, all of his battles were fought on behalf of losing sides, causing him to live in the shadow of his painful past. Kambei wields a stylized katana but occasionally uses two swords simultaneously. He is chosen by Kirara to lead the villagers against bandits when her water crystal reacts to his presence in the city. Initially, Kambei dismisses Katsushiro and Kikuchiyo as inexperienced and immature defenders of the village, but eventually recognizes their potential and makes them the fifth and seventh samurais, respectively.