Yamanami Keisuke

Overview

Yamanami Keisuke is a Saber-class Servant featured in Fate/Grand Order. Historically serving as the vice-commander and later general-secretary of the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu-period Kyoto, he stands out among the fierce swordsmen of his organization due to his educated, calm, and highly polite nature. Initially introduced as a non-playable character in the GUDAGUDA Yamatai-koku event, he became a playable Servant in its sequel, GUDAGUDA Shin Yamatai-koku.

Appearance

He appears as a young man with a slender, gentle demeanor. He has black (or dark brown) hair tied back, with strands resting between and partly covering his eyes, along with silver (or purple) eyes. He wears glasses, which he removes in his Third Ascension. His attire includes traditional Japanese clothing such as a kimono, a blue haori (jacket), and gloves.

Personality

Known among the populace as a kind and considerate man, Yamanami possesses a gentle and scholarly nature distinct from his fellow swordsmen. Despite his keen intelligence, he self-deprecatingly labels himself a coward. He is prone to reflection and felt deeply worn down by the constant bloodshed during his lifetime. However, after overcoming his past regrets, he manifests a resolute determination never to run away again.

Abilities

Though not possessing pure physical strength on par with front-line attackers, Yamanami demonstrates refined and practical swordplay, utilizing a combination of a wakizashi and an uchigatana despite a lingering arm injury. His skills include 'Cultured Warrior,' 'Willow Green, Flower Red,' and 'Kind-Hearted Person.' His Noble Phantasm, 'Yamazakura,' was originally a self-sacrificial Noble Phantasm, but sublimated into an Anti-Army buffing Noble Phantasm that strengthens his allies at the expense of his own Spirit Origin after he comes to terms with his past. He is also noted as potentially possessing 'Flag of Sincerity,' a shared Noble Phantasm among Shinsengumi captains.

Background

Purportedly originating from the Sendai Domain, his early life remains mostly mysterious. After being defeated in a match at Kondou Isami's dojo, he was charmed by Kondou's character and became a follower. He joined the Roshigumi, helped form the Mibu Roshigumi, and later held vital leadership positions as vice-commander and general-secretary of the Shinsengumi following internal purges. However, due to rising tensions, he left the group, was captured in Otsu by Okita Souji, and committed seppuku in accordance with the group's strict code.

Relationships

He shared a long history with Kondou Isami and Hijikata Toshizou from their days at the Shieikan. Okita Souji, who tracked him down and acted as his kaishakunin, treated him like an elder brother. He also maintains close ties with former comrades such as Saitou Hajime, Nagakura Shinpachi, Inoue Genzaburou, Harada Sanosuke, and Toudou Heisuke. He was often grouped with Matsubara Chuji for their kind dispositions. Itou Kashitarou was a close friend whose poem mourning Yamanami's death inspired his Noble Phantasm's name. Toward Fujimaru Ritsuka, he acts as a supportive Servant who wishes to share the weight of their burden.

Trivia

In keeping with modern pop-culture depictions, Yamanami is portrayed wearing glasses. While historical debates exist regarding whether his surname is read as 'Yamanami' or 'Sannan,' the game uses 'Yamanami' as his official name while treating 'Sannan' as a friendly moniker. Due to immense fan popularity after his NPC debut, he was made playable in a later event. Additionally, a line of his speech was adapted into a widely recognized internet copypasta within the game's community.