Japanese Symbol for
英雄eiyū
hero · champion · great man
Readings
Meaning
Hero, champion, great man. 英雄 combines 英 (brilliant, outstanding) with 雄 (brave, male, heroic). 勇者 (yūsha) is the word for a hero in Japanese RPGs and fantasy — literally "brave person."
Example words
勇者
yūsha
hero (RPG/fantasy hero)
英雄的
eiyū-teki
heroic, valiant
ヒーロー
hīrō
hero (loanword, superhero)
救世主
kyūseishu
saviour, messiah
英傑
eiketsu
outstanding hero, great man
主人公
shujinkō
protagonist, main character
勇者 (yūsha — brave hero) is the defining character class in Japanese RPGs — from Dragon Quest to Final Fantasy. The 勇者 archetype in Japanese storytelling differs from Western heroes: Japanese heroes often succeed through teamwork, sacrifice, and emotional bonds rather than individual strength. 友情・努力・勝利 (friendship, effort, victory) is the Shonen Jump formula.
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