- "Shimada" redirects here. For other uses, see Shimada (disambiguation).
| “ | This is the lesson. This is what a Shimada does. We take care of our people, because they take care of us. When they are hungry, we feed them. When they are hurt, we heal them. And when their city is burning about them, we quench the flames. A leader must be responsible, or else he is nothing more than a parasite. | „ |
| ~ Sojiro Shimada |
| Shimada clan | |
|---|---|
| |
Leadership |
Sojiro Shimada (formerly) Hanzo shimada (formerly) |
Headquarters |
Shimada Castle, Hanamura, Japan |
Type |
Ninja clan, criminal organization |
Standing |
Defunct |
The Shimada clan is a clan of ninja based at Shimada Castle, in Hanamura.[1]
History[ | ]
Early History[ | ]
| “ | You and I know well enough, we two who make and wield the sword, that while their castle was indeed strong stone, the Shimada were no gods, but people—and criminals at that. But the Shimada understood that honor and loyalty forge the strongest bond between ruler and ruled. | „ |
| ~ Asa Yamagami |
The clan was founded centuries ago during the end of the Sengoku period ,[2] and operated out of Shimada Castle, with the town of Kanezaka serving as their seat of power.[3] It operated on a system where the eldest son of the family's head would become leader.[2]
While they were criminals, the Shimada understood that honor and loyalty forge the strongest bond between ruler and ruled. They asked much of those who followed them, but they inspired them to give it. And in return, the Shimada clan led with integrity and treated the people of Kanezaka with respect.[3]
The Shimada's power grew over the years, enabling them to build a vast criminal empire that profited from lucrative trade in arms, illegal substances,[2] and assassination.[1]
The Fall[ | ]
| “ | I'll never forgive us for what we did in Hanamura. Those people were criminals. So were we. |
„ |
| ~ Cole Cassidy and Jack Morrison discussing Overwatch's actions against the clan |
Things started to go awry for the clan when Sojiro Shimada was assassinated by a rival clan, the Hashimoto.[4] After Sojiro's death, the clan elders instructed Hanzo Shimada (Sojiro's oldest son) to straighten out his wayward younger brother, Genji Shimada, so that he, too, might help rule the Shimada empire. When his brother refused, Hanzo was forced to kill him. This act broke Hanzo's heart and drove him to reject his father's legacy, ultimately leading him to abandon the clan.[2] Seeing this as betrayal, the clan declared Hanzo an enemy and assassins were sent time and time again to kill him.[5]
The Shimada faced another hurdle as they were targeted by Overwatch. In an ironic twist, Genji had survived Hanzo's attempted assassination, and been rescued by Overwatch, turned into a cybernetic ninja. Transformed into a living weapon, Genji single-mindedly set about the task of dismantling his family's criminal empire, a task in which he apparently succeeded.[6]
In the current day, the Shimada appear to be defunct—the Hashimoto took control of Shimada Castle, most of the members are in prison or deceased. Hanamura, and Kanezaka.[4]
Legend[ | ]
Shimada Castle, depicting the dragons
In the background of Dragons, Sojiro[7] narrates an ancient legend of the Shimadas.
My family tells of an ancient legend about two great dragons brothers: the Dragon of the North Wind, and the Dragon of the South Wind. Together, they upheld balance and harmony in the heavens.
But the two brothers argued over who could better rule their land. Their quarrel turned to rage and their violent struggle darkened the skies, until the Dragon of the South Wind struck down his brother, who fell to earth, shattering the land. The Dragon of the South Wind had triumphed, but as time passed and he realized his solitude, the sweetness of victory turned to ash.
For years, the bereft dragon's grief threw the world into discord, and he knew only bitterness and sorrow. One day, a stranger called up to the dragon and asked, "O Dragon Lord, why are you so distraught?" The dragon told him, "Seeking power, I killed my brother; but without him, I am lost." The stranger replied, "You have inflicted wounds upon yourself... but now, you must heal. Walk the earth on two feet as I do; find value in humility. Then, you will find peace."
The dragon knelt upon the ground. For the first time he was able to clearly see the world around him, and he became human. The stranger revealed himself as his fallen brother; reunited, the two set out to rebuild what they had once destroyed.
Known Members[ | ]
Shimada Castle mural (beta)
- Genji Shimada (formerly)
- Hanzo Shimada (formerly)
- Sojiro Shimada (former leader, deceased)
- Asa Yamagami (swordsmaster, formerly)
References[ | ]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Overpwn.com - Possible Content Teaser, Overwatch Strings Datamining - New Hero, Progression, Hero Customization, Achievements (2015-10-29).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Hanzo, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2015-01-20
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 2021-01-11, CORRESPONDENCE POST FOR TOSHIRO YAMAGAMI. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2021-01-13
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 2022-09-21, Kiriko Origin Story. YouTube, accessed on 2022-09-27
- ↑ Dragons
- ↑ Genji, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2015-11-07
- ↑ 2018-10-29, Who narrates the Dragons short?, Overwatch Forums. Accessed on 2018-10-29