Genma

Real Name: Saotome Genma

Identity/Class: Human transformed by magic

Occupation: Free-loader; master martial artist

Affiliations: Soun Tendo

Enemies: Happosai

Known Relatives: Ranma (son), Nodoka (wife)

Aliases: Mr. Panda (name his wife gives his panda form, not realising it is her husband)

Base of Operations: Tendou Dojo

First Appearance: Ranma 1/2 tankubon #1

Powers/Abilities: Master of Musabetsou Kakutou Ryu, claimed to be the world's most powerful martial art. Devised his own styles, the Umisenken and Yamasenken, based on thievery, which had to be sealed because they were too powerful. He also transforms into a giant panda when he comes into contact with cold water, returning to normal when touched by hot water.

History: A master martial artist, Genma trained under Happosai in the Musabetsou Kakutou Ryu for an undisclosed number of years before teaming up with Tendou Soun to seal their perverted master in a cave (this occurred just before the birth of Ranma and Akane). Genma tried the married life for awhile, and dreamt of making his son Ranma into the world's best martial artist. To this end, he took Ranma on a ten year training trip when Ranma reached the age of five, leaving behind his wife. He promised her that when he returned he would have made his son 100% a man, or else have both men commit seppuku (a vow that would come back to haunt him in later years).

Genma trained Ranma extensively in Musabetsou Kakutou Ryu, supporting himself and Ranma by various means including engaging Ranma to the daughters of various people and then running off with the dowry (once for as little as rice, a fish, and two pickles - hey, he may be a con artist, but no one said he was smart). Eventually he took his sixteen year old son to Jusenkyo training grounds in China, where he managed to get both of them cursed, because he couldn't read the Chinese guide book, and hadn't bothered to find someone who could translate it for him. During a sparring match with his son, Genma fell into Shonmaoniichuan, a pool where a panda had drowned 2000 years ago. Thanks to the magical nature of the area, now Genma transforms into a panda himself part of the time.

Genma and Ranma then returned to Japan, and went to visit his friend Soun, to fulfill the vow they had shared about marrying their children to one another. He's been there ever since.

Comments: Created by Rumiko Takahashi. In the anime his voice is provided by Kenichi Ogata.

In the running for the title of World's Worst Father, Genma has a history of theft and con-artistry over the ten year trip and beyond. Every problem that he can't run away from he pushes off onto Ranma to deal with.

Thanks to Scott Ryktarsyk for many of the above details.

CLARIFICATIONS: None

Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.

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