Yajirobe

Yajirobe (ヤジロベー Yajirobē) is a masterless samurai, or ronin, who first meets Goku while Goku is searching for Tambourine. Though he has a generally lazy attitude and a strong desire to avoid direct fighting, he is physically strong and swift, with exceptional skill in wielding his katana. Much of Yajirobe’s time is spent with Korin on Korin Tower, where he assists the Dragon Team by delivering Senzu Beans when needed.

Names	Yajirobe (ヤジロベー Yajirobē) Masked Man
Gender	Male
Race	Human
Occupation	Martial Artist, Ronin Korin's Messenger (by Age 761) Senzu Bean Farmer (as of Age 826)
Origin	Dragon Ball Chapter 138: "The Weirdo with the Ball"(ボールを持もった妙みょうなやつ Bōru o Motta Myō na Yatsulit. "The Strange Guy With the Ball") August 18, 1987 (Weekly Shōnen Jump, 1987 #38)
Alignment	Good
Age	47 as of Superhero
Created By	Akira Toriyama
Height	165 cm (5ft 5in)Daizenshuu 7, 1996</ref>
Weight	78 kg (172 lbs)

Appearance

Yajirobe has a distinctive appearance with small, beady black eyes, long, unruly black hair, and a stocky build, which reflects his love of food. His clothing is styled like that of a traditional vagabond ronin, with a red, sleeveless knee-length yukata featuring black stripes, secured with a black obi, along with black wristbands, kyahan (shin protectors), waraji (straw sandals), and a red loincloth (ecchu fundoshi). He typically carries his katana on the left side of his obi. In the final Dragon Ball Z arc, he adopts a slightly different look, adding a small mustache and a fur vest to his outfit.

Personality

Yajirobe is a highly asocial character, preferring solitude where he can enjoy large meals without interruption. He has a gruff, often rude attitude toward others and becomes irritated by even minor distractions. His love for food is a recurring theme, with roast pig and steamed pork buns being his favorites, and he is even depicted regretting not eating more when he fears Vegeta might destroy Earth. As a stereotypical vagabond ronin, Yajirobe is unkempt, unbothered by whether his loincloth is visible, and has a casual habit of driving stolen cars, according to databooks. He also enjoys fishing, hunting, and napping.

While often seen as cowardly, especially when trying to avoid battles like those against King Piccolo and Vegeta, Yajirobe views this behavior as intelligent caution rather than fear. Beneath this, he shows a noble side and is willing to act courageously when it counts. For instance, after Goku’s brutal defeat by King Piccolo, Yajirobe rescues him, giving him water and taking him to Korin Tower, which ultimately helps Goku recover and defeat Piccolo. Later, in the Vegeta Saga, Yajirobe plays a crucial role in the fight against Vegeta. He saves Goku from being crushed by severing Vegeta’s tail, returning him to his humanoid form and giving the remaining fighters a fighting chance. When the Spirit Bomb fails, Yajirobe risks his life to wound Vegeta with his katana, distracting him just long enough for Gohan to transform into a Great Ape and ultimately defeat the Saiyan.

Biography

Dragon Ball

King Piccolo Saga

Yajirobe is introduced as a samurai mountain hunter with a fierce appetite. His first encounter with Goku takes place when Goku stumbles upon Yajirobe’s Prairie after being badly beaten by Tambourine. Goku eats a large fish that Yajirobe was saving, sparking a brief confrontation where they discover each other’s strength and resilience. As they fight, Cymbal, a demon under King Piccolo, arrives, demanding Yajirobe’s Dragon Ball. The two play Rock-Paper-Scissors to decide who will fight Cymbal, with Yajirobe winning. He quickly defeats Cymbal with his sword, slicing him in two before cooking and eating him.

Later, Tambourine attacks Yajirobe to avenge Cymbal’s death. Goku steps in to defeat Tambourine, seeking revenge for his earlier defeat. After Tambourine’s death, King Piccolo arrives. Recognizing Piccolo’s power and legacy, Yajirobe hides, giving Goku his Dragon Ball. Yajirobe watches as Piccolo brutalizes Goku, stopping his heart temporarily. After checking on Goku, Yajirobe revives him with water and carries the injured Saiyan up Korin Tower, with Bora’s help, where Goku heals with a Senzu Bean.

In the meantime, Yajirobe consumes several Senzu Beans, expanding his stomach immediately, not knowing that a single bean satisfies hunger for ten days. Yajirobe also encourages Goku not to drink the Ultra Divine Water, which increases power but causes severe pain; Goku drinks it regardless, gaining immense strength. Yajirobe briefly watches Goku battle King Piccolo in Central City but deems it too risky to stay nearby.

When Goku defeats King Piccolo, Yajirobe returns to catch the wounded Goku as he falls and takes him to Korin Tower for healing.

Piccolo Jr. Saga

Yajirobe later dons a disguise to compete in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, though he fails to qualify after losing to the disguised Kami in the preliminaries. After the Tournament, he assists Goku by providing him with a Senzu Bean.

Dragon Ball Z

Saiyan Saga

After Goku's death alongside his Saiyan brother Raditz, Yajirobe is directed by Kami to inform Krillin at Kame House about the impending threat of other Saiyans set to arrive within a year, as Raditz foretold. Yajirobe reluctantly delivers the message, showing little interest in the situation and preferring his lazy routine over the idea of preparing for battle. Nonetheless, Yajirobe joins Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, Chiaotzu, and Krillin in light training at The Lookout for the upcoming invasion, though he mostly occupies himself with eating.

When the Saiyans arrive a year later, Yajirobe avoids the initial conflict with Nappa and the Saibamen, opting instead to stay in East City, where he enjoys free food and gives a humorous interview to journalists, referring to the Z Fighters as "Earth's Special Forces." During Goku and Vegeta’s battle in the Gizard Wasteland, Yajirobe watches from afar, mostly hiding but occasionally stepping out to congratulate Goku after he launches a Kaio-ken x4 Kamehameha that sends Vegeta into the sky. However, when Goku warns that Vegeta isn’t defeated yet, Yajirobe returns to hiding.

Once Vegeta transforms into a Great Ape, Yajirobe alerts Krillin and Gohan about the immense threat. When Krillin suggests cutting Vegeta's tail to revert him to his humanoid form, Yajirobe is too terrified to take action. Eventually, though, he intervenes to slice off Vegeta’s tail, causing him to revert. When Krillin attempts to launch the remnants of Goku’s Spirit Bomb at Vegeta, Yajirobe impatiently demands he fire, unintentionally alerting Vegeta, though the attack still lands after Gohan reflects it with his pure heart.

Yajirobe later protects Gohan by slashing Vegeta’s battle armor, briefly knocking the Saiyan prince unconscious. Believing he has defeated Vegeta, Yajirobe begins boasting about his triumph, saying things like "Earth's greatest threat, brought down by Yajirobe!" Vegeta soon regains consciousness, criticizing Yajirobe’s premature victory claims. Yajirobe frantically swings his sword at Vegeta, who dodges and quickly retaliates by kicking him into a rock and punching him repeatedly in the face. This distraction, however, buys enough time for Gohan to look at the Power Ball and transform into a Great Ape, ultimately overpowering Vegeta.

In the anime, Yajirobe yells for Krillin to use his katana to finish Vegeta, while in the manga, Krillin picks up the sword on his own initiative.

After the battle with Vegeta, Yajirobe joins the group at Wukong Hospital in West City. His injuries are minor, so he is discharged quickly. Later, he brings a fresh batch of Senzu Beans to Goku at the hospital, helping him recover instantly so he can depart for Namek.

In an anime-only filler sequence, Yajirobe reluctantly accompanies Chi-Chi, Master Roshi, and others on a mission to Namek to retrieve Gohan. He repeatedly tries to escape the trip but is stopped each time. When Goku attains the Super Saiyan transformation, Master Roshi shares his belief with Yajirobe that Goku's power has increased dramatically, suggesting a permanent change.

In a manga chapter teaser around this time, Yajirobe is depicted in a single-panel camping in the forest, wondering about Goku’s current activities on Namek.

Frieza-Androids Interlude

In a later anime scene, Maron, Krillin’s then-girlfriend, visits Korin Tower. Both Yajirobe and Korin struggle to handle Maron, as her presence and demands are overwhelming. They both feel relieved when she finally leaves the tower.

Androids/Cell Saga

During the Androids Saga, Yajirobe delivers Senzu Beans to the Z Fighters but quickly declines Goku's invitation to stay and fight, fearing for his life. He attempts to leave in his hovercar but is attacked by Androids 19 and 20. After the Z Fighters save him, Bulma insists he stay with them, despite his reluctance and excuse of not being able to fly. Bulma forces him into her hovercar, and he comically finds himself holding baby Trunks, who frequently pees on him. Yajirobe threatens to drop Trunks but changes his mind after learning he’s Vegeta's son. They arrive at the battlefield, but their hovercar is shot down by Android 20, and he stays with Bulma and Trunks until Gohan flies them back to Capsule Corp., where he remains for the rest of the saga.

Yajirobe stays at Capsule Corp. during the Imperfect Cell Saga, often scolding Bulma about taking care of Trunks while she works on the Android Shut Down Remote. Despite his relief when she finishes the remote, he tries unsuccessfully to stop her from personally delivering it to the Z Fighters at Kame House. Later, he appears on Korin Tower as Goku tests his power for comparison to Cell’s, and again during the Z Fighters' ascent to Kami's Lookout after Cell's defeat.

Majin Buu Saga

Seven years after Cell’s defeat, Yajirobe is seen at Korin Tower when Goku visits to obtain a Senzu Bean for Videl, who was injured in the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Later, he perishes along with Earth’s population when Kid Buu’s Planet Burst destroys the planet but is revived by the Namekian Dragon Balls. Despite his reluctance, he participates in raising his hands to give energy for Goku's Super Spirit Bomb in the final battle against Kid Buu.

The Return of Son Goku and Friends!

Yajirobe and Korin attend Mr. Satan's banquet at his new hotel, celebrating the defeat of Majin Buu. During the event, the hotel is attacked by the brother duo, Abo and Kado, who are searching for Vegeta's brother, Tarble. Goten and Trunks initially challenge the brothers but are unable to defeat them. When Abo and Kado merge into Aka, they unleash a powerful attack that destroys the hotel. Yajirobe contributes by chopping away falling pieces of the building to help minimize the destruction. Eventually, Goku defeats Aka with a Kamehameha, allowing the group to resume their feast afterward.

Dragon Ball Super

Future Trunks Saga

Yajirobe and Korin are seen enjoying a game together when Goku visits Korin Tower to request a Senzu Bean. Both of them confirm that they find their game fun when Goku inquires about it.

Universe Survival Saga

Yajirobe assists Master Roshi in preparing for the Tournament of Power by helping him with his training.

Dragon Ball GT

Baby Saga

In Dragon Ball GT, Yajirobe appears briefly when Kibito Kai saves him and Korin from Earth’s destruction. His age is evident as he sports a thicker mustache.

Film Appearances

Lord Slug

• Yajirobe gives Goku a Senzu Bean after Goku is knocked out by a meteor. Though initially hesitant, he also gives one to Krillin after he begs. Later, after Goku defeats Lord Slug, Yajirobe is startled when Piccolo, mistaken for Slug, grabs him by the ankle; he quickly gives Piccolo a Senzu Bean as well.

Cooler's Revenge

• Yajirobe provides Gohan with a bag of Senzu Beans to bring to Goku, including one last bean he sneaks from Korin. This lone bean ultimately saves Goku, as it’s the only one to survive Salza’s Finger Beam. In the English dub, Yajirobe humorously calls himself a “bean daddy” and expresses a craving for chili due to all the Senzu Beans.

The Return of Cooler

• Yajirobe travels to New Namek with Goku, Gohan, Krillin, Piccolo, Oolong, and Master Roshi. Although he dislikes fighting, he chastises Oolong for cowardice, suggesting he should act more like Master Roshi—though Roshi also contemplates fleeing. Yajirobe nearly has his brain removed by the Cyclopian Guards but is saved when Goku and Vegeta’s actions cause the Big Gete Star to malfunction.

Battle of Gods

• Yajirobe appears in the prologue, where the narrator recounts the battles and adventures Goku and his friends have undertaken, including gathering the Dragon Balls.

Super Hero

• Yajirobe is seen at Korin Tower when Piccolo visits to retrieve Senzu Beans for the battle against the Red Ribbon Army.

Future Yajirobe

Cell Saga (Dragon Ball Z)

Yajirobe was struck by Future Android 18’s High-Pressure Energy Wave, which blasted a hole through his torso. Despite the injury, he survived thanks to a Senzu Bean given to him by Future Korin.

"Future" Trunks Saga (Dragon Ball Super)

In the alternate timeline, Future Yajirobe is found by Goku in an underground base in West City, surprising both of them. Future Yajirobe reveals that Future Korin gave him the final Senzu Bean to save his life.

Future Yajirobe’s role in the conflict is limited to assisting Goku and Trunks after they are overwhelmed by Goku Black and Future Zamasu. When Black and Zamasu prepare a powerful energy cannon to kill them, Future Yajirobe quickly grabs Goku and Trunks, escorting them to safety. However, he admits that he did not have enough time to save Vegeta, who is later rescued by Future Mai and other Resistance members.

After the battle, Yajirobe tries to be useful and volunteers to check the damage, although he eventually realizes he was tricked into doing so.

Second Future Timeline (Dragon Ball Super)

Future Yajirobe dies when Infinite Zamasu’s attack destroys the timeline, and his soul is erased when Future Zeno erases that future. However, he still exists in the new future timeline created by Whis’ or Future Trunks’ interventions.

The History of Trunks

Future Yajirobe, along with the Dragon Team, were gathered around Goku's House before Goku died.

Powers and Statistics

Tier: 5-C | At least 5-C, far higher with his katana

Key: King Piccolo Arc | Post-Training with Kami

Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Ki Manipulation (Initial Level), Expert Swordsman, Ki Sensing (Can sense Ki) and Accelerated Development (Training; Physical Stats)

Attack Potency: Moon level (Fought equally with Goku), higher with his katana (Sliced Cymbal in half) | At least Moon level (Trained with the other Z fighters and has a power level higher than that of Piccolo at the time when he destroyed the moon), far higher with his katana (Sliced through Saiyan Armor, something that not even Piccolo was able to do)

Speed: Sub-Relativistic+ combat speed (Comparable to 22nd Budokai Goku) | Relativistic+ combat speed (With a power level of 970, Yajirobe should be faster than Pre-Training Piccolo)

Lifting Strength: At least Class K, likely higher (Easily lifted a boulder, should be comparable to Goku) | At least Class K, likely higher (Much stronger than before)

Striking Strength: Moon level, higher with his katana | At least Moon level, far higher with his katana

Durability: Moon level | At least Moon level

Stamina: Superhuman

Range: Standard Melee Range, Extended Melee Range with his katana

Standard Equipment: His katana

Intelligence: Average

Weaknesses: Yajirobe is cowardly and lazy. He cannot fly or fire ki blasts

Attacks and Techniques

• Hikou: Yajirobe can move through the air by rapidly moving his legs, giving the illusion of running through the air. In Dragon Ball Legends, due to his inability to fly with ki, he uses a jetpack to assist with flight.
• Ki Sense: Yajirobe can sense ki and power levels. This ability is hinted at during the Vegeta battle, where he senses the enormous energy of the Spirit Bomb.
• Gigantic Rock Throw: Yajirobe picks up a large boulder and throws it at his opponent, causing significant damage.
• Stone Bullet: In this technique, Yajirobe throws stones or debris at his opponents in a manner similar to Continuous Energy Bullet. This is used in Dragon Ball Legends as a substitute for ki blasts.
• Iaigiri (居合い斬): A real-life sword technique where Yajirobe draws his katana and slashes his opponent in one swift motion. He used this technique to kill Cymbal. It is named in the Daizenshuu 2 and 7.
• Miracle Ka-Blam Slash: Yajirobe charges toward his opponent, delivers a series of sword slashes, and finishes with a heavy slash. This technique is referred to as Miracle Sumo Slash in Dragon Ball Legends.
• Sword Blast: Yajirobe creates an energy beam using his sword and launches it at his opponent, featured in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.
• Ka-Blam Slicer: A powerful, large energy beam shot from Yajirobe's sword, used in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.
• Super Unyielding Spirit: A Blast 1 attack used in Budokai Tenkaichi, emphasizing Yajirobe's determination and unyielding spirit.
• Ka-Blam Hammer: Yajirobe rushes at his opponent, knocking them into the air, then follows up with a series of headbutts before slamming them down. Seen in Budokai Tenkaichi 2.
• Flash and Kill: Yajirobe charges toward his opponent, knocks them into the air, and finishes them off with an Iaigiri-style slash as they descend. This technique appears in Budokai Tenkaichi 3.
• Will to Sacrifice: A special skill in Dragon Ball Legends, where Yajirobe slaps his cheeks to psych himself up. It restores 10% health to an ally (up to three times), replenishes his own Ki by 20, and boosts his Strike damage by 15% for 15 timer counts. This is a quirk-based skill (DBL39-02E).

Trivia

• Yajirobe's name comes from a Japanese balancing toy, 弥次郎兵衛 (Yajirobee).
• In the original Dragon Ball manga, Goku remarks that Yajirobe’s voice sounds like Krillin’s. Akira Toriyama intentionally created this similarity to keep Mayumi Tanaka, Krillin's voice actress, involved in scenes where Krillin is dead. Tanaka intensifies Yajirobe’s accent in scenes where Krillin and Yajirobe both appear to differentiate them more clearly.
• In the Japanese version, Yajirobe speaks in a Nagoya dialect, which is translated in English versions to include colloquial language such as “ain't” or “s’posta” to capture the dialect's casual feel.
• He is one of only two characters, alongside Goku, to appear twice on the spines of the Dragon Ball manga volumes when they’re lined up. Toriyama has mentioned this was an unintentional mistake.
• Various characters, including Krillin, have humorously mispronounced Yajirobe’s name in different media. In Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3, Krillin calls him "Yo-Yo Brain"; in Attack of the Saiyans, he calls him "Alumajiro."
• In the Saiyan Saga, Yajirobe intervenes just as Vegeta is about to kill Gohan—both when he cuts off Vegeta's tail and later when he impatiently urges Krillin to use the Spirit Bomb.
• In a Japanese fan poll from Dragon Ball Forever ranking the top 20 characters, Yajirobe placed at number 19, beating Videl.
• He has a cameo in Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: N-cha! Love Comes From Penguin Village, where he briefly runs across the screen after Korin.
• In the Japanese anime, Korin mispronounces his name as "Yajirobi" instead of "Yajirobé."
• His hobbies include fishing, hunting, and taking afternoon naps.
• His favorite food is roast wild pig.
• According to the Daizenshuu and other databooks, he enjoys driving stolen cars. This is humorously referenced in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, where a police report mentions a car thief matching Yajirobe’s description.