Part 5: BAKIDOU

*“Could it possibly be that the origins of sumo's shiko was this single strike?”*

— Narration, Chapter 2

## Magazine Cover

Baki-Dou first featured on the cover of Weekly Shonen Champion October 2018

**Part 5** of the *Baki* series, titled ***BAKIDOU***, is preceded by *Baki-Dou* and succeeded by *Baki Rahen.* The main antagonist is Nomi no Sukune II and the villainous faction are the Grand Master Rikishi.

Continuing where the previous part left off, Baki gets ready to face off against the second coming of Nomi no Sukune, the man who can turn a lump of coal into a diamond, a feat previously thought only Yujiro Hanma could pull off in myth.

Also known as ***Baki's Path***, it was written and illustrated by Keisuke Itagaki, serialized in Weekly Shounen Champion from 2018 to 2023 and collected into 17 tankoban volumes.

As of now *BAKIDOU* has yet to receive an official English translation.

## Official Description

### 30th Anniversary Website

*Baki fought a fierce battle with Miyamoto Musashi, a warrior in the world. The next opponent who appeared was the one who inherited the title of "Nomi Shukuru", the "ancestor" of Kakuriki (sumo)! Japan's oldest and strongest "sumo" god stands in front of the blade fangs and other fighters! !!*

## Summary

Japan's oldest and strongest "sumo god" is Nomi no Sukune. And now, after more than 2,000 years, his successor is born. This time, Baki will challenge the real god of sumo. The series tells the story of the main characters' clashes with the aforementioned powerful fighter.

The theme of the series is not only Nomi no Sukune of the new generation, but also the struggle with sumo martial arts. In the Underground Arena, the main characters have to face the best sumo fighters.

## Characters

Baki HanmaDoppo OrochiKatsumi OrochiKaoru HanayamaGouki ShibukawaMitsunori TokugawaNomi no Sukune II
## Media

### International Media

 Japanese
 Chinese

### Spin-Offs

#### ***Yuuenchi - Baki Gaiden* (2018)**

*Amusement Park: Baki Side Story Manga* is a spinoff manga series to Baki franchise, written by Keisuke Itagaki and Baku Yumemakura and illustrated by Yuria Fujita, serialized in Weekly Shounen Champion from 2022. The manga is an adaptation of the novel of the same title. The novel series of Yuuenchi – Baki Gaiden began releasing in 2018. The story is about Mumon Katsuragi, a mysterious brother of Katsumi Orochi, and his searching for strength and revenge. The young fighter meets various martial artists like Juumei Kuga and enters a dangerous and dark place of fighting, the so-called "Amusement Park".

The story follows a dark place inside the world of the Baki series, the so-called "Amusement Park". The main character is Mumon Katsuragi, older brother of Katsumi. He ventures into a dark place where money is everything and lives are cheap, the "Amusement Park", motivated to find the killer of his mentor and master Taizan Matsumoto. The killer left a few trails behind and with his wits and physical prowess, he's been able to track him down to the ultimate dangerous fighting arena.

#### ***Baki Gaiden: Gaia to Sikorski*** (2022)

*Baki Side Story: Gaia & Sikorsky – Nomura is two people, but now he's living with a third,* is a spinoff manga series to Baki franchise, written by Keisuke Itagaki and illustrated by Takaaki Hayashi, serialized in Shounen Champion from 2022. After approaching Gaia for a revenge match, Sikorsky is instead greeted with his new home. The story is about simple adventures and a comedic relationship between Gaia and Sikorsky. It has so far released in three volumes.

#### ***Still, Igari Kanji is Forever!!*** (2023)

Keisuke Itagaki's story "Baki Dō Gaiden: Yappa Inokari Perfection is Eternal!" drawn by Keisuke Itagaki of the fighting manga "Blade Fang" series was published in the 48th issue of the manga magazine "Weekly Shonen Champion" (Akita Shoten) released on October 27th. As a memorial project for the late Antonio Inoki, it depicts the aftermath of the completion of Inokari, who paid tribute to Mr. Inoki. The editorial department of the magazine said, "It has been about a month since the news of Antonio Inoki's death, and I have seen many memorial articles and programs about him maintaining his 'burning fighting spirit' until the end. I have been struck many times by the "path" shown by great professional wrestlers. We would like to express our utmost gratitude to Antonio Inoki and deliver "Baki Dō Gaiden: After all the Inokari Perfection is immortal!". We would like to express our deepest condolences."

## Trivia

* BAKIDOU is the fifth series in the "Baki" manga franchise, following "New Grappler Baki," "Baki: Son of Ogre," "Baki Hanma," and "Baki Gaiden: Kenjin. The manga is serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Champion" and "Monthly Shōnen Champion" magazines.
* BAKIDOU continues to follow the adventures and martial arts battles of Baki Hanma as he faces formidable opponents on his quest for strength.
* Like the previous series in the franchise, "Baki-Dou" features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and backgrounds.
* The series is known for its detailed artwork, particularly in depicting intense and dynamic martial arts scenes.
* It explores themes of strength, perseverance, and the pursuit of martial excellence.

## Continuity

* The part starts off with Baki and Tokugawa trying to find Nomi no Sukune II, after the previous part left off with Tokugawa revealing that he existed.
* Kinryuzan, a sumo wrestler who last appeared in Part 1 during the Maximum Tournament Arc, returns again in this part to consult Tokugawa about his thoughts on Sukune. In his last appearance, Kinryuzan lost to Kanji Igari in the second round of the Maximum Tournament. Since Part 1 he has retired and lost a lot of weight.
* Since having his fight with Musashi Miyamoto in Part 4, Hanayama now has a scar on his left eye, and is half blind.
* It is revealed that Kaiou Retsu's right arm was preserved after his death and stored in a facility for safe keeping, in order to be re-attached to Katsumi Orochi one day. Once it is reattached, the scar from where Musashi slashed it in half remains.
* Musashi Miyamoto is mentioned in Chapter 103 by Tokugawa after Sukune II tanks a hit from Yujiro. Tokugawa quotes Musashi saying that Sukune is a "temple made of flesh."
* Since the previous part and Jack's encounter with Izou Motobe who ripped out all his teeth, Jack Hanma now has titanium teeth.
	+ Jack's previous defeats are mentioned by Tokugawa. His defeat at the hands of his brother, Baki in Part 1 and his defeat at the hands of Motobe in Part 4.
* In his fight with Sukune, Jack reiterates what his father once said to Baki during their fight at the end of Part 3, that the one looking over the other is the victor.
* When taunting Shibukawa, Jack references his fight with him during the Maximum Tournament Arc, telling him he only got a "beef tendon" bite, but now wants a full course meal.
* It's revealed in the final chapter that Pickle has been hunting squirrels and foxes in the heart of Tokyo since his last appearance, and he returns with a large scar on his face from his battle with Musashi Miyamoto.

## Gallery

BAKIDOU announcement in Weekly Shonen ChampionBAKIDOU debut color pageBAKIDOU ENDBAKIDOU spine art mural