Who Is Zato-Ino? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Zato-Ino is a Fantagraphics comic book character, with over 27 comic issue appearances. Zato Ino (ざと いの) is a wandering masseur who secretly is an expert with his sword-cane.

Who is Zato-Ino?

Creation As with much of Stan Sakai's Usagi universe, Ino is inspired by Japanese culture and existing samurai stories. He is based on the famous character Zatoichi. This character stared in 26 movies made from 1962 to 1989 as well as other guest appearances, he appeared in over 112 episodes of a tv program that ran from 1972-1974, and three modern cinema versions have been made. The two characters share many traits in common. Both characters share the title ' Zatō '. This is the title of the lowest of the four official ranks within the Tōdōza , the historical Japanese guild for blind men. Both appear to be a harmless blind anma (masseur). Giving massages was a traditional occupation for the blind, since both the blind and masseurs were considered lowest social level.

Key facts

Zato-Ino is of animal origin. The character is published by Fantagraphics. With 27 recorded issue appearances, Zato-Ino ranks among the most featured characters in comics.