"L5R - Way of the Samurai (Kakita Hikawa)" by Sean C. Riley

The dying hair white tradition among the Crane is mostly prevalent among the Daidoji, I believe, in honor of the first Daidoji's trip into the Shadowlands to retrieve his brother/sister's sword, so though its common, it is a nice change of pace to see a non-white haired Crane. I also like the Hare Clan mon on the sleeve. An ambassador perhaps? One of Toshimoko's men? Excellent work, though that seems to be the norm for you.

Spiffy shoulder ornaments.

The pic is very nice, but its hand are showing lil delicateness in it , which doesent suits ???? Where as or i dont know to see the pic may be ,

I am a Phoenix, but personally, I find this piece one of the best renderings from l5r.
Good job on my feathered bretheren!

Ok now, you better shield your ears... *takes a deep breath in order to yell as loud as possible* THIS ACTION POSE ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!!!!!...ahem...sorry bout that...but I just had to...

Nothing can express how proud I am of this picture and of Sean. Kakita Hikawa whom is depicted above was my second second L5R character ever. And it was partially this picture, so masterfully capturing exactly how I saw him that got me hooked on L5R as a game and has peeked my already high interest in the Samurai way. I wanted Hikawa to be the pinnacle of Samurai and through the game I managed to keep a Honor 5 rating *flexes*(I like to think this pic served to remind me of just how to play him each time we'd game for the past 5 years.) But anyways. For those of you interested in his story. Kakita Hikawa was the son of a high ranking Hare Courtier and a Kakita (Crane Clan) Pillar of Justice. In his village there was an exchange program: A Diadoji (The Picture of a man with a butterfly on his blade, found in this gallery) was sent to the Kakita Duelist Academy and a Kakita (Hikawa) was sent to the Daidoji Yojimbo(Bodyguard)Dojo. Hikawa is a very compassionate Samurai (he gets that from the Hare blood) And always made for a very caregiving yojimbo. Growing up he spent many winters in Hare lands with his mother while his Father was in Otosan Uchi. It was there that he first met the woman he was going to eventually marry. But I should make this short. Hands delicate=Yes. He is compassionate and gentle and it always shows in his hands. Dedicated face=Yes he is Daidoji Yojimbo very dedicate to protect whomever is behind him. Swordsmans Poise=He might be Daidoji trained. But he is of Kakita blood. The feathers=*puffs proudly* That's was a touch I asked for. The one black feather=Long story short, Kenku mentor worn to honor him. Hare Clan Mon=In honor of his mother and in honor of his wife, now Kakita Tomoe (The story ran was of Seans creation and devulged from the modules/given story line. What fun is a game if you know what's going to happen? The Hare's territory might be small but she's got HUUUGE tracks of land!). And the one white streak in his hair=He was born with a star of white at the nap of his neck to the top back of his ears. He does not dye his hair because he does not wish to dishonor what the fortunes gave him. And he proudly displays it in his top knot no matter how many times his cousin calls him Skunk Head. (Aren't relatives great?) So I think I've touched on all the pondering. I am very happy and proud that you like it so much. And I would like to, *bows to Sean* once again thank Sean.

this work is absolutely awesome ^_^ the action pose has such a flowing tenseness to it that he accually looks like he's accually moving in to make the cut. This is your only guy with a top knot, a little off your style perhaps? then again maybe it isn't off of your style, its something unique for you and your style is uniqueness...so it isn't off your style ^_^;; I think too much.

You are a fabulous artist. I'm a big fan of L5R and of your work, so I feel obligated to inform you someone may be "borrowing" your art. If you are one to share your sketches with others, so be it. I apologize for being my nosy self. I once displayed my artwork online but I stopped. Got tired of seeing my stuff with other people's names on it. Don't know if you feel the same way, but if you do, go check out [image and artist name removed]. Like I said, if you don't care, or if this person is a friend of yours, I'll never say anything like this again, but I like to see credit go where credit is due.

Sean C. Riley replies: "You don't need to apologize. I appreciate that you brought this to my attention, thank you. I have contacted the artist in question, who has agreed to remove the offending image. I hope this matter is resolved and we can put it behind us."

I really like the amount of detail you use on his hair and the feathers in his costume. It really makes the character stand out and scream "I am unique!"

This is really well done, you should be proud. I like his expression... "Don’t mess with me or else..."