Kenshi Takahashi; who didn’t see him coming? There’s not one timeline where Kenshi isn’t blinded, whether by Shang Tsung or in Mortal Kombat 1’s case, Mileena.

But does this swordsman let his disability get in the way of looking his best? Absolutely not! So in this article, we’ll be looking at some of Kenshi’s best skins in Mortal Kombat 1.

#1. Blindside

Some people see the world in black and white. And then there’s Kenshi.

Blindside in action:

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How about we start with this New Era skin called Blindside? This skin has a neutral color palette of black and white. To unlock Blindside, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

The colors black and white could be seen as a representation of the relationship between Kenshi and his sword, Sento. The black symbolizes Kenshi’s blindness, the literal darkness the swordsman will have to deal with for the rest of his life. But Sento, represented by the white in the Blindside skin, is Kenshi’s light through the darkness as the sword allows Kenshi to see to some extent.

#2. Sento’s Keeper

Don’t know why, but I’m getting serious Batman vibes from this skin

Sento’s Keeper in action:

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Sento’s Keeper is another New Era skin for Kenshi. This skin has a palette that includes black and a pale gold as its colors. To unlock Sento’s Keeper, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

I’ve heard of a brother’s keeper, but never “Sento’s” keeper. Obviously, the title is referring to Kenshi himself, who is the current owner of the magical sword. Not only that, but Kenshi is the only one who can wield Sento’s power as the souls of Kenshi’s ancestors inhabit the sword.

#3. Blinding Heat

Scorpion and Liu Kang aren’t the only ones bringing the heat

Blinding Heat in action:

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The third Kenshi skin on this list is another New Era skin called Blinding Heat. This skin contains a palette of warm colors such as red and yellow. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Blinding Heat as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store. 

As you’ve probably noticed, the title of this skin and the colors used do have a connection since the warm colors more than likely represent fire. But what I find interesting is the fact that this skin is called “Blinding” Heat. This could be referring to Kenshi’s blindness, of course, but fire itself can become so bright that you could be blinded by its intensity.

#4. Flame War

Rule #1: When at war, DO NOT pick a fight with the blind swordsman

Flame War in action:

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Flame War, another Kenshi New Era skin, shares the theme of fire with Blinding Heat. This skin also has a palette that contains warm colors. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Flame War as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store.

I know what a flame war is,which is basically an argument between people online, but I’m not sure how it relates to Kenshi. I thought maybe it was referring to Kenshi’s telepathic communication with Sento, but I’ve never heard of the two arguing over anything. Maybe there will be some problems between Kenshi and his sword in the future?

#5. Jingi

Psst, Kenshi, if I join the Yakuza, you think I can have a cool suit too?

Jingi in action:

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Moving on from the New Era skins, we’ll now look over some of the Yakuza skins, starting with Jingi. Jingi has a palette that includes colors such as crimson and white. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Jingi as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store.

I did wonder what the names of each of the Yakuza skins meant, so I decided to look them up out of curiosity. There are multiple meanings for Jingi in Japanese, but the English translation for it is “honor”. Well, Kenshi is trying to regain his clan’s honor by freeing them from the Yakuza’s corruption, so I’d say Jingi is a very fitting skin for the swordsman!

#6. Gakudo

♯And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie, I’ma kill some kombatants tonight♯

Gakudo in action:

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Another cool Yakuza skin for Kenshi is Gakudo! Gakudo has a palette of dark blue and black. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Gakudo as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store.

Gakudo are actually after-school clubs in Japan, but gakudo can also refer to a school child or pupil. When Liu Kang first came to Kenshi, he made the swordsman train alongside Johnny, Kung Lao, and Raiden. So, I guess Kenshi does become one of Liu Kang’s pupils in Mortal Kombat 1.

#7. Bakuto

Why does Kenshi look like the sea?

Bakuto in action:

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This legendary Yakuza skin is named Bakuto.  Bakuto has a palette containing turquoise and white shades. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Bakuto as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store.

In Mortal Kombat 1, the Bakuto is a predecessor for the Yakuza. This is also the clan the Taira, whose name was changed to Takahashi, join in order to obtain protection. As a Takahashi, Kenshi too is part of the Bakuto clan, but he is fighting to get himself and his family out of that life.

#8. Wakagashira

Mr. Negative, is that you!?

Wakagashira in action:

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The last of the Yakuza skins on the list is Wakagashira, and the title also has some significance when it comes to the Yakuza as well. This skin’s palette has a color scheme of black and white. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Wakagashira as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store. 

A wakagashira is a regional boss within the Yakuza, so while they’re still basically an underling, they have their own henchmen to control. While that’s a nice little fun-fact, I can’t look at the Wakagashira skin without thinking about Spider-Man. I mean come on, you got Yuri Lowenthal voicing Smoke in MK1, so what am I supposed to think!?

#9. Fiery Swordsman

So Kenshi, Afro, and Samurai Jack walk into a bar…

Fiery Swordsman in action:

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Moving along from the Yakuza skins, here’s the first skin in the Union of Light category we’ll look at: Fiery Swordsman. Fiery Swordsman’s palette includes colors such as red, gold, and brown. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Fiery Swordsman as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store. 

I have to admit, at first, I wasn’t feeling the Union of Light skins. I know Kenshi is supposed to be wearing traditional samurai armor, but it was something about the helmet that really put me off. However, when I looked through the Union of Light skins I realized I still liked the palettes used for them, so the helmet is something I can easily ignore.

#10. Incandescent

“Oh sorry, just thinking about stabbing my next opponent in the eyes…wait…”

Incandescent in action:

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The last of the Union of Light skins, as well as the last skin on this list, we’ll talk about is Incandescent. The palette for this skin is similar to Fiery Swordsman, but black has been added onto it. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Incandescent as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store.

I really do love the Mortal Kombat 1 skins that have this “burning” outline to it. It gives this Kenshi skin a very stylish look, but also makes the skin look more intimidating in a way. Not a bad skin to end this list with, right?

Not only can Kenshi Takahashi throw hands, but he looks so good doing it too! So, what are you waiting for? Play Mortal Kombat 1. Level up. Save your money. And when all that’s said and done, do me a favor: GET THESE KENSHI SKINS!

You may also be interested in:

• Best Mortal Kombat Villains (and Their Arch Enemies)
• Top 10 Mortal Kombat 1 Best Beginner Characters
• Top 10 Mortal Kombat 1 Best Fatalities