Solo Leveling: Who is the strongest Japanese Hunter?

Solo Leveling is one of the biggest anime in the world, captivating fans with its setting of gates, monsters, and Hunters. Though the series initially focused on Sung Jinwoo and the events in Korea, it soon expanded in scale, giving insight into formidable international fighters.

The first foreign nation to be introduced properly in the series was Japan, which played a crucial role in the Jeju Island Arc. The country was represented by its most impressive figures, including Goto Ryuji, Japan’s strongest Hunter. Though originally seeming like a dominant, calm, and polite individual, Ryuji turned out to be deceptive on multiple fronts.

During the Jeju Island Arc, the ants from the island had begun attacking its immediate neighbors, even causing damage to Japanese cities. To collectively combat the dangerous S-Rank Gate, Ryuji approached Go Gunhee, creating a raid party between the two nations in order to kill the Ant Queen.

Ever since he first showed up on screen in Solo Leveling, Ryuji was a fascinating person. He was collected, analytical, and gave off an aura of power. While there was an even balance in Korea, Ryuji was the sole holder of power in Japan, being the leader of the Draw Sword Guild, which had 11 S-Rank Hunters.

Ryuji was often compared to the Chinese National Level Hunter, Liu Zhigang, and possessed enhanced senses, strength, and speed, as well as his mastery over a red katana. Unfortunately, despite being the strongest, Solo Leveling fans never got to see Ryuji in proper action. This was due to his true personality and the deeper motivations surrounding his mission on Jeju Island.

Behind his facade, Goto Ryuji was a prideful and egoistic person who was immensely cunning and cruel. He did not show care towards human life and could get blinded by his own arrogance. This led to his battle against Jinwoo during the training session before the Jeju Island Raid.

Though Ryuji seemed impressive initially, even landing a cut on Jinwoo, he soon began losing his cool after seeing the protagonist’s casual attitude. Hence, while he had only goaded Jinwoo into a sparring match to test him, Ryuji started to gradually unleash his real power with the hope of killing Jinwoo. Thankfully, the other Hunters stepped in to stop the fight.

Later, however, Ryuji was terrified after having felt the hidden strength of the Shadow Monarch. Nevertheless, once Jinwoo decided to opt out of the Jeju Island Raid, Ryuji proceeded with his devious plan.

Goto Ryuji’s fate in Solo Leveling

Ryuji’s purpose for collaborating with Korea was to annihilate their S-Rank Hunters at Jeju Island and bring down the integrity of the nation. He had conspired with Chairman Matsumoto of the Japanese Hunters Association to achieve his goal and was planning on abandoning the Korean Hunters in the midst of their battle against the dangerous ants.

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Unfortunately, just as he was leaving, Ryuji was greeted by the main antagonist of the arc, the Ant King. The creature instantly killed his subordinates and asked the Japanese Hunter whether he was the king of the humans. Though clearly outmatched, Ryuji’s conceitedness took over, as he claimed himself to be the king and raised his blade against the Ant King.

However, Ryuji was instantly enveloped by fear once the Ant King released its aura, after which he was instantly beheaded. This unceremoniously ended the life of the strongest Japanese Hunter in Solo Leveling, whose true potential could never be explored due to his villainous personality.

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