[godwine]

I have a few that I like:

Sasaki Kojirō 佐々木小次郎
Yagyū Jūbei 柳生十兵衞
Hattori Hanzō 服部半蔵

Their history is also fascinating.... But I agree, much of current Japan was crafted by the Meiji restoration, so I really do admire Sakamoto Ryoma and the Shinsengumi group (Kondo Isami etc)