Touken Ranbu is a popular Japanese multimedia franchise that began as a free-to-play online game in 2015. Players collect and train anthropomorphized swords, known as Touken Danshi, which are based on real historical Japanese swords. The game combines elements of strategy, role-playing, and visual novel storytelling. The franchise has expanded beyond the original game to include anime, manga, stage plays, and merchandise. Each Touken Danshi character has a unique personality and backstory, often reflecting the history of the sword they represent. This blend of history and fantasy has attracted a diverse fanbase both in Japan and internationally.