Yukimaru Sanada is a tall and handsome man with striking long black hair, which he ties up in a ponytail using a small grey ribbon. His hair has messy strands on both sides of his face, adding to his rugged charm. His deep black eyes convey a sense of intensity and focus, fitting his role as a dedicated leader.

As a child, Yukimaru had grey-brown eyes and shaggy brown hair. He wore a simple white shirt with long sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with a red bow around his neck. He also wore a purple vest and brown shoes, and like most samurai, he carried a sword with him. After an attack on the ship, where he was injured by Abel Bluefield and subsequently rescued by Kei and his fellow samurai, Yukimaru lost his shoes and was left barefoot, symbolizing a significant shift in his journey and the hardships he faces.

Prior to meeting Fena Houtman and joining her crew with his six samurai ninja companions, Yukimaru wore a traditional black haori (a type of kimono jacket) paired with a red scarf wrapped around his neck. His casual attire included dark grey pants, which were tied at the waist with a light grey bow, and like the other samurai in his group, he was barefoot.

Upon joining Fena’s crew as one of her trusted allies, Yukimaru’s attire evolved to suit his new role. He now wears a black ninja outfit designed for combat and agility, consisting of dark leather arming garments across his chest, sode shoulder armor, and kote arm guards. His pants are dark black with a matching black bow tied around the waistline, complemented by red leg guards and black boots, giving him a sleek, tactical appearance suitable for his samurai-ninja hybrid role.

Yukimaru’s samurai helmet is a striking feature, colored red and adorned with two antlers that give it a fierce, intimidating look. It also bears the emblem of the Sanada clan, the rokumonsen (six coins), on the front. The helmet includes a men-yoroi (menpo), a type of facial armor that covers his face, concealing his identity while he wears it.

His weapons of choice consist of two samurai swords, reflecting his training and mastery in the art of swordsmanship.

Yukimaru Sanada’s final design retains many elements from his initial appearance, though some changes have been made to reflect his evolving role and the development of his character. His deep black eyes, which may now have a slight blue tint, add a subtle change to his appearance. His arming garments, which were previously dark, are now a striking red, signifying his strength and leadership. His inshirt (inner shirt) is now grey, and his black shorts are tied with a red waistline bow, similar to what his fellow samurai comrades (excluding Karin) wear. His leg guards, boots, ninja outfit, and sode shoulder armor remain largely the same, maintaining the tactical and fierce look that defines his combat-ready appearance.

In terms of casual wear, Yukimaru’s haori has been updated to a bold red color, contrasting with his previous black attire. The grey bow around his waistline has been replaced with a tan one, and his ankle-length pants have been changed from grey to black, contributing to a more cohesive and bold look. He now wears flip-flop zori sandals on his bare feet, a change that aligns with his more relaxed, everyday style. This footwear choice is also shared by his comrade Shitan, while Makaba and Tsubaki wear similar types of sandals, with Tsubaki adding a unique touch by wearing white tabi socks with his sandals in his casual attire.

Yukimaru Sanada is an introverted and stoic individual who exudes a quiet strength. He is extremely protective of Fena Houtman, having known her since childhood, and his loyalty to her is unwavering. This protective nature extends not only emotionally but also physically, as he consistently puts himself in harm’s way to ensure her safety. His sense of duty is paramount, and he has no fear of sacrificing his own life for her well-being.

Despite his reserved demeanor, Yukimaru demonstrates strong leadership qualities, particularly when interacting with his fellow samurai-ninja comrades. Whether in battle or during more casual moments, he is often the one to guide and support his team, making strategic decisions and maintaining the morale of his comrades.

Yukimaru is also notably shy when it comes to matters of the heart. His ears flush with embarrassment whenever he is teased about his apparent feelings for Fena, reflecting his internal struggle to express his emotions. Though he is not forthcoming with his feelings, it’s clear that he cares deeply for Fena, and his actions consistently show how much he values and cherishes her.

The first name “Yukimaru” is composed of the kanji 雪 (yuki), meaning “snow,” and 丸 (maru), which can mean “round,” “circle,” or “purity.” The character 丸 is also commonly used in Japanese ship names, and it can signify completeness or wholeness. This combination evokes imagery of purity and calm, possibly reflecting Yukimaru’s composed nature, while also implying a sense of completeness or wholeness in his character.

Yukimaru’s surname, “Sanada,” is made up of the kanji 真 (sana), meaning “real” or “genuine,” and 田 (ta/da), meaning “field” or “rice paddy.” The name suggests a grounded, authentic nature, perhaps symbolizing Yukimaru’s sincerity and unwavering dedication to his mission, as well as his connection to the land and his role as a protector.