Mai Shiranui: the iconic kunoichi of Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters

In the world of fighting games, few characters are as legendary, stylish, and instantly recognizable as Mai Shiranui. As a master of ninjutsu, a skilled fighter, and one of SNK’s most beloved characters, she has become a staple of both the Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters franchises.

With her deadly agility, powerful flame-based attacks, and captivating presence, Mai Shiranui is more than just a fan-favorite—she is a symbol of elegance, strength, and fighting prowess in the world of arcade and competitive fighting games.

Who is Mai Shiranui?

Mai Shiranui is a female ninja (kunoichi) from the Shiranui clan, trained in Shiranui-Ryuu Ninjutsu, a deadly combination of speed, acrobatics, and fire-based attacks. Despite her graceful and playful demeanor, she is a fierce warrior who can hold her own against the toughest opponents.
One of her biggest character motivations is her love for Andy Bogard, the younger brother of Terry Bogard and one of the main protagonists of Fatal Fury. However, despite her constant pursuit of Andy, she never lets her emotions distract her from her duty as a fighter and protector of her clan’s legacy.
Her combination of beauty, skill, and charisma has made her one of the most popular female characters in fighting game history.

Mai Shiranui’s role in Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters

Mai’s importance in both the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series is undeniable. She is not just a skilled fighter, but also a key player in the tournament’s storylines.

Mai Shiranui in Fatal Fury

Mai was introduced in Fatal Fury 2 (1992) as a Shiranui ninja with exceptional speed and fiery attacks. While she is in love with Andy Bogard, she is also a skilled warrior in her own right, proving that she doesn’t need anyone to protect her.
She later becomes a major fighter in the Fatal Fury tournaments, showcasing her strength and agility against powerful foes like Geese Howard and Wolfgang Krauser.

Mai Shiranui in The King of Fighters

Mai became even more popular when she joined The King of Fighters series in 1994, becoming one of the core members of the Women Fighters Team. Over the years, she has competed in almost every KOF tournament, teaming up with fighters like King, Blue Mary, and Yuri Sakazaki.
Her consistent presence in KOF, along with her dynamic playstyle and fun personality, has made her one of SNK’s most famous characters.