Katsumoto is the current patriarch of a line of samurai that have faithfully served the Emperor of Japan for hundreds of years. He is a charismatic leader, an excellent field commander and tactician, a philosopher, and a student. He speaks fluent English by the start of the events in the film. While meditating, Katsumoto has a vision in which a white tiger fiercely defends itself against armored samurai in a misty forest. At the time, he is not certain of the meaning of the vision.