<b>Genma Saotome</b> is very much like his son, <b>Ranma</b>. He is somewhat arrogant when it comes to his martial arts abilities, which he rarely showcases due to cowardice or laziness. It was <b>Genma</b> that took <b>Ranma</b> to Jusenkyo. Because he was unable to read the pamphlet, which was in Chinese, he had no idea of the curses that existed there.

When splashed with cold water <b>Genma</b> transforms into a panda. When in this form, he uses signs with written messages on them to communicate. Although he often tries to rid himself of his curse, he doesn't seem to mind it as much as Jusenkyo's other victims.

Most of <b>Genma</b>'s time is spent sitting around the Tendo home playing Go with his best friend <b>Soun</b>. But despite this, <b>Genma</b> is a talented martial artist and once taught Ryu Kumon's father half of a technique that was powerful enough to kill him. <b>Genma</b> often engaged <b>Ranma</b> to other girls in exchange for food. Like <b>Soun, Genma</b> was trained by <b>Happosai</b> and is also very terrified by his former teacher.

<b<Genma</b> is also married to a wonderful woman named <b>Nodoka. Genma</b> being the insensitive man that he is took <b>Ranma</b> away from his mother at a young age to begin their training, and <b>Nodoka</b> has not seen her son for close to ten years. <b>Genma</b> promised to raise his son to be a man among men, but with <b>Ranma</b>'s curse <b>Genma</b> is worried that his wife will force them to commit suicide as per their agreement should <b>Ranma</b> not become a manly man. <b>Genma</b> is also responsible for <b>Ranma</b>'s engagement to <b>Ukyo Kuonji</b>, but after recieving the dowry, he grabbed <b>Ranma</b> and left <b>Ukyo</b>.