Iroha's master is unknown, but is heavily implied to be the player themselves, as she often bows and speaks to the player before and after her fights. Creators have confirmed this in an interview, adding that she is specifically talking to the male players. This caracterizes a fourth wall's break.
Her story is based off the Japanese folklore story Tsuru no Ongaeshi (鶴の恩返し, lit. "Crane's Return of a Favor").
Iroha claimed 2nd place in Dengeki Online’s DLC characters poll for Samurai Shodown (2019).[1]
Iroha is an extremely very popular character in Japan. She stars in her own mobile game called Maid by Iroha. Another game based around her was scheduled for release on the Nintendo DS console, but was canceled. She has also been added to a roster of usable characters in the Queen's Blade series, which is an extension of the fantasy game series, Lost Worlds. She also has several different figurines, hard cast and otherwise, made in her image.
The developers of 2019 SamSho version were aware of Iroha's popularity. Because the game was being released worldwide, the developers worried about her sexual expressions such as disrobing behind Shoji doors.[2]Nobuyuki Kuroki was initially against her inclusion to the base roster, as he felt that her appearance would clash with the game's atmosphere. He compared this to Yuri Sakazaki's debut in Art of Fighting 2' where tone became more "colourful."[2]
