Genan Shiranui is a character from the Samurai Shodown series, introduced in Samurai Shodown. Like Earthquake, he is a character that was dropped after Samurai Shodown II and only makes cameos in other characters' endings in other games. Both of his endings feature characters from other SNK games (Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting). Although they share the same family name, he is in no way related to Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters character Mai Shiranui.

He is a member of the enigmatic Shiranui Clan, one that follows the "way of the darkness". He seeks to enlighten his progress in the "way of evil". To this end, he travels Japan, killing anyone he can. However, in his travels, he encounters an unknown female ninja (who greatly resembles Mai) and is slain.

In Samurai Shodown II, his soul is revived by a being calling himself "leader of the Demon World" along with a proposition of servitude. Genan agrees but plots to one day slay his benefactor and rule the Demon World himself. In his ending to the same game, he is convinced by his wife, Azami, to return home and live in peace.

Genan is the supremely confident yet blundering fool of the series, declaring himself a king when he is really a minion amongst the masses. He is violent enough to pose a threat to humanity but a sound beating or a greater power will cause him to swiftly retreat to his home. Despite his bold proclamations for the sake of evil, Genan is really a light-hearted character who just wants the best for his family. He frequently parodies Haohmaru in Samurai Showdown II.