I think the axe guy is just one of those generic "hooded axeman" enemies found throughout the Dragon Quest series. The NA version calls them Hoodlums, but I'm not so sure about the JP version.

If it's meant to be a specific character it'd be Kandar, the recurring boss from DQ3. All the other enemies of that type are generic random encounters, and the color is right for Kandar.

Magus said:
If it's meant to be a specific character it'd be Kandar, the recurring boss from DQ3. All the other enemies of that type are generic random encounters, and the color is right for Kandar.

Useful information, DQ3 would be one I haven't played. Tagged it.