Rurouni Kenshin (2023 TV series)

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Rurouni Kenshin
Key visual of the series, featuring Himura Kenshin (left) and Kamiya Kaoru (right)
るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-
(Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan-)
Anime television series
Directed byHideyo Yamamoto
Written byHideyuki Kurata
Storyboarded byHideyo Yamamoto
Music byYū Takami
StudioLiden Films
Licensed by
Original networkFuji TV (Noitamina)
Original run July 7, 2023 – present
Episodes24

Rurouni Kenshin (Japanese: るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-, Hepburn: Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan-)[a] is a Japanese anime television series, based on the manga series of the same name by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is the second anime television series adaptation after the 1996–98 series. Directed by Hideyo Yamamoto and animated by Liden Films, the series premiered in July 2023 on Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block. In December 2023, the series was renewed for a second season, subtitled Kyoto Disturbance, which is set to premiere in October 2024.

Premise[edit]

In the Meiji era in Japan, Himura Kenshin is a pacifistic rōnin, wandering the country and helping people with his swordsmanship skills. Once a deadly and feared political assassin known as Hitokiri Battōsai, he has since led a path of peace, wielding a reverse bladed sword, known as sakabatō, in a vow to never again take another life.

Voice cast[edit]

Character Japanese voice English voice
Himura Kenshin Soma Saito[1] Howard Wang[2]
Kamiya Kaoru Rie Takahashi[1] Risa Mei[3]
Sagara Sanosuke Taku Yashiro[4] Darius Johnson[5]
Myōjin Yahiko Makoto Koichi[4]
Shinomori Aoshi Yuma Uchida[6] Ben Balmaceda[7]
Takani Megumi Saori Ōnishi[6] Jennifer Sun Bell[8]
Saitō Hajime Satoshi Hino[9] Bill Butts[10]
Makimachi Misao Aya Yamane[11]
Shishio Makoto Makoto Furukawa[11]
Seta Sōjirō Daiki Yamashita[11]
Hiko Seijūrō Yuichi Nakamura[11]

Production[edit]

On December 19, 2021, at the Jump Festa '22 event, it was announced that a new television series adaptation of the Rurouni Kenshin manga would be animated by Liden Films.[12] A promotional video was shown at the Aniplex Online Fest 2022 on September 24, 2022.[1] The series re-adapts the original manga story. It is directed by Hideyo Yamamoto, with scripts written by Hideyuki Kurata, character designs by Terumi Nishii [ja], and music composed by Yū Takami [ja].[1][13] The original manga author, Nobuhiro Watsuki, supervised the character designs and scenario.[14][15][16]

Yamamoto said that he used to watch all Rurouni Kenshin works during his youth, and was in particular impressed by the original video animations for it different artwork. He came to think the main appeal of the series was how the series showed people's lives in the Meiji era and how Kenshin not only fought enemies but also helped them redeem from their crimes while interacting with them. The latter was further noted to make Kenshin as a man every viewer wants to be like. From the beginning, he was thinking that he wanted to show "a way of foreshadowing" but wanted the details to be subtle, similar to the dramas that often air next to Kenshin. In contrast to the more comical original work, Yamamoto aimed to make the narrative more serious and avoid slapstick or superdeformed designs in order to make it more realistic. In animating the work, they used 3DCG with 3-D models of the rooms, fitting for the modern age. Horse carriages were animated through CGI as they were a common vehicle used in the Meiji. In regards to the action, the animation was given a more unique style for fight scene when Tokyo. The designs were made by Terumi Nishii under supervision by Yamamoto and Watsuki. Careful detail was given to the kimono and other clothing featured in the anime.[17]

Among many supervisions of the series, Kaoru Kurosaki [ja] and Watsuki aimed to make it fitting for the Reiwa era as well as accessible to both newcomers and returning audience. The story arc involving Raijuta was revised in order to improved in the 2023 anime. Kurosaki in particular revised the scripts of the Raijuta episodes. Kurata came up with new ideas to revisit Sanosuke's backstory in order to bring further depth to the character.[18] Meetings were done in order to supervise most episodes. While the clothing remained the same, the way bodies are drawn were revised due to improvements from the graphic style from the manga and 1990s version. Soma Saito was chosen because the staff found him fitting to portray both the gentle and rude demeanors of Kenshin. After the musical based on the manga was done, the staff found the manga very comical and wanted to generate different style with the new anime, to the point Kenshin no longer says his expression of "Oro?" meant to sound as comic relief to his reactions in jokes. Nevertheless, there was still a desire to keep some comical scenes.[19]

Kenshin's voice actor, Soma Saito, said he was a fan of the series ever since he was a child and looks forward to creating his own take of Kenshin. Meanwhile, Kaoru's voice actress, Rie Takahashi, was surprised she was selected to voice the heroine and, similar to Saito, wanted to create an appealing version of Karou.[20] Other main voice actors include Makoto Koichi, Yahiko's voice actor, who commented that she aimed to portray his passionate spirit, and Taku Yashiro, Sanosuke's voice actor, who expressed that he aimed to portray various aspects of his personality, such as his "straightness, youthfulness, roughness, strength, and warmth."[21]

On December 16, 2023, a second season, subtitled Kyoto Disturbance (京都動乱, Kyōto Dōran), was announced at Jump Festa '24.[22] It is set to premiere in October 2024.[23]

Release[edit]

The first season ran for two consecutive cours[9] for a total of 24 episodes, that aired from July 7 to December 15, 2023, on Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block.[24][25][b] For the first cour, Ayase and R-Shitei [ja] (under the name Ayase×R-Shitei) performed the opening theme "Hiten" (飛天),[9] while Reol performed the ending theme "Kissaki" (切っ先, "Edge").[24] For the second cour, Masaki Suda and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (under the name Masaki Suda×Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra) performed the opening theme "Rurō no Katashiro" (るろうの形代), while Kid Phenomenon performed the ending theme "Sonzai Shōmei" (存在証明, "Existence").[27] The episodes are being collected by Aniplex on eight DVDs and Blu-ray sets; the first volume was released on October 25, 2023,[28] and the last one is set to be released on May 29, 2024.[29]

On December 16, 2023, the series was renewed for a second season, subtitled Kyoto Disturbance, which is set to premiere in October 2024, running for two consecutive cours.[22][23]

Aniplex of America screened the U.S. premiere for the series at the 2023 Anime Expo on July 3 in the Main Events stage of the Los Angeles Convention Center. A conversation between Aniplex producer Masami Niwa and voice actors Soma Saito and Rie Takahashi followed the screening.[30] Crunchyroll is streaming the series outside of Asia.[31] An English dub premiered in October 2023, although neither Aniplex of America nor Crunchyroll revealed the cast.[32][33]

Episodes[edit]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byChief animation direction byOriginal air date
1"Kenshin – Himura Battosai"
(Japanese: 剣心・緋村抜刀斎)
Hideyo YamamotoHideyuki KurataMasahiro Emoto & Kenji MatsuokaJuly 7, 2023 (2023-07-07)[34]
10 years after the Bakumatsu's end, the former assassin "Hitokiri Himura Battosai" wanders around Tokyo where he is attacked by swordsmanship teacher Kamiya Kaoru from the Kamiya Kasshin dojo. Himura gives up, claiming his weapon, the sakabato, is unable to kill a person. Just then, a man claiming to be Battosai himself studying the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu causes riots in the city and Himura escapes with Kaoru after seeing her wounded. In the dojo, Himura learns of Kaoru's values of how a sword can used to save others and suspects one of her aids, Kihee, might be related to Battosai. After Himura investigates Kihee, the fake Battosai invades the dojo, revealing Kihee as his older brother aiming to take the place. Himura then reveals his true identity and easily defeats Hiruma's forces, sparing them with his sakabato. As Himura is about to leave, Kaoru asks him to help her with the dojo as she does not care about his past. He accepts the idea, revealing his true name is Himura Kenshin.
2"Tokyo Samurai – Yahiko Myojin"
Transliteration: "Tōkyō-fu Shizoku・Myōjin Yahiko" (Japanese: 東京府士族・明神弥彦)
Araki IsseiHideyuki KurataToshiko & Mamoru NishimiyaJuly 14, 2023 (2023-07-14)[35]
As he is about to split from Kaoru to buy food, Kenshin is robbed by a child, Myojin Yahiko, but allows him to take his wallet out of pity. This enrages Yahiko and he throws it back, causing Kenshin to remark that he should keep that mature attitude before doing this. Later, Kenshin is arrested by policemen for wielding a sword, but a more ruthless group takes the case sadistically. When Kaoru tries to alert Kenshin about the policemen, Kenshin defeats all of them. He is then spotted by his former ally Yamagata Aritomo, a politician from the Meiji era who wants him back, but Kenshin denies any privilege as he aims to continue his own way of life. Having seen Kenshin's fight, Yahiko remembers his words and gives up being a thief. However, this causes him to be abused by his superiors.
3"Kasshin-ryu – Reborn"
Transliteration: "Kasshin-ryū・Saishidō" (Japanese: 活心流・再始動)
NanHideyuki KurataMinoru Kanari & Takayuki OnodaJuly 21, 2023 (2023-07-21)[36]
The yakuza beat Yahiko and mock his late parents until Kenshin reaches the area and intimidates the leader into releasing him. Learning from the child that he wants to be strong to protect his parents' reputation, Kenshin decides to make Yahiko the next student of Kaoru's Kasshin-ryu. However, following his recovery, he remains rebellious towards Kaoru. When two students appear asking for Kaoru's help due to being involved in a fight with bandits, Yahiko realizes the students were drunk and had caused the confrontation. Nevertheless, Kaoru takes responsibility, earning Yahiko's respect as he decides to fight alongside her. Kenshin then returns to the dojo, scares the bandits, and tells Kaoru's former students never to wield a sword again. Despite Kaoru and Kenshin's specific thoughts about their beliefs, they change their mind when Yahiko picks up his wooden sword and starts cleaning up the place.
4"The Fighter for Hire – Sanosuke Sagara"
Transliteration: "Kenka no Otoko・Sagara Sanosuke" (Japanese: 喧嘩の男・相楽左之助)
Yoshitaka MakinoHideyuki KurataKazuhisa KosugeJuly 28, 2023 (2023-07-28)[37]
Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko go to Akabeko restaurant where a trio of drunk men causes mayhem while talking about politicians. As Kenshin is about to face them, he is interrupted by a young man named Sagara Sanosuke who easily beats them. After Kenshin scares them with his sword, Sanosuke explains that he is a fighter-for-hire and is interested in seeing Kenshin's strength. Although Kenshin rejects the offer, Sanosuke later finds the Hiruma brothers, who ask for his help to kill Kenshin. Sanosuke is initially reluctant until learning he is from the Ishin Shishi. Sanosuke once again challenges Kenshin who accepts upon discovering he was hired by the Hirumas. Using his large lance-like zanbatō, Sanosuke tries to kill his opponent, but Kenshin easily dodges his moves.
5"And Then, Another"
Transliteration: "Soshite Nakama ga Mata Ichi-nin" (Japanese: そして仲間がまた一人)
Akira OdamaHideyuki KurataMasaru KitaoAugust 4, 2023 (2023-08-04)[38]
With his superior skill, Kenshin easily bests Sanosuke, but his anger towards the Ishin Shishi for killing his captain Sagara Sōzō from the Sekihōtai during the revolution pushes him to keep fighting. Kihee takes advantage and tries to shoot Kenshin but he blocks the bullet with his tsuba. His brother then attempts to take Kaoru and Yahiko but Sanosuke stops him with his zanbatō. He and Kenshin engage in another clash in which his sakabatō slices his zanbatō, leaving Kenshin victorious. Sanosuke refuses to give up until he realizes that Kenshin is not like the Ishin Shishi he hates due to his values in regard to the actual revolution. The next day, a wounded but recovering Sanosuke beats up drunken people in the Akabeko and befriends Kenshin, thanking him for testing his values.
6"Kurogasa"
(Japanese: 黒笠)
Keisuke NishijimaHideyuki KurataAtsuko YamazakiAugust 11, 2023 (2023-08-11)[39]
The deaths of several politicians at the hands of a single swordsman forces the police to request Kenshin and Sanosuke's aid as bodyguards for the next likely target. During the night, Kenshin suspects the swordsman might be an old rival based on the supernatural technique he used. At midnight, the killer, former Shinsengumi and hitokiri Jin-e, appears and begins killing the man's bodyguards. He easily paralyzes Sanosuke and the rest with his chi, but Kenshin resists. Attracted by his ability, Jin-e escapes, having decided to target him. Despite Kenshin wanting to fight him alone, Kaoru confronts Kenshin, making him promise not to leave the town until he returns her bow. However, Jin-e kidnaps her, enraging Kenshin.
7"The Two Hitokiri"
Transliteration: "Hitokiri Futari" (Japanese: 人斬りふたり)
Yoshitaka MakinoHideyuki KurataAtsuko Yamazaki & Masahiro EmotoAugust 18, 2023 (2023-08-18)[40]
Following Jin-e's instructions, Kenshin finds his enemy's location where he keeps Kaoru. Jin-e easily bests Kenshin as he claims he was stronger in the Bakumatsu when showing a notable thirst for blood. Disappointed, Jin-e paralyzes Kaoru, giving her little time before her death. This causes Kenshin to go back to his Hitokiri Battosai persona and tries to kill him with his battojutsu techniques to overwhelm his enemy. Before Kenshin kills his enemy, Kaoru remembers his kind personality and breaks free of Jin-e's control so that Kenshin will not break his vow of not killing. Jin-e kills himself but not before taunting Kenshin in his final moments. Returning to the dojo, Kenshin and Kaoru thank each other for preventing a murder from happening but the latter is displeased upon seeing her bow now covered in blood.
8"Beauty on the Run"
Transliteration: "Tōsō Reijo" (Japanese: 逃走麗女)
Kayona YamadaHideyuki KurataHironari AsaoAugust 25, 2023 (2023-08-25)[41]
While gambling with his friends and Kenshin, Sanosuke becomes shocked to hear that one of them has died after becoming an opium addict. They are then spotted by a woman named Takani Megumi who is being pursued by two men and an assassin, Beshimi. After defeating them, Kenshin and Sanosuke learn Megumi too carries opium and tries hiding it from Kaoru. This results in the group being kicked out of the dojo. One of Sanosuke's friends reveals the two men have been executed by Takeda Kanryu, who is responsible for bringing the drug to Tokyo. Kenshin is startled by his bodyguard Shinomori Aoshi, the leader of the Oniwaban forces. As they return to the dojo, Kenshin asks Megumi for further information but she refuses to divulge sensitive material. After apologizing to Kaoru for lying about the current problem, a large man from the Oniwaban, Hyottoko, attacks the dojo.
9"The Oniwabanshu Strike"
Transliteration: "Oniwaban Kyōshū" (Japanese: 御庭番強襲)
Shōhei YamanakaHideyuki KurataKazuo Watanabe & Toshimitsu KobayashiSeptember 1, 2023 (2023-09-01)[42]
Hyottoko tries to incinerate Kenshin and Sanosuke but is quickly defeated. A hidden Beshimi tries to kill Megumi with a poisonous bullet but Yahiko blocks the shot. As the poison takes effect, Kenshin tries to attack Beshimi but is interrupted by the Oniwaban Hannya. Kenshin injures him but he escapes with the men. Megumi helps create an antidote to heal Yahiko. It is revealed that Megumi originally belonged to the Takani clan, who forced their children to study occidental medicine. After a conflict in Aizu, Megumi loses her family and is forced by Kanryu to produce the opium he distributes. Realizing the guilt she carries, Kenshin requests Megumi to stay in the dojo which Kaoru agrees with. As a wounded Hannya reports to Shinomori about Kenshin, his boss becomes interested in the swordsman. In the post-credits scene, Kanryu becomes delighted upon seeing an unknown item on a Western ship.
10"A Reason to Act"
Transliteration: "Ugoku Wake" (Japanese: 動く理由)
NanHideyuki KurataKazuhisa KosugeSeptember 8, 2023 (2023-09-08)[43]
Though Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko accept Megumi, Sanosuke remains resentful over her previous work. Hannya approaches Megumi while she is alone at the dojo and threatens her into meeting with Kanryu. Arriving at his headquarters, Megumi tries to kill him but is stopped by Shinomori and taken prisoner. Kenshin goes to rescue her and convinces Sanosuke to join him. Accompanied by Yahiko, they storm the compound and defeat Kanryu's private army. As they reach his mansion, Kanryu attempts to recruit Hitokiri Battosai as a bodyguard but is refused. Entering the room where she is held, Shinomori returns Megumi's knife and implores her to choose between a peaceful end at her hands or being tortured to death by Kanryu. As Kenshin's group enters the mansion, they are confronted by Hannya.
11"Savage Han'nya – Honorable Shikijo"
Transliteration: "Sōretsu no Hannya・Sōi no Shikijō" (Japanese: 壮烈の般若・創痍の式尉)
Yoshitaka MakinoHideyuki KurataToshimitsu KobayashiSeptember 15, 2023 (2023-09-15)[44]
Kenshin fights Hannya but initially struggles to avoid getting hit. Using his sakabato pointed forward in a defensive stance, he determines that Hannya's tattoos are giving the illusion of his arms changing length, allowing him to land a blow. Hannya's mask breaks, revealing a mutilated face due to his work as a spy. Kenshin defeats Hannya and the group move to the next floor of the mansion, where they are confronted by the physically imposing Shikijo. Sanosuke decides to face him alone while Kenshin and Yahiko find Megumi. Shikijo reveals how Shinomori took him in for his strength and invites Sanosuke to join them, impressed by his'. Preferring Kenshin's pacifist values over the strength of the Oniwaban, Sanosuke defeats Shikijo but loses consciousness soon after. Elsewhere, Kenshin confronts Shinomori and both prepare to fight.
12"Okashira – Aoshi Shinomori"
Transliteration: "O-kashira・Shinomori Aoshi" (Japanese: 御頭・四之森蒼紫)
Yoshifumi SuedaHideyuki KurataTerumi Nishii, Atsuko Yamazaki & Yoshinori DenoSeptember 22, 2023 (2023-09-22)[45]
Shinomori easily overpowers Kenshin with his kenpo fighting style and shorter kodachi. After Kenshin understands his technique, he grips his sakabato by its blade to shorten his range and manages to wound Shinomori. The Oniwaban tries to kill his enemy with his strongest move, the Kaiten Kenbu, but Kenshin reads it and counterattacks. Both fighters fall to the floor with Shinomori briefly losing consciousness and Kenshin refusing to kill him. Accepting his defeat, Shinomori explains he wants to bring the rejected Oniwaban their works, but only Kanryu accepted them. They are then interrupted by Kanryu who tries to kill them with a Gatling gun, wounding Shinomori's legs. Sanosuke, Hannya, and Shikijo arrive to stop Kanryu; Shikijo uses his body as a shield to protect his leader but is caught in the gun-fire.
13"Battle's End"
Transliteration: "Shitō no Hate" (Japanese: 死闘の果て)
Tetsuaki MitaHideyuki KurataMasahiro EmotoSeptember 29, 2023 (2023-09-29)[46]
Though Shikijo, Hyottoko, Beshimi, and Hannya are killed protecting Shinomori, Kenshin uses their sacrifice to defeat Kanryu. When the group finds Megumi, she decides to atone for her crimes and surrenders to the arriving police. Kenshin stops her and claims that Megumi is an innocent woman who was used by Kanryu to create his drugs. With Kanryu intimidated by Kenshin into silence, the police leaves with him, while Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko convince Megumi to redeem herself by healing others. Elsewhere, a traumatized Shinomori escapes with the severed heads of his subordinates and prepare for his next fight with Kenshin. As the group heads back to the dojo, a doctor offers Megumi a new house where she can stay. In the post-credits scene, Shinomori promises his late underlings to bring them the honor of the invincible.
14"Yahiko's Battle"
Transliteration: "Yahiko no Tatakai" (Japanese: 弥彦の戦い)
Shôhei YamanakaHideyuki KurataToshimitsu KobayashiOctober 6, 2023 (2023-10-06)[47]
Curious about Yahiko's absences from his classes, Kenshin, Kaoru, and Sanosuke find him working into the Akabeko restaurant alongside a young girl, Tsubame. Threatened by a group of thieves, Tsubame gives them a replicated key to rob the place; Yahiko's attempts to stop them prove unsuccessful. Despite Kaoru's and Sanosuke's complaints, Kenshin convinces them to let Yahiko handle the situation himself rather than rely on others. In the aftermath, Yahiko asks Kenshin for help with how to defeat several opponents at once and is reinforced by Kaoru the values of the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu. That night, Yahiko recovers the key from the thieves and downs several men one by one until Kenshin and Sanosuke scare the rest. As Tsubame begs for Yahiko's help, the young boy is able to singlehandedly defeat the boss of the group. Afterwards, Yahiko confesses to Sanosuke that his true objective was buying a sakabato like Kenshin's, lamenting that it is too expensive. Nevertheless, he is satisfied with his growth as a swordsman.
15"That Man – Raijuta"
Transliteration: "Sono Otoko Raijūta" (Japanese: その男・雷十太)
Yû HarimaKaoru KurosakiIsoroku Koga & Atsuko YamazakiOctober 13, 2023 (2023-10-13)[48]
Kenshin accompanies Kaoru and Yahiko to the Maekawa dojo where he sees kendo being taught and trained. A man named Raijuta Isurugi enters the dojo, seeking to take it down. In a duel with Maekawa, Raijuta nearly kills the master with a bamboo sword, forcing Kenshin to stop him and challenge Raijuta himself. In their duel, Kenshin sees Raijuta use a technique to make his bamboo sword deadly but avoids his slashes. Raijuta then leaves but sends an invitation to Kenshin the next day. Upon meeting with him again, Raijuta reveals his goal to restore swordsmanship back into a deadly martial art, resentful of widespread non-lethal kendo. Kenshin rejects his belief, unwilling to live in a world where lethal swordsmanship thrives. Raijuta accepts his answer and draws his katana.
16"The Ideal Man"
Transliteration: "Risō no Otoko" (Japanese: 理想の男)
Daiki HandaKaoru KurosakiKei Saotomé & Masaru KitaoOctober 20, 2023 (2023-10-20)[49]
Raijuta fights Kenshin but is quickly defeated; nevertheless, he vows to crush him. His student, Yutaro, then challenges Yahiko to a duel, arriving at the dojo in the early morning. His lack of skill is evident when Yahiko realizes he came whilst he is sleepy to win. Feeling sorry he was never taught by Raijuta, Kaoru teaches him. Yutaro reveals his desire to surpass his father as a swordsman, who abandoned becoming a samurai to be a merchant. Raijuta allows Yutaro to train in the Kamiya dojo, where he progresses quickly. However, while thankful of his training, Yutaro believes his true potential is by training with Raijuta, telling them of when he saved him and his father from bandits. He takes them to the site of the attack but Raijuta ambushes Kenshin, inadvertently wounding Yutaro. He reveals that he had staged the incident to have his wealthy father as an investor. Kenshin accepts Raijuta's duel but takes Yutaro to a hospital first, where his wounds are revealed as severe enough to prevent him from ever practicing swordsmanship again.
17"Settling the Score"
Transliteration: "Ketchaku" (Japanese: 決着)
Rion KujoKaoru KurosakiToshimitsu Kobayashi & Yoshinori DenoOctober 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)[50]
Kenshin battles Raijuta and determines that he uses vacuum-like slashes by displacing the air around his blade. Through his boasts, he also surmises that while highly skilled, Raijuta has never killed anyone. Despite sustaining several cuts, Kenshin defeats him by striking Raijuta with his handle and scabbard, knocking him down. Humiliated, Raijuta grabs Yahiko and threatens to kill him, but his threats are rebuffed and they leave with Yutaro. Later, his father speaks with Kenshin and explains his choice to move with his son to Germany, hoping he will forget about swordsmanship. Crippled by his wounds, Yutaro becomes despondent over his inability to practice swordsmanship; Yahiko encourages him by swinging at Yutaro with his bamboo sword, who blocks it with his cane and realizes his skills are not entirely lost. In the post-credits scene, Raijuta finds two civilians and attempts to kill them to prove he has the willpower to murder, but he relents and break downs at his inability to act.
18"Sanosuke & Nishiki Paintings"
Transliteration: "Sanosuke to Nishiki-e" (Japanese: 左之助と錦絵)
Yostaka NagaokaHideyuki KurataAtsuko Yamazaki & Hironari AsaoNovember 3, 2023 (2023-11-03)[51]
While browsing amongst a collection of nishike paintings, Sanosuke finds a piece detailing his former captain, Sagara. He discovers the painting was made by a man named Tsunan Tsukioka, who he recognizes as an old friend, fellow member of the Sekihōtai, and Sagara's protégé. Upon reuniting with him, Sanosuke learns that, despite ten years passing since the army's disbandment, Tsukioka remains loyal to the Sekihōtai's cause and plans to use a cache of incendiary bombs to launch an attack on Tokyo, destroying the Meiji government. Tsukioka gives Sanosuke time to considering joining him. The next day, Sansosuke organizes a large party and invites everyone in town; Tsukioka meets Kenshin but grows wary after learning he is a former member of the Ishin Shishi. As the party winds down and the guests begin to leave or fall asleep, Tsukioka and Sanosuke make their move and head to Tokyo, unaware that Kenshin is awake and aware of their actions.
19"Tsunan & Nishiki Paintings"
Transliteration: "Tsunan to Nishiki-e" (Japanese: 津南と錦絵)
Misato Takada & Tetsuaki MitaHideyuki KurataKei Saotomé & Masaru KitaoNovember 10, 2023 (2023-11-10)[52]
Kenshin confronts Sanosuke and Tsukioka in Tokyo. After several failed attempts to defeat the former Ishin Shishi, Sanosuke knocks out Tsukioka and leaves all of his friend's bombs to be hidden by Kenshin. In the aftermath, a furious Tsukioka feels betrayed and attempts suicide but Sanosuke tries to stop him. After a brief fight, Sanosuke convinces Tsukioka to avoid causing mayhem in the city as the Meiji era taught him that there are several people that are trying to live like his friends and a suicide would not affect the current state. Afterwards, Tsukioka gives and decides to start writing a newspaper that criticizes the government. In the post-credits scene, former Ishin Shishi Okubo Toschimichi discusses the recent attack but discards the possibility of "Shishio" being the cause of it due to a lack of casualties.
20"Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story: Act Zero"
Transliteration: "Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan Dai Rei-maku" (Japanese: 明治剣客浪漫譚 第零幕)
Keiji KawakuboKaoru KurosakiToshimitsu Kobayashi & Yoshinori DenoNovember 17, 2023 (2023-11-17)[53]
21Shôhei YamanakaAtsuko Yamazaki & Kazuhisa KosugeNovember 24, 2023 (2023-11-24)[54]
At his friends' insistence, Kenshin tells a story about one of his journeys. While visiting Yokohama, Kenshin meets a rickshaw puller, Dankichi. As they introduced themselves, a woman collapses nearby; Dankichi's passenger, a foreigner known as Dr. Elder, begins to treat her. They were confronted by Deian Ishizu, a greedy doctor who wants to monopolize Western medicine and despises Dr. Elder's treatment of the poor. Ordering his men to kill the woman, Kenshin defeats them while Dankichi takes the woman to a hospital. A grateful Dr. Elder invites the two to afternoon tea, but inside the restaurant, Kenshin notices a man carrying a sword of Western design. After a ride around Yokohama, Kenshin and Dr. Elder stay at a hotel for the night. He inadvertently learns that Dr. Elder is actually a woman. Meanwhile, Ishizu enlists the help of a foreign man to kill Dr. Elder. The man's assassin, Espilar, becomes excited to fight Kenshin, having recognized him earlier.
Espilar, who wields a spiral-bladed sabre, lures Dankichi and Dr. Elder outside and attacks them. When he demands Kenshin's whereabouts, Kenshin soon arrives, having deduced that a message sent to Dr. Elder was a trap. Despite using numerous thrusts and eventually his fastest attack, Espilar is soundly defeated. To his shock, Kenshin does not kill him; knowing that a samurai's katana is his soul, he sees his sakabato is indicative of his new ways. Ishizu attempts to release a vial of smallpox to kill them but Espilar stops him. Later, Espilar reflects on his failed goal to defeat Kenshin but is encouraged by Dr. Elder to have smaller aspirations he can be proud of. He becomes Dr. Elder's new bodyguard and shows Kenshin his new sabre, inspired by his sakabato. Before they depart for the United States, Dr. Elder reveals her true identity to the people of Yokohama. To his friends' surprise, Kenshin tells them that this particular story was only five days before he met Kaoru.
22"Resurrection of the Wolf"
Transliteration: "Yomigaeru Ōkami" (Japanese: 蘇る狼)
Tetsuya EndoHideyuki KurataKei Saotomé, Hironari Asao & Kazuhisa KosugeDecember 1, 2023 (2023-12-01)[55]
Kenshin's friends notice he seems more reserved and quiet as of late. He tells them about his experience with the Shinsegumi. The predominant opponents of the Ishin Shishi, they were the last and greatest group of swordsmen in Japan. A man enters the Kamiya Dojo and is met by Sanosuke; he realizes he is looking for Kenshin but is quickly defeated. The attacker, Saito Hajime, a captain of the Shinsegumi, is in league with Senate Secretary Shibumi, former Ishin Shishi and mastermind behind Jin-e's attacks on government politicians. While Megumi treats Sanosuke, Kenshin determines that Saito is responsible, though he is unsure if he can defeat him. Saito coordinates a plan with Akamatsu Arundo, Shibumi's mercenary. Kenshin follows instructions left by Saito and travels to an open field alone. There, he battles Akamatsu, who lures him in with a false sense of security and ensnares him within his chains. Elsewhere, a disguised Saito finds Yahiko.
23"The Wolf's Fang"
Transliteration: "Kiba o Muku Ōkami" (Japanese: 牙を剥く狼)
Hideyo YamamotoHideyuki KurataToshimitsu KobayashiDecember 8, 2023 (2023-12-08)[56]
Entering the dojo disguised as a policeman, Saito tells Kaoru and Yahiko that Kenshin is being targeted. Kaoru offers to let him stay and wait. Believing he has won, Akamatsu tells Kenshin that he is being targeted by someone for a special reason, but Kenshin rises up and defeats him. Kaoru sees him as he is walking home, telling him of the "policeman" at the dojo sent to protect him. Coming face to face with his old foe, Kenshin tells them who Saito truly is. They duel but Kenshin quickly sustains several wounds. To Kaoru's shock, Kenshin reverts into his Hitokiri Battosai persona and begins to fight more viciously. Sanosuke notes that with both fighters now intent on killing the other, the only one who can stop them is someone who has fought their war. After Kenshin and Saito lose each other's weapons, they prepare to deliver the final blow, but the clash are interrupted by the arrival of Okubo.
24"Meiji 11, May 14th"
Transliteration: "Meiji Jūichinen Gogatsu Jūyokka" (Japanese: 明治十一年五月十四日)
Yoshitaka MakinoHideyuki KurataAtsuko Yamazaki, Masahiro Emoto & Kei SaotoméDecember 15, 2023 (2023-12-15)[25]
Okubo informs Kenshin he is needed as Makoto Shishio is active in Kyoto. A former Ishin Shishi assassin, Shishio was exceptionally skilled but dangerous and ambitious. He was executed out of fear he would take over Japan when the Meiji government was newly established but survived. Okubo gives him a week to decide. Saito later kills Akamatsu and Shibumi, upholding his belief as a Shinsegumi to immediately kill his enemies. Before Kenshin can plan to meet with Okubo to discuss his decision, the Home Minister is assassinated by an associate of Shishio. Kenshin goes to the scene of his death and is taunted by the killer before he vanishes in the crowd. He and Saito know Okubo's death will trigger civil unrest that Shishio will use. Having made his decision, Kenshin farewells Kaoru and explains that while a part of him will remain Hitokiri Battosai, he had only reverted into that persona in situations that endangered himself or her. Embracing Kaoru, he thanks her for everything she has done before leaving.

Home media release[edit]

Volume Date Discs Episodes
1 October 25, 2023[28] 1 1–3
2 November 22, 2023[57] 4–6
3 December 27, 2023[58] 7–9
4 January 31, 2024[59] 10–12
5 February 28, 2024[60] 13–15
6 March 27, 2024[61] 16–18
7 April 24, 2024[62] 19–21
8 May 29, 2024[29] 22–24

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "The Epic Tale of a Meiji Swordsman: The Wanderer, Kenshin". The word Rurōni (るろうに) is the author's altered reading of the word Rurōnin (流浪人), that means "wanderer".
  2. ^ Fuji TV listed the series premiere on July 6 at 24:55, which is effectively July 7 at 12:55 a.m. JST.[26]

References[edit]

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  2. ^ Wang, Howard [@thehowardwang] (November 14, 2023). "I'm the English dub voice of Kenshin Himura in Rurouni Kenshin, that I am! ⚔️ Huge thanks to @aniplexUSA @BangZoom @mummynyan for trusting me with such a legendary role!" (Tweet). Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ Mei, Risa [@LoveRisaMei] (November 15, 2023). ""Hold it, battosai!" You can hear me as Kaoru Kamiya in the new @rurounikenshin reboot!!! Huge huge thank you to the team at @BangZoom @mummynyan @staleybud, and the rest of the production team for trusting me with such an iconic role 🙏🎀" (Tweet). Retrieved November 15, 2023 – via Twitter.
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  5. ^ Johnson, Darius [@DariusJ_VO] (November 15, 2023). "I'M BAD 惡 Proud to be a part of the reboot of the legendary Rurouni Kenshin as English voice of Sanosuke!!!!⚔️ Thank you @mummynyan , @staleybud , and everyone @BangZoom PS, I don't support the actions of the author! Many of the cast have donated to @childrescuecoalition" (Tweet). Retrieved November 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
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  7. ^ Balmaceda, Ben [@benbevoicing] (December 4, 2023). "I'm voicing Shinomori Aoshi in the Rurouni Kenshin reboot! Big thanks to @mummynyan @aniplexUSA @BangZoom for having me on!" (Tweet). Retrieved December 4, 2023 – via Twitter.
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External links[edit]