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Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin

20238
AnimasiAksi & Petualangan
Rilis
07 Jul 2023
Negara
Jepang
Produksi
LIDENFILMSAniplexShueishaFuji Television NetworkdentsuAnimax Broadcast Japan
Sepuluh tahun telah berlalu sejak akhir Bakumatsu, era perang yang menyaksikan pemberontakan warga melawan shogun Tokugawa. Para revolusioner ingin menciptakan masa damai dan negara makmur bebas penindasan. Era Meiji baru telah tiba, namun perdamaian belum tercapai. Pedang dilarang, namun orang masih dibunuh di jalanan. Anak yatim piatu veteran perang tidak punya tempat pergi, sementara pemerintah tampak hanya puas mengisi kantong mereka dengan uang.

About

Quick guide

A modern anime reboot of the classic samurai saga, following Kenshin Himura’s quest to atone for his violent past.

Rurouni Kenshin (2023) revives the legendary tale of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin turned wandering swordsman, now living in the turbulent Meiji era. Ten years after the Bakumatsu, Japan is still fractured, with swords banned yet violence rampant. Kenshin travels across the country, offering his sword to protect those in need, while confronting remnants of his past and a new threat: Shishio Makoto, a former warlord seeking to destabilize the government. The series blends historical setting with sword‑fighting drama, exploring themes of redemption, honor, and the cost of peace. It follows the original manga’s core storyline while updating visuals and pacing for modern audiences.

What to know

  • Runtime: 24 minutes per episode.
  • Episodes: 29 in Season 1.
  • Produced by Liden Films and Shueisha.
  • Storyline follows Kenshin’s quest to protect civilians and confront Shishio.
  • Tone: Mature themes, intense action, some gore.
  • Animation: Modern 3D CGI blended with 2D elements.
  • Available on Crunchyroll, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
  • Main voice cast: Kenshin by Sōma Saitō, Kaoru by Rie Takahashi.

Watch if

Fans of period action, samurai lore, and character‑driven drama will enjoy the 2023 Rurouni Kenshin. Its high‑speed sword battles, nuanced exploration of redemption, and richly detailed Meiji setting make it a satisfying watch for adults who appreciate mature, historically grounded storytelling.

Skip if

Those who prefer light, family‑friendly anime or avoid intense violence and mature themes might find this series too gritty and historically complex for casual viewing.

intense actionwar themespolitical themesdark tonedialogue heavypsychological elementsromance elementssome goremature themesfast paced
Premise and Setting
Rurouni Kenshin follows a wandering swordsman, Kenshin Himura, who vows never to kill again after a bloody war. Set in the early Meiji era, the series explores a nation in flux as the new government struggles with lingering violence and political intrigue. Kenshin travels across Japan, helping civilians and confronting old enemies.
Historical Context of Meiji
The series opens ten years after the Bakumatsu, when Japan has officially restored its monarchy but remains rife with unrest. Swords are officially banned, yet assassinations, street murders, and gang violence continue. The show portrays how the Meiji government is consolidating power amid a populace still haunted by the war’s trauma.
Kenshin’s Journey and Redemption
Kenshin travels the country offering his sword to those in danger, hoping to atone for his past as Hitokiri Battousai. Along the way he gathers allies, faces moral dilemmas, and confronts his former comrades. His quest is both a personal pilgrimage and a broader attempt to bring peace to a war‑scarred nation.
Main Antagonists and Stakes
The central threat is Shishio Makoto, a former warlord who seeks to overthrow the Meiji government and reignite conflict. He gathers a group of skilled swordsmen known as the Ten Swords to challenge Kenshin. The stakes involve protecting the fragile peace, exposing political corruption, and preventing a return to the violence of the Bakumatsu period.
Themes and Tone
The series balances action with introspective moments, exploring themes of redemption, honor, and the moral cost of violence. It portrays the tension between individual agency and systemic corruption, while delving into the psychological scars left by war. The tone remains mature, with occasional violence and complex political commentary that may challenge viewers.
Animation Style and Art
The 2023 reboot uses a blend of 3D CGI and traditional 2D animation to create fluid swordplay and expressive character reactions. Directors and animators aim for realistic movement, detailed environments, and dynamic camera angles. The result is a modernized aesthetic that pays homage to the original while delivering crisp, high‑energy visual storytelling.
Where to Watch
The series is available on Crunchyroll with English subtitles, and on Netflix in select regions. Fans can also purchase episodes through Amazon Prime Video or other digital storefronts. Availability may vary by country, so checking the official streaming platforms for your region is recommended before committing.

FAQ

47 Q&A
Who is Kaoru Kamiya?
Kaoru Kamiya is a young woman who teaches sword fighting and becomes Kenshin's love interest.
What is Rurouni Kenshin about?
It's about a wandering swordsman trying to atone for his past as a killer.
What is the significance of Kenshin's scar?
His cross-shaped scar marks his bloody past as Battosai the Manslayer.
Who were Kenshin's enemies?
Kenshin faced many foes, including former allies and those seeking revenge.
Who is Kenshin Himura?
Kenshin Himura is the main character, a former assassin seeking redemption.
What is the role of the Aizu War in the story?
It's part of Kenshin's past where he earned his reputation as a killer.
Who is Hajime Saito?
Hajime Saito is a police inspector and a skilled swordsman who was once Kenshin's rival.
How does Rurouni Kenshin end?
Kenshin finds peace and a new life with Kaoru and his friends.
Who is Shishio Makoto?
Shishio Makoto is a major villain, a former assassin who wants to overthrow the government.
What are the different anime series of Rurouni Kenshin?
There are several anime series, including the original, a sequel, and OVAs.
What is the significance of the Shinsengumi in Rurouni Kenshin?
The Shinsengumi were a special police force during the revolution, and some characters have ties to them.
What is Kenshin's 'reverse-blade sword'?
It's a sword with a dull edge on the cutting side, used to kill without killing.
What are the different arcs of the Rurouni Kenshin manga?
The manga has several major story arcs, including the Shinsengumi, Kyoto, and Jinchu arcs.
What is the Jinchu Arc?
It's the final arc where Kenshin confronts those seeking revenge for his past actions.
What are the main themes in Rurouni Kenshin?
Key themes include redemption, peace, and the cost of violence.
What does 'Rurouni' mean?
'Rurouni' means a wanderer or a ronin, someone without a master.
Who were Kenshin's allies?
His main allies are Kaoru Kamiya, Yahiko Myojin, and Sanosuke Sagara.
What is the Meiji era?
It's the time period in Japan when the story takes place, after the samurai age ended.
Who is Yahiko Myojin?
Yahiko Myojin is a young boy who becomes Kenshin's student and surrogate son.
What is the Sakabato?
The Sakabato is Kenshin's reverse-blade sword, a symbol of his vow to stop killing.
What is the Kyoto Arc?
It's a major story arc where Kenshin confronts the villain Shishio Makoto.
Why does Kenshin use a reverse-blade sword?
He uses it to atone for his past and to protect others without taking lives.
What is Battosai the Manslayer?
Battosai the Manslayer was Kenshin's fearsome alias when he was a hitokiri.
Is Rurouni Kenshin a true story?
No, it is a fictional story inspired by historical events and figures.
Who is Sanosuke Sagara?
Sanosuke Sagara is a street fighter and a loyal friend to Kenshin.
What happened to Kenshin's family?
Kenshin's parents were killed by bandits when he was a child. He was then taken in by a group of assassins.
What inspired Rurouni Kenshin?
The series was inspired by the historical period of the Meiji Restoration in Japan.
What is the soundtrack of Rurouni Kenshin like?
The soundtrack features a mix of traditional Japanese instruments and orchestral scores, with emotional and action-packed themes.
What is the meaning of Kaoru's dojo?
Kaoru's dojo, Kamiya Kasshin-ryu, represents her desire to preserve her family's fighting style and her own principles of justice.
Who is Tomoe Yukishiro?
Tomoe Yukishiro was Kenshin's first wife, who played a significant role in his past and his decision to never kill again.
What are some famous quotes from Rurouni Kenshin?
Some famous quotes include 'It's okay to cry, but don't forget to get up and fight,' and 'A sword is a tool. A true swordsman wields it for the sake of others.'
What is the time period of Rurouni Kenshin?
The story is set in the Meiji era, starting in 1878, after the end of the Bakumatsu period.
What is the difference between the manga and anime?
The anime has filler arcs and a different ending than the manga. The manga provides the original, complete story.
What is the original story of Rurouni Kenshin?
The original story follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin who seeks to atone for his past by protecting people in the new Meiji era with a reverse-blade sword.
Who is the creator of Rurouni Kenshin?
Rurouni Kenshin was created by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
What is the meaning of Kenshin's vow to never kill again?
Kenshin's vow is a form of atonement for his violent past as the Hitokiri Battōsai. He uses a sakabatō, a reverse-blade sword, to uphold this vow.
How was Rurouni Kenshin created?
Creator Nobuhiro Watsuki drew inspiration from historical events and figures, particularly the Bakumatsu period, to craft the story.
Where does Rurouni Kenshin take place?
The story primarily takes place in Tokyo, Japan, during the Meiji era.
What are the different fighting styles in Rurouni Kenshin?
Key fighting styles include Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, a powerful swordsmanship, and various martial arts employed by other characters.
What is the purpose of the police in Rurouni Kenshin?
The police in Rurouni Kenshin are often depicted as struggling to maintain order in a chaotic post-war society, sometimes being corrupt or outmatched by skilled fighters.
Are there live-action Rurouni Kenshin movies?
Yes, there are several live-action Rurouni Kenshin movies.
Who plays Kenshin in the live-action movies?
Takeru Satoh plays Kenshin Himura in the live-action movie adaptations.
What is the historical accuracy of Rurouni Kenshin?
While inspired by the Meiji era, Rurouni Kenshin is a fictional story and takes creative liberties with historical events and figures.
What is the story behind Kenshin's red hair?
Kenshin's red hair is a distinctive visual trait and is often associated with his past as a fearsome assassin. It's a prominent part of his character design.
What is the importance of the bakumatsu period in the story?
The Bakumatsu period, the turbulent end of the samurai era, is crucial as it shaped Kenshin's past and the violent world he comes from, influencing his desire for peace in the Meiji era.
What happened to Kenshin after the series ended?
In the manga, Kenshin eventually returns to Kyoto to live out his remaining years with Kaoru. The anime has a different ending.
What is the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style?
Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu is an ancient and powerful swordsmanship style focused on speed, precision, and devastating offensive techniques, which Kenshin uses.

Pemeran

Soma Saito
Soma Saito
Kenshin Himura (voice)
Rie Takahashi
Rie Takahashi
Kaoru Kamiya (voice)
Taku Yashiro
Taku Yashiro
Sanosuke Sagara (voice)
Makoto Koichi
Makoto Koichi
Yahiko Myojin (voice)
Saori Onishi
Saori Onishi
Megumi Takani (voice)