Ruruoni Kenshin (Introduction, Terms and Setting)

I have rewatched the 95 episodes of the series and those will be the focus of this review. I have not read the manga on which the series is based and as such I won't have much to say about the differences (with the exception of the Filler arc This will be addressed further in the Plot section). For the purposes of this review I will not be discussing the movie and miniseries associated with the show.

Introduction:

Rurouni Kenshin was one of my favorite shows growing up, but (much like Gundam Wing) as a child I was more interested in the fighting and action than the politics and such that made up the primary plot lines. This series was introduced to me by Cartoon Network's Toonami block. This show is one that is primarily responsible for my love of samurai. It also inspired many fights using bamboo sticks in the backyard.

The title means "Wandering Samurai Kenshin," it follows the classic structure of the wandering hero. As you read through the review think of the great westerns. A wandering hero (usually a former soldier) who is wandering and attempting to atone for the sins of his past. Tales of wandering samurai were not unheard of in the time period. The story of Kenshin Himura is loosely based on an actual wandering Samurai of the era.

Terms:

• Meiji Era = the term Meiji means "Enlightened rule." This Era began as the result of a people's revolution, over throwing the Shogunate and putting in place a government that respected people of all classes
• Meiji Government = the Government put in place as a result of the Revolution.
• The Revolution = refers to the populist uprising against (and subsequent over throw of) the Shogunate. This revolution involved many highly skilled soldiers and great deal of blood shed.
• Tokugawa Shogunate = the previously ruling people in Japan. They were the highest ranking of the nobles in Japan and as such were the most powerful family.
• Hitokiri Battosai = A title given to Kenshin Himura, because of his legendary fighting prowess during the Meiji Revolution. It is usually translated "Battosai the Manslayer." This title haunts Kenshin who has taken up a life of defending (rather than ending) lives.
  
• Reverse-Blade Sword = as part of Kenshin's conversion to non-violent ways he now carries a sword who's traditionally sharp side is blunted the sharp edge being on the traditionally blunt side.
• Hiten Mitsurugi = Kenshin's style of combat. It requires a great deal of speed, accuracy, focus and willpower to use effectively. This combined with it's heavily guarded secrets, makes it a rarely seen (and very effective) fighting style. Many of the moves are so quick that only the greatest swordsman are capable of defending against it.
  
• Kamiya Kasshin = The sword style of the lead female character, Kaoru, and her apprentice, Yahiko. The followers of this discipline believe in "a sword that protects." As such they do not wield metal sharpened blades but rather wooden sparring swords.
• Sekihotai = a secret army that was betrayed by the government and executed save for a few members, including Sanosuke Sagara.
• The Oniwaban Group = a collection of Ninjas and skilled warriors that play a pivotal role during the revolution and in it's aftermath.
• The Juppongatana = literally, "The Ten Swords," they are the special attack force of the Shishio Faction.
• The Shishio Faction = The primary collection of antagonists during the Kyoto Arc of the series. They are lead by Makoto Shishio, and their primary goal is to return Japan to the state of chaos it was in during the revolution.

Setting

The Setting is 11 years after the revolution that toppled the Tokugawa Shogunate and set in place the Meiji Government. In this Meiji Era, it is illegal for anyone other than the police to carry swords, however many who do carry swords in the open are former soldiers from one side or the other of the Revolution.

The sad truth is that the Meiji Era has no place for these men, even those who helped to secure it's peace. Many of these soldiers now despise the Meiji government for its betrayals, and some even seek revenge against it. It's a prosperous time, and the populous is filled with optimism and hope for the future.

The primary setting of the show is on the outskirts of Tokyo. There are a few places that are frequented by the cast, they include:

• The Kamiya Dojo: home of Kouru Kamiya, as well as the rest of the primary cast (Kenshin Himura, Yahiko Myojin and Sanosuke Sagara). It's the site of many events of the show.
• The Ako Beko: a local restaurant that the cast frequents, it is often a place where plot points and new characters are introduced.

The next section will discuss the Characters.

-matt