Not sure about millennials; however, Gen Z must remember the popular 90s anime TV series Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X). A teaser poster confirmed the anime series’s premiere in July 2023.

The initial information regarding the anime adaptation came earlier during the Jump Fest 2022 event, held on December 19, 2021.

Rurouni Kenshin

Earlier in March, Fuji TV announced the TV anime project adapted from Rurouni Kenshin manga. The story features the life of a former assassin Battousai who transforms into a wanderer and sets his journey during the Meiji era.

What’s so interesting about the anime adaptation is that it features the most incredible Japanese anime industry. The production crew includes Terumi Nishii as the character designer. It’s essential to mention that he was also a part of the crew of the famous Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond in Unbreakable.

Also, Hideyuki Kurata from Made in Abyss is responsible for the story, while Hideyo Yamamoto from My Master Has No Tail is the director. Finally, Yuu Takami from Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin is also among the production crew for the composition.

The original manga series was written by Nobuhiro Watsuki and got an earlier anime adaptation from 1996 to 1998. The manga was published from 1994 to 1999 in Shueisha’s Weekly Shounen Jump. Besides the anime series, a movie was also released in 1997, four live-action films and original video animations (OVAs).

The main protagonists of the anime have voices from the most talented actors:

  • Himura Kenshin – Soma Saito
  • Sagara Sanosuke – Taku Yashiro
  • Myojin Yahiko – Makoto Koichi
  • Kamiya Kaoru – Rie Takahashihi
  • Shinomori Aoshi – Yuma Uchida
  • Takani Megumi – Saori Onishi

Rurouni Kenshin Storyline

The story features the 11th year of the Meiji period in Japan in 1878 and revolves around a former assassin from the Bakumatsu. He fights against the bakufu while protecting a young woman named Kamiya Kaoru and then suddenly disappears.

Later, the assassin becomes Himura Kenshin, a wandering swordsman who vows not to take another human life and dedicates his life to protecting the common people. The primary theme of the manga is romance, atonement, and peace.

The manga comprised 28 tankobon volumes from 1994 to 1999. Not only that, but after a year, the manga got a reprint into two kanzenban volumes.

Besides its popularity in Japan, the manga has received a North American release of the first guidebook and a first light novel by Viz Media. The global audience can enjoy Rurouni Kenshin with subtitles in English versions.

By 2019, the Rurouni Kenshin manga has sold more than 72 million copies; hence, making it one of the best sellers manga series. Thanks to the historical setting and the distinctive character design, the manga has received a fantastic response from the global audience.

Final Word

Are you excited to watch the re-adaptation of the popular 90s manga? We bet you are. So, stay tuned for more updates regarding the on-air dates and timing.