Rurouni Kenshin: Origins

About Rurouni Kenshin: Origins

Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, also known as Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Shin Kyoto Hen, is a Japanese television show that aired in 2012. It falls under the action genre and is based on the popular manga and anime series Rurouni Kenshin. The show serves as a prequel to the original series and provides a backstory for the iconic character Kenshin Himura.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Rurouni Kenshin: Origins focuses on Kenshin Himura's time as the assassin "Hitokiri Battosai" during the chaotic Bakumatsu period in Japan. The show delves into Kenshin's tragic past and explores the events that led to his decision to abandon his violent ways and become a wandering swordsman seeking redemption.

The story follows Kenshin's encounters with various characters, including his relationship with his love interest, Tomoe Yukishiro, and his conflicts with powerful enemies from his past. The show combines thrilling action sequences with emotional depth, making it a captivating watch for fans of the series.

Making / Production

Rurouni Kenshin: Origins was directed by Keishi Otomo and written by Kiyomi Fujii. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and Studio Gallop, known for their expertise in bringing anime and manga adaptations to the screen. The production team aimed to stay true to the original source material while enhancing the visual elements for a live-action adaptation.

The action sequences in the show were carefully choreographed to capture the intense sword fights, showcasing Kenshin's signature style and agility. The set design and costumes were also meticulously crafted to recreate the historical setting of the Bakumatsu period.

Actors

• Takeru Satoh as Kenshin Himura - Takeru Satoh delivered a compelling performance, portraying the complex character of Kenshin Himura with precision and emotion.
• Emi Takei as Kaoru Kamiya - Emi Takei portrayed Kaoru Kamiya, a young woman who befriends Kenshin and becomes an important figure in his life.
• Munetaka Aoki as Sanosuke Sagara - Munetaka Aoki played Sanosuke Sagara, a former fighter who becomes Kenshin's loyal ally.
• Kaito Oyagi as Yahiko Myojin - Kaito Oyagi portrayed Yahiko Myojin, a young boy who finds himself under Kenshin's guidance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Rurouni Kenshin: Origins was released in two parts in Japan, each part focusing on a different arc of the story.
• The show includes references to historical events and figures from the Bakumatsu period, adding a sense of authenticity to the storyline.
• Takeru Satoh underwent rigorous sword training to accurately portray Kenshin's unique fighting style.

Awards

Rurouni Kenshin: Origins received critical acclaim and won several awards, including Best Director at the 36th Japan Academy Prize. The show was praised for its faithful adaptation of the source material and its impressive action sequences.

Quotes

• "The scar of my past is a reminder to never return to the path of violence." - Kenshin Himura
• "In my hands, the sword is just an instrument. It's the person who wields it that determines its true nature." - Kenshin Himura

Music / Soundtrack

• The show features an epic and dynamic soundtrack composed by Naoki Sato, perfectly capturing the intensity of the action scenes and the emotional depth of the story.
• Notable tracks include "The Will to Protect" and "The Battousai's Awakening," which enhance the overall viewing experience.