Himura Kenshin
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| + | From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia | ||
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| + | Himura Kenshin | ||
| + | Rurouni Kenshin character | ||
| - | == Himura Kenshin == | + | Himura Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki |
| + | First appearance Rurouni Kenshin manga chapter 1 | ||
| + | Rurouni Kenshin anime episode 1 | ||
| + | Voiced by Japanese | ||
| + | Mayo Suzukaze (anime)[1] | ||
| + | Megumi Ogata (drama CD)[2] | ||
| + | English | ||
| + | Richard Cansino (anime)[3] | ||
| + | J. Shanon Weaver (OVA)[4] | ||
| + | Profile | ||
| + | Age 28[5] | ||
| + | Date of birth June 20, 1849[6] | ||
| + | Occupation Former hitokiri | ||
| + | Known relatives Yukishiro Tomoe (ex-wife, deceased) | ||
| + | Yukishiro Enishi (ex-brother-in-law) | ||
| + | Kamiya Kaoru (wife) | ||
| + | Himura Kenji (son) | ||
| + | Weapon Sakabatō | ||
| + | Technique Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū | ||
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| + | Himura Kenshin (緋村 剣心, Himura Kenshin?), known as Kenshin Himura in the English-language dub,[7] is a fictional character from the Rurouni Kenshin universe created by Nobuhiro Watsuki as the main protagonist for the series and developed into a media franchise, which consists of a series of manga, anime, OVAs, movies, soundtracks, video games, and other collectibles. When creating Kenshin, Watsuki designed him to be the physical opposite of Hiko Seijūrō, a character that appears in Watsuki's first one-shot, Crescent Moon in the Warring States, and later in Rurouni Kenshin.[8] | ||
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| + | The fictional setting takes place during the pre-Meiji period of Japan. Kenshin is an ex-hitokiri; he was a legendary assassin with the title "Hitokiri Battōsai" (人斬り抜刀斎, "Hitokiri Battōsai"?)[9]. During the story Kenshin wanders around Japan to help those in need in order to atone for the murders he committed during the Bakumatsu. When he arrives in Tokyo, Kenshin meets a young woman named Kamiya Kaoru who invites him to live in her dojo despite finding out that Kenshin is a hitokiri. Significant instances transpire from that point, and Kenshin establishes lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies. However, Kenshin still makes his fair share of enemies who plan to start another war or who simply want to take revenge for a death caused by him. Kenshin's background is explored at few moments of the series, not being shown in any detail until a gaiden of sixteen chapters from the manga, later adapted to an OVA series of four episodes. Kenshin has also appeared in the featured movie of the series, as well as other media relating to the franchise, including a plethora of electronic games. | ||
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| + | Various anime and manga publications have provided acclaim and criticism of Kenshin's character. While some of them have praised his personality,[10] others have complained about his development in the OVA series.[10][11] Kenshin has been highly popular with the Rurouni Kenshin reader base, placing first in every popularity poll.[12] Merchandise based on Kenshin has also been released, including figurines,[13] key chains,[14] and plush.[15] | ||
| + | Contents | ||
| + | [hide] | ||
| + | |||
| + | * 1 Creation and conception | ||
| + | * 2 Character outline | ||
| + | o 2.1 Background | ||
| + | o 2.2 Personality | ||
| + | o 2.3 Techniques | ||
| + | * 3 Plot overview | ||
| + | * 4 Appearances in other media | ||
| + | * 5 Reception | ||
| + | * 6 See also | ||
| + | * 7 Notes and references | ||
| + | |||
| + | [edit] Creation and conception | ||
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| + | Watsuki discovered and used the story of Kawakami Gensai, a hitokiri executed by the Meiji Government. According to Watsuki, when he found that Kawakami maintained a duty to his dead comrades, he decided to create the title character. Since Watsuki's debut work contained a tall, black-haired man in "showy" armor, the creator wanted to make a character "completely opposite" to the debut character and the new character ended up "coming out like a girl." According to Watsuki, he used "no real motif" when creating Kenshin and placed a cross-shaped scar when "not knowing what else to do."[8] In the end of the series, Kenshin appears with short hair. Watsuki actually planned to make his hair shorter before the end but he found it similar to the character Maruchi from To Heart.[16] Watsuki based most of Kenshin's abilities on a real swordsman of the Tokugawa period named Matsubayabshi Henyasai, who was skilled in acrobatic techniques.[17] | ||
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| + | During the development of Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, Watsuki and his editor argued over Kenshin's speech patterns. They settled for a "slangy" pattern. For the final version of the first Romantic Story, Watsuki adjusted the dialogue; in his view, he made Kenshin sound "more as I prefer him now."[18] Watsuki also planned to make Kenshin older than 30 years old; his editor commented that it was strange that the main character of a manga for teenagers was so old, so he made Kenshin 28 years old.[19] | ||
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| + | [edit] Character outline | ||
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| + | [edit] Background | ||
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| + | Kenshin is born into a peasant family under the given name of "Shinta". After losing both his parents to cholera by age seven, he is later sold into slavery.[20] The slave-traders' caravan is then attacked by bandits who killed all with the exception of Shinta, who is saved by Seijūrō. Seijūrō decides to adopt Shinta into his apprenticeship, and renames the boy "Kenshin" (with 'Ken' meaning 'sword' and 'Shin' meaning 'heart'), believing that 'Shinta' is not a fitting name for a swordsman.[20] | ||
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| + | After a few years under Seijūrō's guidance, Kenshin's wish to protect the people with his skills results in his abandonment of both his master and his training. His sword skills soon attract the attention of Takasugi Shinsaku, who transfers him into the ranks of Katsura Kogoro, a leader of the Chōshū clan.[21] Kenshin is sent to Kyoto and assigned the role of an assassin, sharing the common goal of the Ishin Shishi upon the Tokugawa Shogunate. Within the first six months of his career, he kills over 100 people, and eventually became known as the "Hitokiri Battōsai". At one point, he comes face to face with Yukishiro Tomoe, who initially wanted to avenge the death of her fiancé, whom Kenshin had killed, but falls in love with him instead. After the crisis suffered by the Chōshū clan in the Ikedaya Jiken, both Kenshin and Tomoe get married and flee to a remote village.[22] | ||
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| + | Sometime later, Tomoe meets with the leader of the Yaminobu, a fictional pro-Shogunate covert network of ninjas that had formulated a plan to assassinate Kenshin. She realizes that all along they had actually used her to create Kenshin's weakness.[23] Meanwhile, Kenshin runs off to find his wife, but is ambushed by Yaminobu ninjas and severely wounded.[24] He escapes and eventually finds Tomoe with the leader of the Yaminobu. In a desperate attempt to defeat the leader, Kenshin blindly swings his sword, killing both his assailant and Tomoe, who had jumped in at the last minute to save Kenshin from a fatal attack. Tomoe's knife had flown into the air and coincidentally slashed Kenshin's cheek, creating the famous X-shaped scar across his left cheek.[25] Following the death of Tomoe, Katsura replaces Kenshin in his role as assassin. Kenshin is reassigned as a guerrilla swordsman protecting the Imperialists.[26] After the end of the Bakumatsu, Kenshin leaves Kyoto.[27] | ||
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| + | [edit] Personality | ||
| + | Kenshin in his "Hitokiri Battōsai" state | ||
| + | Kenshin in his "Hitokiri Battōsai" state | ||
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| + | Kenshin's desire is to protect people from danger without killing. Formerly known as "the strongest hitokiri," Kenshin is the main target of many old enemies, thus he avoids letting others get too close to him personally for their own protection. However, he eventually begins relying on a few friends, such as Sagara Sanosuke, his most reliable friend,[28] and Myōjin Yahiko, whom he sometimes allows to fight alongside him.[29] He also has a rivalry with the ex-Shinsengumi member Saitō Hajime since the Bakumatsu. Although they become partners in the series, they both know that one day they will finish their duel. After the end of the Jinchu Arc, Kenshin challenges Saitō to end the rivalry but Saitō refuses to fight since Kenshin is different from the time they were enemies.[30] | ||
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| + | Throughout the series, a young woman named Kaoru develops strong romantic feelings for him, and he also comes to love her. Despite his feelings, he is constantly haunted by the wrongs committed in his past, and believes he does not deserve happiness. However, as he notes how Kaoru would feel if he dies, Kenshin decides not to leave her and regains a desire to survive.[31] | ||
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| + | If he is not able to protect his loved ones, he begins to shift into his "Hitokiri Battōsai" personality, and takes extreme measures in order save others, caring little for the well-being of his opponents.[32] However, Kenshin avoids changing his personality, swearing that he will never kill, and will try to avoid the deaths of as many people possible.[33] | ||
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| + | Kenshin's Japanese-language dialogue contains some unusual words and catch phrases which can cause problems in translations. Most of the time, he refers to himself with the extremely humble pronoun "sessha" (translated in the manga by Viz as "this one") and uses the formal verb "de gozaru" (conveyed by Media Blasters by phrases like "…that it is."). He also addresses most women with an honorific which is generally reserved for feudal lords. In the English anime, "Miss Kaoru" is used instead of "Kaoru-dono." When in his "Battōsai" mode, Kenshin changes from being polite to serious; one of his quotes, "de gozaru", disappears and "sessha" is replaced with the more typical brash male pronoun "ore".[32] Along the series, Kenshin uses the quote "oro", which expresses surprise or dismay, based on the similar exclamation "ara" (generally considered feminine). As proper Japanese vocabulary, "oro" only exists as a word for lochia. In the English dub, "oro" has been translated into "huh". "Oro" is kept intact in the Viz manga.[34] | ||
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| + | [edit] Techniques | ||
| + | The void created by the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki and the consecutive strike | ||
| + | The void created by the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki and the consecutive strike | ||
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| + | Kenshin is a practitioner of the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū, a fictional ancient sword art which allows him to move at superhuman speeds, as well as perform a large number of powerful techniques, and the ability to read through the movements of his opponents.[27] Kenshin has also mastered battōjutsu (note the name "Battōsai"), perfecting all parts of it, including all of its weaknesses.[35] Several of the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū and battōjutsu techniques Kenshin uses often utilizes his Shinsoku (神速, Shinsoku? lit. "God-speed"), which allows him to quickly overpower and dispatch most of his opponents with his sword before they have time to react. Although most of these techniques have deadly effects, since Kenshin desires not to kill anyone, he instead uses the flat of his sakabatō.[27] | ||
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| + | During the series, Kenshin normally employs the Ryūtsuisen (龍槌閃, Ryūtsuisen? lit. "Dragon Hammer Strike"), combining a downward swing with a descent from a jump to add the power of gravity to the blow.[20] The Ryūshōsen (龍翔閃, Ryūshōsen? lit. "Soaring Dragon Strike"), also utilizes jumping power, hitting the adversary from below and aiming for the jaw and/or the pit of the stomach.[36] The Ryūkansen (龍巻閃, Ryūkansen? lit. "Dragon Spiral Strike") is a move which takes advantage of the centripetal force used to accelerate the draw of the blade while simultaneously avoiding the adversary's assault, shifting directly into a counterattack.[36] Other variations include drawing out the blade at fast speeds and/or attacking the opponent's head directly.[37] Also, a Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū technique called Ryūmeisen (龍鳴閃, Ryūmeisen? lit. "Dragon Howl Strike") uses Shinsoku Nōtōjutsu (神速納刀術, Shinsoku Nōtōjutsu? lit. "God-speed Sheathing") to create a sonic boom that can temporarily impair an opponent's hearing and equilibrium.[38] | ||
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| + | During the Kyoto arc, Kenshin learns the Kuzu-ryūsen (九頭龍閃, Kuzu-ryūsen? lit. "Nine-headed Dragon Strike"), which simultaneously deals nine strikes to the most fundamental targets of swordsmanship, making guarding and dodging virtually impossible,[20] though Seta Sōjirō is able to evade it.[39] The Kuzu-ryūsen, however, is a byproduct used for the initiation in learning Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki (天翔龍閃, Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki? lit. "Heavens Bridging Dragon Spark"; Viz translation - "Dragon Flight of Heaven"), a Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū battōjutsu that surpasses the speed of the Kuzu-ryūsen.[40] The secret behind the technique lies in an additional step with the left foot which adds instantaneous acceleration and weight to the sword.[12] In addition, if the initial strike is avoided or blocked, the force of the unusually fast slashing motion displaces the air around it, generating a vacuum in its wake and sucking the opponent in; as this happens, the body is spun around for a second strike, the previous action adding force and momentum to the swing, making the subsequent strike far stronger.[41] Since the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū is only suitable to a wide-framed muscular build like that of Seijūrō's, Kenshin's body deteriorates and he is unable to use the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū ever again.[30] | ||
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| + | [edit] Plot overview | ||
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| + | After receiving his sakabatō blade, Kenshin assumes the life of a wanderer and travels freely. Ten years after the Revolution, he arrives in Tokyo where he meets Kaoru, who offers him to stay in her dojo despite her knowledge that Kenshin is the "Hitokiri Battōsai".[27] Numerous events transpire from that point, and Kenshin establishes lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies. However, he still makes his share of enemies like Shishio Makoto, the brutal once-successor to Kenshin's position as Chōshū's hitokiri and mastermind behind a movement seeking to overthrow the Meiji Government.[41] To defeat such foes, Kenshin is forced to resume his training and mend his relationship with his teacher, while forging the strongest bonds with his allies and enemies. When Yukishiro Enishi, Tomoe's revenge-obsessed brother, found out about Kenshin's feelings towards Kaoru, he set out to kidnap her, doing so and leaving a professionally made decoy of Kaoru with a sword in her heart, making everyone believe that she had been murdered.[42] Kenshin falls into severe depression and runs off to a desolate place known as the "Fallen Village" to mourn.[43] However, he breaks out of his depression and after his friends discover Kaoru is alive, the group goes to rescue her on Enishi's island.[44] A battle between Kenshin and Enishi follows and when Kenshin wins, he and Kaoru return home.[45] Five years later, Kenshin is married to Kaoru and has a son by the name of Himura Kenji. After an encounter with Yahiko, Kenshin gives his sakabatō to him as a gift for his coming-of-age.[46] | ||
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| + | [edit] Appearances in other media | ||
| + | Kenshin as seen in the OVAs | ||
| + | Kenshin as seen in the OVAs | ||
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| + | Kenshin first appears in two chapters of Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story in which he arrives in Tokyo and defeats several groups of villains attacking families. In these stories, Kenshin is given a similar personality to the one he has in the series but his name is unmentioned.[18][47] Later, in the movie Rurouni Kenshin: Ishin Shishi he no Requiem, Kenshin meets a samurai named Takimi Shigure who tries to overthrow the Meiji Government and avenge the deaths of his family during the Bakumatsu. Kenshin encounters Shigure and defeats him in order to avoid the start of a war.[48] | ||
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| + | In the OVAs, Kenshin is given a more humanized design and a different personality. There are also numerous changes to his life to his life story from that of the manga, including the way he received his X-shaped scar in Tsuiokuhen.[49] In Seisōhen, as time passes, Kenshin becomes tortured anew by the guilt of leading a happy life after such a destructive past. He makes the decision to wander again, and Kaoru strongly supports him, promising to welcome him home with a smile and their child. Kenshin eventually becomes ravaged by an unknown disease. Then recovers and decides to assist in the First Sino-Japanese War as he had promised the Meiji Government. After the war's end, Sanosuke discovers Kenshin, gravely injured, on the shore and arranges for Kenshin's return to Tokyo and Kaoru. The two finally meet, and Kenshin collapses into her arms as he clutches her to him. Kaoru then notices Kenshin's scar has faded away, signifying his death.[50] Nobuhiro Watsuki, after watching the last OVA said that "Kenshin went through so much crap and deserved a happy ending."[51] | ||
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| + | Kenshin is a playable character in all of the Rurouni Kenshin video games,[52] including Jump Super Stars[53] and Jump Ultimate Stars.[54] Also, in episode 15 of the anime Buso Renkin, the main character Kazuki Muto says "oro, oro" when he receives his grades.[55] The other main character of Buso Renkin, Tokiko Tsumura, is based on the design of Kenshin as hitokiri, which Watsuki commented that Tokiko is the female version of the "Hitokiri Battōsai" when he drew her face.[56] | ||
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| + | [edit] Reception | ||
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| + | Kenshin has ranked first in every Shonen Jump popularity poll of the series, always with more than double the votes of second place.[12][57] Watsuki received letters from fans describing Megumi Ogata's CD Drama voice as a "good fit" for Kenshin. Watsuki said that he imagined Kenshin's voice to be "more neutral."[58] | ||
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| + | Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other media have provided praise and criticism on the character. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews criticized that the fact that Kenshin looks super deformed in comedy scenes is not suited for the context of the character and the series.[59] AnimeOnDVD.com states that Kenshin acts like a "smartass" in a review of volume 8[60] while Anime News Network remarks that Kenshin is a goofy, genial wanderer with a newfound joy in life.[10] The development of Kenshin in the OVAs series has had negative reviews by many publications. Anime News Network also adds that in Seisōhen he continues to be his old mopey self and never uses the quote "oro"[10] and IGN cited that some moments of the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru were depressing.[11] A plethora of merchandise have been released in Kenshin's likeness including keychains,[14] action figures,[13] and plush dolls.[15] | ||
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| + | A large number of video game characters were based on the character of Kenshin such as Keiichiro Washizuka from The Last Blade[61] and Shizumaru Hisame from the Samurai Shodown series.[62] Kenshin's personality was also planned to use in the character Kakashi Hatake from Naruto but the idea was deemed as a failure.[63] In an interview with Mayo Suzukaze, who is the seiyū for the character, says that she started feeling similar to Kenshin after years of work as his voice and comments that providing the voice for the character was one of her best experiences.[64] | ||
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| + | [edit] See also | ||
| + | Anime and manga Portal | ||
| + | |||
| + | * List of minor Rurouni Kenshin characters | ||
| + | * List of Rurouni Kenshin chapters | ||
| + | * List of Rurouni Kenshin episodes | ||
| + | * Rurouni Kenshin media | ||
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| + | [edit] Notes and references | ||
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| + | 1. ^ Mayo Suzukaze. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. | ||
| + | 2. ^ Megumi Ogata. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. | ||
| + | 3. ^ Richard Cansino. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. | ||
| + | 4. ^ J. Shannon Weaver. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. | ||
| + | 5. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 2", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media, 57. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. | ||
| + | 6. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (1999). Kenshin Kaden. Shueisha, 162. ISBN 4-08-782037-8. | ||
| + | 7. ^ In the Sony dubbed version of the Rurouni Kenshin anime, his name is pronounced "Kenshi" rather than "Kenshin". | ||
| + | 8. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "The Secret Life of Characters (1) Himura Kenshin", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media, 56. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. | ||
| + | 9. ^ "Hitokiri" means "manslayer", however, "Battōsai" does not have a literal meaning. While "battō" is a reference to battōjutsu, "sai" means "purify". | ||
| + | 10. ^ a b c d Crandol, Mike (2002-01-22). Ruroni Kenshin second OAV series Seisouhen, part 1. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-01-25. | ||
| + | 11. ^ a b Diaz Jr, Efrain (2004-04-09). Samurai X. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. | ||
| + | 12. ^ a b c Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 135", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 16. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-854-6. | ||
| + | 13. ^ a b Amazon.com: Myoujin Yahiko. Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-28. | ||
| + | 14. ^ a b Amazon.com: Rurouni Kenshin, Karou, Sanosuke Group Key Chain. Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-28. | ||
| + | 15. ^ a b Amazon.com: Rurouni Kenshin: Kenshin Battousai Ver. 8" Plush. Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-28. | ||
| + | 16. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "The Secret Life of Characters (54) Himura Kenji and the characters from Meiji 15", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. | ||
| + | 17. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "The Secret Life of Characters (36) Henya Kariwa", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-810-4. | ||
| + | 18. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (1)", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media, 168. ISBN 1-4215-0674-2. | ||
| + | 19. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 27. Viz Media, 2. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. | ||
| + | 20. ^ a b c d Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 94", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-712-4. | ||
| + | 21. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 165", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 19. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0064-7. | ||
| + | 22. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 170", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-927-5. | ||
| + | 23. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 175", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-927-5. | ||
| + | 24. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 177", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-927-5. | ||
| + | 25. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 178", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 21. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0082-5. | ||
| + | 26. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 179", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 21. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0082-5. | ||
| + | 27. ^ a b c d Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 1", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. | ||
| + | 28. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 105", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 13. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-713-2. | ||
| + | 29. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 187", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 22. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0196-1. | ||
| + | 30. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 252", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. | ||
| + | 31. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 145", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. | ||
| + | 32. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 12", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-249-1. | ||
| + | 33. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 118", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-767-1. | ||
| + | 34. ^ Oro demonstration. monkey-pirate.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-07. | ||
| + | 35. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 13", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-249-1. | ||
| + | 36. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 78", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 10. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. | ||
| + | 37. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 142", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. | ||
| + | 38. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 248", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. | ||
| + | 39. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 129", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-810-4. | ||
| + | 40. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 96", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-712-4. | ||
| + | 41. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 143", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. | ||
| + | 42. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 211", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0338-7. | ||
| + | 43. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 208", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0338-7. | ||
| + | 44. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 236", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 26. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0673-4. | ||
| + | 45. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 250", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. | ||
| + | 46. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 255", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. | ||
| + | 47. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). "Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (2)", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 3. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-356-0. | ||
| + | 48. ^ Samurai X: The Motion Picture. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. | ||
| + | 49. ^ Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (OAV). Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. | ||
| + | 50. ^ Samurai X: Reflection (OAV). Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. | ||
| + | 51. ^ Watsuki interview at AnimeOnDVD. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. | ||
| + | 52. ^ Rurouni Kenshin: Enjou! Kyoto Rinne official website. Banpresto. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. | ||
| + | 53. ^ Jump Super Stars official website. Nintendo. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. | ||
| + | 54. ^ Jump Ultimate Stars official website. Nintendo. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. | ||
| + | 55. ^ "Interim Existence". Takao Kato (Director). Buso Renkin. TV Tokyo. No. 15. | ||
| + | 56. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Character case No. 4", Buso Renkin, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0615-7. | ||
| + | 57. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "113", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-767-1. | ||
| + | 58. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Free Talk", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media, 77. ISBN 1-59116-249-1. | ||
| + | 59. ^ Ross, Carlos. Rurouni Kenshin manga review. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Retrieved on 2008-01-25. | ||
| + | 60. ^ Rurouni Kenshin Vol. #08 of 28. Anime on DVD. Retrieved on 2008-02-11. | ||
| + | 61. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Free Talk", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. | ||
| + | 62. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). "Free Talk", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 8. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-563-6. | ||
| + | 63. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2003). "Failed Chapter 2", Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-56931-900-6. | ||
| + | 64. ^ Suzukaze, Mayo. (2002). Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen 2 [DVD]. Sony. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [hide] | ||
| + | v • d • e | ||
| + | Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki | ||
| + | Franchise Episodes • Volumes • Media • Tsuiokuhen • Seisōhen • Ishin Shishi he no Requiem | ||
| + | Characters Himura Kenshin • Kamiya Kaoru • Sagara Sanosuke • Myōjin Yahiko • Takani Megumi • Shinomori Aoshi • Makimachi Misao • Hiko Seijūrō • Himura Kenji • Saitō Hajime • Shishio Makoto • Seta Sōjirō • Yukishiro Enishi • Yukishiro Tomoe • Minor characters • Villains | ||
| + | Historical Terms and References Samurai • Shinsengumi • Meiji period • Hajime Saitō • Four Hitokiri of the Bakumatsu • Ishin Shishi • Three great nobles | ||
Revision as of 08:07, 30 March 2008
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Himura Kenshin Rurouni Kenshin character
Himura Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki First appearance Rurouni Kenshin manga chapter 1 Rurouni Kenshin anime episode 1 Voiced by Japanese Mayo Suzukaze (anime)[1] Megumi Ogata (drama CD)[2] English Richard Cansino (anime)[3] J. Shanon Weaver (OVA)[4] Profile Age 28[5] Date of birth June 20, 1849[6] Occupation Former hitokiri Known relatives Yukishiro Tomoe (ex-wife, deceased) Yukishiro Enishi (ex-brother-in-law) Kamiya Kaoru (wife) Himura Kenji (son) Weapon Sakabatō Technique Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū
Himura Kenshin (緋村 剣心, Himura Kenshin?), known as Kenshin Himura in the English-language dub,[7] is a fictional character from the Rurouni Kenshin universe created by Nobuhiro Watsuki as the main protagonist for the series and developed into a media franchise, which consists of a series of manga, anime, OVAs, movies, soundtracks, video games, and other collectibles. When creating Kenshin, Watsuki designed him to be the physical opposite of Hiko Seijūrō, a character that appears in Watsuki's first one-shot, Crescent Moon in the Warring States, and later in Rurouni Kenshin.[8]
The fictional setting takes place during the pre-Meiji period of Japan. Kenshin is an ex-hitokiri; he was a legendary assassin with the title "Hitokiri Battōsai" (人斬り抜刀斎, "Hitokiri Battōsai"?)[9]. During the story Kenshin wanders around Japan to help those in need in order to atone for the murders he committed during the Bakumatsu. When he arrives in Tokyo, Kenshin meets a young woman named Kamiya Kaoru who invites him to live in her dojo despite finding out that Kenshin is a hitokiri. Significant instances transpire from that point, and Kenshin establishes lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies. However, Kenshin still makes his fair share of enemies who plan to start another war or who simply want to take revenge for a death caused by him. Kenshin's background is explored at few moments of the series, not being shown in any detail until a gaiden of sixteen chapters from the manga, later adapted to an OVA series of four episodes. Kenshin has also appeared in the featured movie of the series, as well as other media relating to the franchise, including a plethora of electronic games.
Various anime and manga publications have provided acclaim and criticism of Kenshin's character. While some of them have praised his personality,[10] others have complained about his development in the OVA series.[10][11] Kenshin has been highly popular with the Rurouni Kenshin reader base, placing first in every popularity poll.[12] Merchandise based on Kenshin has also been released, including figurines,[13] key chains,[14] and plush.[15] Contents [hide]
* 1 Creation and conception
* 2 Character outline
o 2.1 Background
o 2.2 Personality
o 2.3 Techniques
* 3 Plot overview
* 4 Appearances in other media
* 5 Reception
* 6 See also
* 7 Notes and references
[edit] Creation and conception
Watsuki discovered and used the story of Kawakami Gensai, a hitokiri executed by the Meiji Government. According to Watsuki, when he found that Kawakami maintained a duty to his dead comrades, he decided to create the title character. Since Watsuki's debut work contained a tall, black-haired man in "showy" armor, the creator wanted to make a character "completely opposite" to the debut character and the new character ended up "coming out like a girl." According to Watsuki, he used "no real motif" when creating Kenshin and placed a cross-shaped scar when "not knowing what else to do."[8] In the end of the series, Kenshin appears with short hair. Watsuki actually planned to make his hair shorter before the end but he found it similar to the character Maruchi from To Heart.[16] Watsuki based most of Kenshin's abilities on a real swordsman of the Tokugawa period named Matsubayabshi Henyasai, who was skilled in acrobatic techniques.[17]
During the development of Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, Watsuki and his editor argued over Kenshin's speech patterns. They settled for a "slangy" pattern. For the final version of the first Romantic Story, Watsuki adjusted the dialogue; in his view, he made Kenshin sound "more as I prefer him now."[18] Watsuki also planned to make Kenshin older than 30 years old; his editor commented that it was strange that the main character of a manga for teenagers was so old, so he made Kenshin 28 years old.[19]
[edit] Character outline
[edit] Background
Kenshin is born into a peasant family under the given name of "Shinta". After losing both his parents to cholera by age seven, he is later sold into slavery.[20] The slave-traders' caravan is then attacked by bandits who killed all with the exception of Shinta, who is saved by Seijūrō. Seijūrō decides to adopt Shinta into his apprenticeship, and renames the boy "Kenshin" (with 'Ken' meaning 'sword' and 'Shin' meaning 'heart'), believing that 'Shinta' is not a fitting name for a swordsman.[20]
After a few years under Seijūrō's guidance, Kenshin's wish to protect the people with his skills results in his abandonment of both his master and his training. His sword skills soon attract the attention of Takasugi Shinsaku, who transfers him into the ranks of Katsura Kogoro, a leader of the Chōshū clan.[21] Kenshin is sent to Kyoto and assigned the role of an assassin, sharing the common goal of the Ishin Shishi upon the Tokugawa Shogunate. Within the first six months of his career, he kills over 100 people, and eventually became known as the "Hitokiri Battōsai". At one point, he comes face to face with Yukishiro Tomoe, who initially wanted to avenge the death of her fiancé, whom Kenshin had killed, but falls in love with him instead. After the crisis suffered by the Chōshū clan in the Ikedaya Jiken, both Kenshin and Tomoe get married and flee to a remote village.[22]
Sometime later, Tomoe meets with the leader of the Yaminobu, a fictional pro-Shogunate covert network of ninjas that had formulated a plan to assassinate Kenshin. She realizes that all along they had actually used her to create Kenshin's weakness.[23] Meanwhile, Kenshin runs off to find his wife, but is ambushed by Yaminobu ninjas and severely wounded.[24] He escapes and eventually finds Tomoe with the leader of the Yaminobu. In a desperate attempt to defeat the leader, Kenshin blindly swings his sword, killing both his assailant and Tomoe, who had jumped in at the last minute to save Kenshin from a fatal attack. Tomoe's knife had flown into the air and coincidentally slashed Kenshin's cheek, creating the famous X-shaped scar across his left cheek.[25] Following the death of Tomoe, Katsura replaces Kenshin in his role as assassin. Kenshin is reassigned as a guerrilla swordsman protecting the Imperialists.[26] After the end of the Bakumatsu, Kenshin leaves Kyoto.[27]
[edit] Personality Kenshin in his "Hitokiri Battōsai" state Kenshin in his "Hitokiri Battōsai" state
Kenshin's desire is to protect people from danger without killing. Formerly known as "the strongest hitokiri," Kenshin is the main target of many old enemies, thus he avoids letting others get too close to him personally for their own protection. However, he eventually begins relying on a few friends, such as Sagara Sanosuke, his most reliable friend,[28] and Myōjin Yahiko, whom he sometimes allows to fight alongside him.[29] He also has a rivalry with the ex-Shinsengumi member Saitō Hajime since the Bakumatsu. Although they become partners in the series, they both know that one day they will finish their duel. After the end of the Jinchu Arc, Kenshin challenges Saitō to end the rivalry but Saitō refuses to fight since Kenshin is different from the time they were enemies.[30]
Throughout the series, a young woman named Kaoru develops strong romantic feelings for him, and he also comes to love her. Despite his feelings, he is constantly haunted by the wrongs committed in his past, and believes he does not deserve happiness. However, as he notes how Kaoru would feel if he dies, Kenshin decides not to leave her and regains a desire to survive.[31]
If he is not able to protect his loved ones, he begins to shift into his "Hitokiri Battōsai" personality, and takes extreme measures in order save others, caring little for the well-being of his opponents.[32] However, Kenshin avoids changing his personality, swearing that he will never kill, and will try to avoid the deaths of as many people possible.[33]
Kenshin's Japanese-language dialogue contains some unusual words and catch phrases which can cause problems in translations. Most of the time, he refers to himself with the extremely humble pronoun "sessha" (translated in the manga by Viz as "this one") and uses the formal verb "de gozaru" (conveyed by Media Blasters by phrases like "…that it is."). He also addresses most women with an honorific which is generally reserved for feudal lords. In the English anime, "Miss Kaoru" is used instead of "Kaoru-dono." When in his "Battōsai" mode, Kenshin changes from being polite to serious; one of his quotes, "de gozaru", disappears and "sessha" is replaced with the more typical brash male pronoun "ore".[32] Along the series, Kenshin uses the quote "oro", which expresses surprise or dismay, based on the similar exclamation "ara" (generally considered feminine). As proper Japanese vocabulary, "oro" only exists as a word for lochia. In the English dub, "oro" has been translated into "huh". "Oro" is kept intact in the Viz manga.[34]
[edit] Techniques The void created by the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki and the consecutive strike The void created by the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki and the consecutive strike
Kenshin is a practitioner of the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū, a fictional ancient sword art which allows him to move at superhuman speeds, as well as perform a large number of powerful techniques, and the ability to read through the movements of his opponents.[27] Kenshin has also mastered battōjutsu (note the name "Battōsai"), perfecting all parts of it, including all of its weaknesses.[35] Several of the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū and battōjutsu techniques Kenshin uses often utilizes his Shinsoku (神速, Shinsoku? lit. "God-speed"), which allows him to quickly overpower and dispatch most of his opponents with his sword before they have time to react. Although most of these techniques have deadly effects, since Kenshin desires not to kill anyone, he instead uses the flat of his sakabatō.[27]
During the series, Kenshin normally employs the Ryūtsuisen (龍槌閃, Ryūtsuisen? lit. "Dragon Hammer Strike"), combining a downward swing with a descent from a jump to add the power of gravity to the blow.[20] The Ryūshōsen (龍翔閃, Ryūshōsen? lit. "Soaring Dragon Strike"), also utilizes jumping power, hitting the adversary from below and aiming for the jaw and/or the pit of the stomach.[36] The Ryūkansen (龍巻閃, Ryūkansen? lit. "Dragon Spiral Strike") is a move which takes advantage of the centripetal force used to accelerate the draw of the blade while simultaneously avoiding the adversary's assault, shifting directly into a counterattack.[36] Other variations include drawing out the blade at fast speeds and/or attacking the opponent's head directly.[37] Also, a Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū technique called Ryūmeisen (龍鳴閃, Ryūmeisen? lit. "Dragon Howl Strike") uses Shinsoku Nōtōjutsu (神速納刀術, Shinsoku Nōtōjutsu? lit. "God-speed Sheathing") to create a sonic boom that can temporarily impair an opponent's hearing and equilibrium.[38]
During the Kyoto arc, Kenshin learns the Kuzu-ryūsen (九頭龍閃, Kuzu-ryūsen? lit. "Nine-headed Dragon Strike"), which simultaneously deals nine strikes to the most fundamental targets of swordsmanship, making guarding and dodging virtually impossible,[20] though Seta Sōjirō is able to evade it.[39] The Kuzu-ryūsen, however, is a byproduct used for the initiation in learning Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki (天翔龍閃, Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki? lit. "Heavens Bridging Dragon Spark"; Viz translation - "Dragon Flight of Heaven"), a Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū battōjutsu that surpasses the speed of the Kuzu-ryūsen.[40] The secret behind the technique lies in an additional step with the left foot which adds instantaneous acceleration and weight to the sword.[12] In addition, if the initial strike is avoided or blocked, the force of the unusually fast slashing motion displaces the air around it, generating a vacuum in its wake and sucking the opponent in; as this happens, the body is spun around for a second strike, the previous action adding force and momentum to the swing, making the subsequent strike far stronger.[41] Since the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū is only suitable to a wide-framed muscular build like that of Seijūrō's, Kenshin's body deteriorates and he is unable to use the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū ever again.[30]
[edit] Plot overview
After receiving his sakabatō blade, Kenshin assumes the life of a wanderer and travels freely. Ten years after the Revolution, he arrives in Tokyo where he meets Kaoru, who offers him to stay in her dojo despite her knowledge that Kenshin is the "Hitokiri Battōsai".[27] Numerous events transpire from that point, and Kenshin establishes lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies. However, he still makes his share of enemies like Shishio Makoto, the brutal once-successor to Kenshin's position as Chōshū's hitokiri and mastermind behind a movement seeking to overthrow the Meiji Government.[41] To defeat such foes, Kenshin is forced to resume his training and mend his relationship with his teacher, while forging the strongest bonds with his allies and enemies. When Yukishiro Enishi, Tomoe's revenge-obsessed brother, found out about Kenshin's feelings towards Kaoru, he set out to kidnap her, doing so and leaving a professionally made decoy of Kaoru with a sword in her heart, making everyone believe that she had been murdered.[42] Kenshin falls into severe depression and runs off to a desolate place known as the "Fallen Village" to mourn.[43] However, he breaks out of his depression and after his friends discover Kaoru is alive, the group goes to rescue her on Enishi's island.[44] A battle between Kenshin and Enishi follows and when Kenshin wins, he and Kaoru return home.[45] Five years later, Kenshin is married to Kaoru and has a son by the name of Himura Kenji. After an encounter with Yahiko, Kenshin gives his sakabatō to him as a gift for his coming-of-age.[46]
[edit] Appearances in other media Kenshin as seen in the OVAs Kenshin as seen in the OVAs
Kenshin first appears in two chapters of Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story in which he arrives in Tokyo and defeats several groups of villains attacking families. In these stories, Kenshin is given a similar personality to the one he has in the series but his name is unmentioned.[18][47] Later, in the movie Rurouni Kenshin: Ishin Shishi he no Requiem, Kenshin meets a samurai named Takimi Shigure who tries to overthrow the Meiji Government and avenge the deaths of his family during the Bakumatsu. Kenshin encounters Shigure and defeats him in order to avoid the start of a war.[48]
In the OVAs, Kenshin is given a more humanized design and a different personality. There are also numerous changes to his life to his life story from that of the manga, including the way he received his X-shaped scar in Tsuiokuhen.[49] In Seisōhen, as time passes, Kenshin becomes tortured anew by the guilt of leading a happy life after such a destructive past. He makes the decision to wander again, and Kaoru strongly supports him, promising to welcome him home with a smile and their child. Kenshin eventually becomes ravaged by an unknown disease. Then recovers and decides to assist in the First Sino-Japanese War as he had promised the Meiji Government. After the war's end, Sanosuke discovers Kenshin, gravely injured, on the shore and arranges for Kenshin's return to Tokyo and Kaoru. The two finally meet, and Kenshin collapses into her arms as he clutches her to him. Kaoru then notices Kenshin's scar has faded away, signifying his death.[50] Nobuhiro Watsuki, after watching the last OVA said that "Kenshin went through so much crap and deserved a happy ending."[51]
Kenshin is a playable character in all of the Rurouni Kenshin video games,[52] including Jump Super Stars[53] and Jump Ultimate Stars.[54] Also, in episode 15 of the anime Buso Renkin, the main character Kazuki Muto says "oro, oro" when he receives his grades.[55] The other main character of Buso Renkin, Tokiko Tsumura, is based on the design of Kenshin as hitokiri, which Watsuki commented that Tokiko is the female version of the "Hitokiri Battōsai" when he drew her face.[56]
[edit] Reception
Kenshin has ranked first in every Shonen Jump popularity poll of the series, always with more than double the votes of second place.[12][57] Watsuki received letters from fans describing Megumi Ogata's CD Drama voice as a "good fit" for Kenshin. Watsuki said that he imagined Kenshin's voice to be "more neutral."[58]
Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other media have provided praise and criticism on the character. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews criticized that the fact that Kenshin looks super deformed in comedy scenes is not suited for the context of the character and the series.[59] AnimeOnDVD.com states that Kenshin acts like a "smartass" in a review of volume 8[60] while Anime News Network remarks that Kenshin is a goofy, genial wanderer with a newfound joy in life.[10] The development of Kenshin in the OVAs series has had negative reviews by many publications. Anime News Network also adds that in Seisōhen he continues to be his old mopey self and never uses the quote "oro"[10] and IGN cited that some moments of the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru were depressing.[11] A plethora of merchandise have been released in Kenshin's likeness including keychains,[14] action figures,[13] and plush dolls.[15]
A large number of video game characters were based on the character of Kenshin such as Keiichiro Washizuka from The Last Blade[61] and Shizumaru Hisame from the Samurai Shodown series.[62] Kenshin's personality was also planned to use in the character Kakashi Hatake from Naruto but the idea was deemed as a failure.[63] In an interview with Mayo Suzukaze, who is the seiyū for the character, says that she started feeling similar to Kenshin after years of work as his voice and comments that providing the voice for the character was one of her best experiences.[64]
[edit] See also Anime and manga Portal
* List of minor Rurouni Kenshin characters * List of Rurouni Kenshin chapters * List of Rurouni Kenshin episodes * Rurouni Kenshin media
[edit] Notes and references
1. ^ Mayo Suzukaze. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. 2. ^ Megumi Ogata. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. 3. ^ Richard Cansino. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. 4. ^ J. Shannon Weaver. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. 5. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 2", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media, 57. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. 6. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (1999). Kenshin Kaden. Shueisha, 162. ISBN 4-08-782037-8. 7. ^ In the Sony dubbed version of the Rurouni Kenshin anime, his name is pronounced "Kenshi" rather than "Kenshin". 8. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "The Secret Life of Characters (1) Himura Kenshin", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media, 56. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. 9. ^ "Hitokiri" means "manslayer", however, "Battōsai" does not have a literal meaning. While "battō" is a reference to battōjutsu, "sai" means "purify". 10. ^ a b c d Crandol, Mike (2002-01-22). Ruroni Kenshin second OAV series Seisouhen, part 1. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-01-25. 11. ^ a b Diaz Jr, Efrain (2004-04-09). Samurai X. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. 12. ^ a b c Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 135", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 16. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-854-6. 13. ^ a b Amazon.com: Myoujin Yahiko. Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-28. 14. ^ a b Amazon.com: Rurouni Kenshin, Karou, Sanosuke Group Key Chain. Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-28. 15. ^ a b Amazon.com: Rurouni Kenshin: Kenshin Battousai Ver. 8" Plush. Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-28. 16. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "The Secret Life of Characters (54) Himura Kenji and the characters from Meiji 15", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. 17. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "The Secret Life of Characters (36) Henya Kariwa", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-810-4. 18. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (1)", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media, 168. ISBN 1-4215-0674-2. 19. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 27. Viz Media, 2. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. 20. ^ a b c d Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 94", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-712-4. 21. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 165", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 19. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0064-7. 22. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 170", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-927-5. 23. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 175", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-927-5. 24. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 177", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 20. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-927-5. 25. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 178", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 21. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0082-5. 26. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 179", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 21. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0082-5. 27. ^ a b c d Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 1", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. 28. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 105", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 13. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-713-2. 29. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 187", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 22. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0196-1. 30. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 252", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. 31. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 145", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. 32. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 12", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-249-1. 33. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 118", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-767-1. 34. ^ Oro demonstration. monkey-pirate.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-07. 35. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 13", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-249-1. 36. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 78", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 10. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. 37. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 142", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. 38. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 248", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. 39. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 129", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-810-4. 40. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 96", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-712-4. 41. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Chapter 143", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. 42. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 211", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0338-7. 43. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 208", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0338-7. 44. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 236", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 26. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0673-4. 45. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 250", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. 46. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 255", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. 47. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). "Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (2)", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 3. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-356-0. 48. ^ Samurai X: The Motion Picture. Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. 49. ^ Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (OAV). Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. 50. ^ Samurai X: Reflection (OAV). Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2008-02-04. 51. ^ Watsuki interview at AnimeOnDVD. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. 52. ^ Rurouni Kenshin: Enjou! Kyoto Rinne official website. Banpresto. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. 53. ^ Jump Super Stars official website. Nintendo. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. 54. ^ Jump Ultimate Stars official website. Nintendo. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. 55. ^ "Interim Existence". Takao Kato (Director). Buso Renkin. TV Tokyo. No. 15. 56. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Character case No. 4", Buso Renkin, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0615-7. 57. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "113", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-767-1. 58. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Free Talk", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media, 77. ISBN 1-59116-249-1. 59. ^ Ross, Carlos. Rurouni Kenshin manga review. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Retrieved on 2008-01-25. 60. ^ Rurouni Kenshin Vol. #08 of 28. Anime on DVD. Retrieved on 2008-02-11. 61. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Free Talk", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. 62. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). "Free Talk", Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 8. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-563-6. 63. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2003). "Failed Chapter 2", Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-56931-900-6. 64. ^ Suzukaze, Mayo. (2002). Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen 2 [DVD]. Sony.
[hide] v • d • e Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki Franchise Episodes • Volumes • Media • Tsuiokuhen • Seisōhen • Ishin Shishi he no Requiem Characters Himura Kenshin • Kamiya Kaoru • Sagara Sanosuke • Myōjin Yahiko • Takani Megumi • Shinomori Aoshi • Makimachi Misao • Hiko Seijūrō • Himura Kenji • Saitō Hajime • Shishio Makoto • Seta Sōjirō • Yukishiro Enishi • Yukishiro Tomoe • Minor characters • Villains Historical Terms and References Samurai • Shinsengumi • Meiji period • Hajime Saitō • Four Hitokiri of the Bakumatsu • Ishin Shishi • Three great nobles
