Rurouni Kenshin 1996
★ 8.5/10 TV-14 Action & AdventureAnimationComedy 3 seasons · 94 eps Ended
Trailer
Overview
Rurouni Kenshin is a Japanese anime television series that originally aired from 1996 to 1998. Based on the manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the show is set during Japan's Meiji Era, a time of significant social and political change when traditional samurai practices, including sword carrying, were outlawed. The story follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin known as Battōsai the Manslayer, who has vowed to protect the innocent and uphold his swordsman's honor without taking lives. As he wanders through Meiji-era Japan, Kenshin encounters various individuals and situations that challenge his beliefs and test his resolve. The series features a cast of voice actors including Mayo Suzukaze, Miki Fujitani, Mina Tominaga, and Yuji Ueda. It was broadcast on Fuji TV and later gained international recognition, sometimes being referred to as Samurai X. The show explores themes of redemption, justice, and the struggle to adapt to a rapidly modernizing society.
Should you watch it?
“A reformed killer protects the peace in Meiji-era Japan.”
Reasons to watch
- Rich historical setting with samurai themes
- Strong character development and emotional depth
- Engaging blend of action and drama
Keep in mind
- Pacing can be slow for some viewers
- Violence may not suit all ages
You enjoy anime with historical depth and moral complexity.
Contains violence and mature themes typical of samurai stories.
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Cast
Mayo Suzukaze
Kenshin Himura (voice)
Miki Fujitani
Kaoru Kamiya (voice)
Mina Tominaga
Yahiko Myoujin (voice)
Yuji Ueda
Sanosuke Sagara (voice)
Mika Doi
Megumi Takani (voice)
Hirotaka Suzuoki
Hajime Saitô (voice)
Tomo Sakurai
Makimachi Misao (voice)
Yoshito Yasuhara
Aoshi Shinomori (voice)
Yoku Shioya
Gensai (voice)
Noriko Hidaka
Sojiro Seta (voice)
Masanori Ikeda
Makoto Shishio (voice)
Mayumi Tanaka
Episode guide
Season 1 · 27 episodes
- E1 The Handsome Swordsman of Legend: A Man who Fights for Love Jan 10, 1996
- E2 Kid Samurai: A Big Ordeal and a New Student Jan 17, 1996
- E3 Swordsman of Sorrow: The Man Who Slays His Past Jan 24, 1996
- E4 Bad! Introducing Sanosuke, Fighter-for-hire Jan 31, 1996
- E5 The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle Feb 7, 1996
- E6 The Appearance of Kurogasa: Visitor from the Shadows Feb 14, 1996
- E7 Deathmatch under the Moon! Protect the One You Love Feb 21, 1996
- E8 A New Battle! The Mysterious Beauty From Nowhere Feb 28, 1996
- E9 The Strongest Group of Ninjas: The Horrible Oniwaban Group Mar 6, 1996
- E10 Aoshi: Someone so Beautiful it's Frightening Mar 13, 1996
- E11 Farewell, the Strongest Men: The Clash of Light and Shadow Apr 24, 1996
- E12 Birth of a Boy Swordsman: The Battle of First Apprentice Yahiko May 1, 1996
- E13 Strive for the Grand Championship: Toramaru's Sumo Battle Log! May 8, 1996
- E14 Save a Small Life: The Challenge of the Beautiful Doctor, Megumi May 15, 1996
- E15 Assassination Group of Fire: Jinpuu Squad on the Run May 22, 1996
- E16 A Promise from the Heart: The Secret Technique of the Shiden Renga Blade Jun 5, 1996
- E17 Fly to Your Dreams: The Adventures of Marimo, the Human Bullet Jun 12, 1996
- E18 Run, Yahiko: Get the Reverse-blade Sword Back! Jun 19, 1996
- E19 Raijuta's Ambition: Dream of a Forbidden Kingdom Jun 26, 1996
- E20 Revival of the Shinko Style: The Technique Which Heralds a Storm Jul 10, 1996
- E21 The Dissolution of a Nightmare: Raijuta's Ambition Concludes Jul 21, 1996
- E22 First Train Ride: Danger on a Runaway Locomotive! Jul 31, 1996
- E23 Sanosuke's Betrayal: The Fateful Reunion Aug 14, 1996
- E24 Midnight Battle: Sanosuke Verses Kenshin Revisited Aug 21, 1996
- E25 The Crimson Pirate: Kenshin and Kaoru Separated! Aug 28, 1996
- E26 Lightning Incarnate: The Noble and Mysterious Female Pirate, Shura Sep 4, 1996
- E27 Burn, Island of Terror: The Crimson Pirate Chapter Concludes Oct 16, 1996
Season 2 · 35 episodes
- E1 Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near Oct 30, 1996
- E2 Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike! Nov 6, 1996
- E3 A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot Nov 13, 1996
- E4 A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs Nov 27, 1996
- E5 Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice Dec 4, 1996
- E6 For the Title of Strongest: Aoshi's New Conflict Dec 11, 1996
- E7 The Girl Bandit: Misao Makimachi's Hidden Side Jan 8, 1997
- E8 Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands Jan 15, 1997
- E9 Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face! Jan 22, 1997
- E10 Shock! Reverse Blade Sword Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin Jan 29, 1997
- E11 Sanosuke's Secret Training: The Challenge of Anji, the Destroyer Feb 5, 1997
- E12 The Creator of the Reverse Blade: Shakku Arai's Final Swing Feb 12, 1997
- E13 A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana Feb 19, 1997
- E14 The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko Feb 26, 1997
- E15 The Formation of an Alliance: The Day When Aoshi Joins with Shishio Mar 5, 1997
- E16 Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki! Mar 12, 1997
- E17 A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters: The Strongest Troop, Juppongatana Mar 19, 1997
- E18 As if to Fly: Stop the Launch of the Battleship Purgatory! Apr 16, 1997
- E19 Purgatory Bursts into Flames: The Destiny of Makoto Shishio Apr 23, 1997
- E20 Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams! Apr 30, 1997
- E21 Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life May 14, 1997
- E22 The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu May 28, 1997
- E23 The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again Jun 4, 1997
- E24 Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish Jun 11, 1997
- E25 To Make a Miracle: The Battle at the Aoiya Jun 18, 1997
- E26 The Giant Versus Superman: Like an Arrow Shot at a Time of Despair Jun 25, 1997
- E27 Hiten Versus Shukuchi: Sojiro's Inborn Talent Jul 2, 1997
- E28 The Tragedy of a Stormy Night: Sojiro's Past Jul 9, 1997
- E29 A Duel With an Extreme Moment: Shuntensatsu Versus Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki Jul 16, 1997
- E30 Two Men at the End of an Era: Shishio Versus Kenshin, Final Battle Aug 6, 1997
- E31 The Age Chooses Shishio? Kenshin's Greatest Crisis Aug 13, 1997
- E32 Not Out of Luck! The Revival of a Fighting Spirit Aug 20, 1997
- E33 The Man Who is Chosen for Victory: Shishio Versus Kenshin, Finale Sep 3, 1997
- E34 The Juppongatana Who Remain: A Choice for Life Sep 10, 1997
- E35 Kyoto, the Engraved Memory: Begin with a Wish Sep 17, 1997
Season 3 · 32 episodes
- E1 The Legend of the Fireflies: A Girl Who Waits for Her Love Oct 14, 1997
- E2 The Birth of Prince Yahiko? An Elegant Debut into Society Oct 28, 1997
- E3 Find the Lost Treasure! The Great Detective Dog Notaro Nov 4, 1997
- E4 Kaoru Ecstatic! Kenshin's Proposal? Nov 11, 1997
- E5 Gleaming Blade of Legends! The Mystic Swordsman Shougo Amakusa Nov 18, 1997
- E6 The Medallion of Destiny: The First Meeting of Sanosuke and Sayo Nov 25, 1997
- E7 To the Battlefield of Shimabara: The Moment of Decisive Battle Dec 2, 1997
- E8 Shock of the Rai Ryu Sen! Kenshin Sent into Darkness Dec 9, 1997
- E9 The Conspiracy of Kaiou: Shougo Caught in a Trap Dec 16, 1997
- E10 Days of Remorse: The Sad Past of Shougo and Sayo Jan 6, 1998
- E11 The Sneering Demon: Shouzo and Karyu Scattered in the Explosive Flames Jan 13, 1998
- E12 Sanosuke's Tears: An Eternal Farewell Befalls the Two Jan 20, 1998
- E13 The Last Crusade: Two Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki Crash! Jan 27, 1998
- E14 Bon Voyage Feb 3, 1998
- E15 Himura Dojo in Shimonoseki? Feb 10, 1998
- E16 Crush! Feb 17, 1998
- E17 Kaishu Katsu and Kenshin: The Destiny of Two Men Who Survived the Revolution Feb 24, 1998
- E18 The Unending Revolution: A Destiny Forced Upon Kaishu Mar 3, 1998
- E19 Conspiracy of the Beni-aoi: The Living Ghost of the Revolution Targets Kaishu! Mar 10, 1998
- E20 Kaishu Katsu's Determination: The Truth that Lived Through the Times Apr 14, 1998
- E21 Yutaro Returns: The Conspiracy of the Shadow Swordsmen Apr 21, 1998
- E22 The Sanada Ninja Squad and the Elixir: Misanagi's Driving Quest May 5, 1998
- E23 A Straying Journey: The Trap of the Divine Crossing! May 19, 1998
- E24 A Heat Wave from Beneath the Earth: The Three Sanada Demons! May 26, 1998
- E25 Schneider's Bet: The Collapse of the Black Knights! Jun 2, 1998
- E26 The Two Guides: Yahiko and Yutaro's Eternal Vow Jun 9, 1998
- E27 To My Angel Misao: A Fetching from Kyoto Jun 16, 1998
- E28 Feng Shui, Surprise Attack! The Mystery of the Pentagram Spread! Jun 23, 1998
- E29 The Magic of Feng Shui: Kamiya Dojo is Targeted! Jul 21, 1998
- E30 Tokyo Under Martial Law! The Deadly Ryu Myaku Aug 4, 1998
- E31 The Enemy Awaits in Senjo Gahara: In Search of the Jade Crest Aug 18, 1998
- E32 The Elegy of Wind and Water: A Last Desperate Effort! Sep 8, 1998
Frequently asked questions
Is Rurouni Kenshin based on a manga?
Yes, it is based on the manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
What time period is the series set in?
It is set during the Meiji Era in Japan.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Kenshin Himura, a former killer turned protector.
Are there different studios involved in production?
Yes, multiple studios including Studio Gallop and Studio Deen were involved.
Was the series dubbed in English?
Yes, it has an English dub available in some versions.