Rurouni Kenshin, Meiji Swordsman
History Seen Through Manga
Rurouni Kenshin is the brainchild of Japanese manga writer Nobuhiro Watsuki. It spans 28 volumes and is set during the inception of Japan’s Meiji era. The series follows the path of swordsman Himura Kenshin, an ex member of the imperialist faction known as the Ishin Shishi. Once known as the infamous assassin Hitokiri Battousai, Kenshin is now a humble wanderer. He regrets his past, and strives to atone for his actions throughout the entirety of the manga.
Characters With a History
Rurouni Kenshin is inundated with references to historical figures, and a number of these characters have prominent roles in the series. Saitou Hajime makes regular appearances in the manga; Saitou was a real-life member of the Shinsengumi, Japan’s shogunate fighting force. The enmity between members of the Shinsengumi and the Ishin Shishi carried well into the Meiji era, and as such Saitou and Kenshin are frequently at odds with each other.
Later in the series, during flashback moments, members of the Ishin Shishi are introduced to the storyline. Kenshin was a personal bodyguard for Katsura Kogoro, the leader of the Ishin Shishi from Choushuu. Kenshin is also seen in conversation with Tanaka Shinbei, a real-life assassin for the Ishin Shishi.
Sagara Sanosuke, one of Kenshin’s most trusted friends in the Rurouni Kenshin series, is a former member of the Sekihoutai. This real group of imperialist fighters was led by Sagara Souzou, and eventually betrayed by the very regime they supported. Sanosuke adopted the last name Sagara in honor of his Sekihoutai boss, Sagara Souzou.
There are a number of historical incidents that are brought up in the series and embellished upon:
1. The Ikedaya Incident.
Some members of the Ishin Shishi wanted to raze Kyoto by fire. The Ikedaya inn was their meeting place, which was raided by the Shinsengumi on the night the fire was to take place.
2. Battle of Toba Fushimi
This famous battle of 1868, between the imperialists and the pro-shogunate forces, is mentioned at the very beginning of the series. It is said that Hitokiri Battousai was last seen fighting here, before he disappeared.
Exciting Fights
The main and supporting cast of Rurouni Kenshin is comprised of skilled ninja, swordsmen and kenpo practitioners. While there are a couple of kendo-ists, kendo being the Japanese art of fighting with wooden swords, there are also several new sword styles that are introduced. Kenshin’s sword style, Hiten Mitsurugi, is one of the fictitious sword styles. The super-speed required to perform its moves, and its emphasis on aerial combat, make for exciting sword fights.
While a number of the sword fights in the series could almost be taken as plausible, the one between Kenshin and Saitou are the most convincing. Watsuki actually based Saitou’s style of sword-fighting on the style of the real Saitou Hajime. You can almost imagine that the type fight between Saitou and Kenshin was a common occurrence during revolutionary, pre-Meiji Japan.
But Manga Are for Kids!
Sure, manga are depicted in a cartoon style, but this doesn’t mean the story is necessarily on a child’s level. Rurouni Kenshin is a great story for teens and adults alike. Not only is the story-line engaging and flow well, it’s also conceivably plausible and chock-full of history. You might surprise yourself when you find yourself learning as you read!
Sources:
Rurouni Kenshin Profiles, Nobuhiro Watsuki
The Rurouni Kenshin Companion: The Unofficial Guide, Kazuhisa Fujie and Walter Wyman
Kenshin when he was Battousai
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Reading & Literature
Latest Articles