Rurouni Kenshin
The Meiji Era was one of great renewal for Japan, where swords and killing were outlawed. However, many survivors from the time of Revolution still live, lurking in the shadows and waiting for a chance to use their killing blades again. Only Kenshin Himura, formerly one of the most brutal of killers, hopes to keep his swordsman's honor and still live in the new era.
Seasons
1. The Handsome Swordsman of Legend: A Man who Fights for Love
Air Date: 1996-01-10
A mysterious wanderer known as Kenshin is taken at the Kamiya Kasshin Dojo, a martial arts school run by a young woman named Kaoru.
2. Kid Samurai: A Big Ordeal and a New Student
Air Date: 1996-01-17
Following an encounter with a young pickpocket named Yahiko, Kaoru risks her own freedom to gain his from some local gangsters.
3. Swordsman of Sorrow: The Man Who Slays His Past
Air Date: 1996-01-24
After reining in some renegade police officers, Kenshin is recognized as the Samurai whose bravery helped establish the Meiji Era and is asked to rejoin the army.
4. Bad! Introducing Sanosuke, Fighter-for-hire
Air Date: 1996-01-31
Gohei enlists a vicious street-fighter known as Sanosuke to seek revenge against Kenshin. And even though Kenshin exposes Gohei's plan, Sanosuke makes it clear that the two of them will fight each other one day.
5. The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle
Air Date: 1996-02-07
After accepting Sanosuke's challenge, Kenshin encourages him to release his anger towards the corrupt Royalist forces.
6. The Appearance of Kurogasa: Visitor from the Shadows
Air Date: 1996-02-14
With a ruthless ex-Samurai killing high ranking politicians, the Chief of Police asks Kenshin to catch him. But as Kenshin confronts the deadly Jin-nai Udo, Kaoru's efforts to stop the battle end with her kidnapping.
7. Deathmatch under the Moon! Protect the One You Love
Air Date: 1996-02-21
After kidnapping Kaoru, the ruthless Jin-nai Udo draws Kenshin into the fight he's been seeking for years. Though Kenshin tries to resist, Jin-nai's powerful spell over Kaoru leaves him no other choice.
8. A New Battle! The Mysterious Beauty From Nowhere
Air Date: 1996-02-28
When local gangsters threaten the life of a beautiful woman, Kenshin and Sanosuke step in to save her.
9. The Strongest Group of Ninjas: The Horrible Oniwaban Group
Air Date: 1996-03-06
Though her medical knowledge has saved Yahiko's life, Sansosuke suspects Megumi of producing the opium responsible for a close friend's death.
10. Aoshi: Someone so Beautiful it's Frightening
Air Date: 1996-03-13
Having pledged to save Megumi, the Peace Force must first take on a band of ruthless drug dealing mobsters. But when a rift inside the gang leads to a change in leadership, Kenshin must confront a fighter whose powers he's underestimated.
11. Farewell, the Strongest Men: The Clash of Light and Shadow
Air Date: 1996-04-24
Kenshin defeats a local mob's most powerful fighter, only to then face a gang leader who's determined to spread powerful new guns across Japan.
12. Birth of a Boy Swordsman: The Battle of First Apprentice Yahiko
Air Date: 1996-05-01
When a criminal gang threatens a young girl he loves, Yahiko seeks Kenshin's advice on how to defend her in a lopsided fight.
13. Strive for the Grand Championship: Toramaru's Sumo Battle Log!
Air Date: 1996-05-08
After jealous harassment forces an aspiring young man out of a sumo wrestling school, Kaoru steps in to take over his training.
14. Save a Small Life: The Challenge of the Beautiful Doctor, Megumi
Air Date: 1996-05-15
After a shady faith healer discredits her medical skills, Megumi's patients abandon her. And once a worried family panics and pays the phony shaman to heal their sick daughter, Megumi must intervene in order to save the young girl's life.
15. Assassination Group of Fire: Jinpuu Squad on the Run
Air Date: 1996-05-22
A group radicals intent on assassinating political leaders attempt to recruit a local teacher into their cause. After finding that Heihachiro is a former foe who's now dedicated his life to helping children, Kenshin steps in to repel the assassins.
16. A Promise from the Heart: The Secret Technique of the Shiden Renga Blade
Air Date: 1996-06-05
After saving Heihachiro's life, Kenshin sets out to stop the teacher's misguided former student from being used as a pawn in a game of political corruption.
17. Fly to Your Dreams: The Adventures of Marimo, the Human Bullet
Air Date: 1996-06-12
Kenshin protects a circus ringmaster and his talented human cannonball daughter from the threats of a jealous competitor.
18. Run, Yahiko: Get the Reverse-blade Sword Back!
Air Date: 1996-06-19
After stopping a restaurant robbery, Yahiko's boastfulness lands him in trouble with Kenshin's old foe, Gohei Hiruma. And once Yahiko agrees to a fight, Gohei uses the opportunity to steal Kenshin's Reverse Edged Sword.
19. Raijuta's Ambition: Dream of a Forbidden Kingdom
Air Date: 1996-06-26
While on vacation at the home of Dr. Gensai's niece, Kenshin and company attracts the attention of a wealthy but arrogant boy who wants to learn the art of swordfighting.
20. Revival of the Shinko Style: The Technique Which Heralds a Storm
Air Date: 1996-07-10
Though Kenshin tries to warn him of the bad influence, Yutaro continues to believe in Raijuta, unaware that the renegade is using him plot his revolution. So, when he's told that the government is out to stop him, Yutaro sneaks away to warn Raijuta.
21. The Dissolution of a Nightmare: Raijuta's Ambition Concludes
Air Date: 1996-07-21
After learning the truth behind Raijuta's duplicitous plan, an injury sidelines Yutaro, leaving Kenshin to fight the renegade Samurai alone.
22. First Train Ride: Danger on a Runaway Locomotive!
Air Date: 1996-07-31
During a train trip to Yokohama, Kenshin and his friends must save a wealthy English passenger from being robbed by thieves.
23. Sanosuke's Betrayal: The Fateful Reunion
Air Date: 1996-08-14
An artist's work leads Sanosuke to a reunion with an old army comrade, Tsukioka. But when his old friend wants him to join in avenging the death of their former leader, Sanosuke must stop him.
24. Midnight Battle: Sanosuke Verses Kenshin Revisited
Air Date: 1996-08-21
Following a lavish party at the dojo, Sanosuke can no longer resist joining his old army troop's plot to punish the government. However, in an effort to stop them, Kenshin is forced to take on Sanosuke.
25. The Crimson Pirate: Kenshin and Kaoru Separated!
Air Date: 1996-08-28
In order to earn money for their dojo, the Peace Force signs on to help protect a merchant ship from pirates. However, to keep Kaoru from falling into the hands of the pirate's female leader, Shura, Kenshin offers himself in exchange.
26. Lightning Incarnate: The Noble and Mysterious Female Pirate, Shura
Air Date: 1996-09-04
After Kenshin's kidnapping, a bond begins to develop between him and Shura. However, while Shura is confident in the loyalty of her crew, the profits to be made from dealing opium draws them into a mutinous plan.
27. Burn, Island of Terror: The Crimson Pirate Chapter Concludes
Air Date: 1996-10-16
After her trusted colleagues betray Shura, it's left up to Kenshin to save her life and stop the pirate's opium smuggling scheme.
1. The Legend of the Fireflies: A Girl Who Waits for Her Love
Air Date: 1997-10-14
Back at home, Kaoru works to restore the dilapidated dojo, while Kenshin encounters a wise old fisherman who teaches him an important lesson about love.
2. The Birth of Prince Yahiko? An Elegant Debut into Society
Air Date: 1997-10-28
After stepping in to stop what appears to be a robbery, Kenshin and Kaoru meet a young prince who looks exactly like Yahiko.
3. Find the Lost Treasure! The Great Detective Dog Notaro
Air Date: 1997-11-04
Sanosuke adopts a stray dog, unaware that it holds the key to a criminal gang's plot to blackmail some local officials and gain political control. And when the gang finally tracks him down, Kenshin and Yahiko join Sanosuke to foil their plan.
4. Kaoru Ecstatic! Kenshin's Proposal?
Air Date: 1997-11-11
After Kenshin finds a ring inside a catfish, he's persuaded to give it to Kaoru. Thinking it's an engagement ring, Kaoru is sure that he's asking her to get married.
5. Gleaming Blade of Legends! The Mystic Swordsman Shougo Amakusa
Air Date: 1997-11-18
Alerted by Misao, Kenshin and the rest of the Peace Force arrive to help Aoshi find a mysterious killer. Kenshin's investigation uncovers evidence linking the killing to a Christian Samurai and of vengeance that's been foretold.
6. The Medallion of Destiny: The First Meeting of Sanosuke and Sayo
Air Date: 1997-11-25
In an effort to prevent more revenge killings, Kenshin must take on Shogo Amakusa, the Christian warrior known as God's Child.
7. To the Battlefield of Shimabara: The Moment of Decisive Battle
Air Date: 1997-12-02
As Kenshin prepares to honor his promise to stop Shogo Amakusa, he and Sanosuke uncover a secret church that was built when Christian worshipers were forced underground.
8. Shock of the Rai Ryu Sen! Kenshin Sent into Darkness
Air Date: 1997-12-09
When neither Kaoru nor Kenshin can persuade Shogo Amakusa to abandon his plan to advance the Christian cause through violence, the stage for battle is set.
9. The Conspiracy of Kaiou: Shougo Caught in a Trap
Air Date: 1997-12-16
Though blinded by his duel with Shogo Amakusa, Kenshin seeks another battle in hopes it will restore his sight.
10. Days of Remorse: The Sad Past of Shougo and Sayo
Air Date: 1998-01-06
Along with the story of his parent's martyrdom, Misao uncovers the truth behind the alleged miracles that deified Shogo Amarusa.
11. The Sneering Demon: Shouzo and Karyu Scattered in the Explosive Flames
Air Date: 1998-01-13
Sir Kaioh unveils his plan to use Shogo Amarusa's loyal followers to overthrow the government and control Japan himself.
12. Sanosuke's Tears: An Eternal Farewell Befalls the Two
Air Date: 1998-01-20
As Kenshin tries to stop the slaughter of the Christians as they march towards martyrdom, Sanosuke is unable to avert the death of Shogo's terminally ill sister.
13. The Last Crusade: Two Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki Crash!
Air Date: 1998-01-27
As Misao and the Dutch consul ask the Army delay to their attack, the sightless Kenshin pressures Shogo to prevent the martyrdom of his followers.
14. Bon Voyage
Air Date: 1998-02-03
Following Shogo's surrender, Kenshin asks the government not to execute him. As a result, he and his followers are sent into exile in Holland.
15. Himura Dojo in Shimonoseki?
Air Date: 1998-02-10
When the Peace Force comes across a man posing as Kenshin, everyone else wants the impostor exposed. But Kenshin notes that he's been using his profits to care for a group of orphans.
16. Crush!
Air Date: 1998-02-17
When Kenshin accidentally loses all their money, the Peace Force must go to work at an inn in order to pay their bill.
17. Kaishu Katsu and Kenshin: The Destiny of Two Men Who Survived the Revolution
Air Date: 1998-02-24
Kaoru offers to take on a scholarly young student who's been expelled by his teacher until he learns how to fight.
18. The Unending Revolution: A Destiny Forced Upon Kaishu
Air Date: 1998-03-03
As Kaoru continues her training of Daigoro, Kenshin is warned to steer clear of the young man's teacher, Kaishu Katsu.
19. Conspiracy of the Beni-aoi: The Living Ghost of the Revolution Targets Kaishu!
Air Date: 1998-03-10
Despite Kaishu's determination to free his daughter on his own, Kenshin joins the Peace Force and Daigoro for a rescue.
20. Kaishu Katsu's Determination: The Truth that Lived Through the Times
Air Date: 1998-04-14
Though Daigoro is wounded in the battle, Kenshin and company free Itsuko.
21. Yutaro Returns: The Conspiracy of the Shadow Swordsmen
Air Date: 1998-04-21
With his arm nearly healed, Yutaro and his doctor arrive for a visit at the dojo.
22. The Sanada Ninja Squad and the Elixir: Misanagi's Driving Quest
Air Date: 1998-05-05
When a letter from Dr. Hans reveals the story of the miraculous medicine, Yutaro joins the Peace Force in an effort to find it.
23. A Straying Journey: The Trap of the Divine Crossing!
Air Date: 1998-05-19
Using the clues left behind by Dr. Hans, Kenshin and company are led to the hidden shrine that holds the key to the miracle cure.
24. A Heat Wave from Beneath the Earth: The Three Sanada Demons!
Air Date: 1998-05-26
After surviving a fall into a volcano, the Peace Force comes across an injured Sanada Ninja who offers to help battle his former allies.
25. Schneider's Bet: The Collapse of the Black Knights!
Air Date: 1998-06-02
After their search leads them to the hidden cure, the leader of the Black Knights makes it clear that he has no intention of honoring his promise to cede control of Japan to the Sanada Ninjas.
26. The Two Guides: Yahiko and Yutaro's Eternal Vow
Air Date: 1998-06-09
As he faces off against the Black Knight's leader, Kenshin must rely on his brains and not his sword to win the battle.
27. To My Angel Misao: A Fetching from Kyoto
Air Date: 1998-06-16
As Aoshi arrives to bring her home, Misao joins Kaoru and some friends for a final shopping spree. However, Sanosuke and Yahiko's efforts to keep an eye on the women lead to them to be mistaken for a pair of thieves.
28. Feng Shui, Surprise Attack! The Mystery of the Pentagram Spread!
Air Date: 1998-06-23
Following a series of accidents in town, a master of feng shui blames an imbalance in the Ki, a force which keeps all of nature's other forces in balance.
29. The Magic of Feng Shui: Kamiya Dojo is Targeted!
Air Date: 1998-07-21
As Kenshin learns of a battle between the Wind and Water families for control of the Ki, efforts to build a railroad are exposed as a Water clan plot to control Japan.
30. Tokyo Under Martial Law! The Deadly Ryu Myaku
Air Date: 1998-08-04
The Water family's efforts to gain control of the Ki have left Kaoru seriously wounded.
31. The Enemy Awaits in Senjo Gahara: In Search of the Jade Crest
Air Date: 1998-08-18
With help from the Wind family's leader, Kenshin saves Kaoru's life. But the Water family's quest to redirect the Ki and gain control of Japan moves ahead as planned.
32. The Elegy of Wind and Water: A Last Desperate Effort!
Air Date: 1998-09-08
With Kenshin's help, the Wind family derails their rival's plan to redirect the flow of the Ki and ends their effort to dominate Japan.
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Rating
8.5/10
Release Date
1996-01-10
Episodes
94 (3 seasons)
Status
Ended
Cast
Production Companies
Studio Deen
Gallop
Fuji Television Network
SPE Visual Works
SME Visual Works