Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - Seisouhen: The excitement and reviews of the new chapter

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - Seisouhen: The excitement and reviews of the new chapter

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - Seisouhen: A timeless story of love and battle

"Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - Seisou-hen" is an OVA based on the popular manga by Watsuki Nobuhiro, and was released by SME Visual Works on December 19, 2001. The story takes place 15 years after Kenshin's fierce battles, and revolves around his final battle and the bond with his beloved wife Kaoru. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as related information.

Overview

■ Public Media
OVA
■ Original Media
comics
■ Release date
December 19, 2001
■Release and sales
SME Visual Works
■Frequencies
38 min
■ Number of Episodes
Episode 2
■Original Story
Nobuhiro Watsuki
■ Director
Kazuhiro Furuhashi
■ Production
Studio Deen
■Works
©Nobuhiro Watsuki/Shueisha, Fuji Television, Aniplex

story

■ Story

15 years have passed since those fierce battles. Kenshin, at the request of Yamagata Aritomo, travels to the continent where the war broke out. His life as a swordsman is already over, and he is suffering from an incurable disease. Summoning his last bit of strength, he heads to Japan, where his beloved wife Kaoru awaits him...

*Quoted from Bandai Channel

The "Seisou-hen" arc depicts Kenshin's journey to return to his beloved wife Kaoru within the limited time he has left after he is afflicted with an incurable disease while fighting on the continent. The story intertwines Kenshin's past and present, delving deeply into his inner conflict and love. In particular, the depiction of Kenshin's subsequent life based on Kaoru's recollections leaves a strong impression on viewers.

Commentary

■Explanation

Based on Kaoru's reminiscences, Kenshin's subsequent life is depicted!

An OVA based on the popular swordsman manga of the same name by Watsuki Nobuhiro.

*Quoted from Bandai Channel

"Seisou-hen" is an OVA based on an episode from the original manga, depicting Kenshin's final battle and the end of his life. Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the original while bringing out the depth and emotion that only an OVA can provide. Screenwriter Reiko Yoshida carefully depicts the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru, constructing a story that will move the viewer's heart.

cast

■Cast

・Himura Kenshin/Mayo Suzukaze・Kaoru Kamiya/Miki Fujitani・Yahiko Myojin/Miina Tominaga・Sanosuke Sagara/Yuji Ueda・Megumi Takanashi/Mika Doi・Tsubame Sanjo/Yuri Shiratori・Yui Yukishiro/Nozomi Sasaki・Seijuro Hiko/Shuichi Ikeda・Kenji Himura/Yuki Kaida・Hajime Saito/Hiroshi Suzuoki

The cast members faithfully reproduced the characters from the original work while delivering performances that matched the worldview of the OVA. In particular, Mayo Suzukaze's performance as Kenshin realistically portrayed the feelings of Kenshin, who has a strong will despite being afflicted by illness, and resonated deeply with viewers. Miki Fujitani's performance as Kaoru also was wonderful, conveying her love and strength for Kenshin.

Main Staff

■ Main staff

・Original story: Nobuhiro Watsuki ・Published in: "Weekly Shonen Jump"
・Publisher: Shueisha ・Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi ・Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida ・Character design: Akira Matsushima ・Music: Taku Iwasaki ・Storyboard, direction: Kazuhiro Furuhashi ・Chief animation director: Akira Matsushima ・Art director: Masami Hagiwara ・Director of photography: Masahide Okino ・Animation production: Studio Deen ・Planning cooperation: Fuji Television Network ・Production copyright: Aniplex

The staff respected the worldview of the original work while pursuing the expressiveness that only an OVA can offer. In particular, character designer Akira Matsushima has beautifully recreated the characters from the original work in animation, bringing out their visual appeal. In addition, music composer Taku Iwasaki has provided beautiful melodies that enhance the emotion of the story, drawing viewers' hearts.

Main Characters

■ Main Characters

・Himura Kenshin A master of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style of swordsmanship. During the end of the Edo period, he was known as the "Battousai the Assassin" and was an assassin who took many lives. At the request of Yamagata Aritomo, he travels to the continent where war has broken out. However, his body is already infected with an incurable disease...
Kamiya Kaoru Kenshin's wife. Following her late father's wishes, she met Kenshin while working as the assistant instructor of the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu school. She became his wife and had a son, Kenji, with him. Like Kenshin, she was afflicted by illness, but she continued to wait patiently for his return.
He was the top disciple of the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu school of swordsmanship, and trained under Kaoru Myojin. He has now left the dojo and lives elsewhere. He was given the reverse-blade sword that Kenshin used by him.
The only person Kenshin recognizes as an equal friend. He once fought with one fist, bearing the word "evil" on his shoulders. He now travels to the continent, where he finds Kenshin, who is physically and mentally weak, and works hard to return him to Japan.
Takani Megumi A talented woman who lives on the path of medicine to save people who are hurt. She is the daughter of the Takani family, a famous doctor in Aizu. She has a good understanding of medicine, especially about medicine. Although she usually has a big-hearted attitude, she is actually a strong-willed adult woman.
Sanjo: A timid and quiet girl who works at Tsubame Akabeko. During the Edo period, she was unable to defy her master, Mikio Nagaoka, but she gained strength after meeting Yahiko.
Yukishiro: He hates Battousai for taking the lives of his sister Enishi and her fiance. To get revenge, he plans to take the lives of those Kenshin loves by carrying out a "Jinchū" (punishment).
Kenji Himura: The only son of Kenshin and Kaoru, a mischievous young man. Dreaming of becoming the strongest swordsman, he trains in the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style under Seijuro Hiko.

In the "Seisouhen" arc, the growth and change of each character is depicted, with the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru at the center of the story. The theme of Kenshin's fight against his illness and his return to Japan where Kaoru is waiting for him deeply touches the viewer. In addition, the other characters also play their own roles, enriching the story.

Related Titles

■ Related works

・Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story ・Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - Reminiscence Arc ・Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - Seisou Arc, Volume 2

The "Rurouni Kenshin" arc is part of the "Rurouni Kenshin" series and is closely related to the original manga and other OVA works. It is particularly closely connected to the "Remembrance Arc", so we recommend watching the related works to gain a deeper understanding of the story of Kenshin's past and present. You can also get the full story by watching "Rurouni Kenshin: The Movie 2".

Theme songs and music

■ Theme songs and music

・ED1
・Food for love・Lyrics by Hiroshi Yamada・Composition by Taku Iwasaki・Arrangement by Taku Iwasaki・Vocals by Hiroko Kasahara

The ending theme, "Aisa no Sugar" (The Food of Love), is a wonderful song that combines Hiroko Kasahara's beautiful singing voice with Taku Iwasaki's moving melody. This song symbolizes the love between Kenshin and Kaoru, further enhancing the emotion of the story. After watching the movie, you will be able to immerse yourself in the afterglow of the story while listening to this song.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - Seisou-hen" is a moving work that depicts Kenshin's final battle and his bond with his beloved wife Kaoru. While faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work, it brings out the depth and emotion that only an OVA can provide, leaving a strong impression on viewers. In particular, the theme of Kenshin's battle with illness and his return to Japan where Kaoru awaits him touches viewers' hearts. Furthermore, the emotions of the story are brought out to the fullest by the superb acting and production by the cast and staff.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the "Rurouni Kenshin" series, but for all viewers who want a moving story. In particular, watching it together with the "Remembrance Arc" will give you a deeper understanding of Kenshin's past and present story. Also, be sure to listen to the ending theme "Aisa no Sugar" to enjoy the afterglow of the story.

Further information and supplementary information

"Seisou-hen" is based on the final chapter of the original manga and depicts the end of Kenshin's life. The original manga details Kenshin's battle with illness and his love for Kaoru, and the OVA faithfully recreates the essence of that. The OVA also adds scenes not in the original manga, adding new depth to the story.

Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original work while pursuing the expressive power that only OVA can offer. In particular, in scenes depicting Kenshin's inner conflict and love, he skillfully combines visual direction and music to captivate the viewer's heart. In addition, screenwriter Reiko Yoshida carefully depicts the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru, constructing a story that moves the viewer's heart.

Character designer Akira Matsushima has brilliantly recreated the characters from the original work in animation, bringing out visual appeal. In particular, the designs that express Kenshin's illness and Kaoru's strength and kindness resonate deeply with viewers. Additionally, music composer Taku Iwasaki has provided beautiful melodies that enhance the emotion of the story, drawing viewers in. The ending theme, "Aisa no Kumitsu", also has a moving melody by Taku Iwasaki that enhances the lingering impression of the story.

"Seisou-hen" is a moving work that depicts Kenshin's final battle and his bond with his beloved wife Kaoru, leaving a strong impression on viewers. While faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work, it brings out the depth and emotion that only an OVA can provide, moving viewers to their hearts. In particular, the theme of Kenshin's battle with illness and his return to Japan where Kaoru awaits him touches viewers' hearts. Furthermore, the emotions of the story are brought out to the fullest by the superb acting and production by the cast and staff.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the "Rurouni Kenshin" series, but for all viewers who want a moving story. In particular, watching it together with the "Remembrance Arc" will give you a deeper understanding of Kenshin's past and present story. Also, be sure to listen to the ending theme "Aisa no Sugar" to enjoy the afterglow of the story.

<<:  The appeal and evaluation of Fushigi Yuugi -Eikoden-: A moving story and the depth of the characters

>>:  "Kaidomaru" Review: A fusion of eccentric characters and profound story

Recommend

"Shabake" review: A fascinating tale of ghosts and their charm

"Shabake" - A fascinating story of supe...

Transformers: Rise of the Power Warriors delayed to June 2023

According to a recent report from The Hollywood R...

Galaxy Drifter Vifam: Reassessing the appeal and excitement of space adventure

Galaxy Drifter Vifam - Ginga Hyouryuu Vifam ■ Pub...