Just a few days ago, the team behind the remake of “Rurouni Kenshin” shared a new trailer for its second season. The video, lasting a juicy 40 seconds, displays new scenes and a brief preview of the closing theme “Suikōsetten,” performed by NOMELON NOLEMON. This new season is subtitled “Kyoto Disturbance,” adapting the eponymous arc from Nobuhiro Watsuki‘s work, and its two consecutive parts will begin airing in October this year. The announcement was also accompanied by a new promotional image.
We’ve also seen changes in the production team, with Yuki Komada replacing Hideyo Yamamoto as the project’s director for Liden Films. Character design is handled by Terumi Nishii (Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac), and Hideyuki Kurata (Goblin Slayer, Made in Abyss) returns to take charge of the script. On the other hand, Yū Takami is once again composing the soundtrack.
Remember that the first season of this “Rurouni Kenshin” series aired on Japanese television from July 7 to December 15 of last year, concluding with the broadcast of the twenty-fourth episode. In other countries, the series was available via simulcast on Crunchyroll.
The original manga of “Rurouni Kenshin” was first published in Weekly Shônen Jump in 1994 and ended with a total of 28 volumes. To date, the series also includes an animated television adaptation with a total of 95 episodes, as well as an animated film, three OVAs, several live-action movies, three video games, and a musical. Nobuhiro Watsuki, creator of this samurai story, also published a spin-off in 2014 titled “Honō wo Suberu -Rurouni Kenshin: Uramaku-”, which focused on how Shishio Makoto and Yumi Komagata met, in addition to the current “Rurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido Arc.”
Watsuki began publishing this new arc of “Rurouni Kenshin” in September 2017, in Jump SQ magazine, alongside his wife, novelist Kaoru Kurosaki, as script assistant. However, it has been a work marred by the mangaka’s own name, as shortly after beginning serialization, he was accused of possession of child pornography, and the publisher recommended a period of reflection and repentance without publishing. Despite the charges and the corresponding fine of 200,000 yen (approximately $1356 USD) after being found guilty, Watsuki resumed his career in January 2018. Currently, the work has 9 compiled volumes.
Synopsis
The “Kyoto Disturbance” arc in “Rurouni Kenshin” focuses on one of the most intense and thrilling conflicts of the series, where Kenshin Himura must confront his turbulent past and new challenges in the city of Kyoto. Makoto Shishio, the ambitious and charismatic former government assassin, emerges as the main antagonist. His plan to overthrow the Meiji government and create a new Japan based on the law of the strongest tests Kenshin‘s ideals and swordsmanship skills.
As the plot unfolds, the city of Kyoto becomes a battlefield filled with exciting confrontations and ideological duels. Kenshin encounters old friends and foes, including Saito Hajime and Shinomori Aoshi, as he attempts to prevent Shishio and his army of skilled lieutenants from executing their dystopian vision for Japan‘s future. The inclusion of new characters and the return of familiar faces enrich the narrative and broaden the scope of the conflict.
The arc also explores themes of redemption, the burden of the past, and the ongoing search for a peaceful future. Kenshin, known for his vow to not kill, faces trials that challenge his commitment to his ideals amid escalating challenges that threaten to plunge him back into the spiral of violence he swore to leave behind. This part of the story is not only crucial for the development of Kenshin‘s character but also sets the stage for future events in the series.
I firmly believe that we all know where the reputation of Hitokiri Battosai comes from, right? Obviously, after years of journeys in search of redemption, and distancing himself from that violent life of blood and death, any new installment about this peculiar samurai will be well received, even if it involves spin-off arcs from his main plot. Having said that, and since you’ve made it this far, why not swing by the comments and leave us your opinion or your expectations for this upcoming release? You know, we’ll be reading! 🙂
Images Source: ANIPLEX Official YouTube Channel, Reddit
