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. To Save a Small Life Lady Doctor Megumi to the Rescue
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. Two Legendary Manslayers Two Legendary Slashers
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 Sword Technique of Shiden
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 Marimo, The Human Cannon
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-Edged 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 The Fantasy of the 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 Revival of the Killer Sword – Shinko Style
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. Dissolution of a Nightmare Destruction of a Nightmare
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. Danger on a Runaway Locomotive Surprise Incident 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: Kenshin versus Sanosuke 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 The Red 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 Shura, The Mysterious Female Pirate
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 Red Pirate - Conclusion
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. Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near
Air Date: 1996-10-30
A persistent nightmare comes true when Kenshin's old enemy, the former leader of a shadowy anti-Royalist organization, is hired to assassinate him.
2. Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!
Air Date: 1996-11-06
Saito sets a trap for Kenshin by enlisting another assassin in his plan. And once Kenshin repels the accomplice, he's left to take on his old rival.
3. A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot
Air Date: 1996-11-13
After stopping a fatal battle with Hajime Saito, a top government official asks Kenshin's help in killing a shadowy assassin who's threatening the future of the regime.
4. A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs
Air Date: 1996-11-27
While preparing to give his decision on helping to kill Shishio, Kenshin learns of the Home Minister's murder.
5. Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice
Air Date: 1996-12-04
Following Kenshin's departure from the dojo, everyone, and especially Kaoru, are sad at being left behind. And while Saito tries to dissuade Sanosuke from following him, Megumi sends Kaoru to deliver some medicine that will aid in Kenshin's fight .
6. For the Title of Strongest: Aoshi's New Conflict
Air Date: 1996-12-11
In the wake of Kenshin's departure, everyone at the dojo is anxious to join the battle against Shishio. With Sanosuke, Kaoru and Yahiko in pursuit, Kenshin encounters Misao, a young girl who also happens to be a clever thief.
7. The Girl Bandit: Misao Makimachi's Hidden Side
Air Date: 1997-01-08
After befriending Misao, Kenshin insists that she return the money she's stolen before letting her accompany him on his quest to stop Shishio.
8. Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands
Air Date: 1997-01-15
When he and Misao come across a village terrorized by forces loyal to Shishio, Kenshin enlists Saito to help liberate it from the evil gang.
9. Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!
Air Date: 1997-01-22
Leaving Misao behind, Kenshin and Saito make their way inside Shishio's fortress. Following a confrontation with one of his most powerful henchmen, Kenshin is ready to take on Shishio himself.
10. Shock! The Reverse-Blade is Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin
Air Date: 1997-01-29
Following Kenshin's defeat of the giant Senkaku, Shishio pits him against the young, emotionless assassin responsible for the Home Minister's murder.
11. Sanosuke's Secret Training: The Challenge of Anji the Destroyer
Air Date: 1997-02-05
As Kaoru and Yahiko continue tracking Kenshin, Sanosuke encounters a fallen Buddhist monk who offers to teach him some powerful fighting techniques.
12. The Creator of the Reverse-Blade Sword: Shakku Arai's Final Swing
Air Date: 1997-02-12
As the showdown with Shishio approaches, Misao finds someone who could produce the sword Kenshin needs, only to be is disappointed when Shakkuu Arai refuses.
13. A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana
Air Date: 1997-02-19
After watching an unarmed Kenshin bravely defend himself, Shakkuu Arai's only chance at saving his own son is to deliver his father's final reverse edge sword.
14. The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko
Air Date: 1997-02-26
To prepare for Shishio, Kenshin asks a former teacher to help him master the last of his fighting techniques. However, Kenshin is distracted when Kaoru and Yahiko finally catch up with him after their long journey.
15. The Formation of an Alliance: The Day When Aoshi Joins with Shishio
Air Date: 1997-03-05
Although Misao is excited by the return of her mentor and hero, she's stunned to discover that Aoshi has betrayed one of their closest friends.
16. Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!
Air Date: 1997-03-12
As Kenshin struggles to learn, Sijuro teaches him the most secret of his fighting techniques. And though Kenshin doesn't want to kill, it's inevitable if he is to beat Shishio. Meanwhile, Sanosuke is arrested during his search for Kenshin.
17. A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters: The Strongest Troop Juppongatana
Air Date: 1997-03-19
While waiting in jail, Sanosuke learns of Shishio's plan to overthrow the government by recruiting a deadly band of Samurai, including the blind warrior Usui, to defeat Kenshin and Saito.
18. As if to Fly: Stop the Launch of the Battleship Purgatory!
Air Date: 1997-04-16
Reunited with Sanosuke, Kenshin lays plans to stop Shishio from burning Tokyo to create the confusion he needs to overthrow the government. But Shishio harbors a surprise with his newest weapon, an ironclad battleship hidden inside another.
19. Purgatory Bursts into Flames: The Destiny of Makoto Shishio
Air Date: 1997-04-23
After Kenshin, Saito and Sanosuke destroy his battleship, Shishio issues his challenge for a final confrontation. And following Misao's defeat of the blind Samurai, Usui, Kenshin vows to spare the life of her mentor, Aoshi.
20. Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams!
Air Date: 1997-04-30
As Shishio prepares for battle, a henchmen suggests a plan to weaken Kenshin and his forces, ridding them of any opposition once and for all. As the moment of truth draws near, Sanosuke is pitted against Anji.
21. Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life
Air Date: 1997-05-14
During his battle with Sanosuke, the fallen monk recalls how his hatred was born during an anti-Buddhist movement.
22. The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu
Air Date: 1997-05-28
In his defeat of Usui, Saito exposes the blind warrior's plot to kill Shishio. And while Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao are preparing to defend themselves from an ambush, Kenshin readies for his fight against Aoshi.
23. The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again
Air Date: 1997-06-04
Kenshin sets out to honor his promises to both fight Aoshi and bring him back alive to Misao.
24. Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish
Air Date: 1997-06-11
Following his defeat by Kenshin, Aoshi vows to renounce Shishio. And while Shishio looks for clues to help in his impending fight with Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao fight to stay alive.
25. To Make a Miracle: The Battle at the Aoiya
Air Date: 1997-06-18
After Yahiko's fighting skills are stretched to the limit during his defeat of Shishio's warrior, it's now up to Kaoru to enter a battle of her own.
26. The Giant Versus Superman: Like an Arrow Shot at a Time of Despair
Air Date: 1997-06-25
Despite the overwhelming odds, Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao continue to face warriors sent to eliminate them. But it's the arrival of Kenshin's teacher that turns the tide in their favor.
27. Hiten versus Shukuchi
Air Date: 1997-07-02
As Sanosuke looks on, Kenshin goes to battle with Souijuro, the emotionless assassin responsible for breaking his sword. Though Shishio is confident of the young warrior's ability, Kenshin may be able to win without having to resort to killing.
28. The Tragedy of a Stormy Night
Air Date: 1997-07-09
In an effort to explain Souijuro's emotionless posture, Kenshin recalls how the young assassin was rescued from a life of slavery and then taught to fight by Shishio.
29. A Duel With an Extreme Moment
Air Date: 1997-07-16
In the face of Kenshin's probing questions, Souijuro's concentration is broken. In defeat, the young assassin returns his prized sword to Shishio, warning him of the danger that lays ahead.
30. Two Men at the End of an Era
Air Date: 1997-08-06
As Kaoru and Yahiko anxiously await his return, a wounded but determined Kenshin arrives for his final showdown with Shishio, who is unwilling to have anyone stand in his way of controlling Japan's future.
31. The Age Chooses Shishio?
Air Date: 1997-08-13
In their long awaited battle, Kenshin and Shishio compare ideologies as well as fighting techniques. But once Shishio uses gunpowder to gain the upper hand, it looks like Kenshin is doomed.
32. Not Out of Luck!
Air Date: 1997-08-20
As Aoshi tries to stop a takeover of the country, Kenshin poses Shishio with his greatest challenge. In his defeat of Usui, Saito exposes the blind warrior's plot to kill Shishio.
33. The Man Who is Chosen for Victory
Air Date: 1997-09-03
Kenshin's final effort to win the ultimate battle ends with Shishio destroying himself. But in the wake of Kenshin's victory, Shishio's closest aide vows revenge.
34. The Juppongatana Who Remain (aka The Choice for Life)
Air Date: 1997-09-10
Following Shishio's defeat, his remaining allies put their fate in the hands of the government. While Kenshin is reunited with his Peace Force, the vanquished Shishio vows to take over Hell.
35. Kyoto, the Engraved Memory
Air Date: 1997-09-17
As Kenshin is nursing the wounds sustained in his fight with Shishio, Kaoru prepares the Peace Force for their return home.
1. The Legend of the Fireflies
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
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!
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
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. The Gleaming Blade of Legends
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
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
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
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. Kaoru's Conspiracy
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. The Days of Remorse
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
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
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
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
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
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 Beniaoi
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
Air Date: 1998-04-14
Though Daigoro is wounded in the battle, Kenshin and company free Itsuko.
21. Yutaro Returns
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
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
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 Heatwave from Beneath the Earth
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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 Senjogahara
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
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
Videos
Production Companies
Studio Deen
Gallop
Fuji Television Network
SPE Visual Works