Makoto Sokuza
Director
Rurouni Kenshin (1996)
Legend of Kyoto
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.
Released Jan. 10, 1996
Episode 25 min
14+
Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Anime, Anime: Historical, Anime: Samurai, Anime: Shounen, Comedy
Keywords: tmdb.samurai, tmdb.romance, tmdb.anime, mdblist.has-trailer, imdb.one-on-one, imdb.based-on-comic-book, imdb.katana + 72 more, imdb.ancient-japan, imdb.meiji-era, imdb.cult-tv, imdb.character-name-in-series-title, imdb.calling-your-attacks, imdb.meiji, imdb.multiple-english-dubs, imdb.year-1867, imdb.samurai-warrior, imdb.idealism, imdb.poetic-justice, imdb.mercy, imdb.swordsman, imdb.martial-arts, imdb.action-hero, imdb.cult-favorite, imdb.battle, imdb.fight, imdb.attack, imdb.kindness, imdb.justice, imdb.good-versus-evil, imdb.superhero, imdb.1860s, imdb.japan, imdb.revolution, imdb.school, imdb.shounen, imdb.based-on-manga, imdb.sword-fight, imdb.killer, imdb.murder, imdb.revenge, imdb.love, imdb.friendship, imdb.compassion, imdb.sword, imdb.villain, imdb.1960s, imdb.anime-animation, tmdb.meiji-period, tmdb.shinsengumi, tmdb.bakumatsu, imdb.shonen-anime-animation, imdb.shogunate, imdb.samurai-action, imdb.sword-and-sandal-history, imdb.swordplay, imdb.meiji-period, imdb.forgiveness, imdb.police-brutality, imdb.warrior, imdb.moral-ambiguity, imdb.redemption, imdb.samurai, imdb.christ-allegory, imdb.innocence, imdb.hero, imdb.honor, imdb.character-name-in-title, tmdb.assassin, tmdb.exile, tmdb.historical, tmdb.shounen, tmdb.wandering, tmdb.bushi, tmdb.ishin-shishi, tmdb.kasei-culture, imdb.hand-drawn-animation, imdb.bakumatsu, mdblist.anime-dub, imdb.for-grown-ups-animation
Production Companies: Studio Deen, Fuji Television Network, SPE Visual Works, SME Visual Works, Studio Gallop
Network: Fuji TV
S2E1 - Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near
A persistent nightmare comes true when Kenshin's old enemy, the former leader of a shadowy anti-Royalist organization, is hired to assassinate him.
Oct. 30, 1996, midnight
S2E2 - Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!
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.
Nov. 6, 1996, midnight
9.0
S2E3 - A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot
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.
Nov. 13, 1996, midnight
9.0
S2E4 - A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs
While preparing to give his decision on helping to kill Shishio, Kenshin learns of the Home Minister's murder.
Nov. 27, 1996, midnight
9.0
S2E5 - Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice
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 .
Dec. 4, 1996, midnight
9.0
S2E6 - For the Title of Strongest: Aoshi's New Conflict
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.
Dec. 11, 1996, midnight
S2E7 - The Girl Bandit: Misao Makimachi's Hidden Side
After befriending Misao, Kenshin insists that she return the money she's stolen before letting her accompany him on his quest to stop Shishio.
Jan. 8, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E8 - Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands
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.
Jan. 15, 1997, midnight
S2E9 - Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!
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.
Jan. 22, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E10 - Shock! The Reverse-Blade is Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin
Following Kenshin's defeat of the giant Senkaku, Shishio pits him against the young, emotionless assassin responsible for the Home Minister's murder.
Jan. 29, 1997, midnight
S2E11 - Sanosuke's Secret Training: The Challenge of Anji the Destroyer
As Kaoru and Yahiko continue tracking Kenshin, Sanosuke encounters a fallen Buddhist monk who offers to teach him some powerful fighting techniques.
Feb. 5, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E12 - The Creator of the Reverse-Blade Sword: Shakku Arai's Final Swing
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.
Feb. 12, 1997, midnight
S2E13 - A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana
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.
Feb. 19, 1997, midnight
S2E14 - The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko
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.
Feb. 26, 1997, midnight
S2E15 - The Formation of an Alliance: The Day When Aoshi Joins with Shishio
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.
March 5, 1997, midnight
S2E16 - Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!
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.
March 12, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E17 - A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters: The Strongest Troop Juppongatana
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.
March 19, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E18 - As if to Fly: Stop the Launch of the Battleship Purgatory!
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.
April 16, 1997, midnight
S2E19 - Purgatory Bursts into Flames: The Destiny of Makoto Shishio
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.
April 23, 1997, midnight
S2E20 - Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams!
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.
April 30, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E21 - Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life
During his battle with Sanosuke, the fallen monk recalls how his hatred was born during an anti-Buddhist movement.
May 14, 1997, midnight
S2E22 - The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu
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.
May 28, 1997, midnight
S2E23 - The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again
Kenshin sets out to honor his promises to both fight Aoshi and bring him back alive to Misao.
June 4, 1997, midnight
S2E24 - Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish
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.
June 11, 1997, midnight
S2E25 - To Make a Miracle: The Battle at the Aoiya
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.
June 18, 1997, midnight
S2E26 - The Giant Versus Superman: Like an Arrow Shot at a Time of Despair
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.
June 25, 1997, midnight
S2E27 - Hiten versus Shukuchi
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.
July 2, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E28 - The Tragedy of a Stormy Night
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.
July 9, 1997, midnight
S2E29 - A Duel With an Extreme Moment
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.
July 16, 1997, midnight
S2E30 - Two Men at the End of an Era
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.
Aug. 6, 1997, midnight
S2E31 - The Age Chooses Shishio?
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.
Aug. 13, 1997, midnight
S2E32 - Not Out of Luck!
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.
Aug. 20, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E33 - The Man Who is Chosen for Victory
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.
Sept. 3, 1997, midnight
9.0
S2E34 - The Juppongatana Who Remain (aka The Choice for Life)
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.
Sept. 10, 1997, midnight
S2E35 - Kyoto, the Engraved Memory
As Kenshin is nursing the wounds sustained in his fight with Shishio, Kaoru prepares the Peace Force for their return home.
Sept. 17, 1997, midnight
Network: Fuji TV
Episode Runtime: 25 min.
Season Runtime: 2350 min.
Released: Jan. 10, 1996
Last Air Date: Sept. 8, 1998, midnight
Status: Ended
Certification: TV-14 / 14+
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