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| Kenshin responded in the most Kenshin way possible. Not going to lie, it felt slightly underwhelming for the season finale compared to the other recent episodes. Seems they hit the peak of the show already so this served as a conclusion of this season. Kenshin has moved onto his past but the present has its problems. This episode obviously didn't conclude the overall franchise but I think made most of what it can for the season finale. It was also nice to see one more moment between Kenshin and Kaoru. |
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| Okubo with his last minute entrance did save at least one life there. Now that we already know this was just a plot to judge Kenshin’s strength, it goes without saying, we’d cease this fierce fight. So yep, no point to stay in his hitokiri character anymore. He did snap back to his usual persona, but guess hearing the actual cause straight from Okubo did rekindle a few memories from the past. We heard about Shishio, in some brief context for the first time, and I mean that was the actual reason Okubo came to pay a visit to Kenshin in the first place, to let him be aware of the happenings in Kyoto right now, and how Shishio and his group are onto something big again. Obviously , they all denied letting Kenshin go, I mean how could they. Must be hard on man, when he wants to live an idle life but people around him just can’t let him be. Anyways, here he went to Okubo to declare his decision, and there one of Shishio’s men assassinated Okubo… one of the most important men of their country, and the one who actually had a vision. Can’t blame Kenshin for his decision:( The farewell was... emotional, but it kind of felt rushed. Also, THAT ISN'T THE KIND OF MUSIC YOU PLAY IN SUCH MOMENTS lol. The remake in its own way was good enough, and faithfull where it counted, despite LIDENFILMS helming it lol. But we know this thing is far far away from over. Feels kinda inevitable we’d get a sequel, though for what we had over the course of the last six months, hope we’d have the same standards going forward too. That one second glimpse of Shishio was dope btw. |
Softhenic03Dec 14, 2023 8:37 AM
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| And so, we reach the end of the the first season of Rurouni Kenshin. The one who challenged Kenshin was Okubo Toshimichi, a former Satsuma domain patriot and the head of the Home Ministry. Okubo Toshimichi then implores Kenshin to wield his sword and employ the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu technique to thwart Shishio Makoto, Kenshin's successor as a clandestine assassin during the waning days of the Bakumatsu. Shishio, a mounting peril to the government's security, harbors ambitions to seize control of Japan. I was really impressed by how smoothly they transitioned from the Saitou mess to the start of the Kyoto arc. It's cool to see Hajime not just giving Kenshin a tough fight but actually being on equal terms. Shishio, the baby-faced assassin, makes the first move, and there's this worry that the country is about to go downhill. But then, just like that, things are back to normal for the Japanese people. That scene between Kenshin and Kaoru hit me hard; it was so emotionally charged. And so, the much-anticipated Kyoto arc begins, and I'm happy they did justice to one of my favorite scenes from the old show. I can still vividly recall the first time I watched this on the old anime, and I couldn't help but shed a tear. The way they adapted this saga was just amazing, and it truly touched my emotions. I'm feeling a bit torn about this adaptation. I knew it would be slow going in, especially because, in my opinion, the beginning of Rurouni Kenshin tends to be on the slower and, dare I say, more boring side of the series. Just when things were about to pick up, we hit the brakes? However, I do have to give credit where it's due—the soundtrack is fantastic, and the first opening along with both endings are absolute gems. Also, LIDENFILMS did manage to pull off some impressive animation in certain parts. Looks like we might hear about season two at Jump Festa next week. They've got a special announcement lined up and some new voice actors, so, for now, the story of the hitokiri rurouni is taking a break. That hug... Kenshin, he's a wanderer at heart, a rurouni destined to keep on roaming. |
IzanaSolosDec 14, 2023 8:42 AM
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| The mastermind behind Kenshin and Hajime's feud: the Home Ministry's Toshimichi Okubo, the latter Wolf of Mibu is just there to test Kenshin's swordmanship and nothing more. But moreover, what exactly is Okubo's request of Kenshin, together with the rest involved? Okubo's request to Kenshin that Makoto Shishio is plotting a rebellion in Kyoto, it had to be Kenshin's Shadow Hitokiri successor who was killed for the potential that he could shake the current Meiji government and eventually Japan to its core. But the fact that he was supposed to be killed in the Boshin War but ended being still alive to grow into a base of people who is disatisfied with the peace to want conflict. For this reason, Okubo requests that Kenshin make his way to Kyoto, which this would violate his terms of killing people as Hitokiri Battosai, and everyone would defend this claim to clean up the government's mess. To that extent, Okubo gives him a week until May 14th make that decision, while Hajime takes out both Akamatsu and Shibumi. The week passes, but Kenshin hasn't come to a definitive answer just yet. While the hate to one of the Wolves of Mibu is justified by the comical sneezes, Kenshin still decides to go to Okubo himself alone. But Okubo gets accosted by one of Shishio's men, and even more by discontented Ishikawa samurai in Kioizaka, it marked a rather high-profile broad daylight assassination. The Meiji government losing one of its esteemed leaders where Fukushima's governor Yamayoshi last saw him that Okubo had dreamed to make a nation-state Japan, and with Hajime looking onward and Shishio being the culprit, Kenshin has made his decision to travel to Kyoto. People like Jin'e and Hajime Saito were only the beginning, but Makoto Shishio is another case on its own, and he will restart his Rurouni wandering in Kyoto, leaving Kaoru and the rest behind out of danger, for the prosperity of Japan's future. What a remake of a series. Has both good and bad points, but a rather good re-adaptation overall. The Kyoto arc is next, the question is when. |
KANLen09Dec 14, 2023 11:09 PM
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| it seems like the assassination was to test main guy, and to introduce that big arc. Casts for characters related to next arc, there's no schedule for airing of next arc yet. https://natalie.mu/comic/news/553170 Edit: the compilation of this was aired in two parts before 2nd season begins. The compilation has separated into 6 parts each (12 parts total) on YouTube |
tsubasaloverOct 6, 2024 11:24 PM
I ♥ Two Syaorans from Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE and TRC!!! |
| Need the Kyoto arc 2nd season announced asap. Just do the whole manga at this point. Amazing finale and what a first season of this reboot. Always difficult to do another take on such a beloved series but the studio did it justice and yea ,while there’s some changes to the tone, it’s still the same story and characters we know and love combined with modern production values. RIP Okubo. The last decent man in the Meiji government. IRL he was also assassinated, by a former rebel army member. In the anime, I like that even as he was about to be killed his final thoughts were about his country and making sure the sacrifices that everyone made to ensure the Japanese people could decide their future didn’t go to waste. A true patriot. After learning about an old friend’s brutal murder there was no way Kenshin could sit back and just enjoy these newfound peaceful days. Shishio and his army have shown themselves to be extremely dangerous, able to penetrate even the highest levels of the government, assassinate and sew discord throughout the nation. Someone has to take him out and there’s only one man for that job. Kenshin and Kaoru’s farewell was really heartbreaking too. Could definitely feel that it was one of those situations where you’re so sad and shocked that you just can’t say anything for Kaoru. She was absolutely devastated to see Kenshin go 😢. He’d just started fully settling in and embracing his new home, but after fighting so hard for so many years to bring about change, no way he could just let Shishio do whatever he wants. Plus that nagging feeling of the Battosai persona still being within him… Overall loved this so much, brought back so many memories of being a kid and watching anime on toonami Can not wait until next season. Please come soon |
Marinate1016Dec 14, 2023 1:38 PM
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| Meiji 11, May 14 on this day Kenshin Himura returned to being a Rurouni Again. & Again being wondering Swordsman who travels for peace formation. that final moment between Kaoru and Kenshin was so nice & sad at the same time. really can not wait for Season 2 to broadcast on this Fall (October 2024). Overally i enjoyed this a lot. Score 8/10 by me. Finished on 7th July 2024 at 16:49 Hrs IST.  |
Ricky16Jul 7, 2024 4:37 AM
| Trying to bribe Saito just served to ensure that you're next on his list to be eradicated. RIP Okubo though. Since the end of the war he worked so hard to improve the nation only to get such a sad fate. After such an event Kenshin deciding to stop the one responsible is to be expected. But man poor Kaoru seeing Kenshin leave after going through so much together. Overall as a finale a very solid one that combined excellent story, shock value and emotion feels that shows well not just how strong the bonds were between Kenshin and his friends but also that sometimes to protect them one also has to learn to let go as well. Looking forward to seeing the sequel. |
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| This was an excellent final episode and an amazing season as a whole I loved the premise and the characters and Himura Kenshin has become one of all-time favourite I hope we get a release date for season 2 soon the Kyoto arc is hyped up as one of the best in all of Shounen so I'm excited to see it adapted in this remake solid 9/10 for this season |
Homura24Dec 14, 2023 12:07 PM
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| And so we end this first season of the Kenshin remake with the assassination of Okubo and Kenshin's departure for Kyoto...and inevitable clash with Shishio. Darn, ending right before the best part of the story, but then I guess anyone familiar with Kenshin must've known that would be the case. And I assume the Shishio/Kyoto arc will eventually get animated, though as of yet I haven't seen a confirmation or announced air date. But as far as this adaptation of the first part of the story goes I thought it was....fine? Pretty good. I saw a lot of criticism when compared to the og series in regards to character design, animation, and general tone. And yeah, some of that I agree with more than others, character models were often weird like with Aoshi or even Sojiro in this episode, but I still enjoyed watching this. I'm hovering between a high 7 and low 8 for a score but....I think I'll stay with the 7 for now. Maybe seeing more of the story animated in this style could retroactively improve that score, maybe not. We'll see. |
| Jesus fuck they absolutely butchered the Saito fight. I know you can't really get much better than Norio Matsumoto but this was insanely underwhelming. They didn't need to get cutting to the peanut gallery narrating every single fucking thing that happened every 5 seconds either. Terrible finale, not sure why this remake even exists when it hasn't done a single thing better than the 90s anime |
| I just re-watched the 31st episode of the '96 series to make sure that it wasn't just me being nostalgic, but I have to say that Kenshin's farewell was way better and touching here. I want to make it clear that I love this new adaptation, and I don't want to be THAT GUY, but I felt that this particular scene was kinda rushed and I didn't like that they used the ending theme as the background music. Anyway, I repeat that I really enjoyed this adaptation, and I'm looking forward to season 2 and the epic Kyoto arc! |
| This was a good episode to close off the first season of Kenshin as shit is going to kick off in the Kyoto arc that would come in an eventual sequel down the line. Only real bug for me was the music, feel like the music choice was so wrong with Kenshin's departure from the Kamiya household. What should have been heartfelt, emotional and melancholic as Kenshin returns to becoming a rurouni again wandering off to confront Shishio came across a bit corny due to the ending song not complementing the atmosphere and emotions of that scene whatsoever as Kaoru is crying on my screen. I hate just comparing the original and new editions like many but in this instance, that did stick out to me big time. Besides that, the actual content was strong and I think a sequel should be much more exciting to watch. Regarding the pacing, the anime staff have surprisingly handled that well enough in this season. Nothing felt too extremely rushed that ruined anything, nor too slow to become too boring based off the manga so that is impressive. Just wish there was more to the direction in general this season, as well as the music not being up to par in my opinion since the music did feel a bit lackluster in certain big scenes for me that made the anime feel a bit hollow at times. The first portion definitely has aged from when it was written and it shows up pretty broadly in 2023 but it was still solid enough content to watch, especially knowing how great the stuff to come is with the remainder of the manga. If I graded the manga solely of this portion, it would be 8ish while by the end, I have it at a 10. So for now, I think the reboot's first season is a 6. Do think even with the slower pace and the filler, the original anime's portion from start till this point has definitely been better but this is not a bad watch in its own right. My expectations were not high coming into this knowing how stuff like Shaman King's reboot ended up being so the fact that it's still passable even if not a stellar season is still exceeding expectations. |
| When he became Himura Battousai fighting Jin-e, it was to save Kaoru, but against Saito, it was just to fight, Kaoru's cries went unheard. He even had to punch himself to become Kenshin again. The bureaucrats failed to sweep away the skeletons in their closet and resorted to enlisting Battousai to do their job. This of course pisses off Sanosuke as the government also betrayed the Sekihotai. They are too far in the mess, now. The blue figure quickly following Okubo's carriage, we know what's coming. This is how the historic assassination actually happened, folks. The samurai were really taking credit for Seta's deed (or were they?) When Okubo was alive, he was like Yamagata in episode 2 trying to poach Kenshin. Now, however, the nation-builder has apparently been martyred and with Shishio's potential to wreak havoc on Japan, Kenshin becomes a rurouni again. Can't wait to see the Kyoto Arc! Kyoto Inferno was lit. |
Fortress_MaximusDec 14, 2023 3:24 PM
 Novels I have read/am reading pending approval: since November 10 2022 |
| That was a nice tease showing us Makoto Shishio foreshadowing what is come in the Kyoto arc. I'm going to watch the remake again now that the English dub is out. |
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| it was a good episode to finish this great season i can't wait for the S2. they did a great job |
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| yh overall a 7.5/10 for this season enjoyed this remake but got to say, the goodbye scene hit way harder in the original when u compare the two like it's not even close. overall will watch S2 |
| Despite some flaws mid-series, imo. especially oniwabanshu, it didn't get enough love, they could have spent more time on them and polished this part instead of making 2 filler ep. but overall it was a very decent adaptation. Now I'm waiting for the next season, Kyoto ark is the peak of the series. I wonder if this time, they will stick to the true ending of the manga. |
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| Its been so long since I first saw the original that I can't genuinely say if this is better or worse but at the very least I had a good time with the remake, OPs and EDs is a losing battle since the original songs were so good but besides that the show didn't hit as hard or felt as memorable but that's probably nostalgia talking and well, once you know what's happening it is basically impossible to be surprised again but looking forward to what's next to come. |
| This episode literally felt like just a setup for season 2. But I’m excited I really hope we get a season 2 |
| As a big fan of the OG I'm really happy with this remake. A few parts at the beginning were rushed but then the pacing became good. 8/10. |
 .Go watch Gintama boyo/grill My discord server for gaming and anime/manga: https://discord.com/invite/4mqXfNEJ9A |
| Well this final episode went a bit differently than I thought, when the last one ended I thought this Okubo guy would be a villain but he actually wanted Kenshin’s help and Saito just became unhinged lol. And I certainly wasn’t expecting Okubo to get assassinated but when it cut to him alone in a carriage that’s when I saw it coming lol, kinda surprised he had no guards but that was damn tragic, and this was what led to Kenshin deciding to go to Kyoto and become a true Rurouni once again, that last scene when he left Kaoru was a good one to end on, sad but good lol, poor Kaoru. And of course they teased the new villain which gives me hope this will get another season. And that was the end of this first season of the Rurouni Kenshin Remake, I’m someone that’s never seen the original and I liked this a lot, I thought LIDENFILMS did a great job overall and I have really enjoyed the story itself so far, some fun and interesting arcs throughout, tho I think my favorite was Oniwaban Group/Kanryu arc, don’t think I’ll ever forget Kanryu and his beloved Gatling Gun lol. And I really liked all the OPs and EDs, the 2nd OP got some shit but I personally thought it slapped and sounded unique for an anime OP. This was a very nice show for both the Summer and Fall seasons this year, it was with me for a bit of a rough time this year and it definitely helped me get through it, and I am happy to say I think I’ll check out the original now that this has ended and there’s no announcement for another season at this very moment, I’m interested in seeing the differences and of course I love me some classic anime. |
| Never really was a fan of the manga or the OG anime, but at least the aforementioned had the aesthetic appeal and the 2nd having far better visual direction. Faithful as this could be doesn’t matter at all for me when all I get in the end is a flat footed uninspiring husk adulterated by the modern industrial shortcomings. I’m sure season 2 is coming soon, but I personally would like it to never happen if it’ll continue to be of such vanilla-flavored standards. I still stay firm by my stance that this should’ve never gotten a reboot to begin with. 1/10. |
RyuseishunDec 14, 2023 3:50 PM
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| I liked it. I can't wait to see what happens next, if there is one. I award it 8/10 |
| My doctor told me that you can't choose where you come from but you can choose where you go. |
| what a way to end the season, with a hug. hope there's a second season soon because kyoto arc was just getting kicked off. wasn't as good as the OG anime because that 90s aesthetic just can't be replicated but this was still a solid adaptation nonetheless. OG kenshin had great osts but even this introduced me to one particular ost that i really liked. visuals were great and definitely one of the better shows this season, 7/10. |
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| Really nice Very pleased to see those small differences with the original, because let's be objective, that is the purpose of a remake, otherwise what you would see would be a remastering. 9/10 |
| I didn't feel the first couple of episodes, I thought the new animation was weird and everything was too shiny compared to the original. But after a few episodes in this became more and more epic, way better than the og anime in every way, this is so good, one of the peak shonen animes is truly back. I'm a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, for me, Brotherhood is peak anime, that's how a remake should be done. Over the years since FMAB released I've seen some other remake animes, some of them were good, some of them were bad, Shaman King 2021 was attrocious, so when it ended and this one got announced I was scared as shit, I thought they were going to absolutelly shit on Rurouni Kenshin... oh God, how wrong I was. A total 10/10, absolute fire 🔥🔥🔥, can't wait for the continuation, Shishio is so fkng cool, and I really want to see Misao and Seijuurou again!!! The next arc is the best of the best. My only little, tiny complain with this adaptation tho is that they never used the song "Sobakasu", that is one of the most iconic anime songs ever made yet they didn't even put it as an insert song, but whatever. Please let the continuation come out fast!!! |
Sorry if my english is bad (っ˘▽˘)っ~~~ Btw, cry about it.  |
| this was my introduction to rurouni kenshin, i thought it was a solid 8/10. i definitely liked the first cour a lot better. animation for the fights was pretty solid and i loved how impactful the sound effects were. like many others have said the direction feels a little uninspired and the OST is lacking. still hyped for season 2 |
| Sad to see Kenshin have to go that way but thrilled to see that this pretty much confirms another season. |
| Wow whoever the young assassin is that was sent to kill the minister, that was a job well done. Pushing Kenshin back into becoming a Rorouni, and soon we have Kyoto Inferno arc. Hopefully this was successful enough to get a second season. |
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| Ended off with mixed feelings, just didn't hit the same as the OG Kyoto arc from the OG was my favorite, so might enjoy S2 more of this remake if it does come Really liked the ED for this 2nd cour, didn't use the full version in this last ep though |
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| Ended the season with a strong episode. I have mixed feelings about watching this show. I never bothered to watch the original so I always wondered why the series was popular. I was pretty excited about giving the series a shot when the new adaptation was announced, but I found watching the show to be a mostly underwhelming experience mainly because of the story. There were some sort of fun moments during the Kanryu arc thanks to Kanryu's performance and the Aoshi fight, but the show was kind of disappointing until the last 2 episodes which I felt were very strong. I just didn't care for the story of the week format where everything would get resolved by the end of an episode or two. I also didn't feel there were any truly high stakes until this last episode. Just very bland, safe, and slow stuff story-wise. The characters and plot introduced at the end of this episode could lead to a more interesting show so I think I may return for another season if they do another one. Animation was solid. Not the flashiest looking animation during fights, but it still looked kind of nice. I felt the protagonists were pretty one dimensional, but I still ended up liking them. Music was pretty good. Really good voice acting, especially Kanryu. |
| Enjoyed it, definitely not quite the powerhouse the original was but then we're only part way through it. It's just nice to see these guys again without the filler, but then that did have it's charm. Saw the original English dubbed almost twenty years ago, bought the box set online but it never arrived, sad times. Watched it subbed, didn't feel the dub this time.. Japanese VAs are just typically better. Original 9/10 Romantan 8/10 It's no Vinland Saga but it's a solid watch especially if you just love what came before.. |
| Nice finale which set things in motion again for Kenshin as he left Kaoru and everyone and needs to face his past and defeat Shishio to save the new era. RIP to that old guy, he seemed like a nice guy who wanted the best for the country. It's all upto Kenshin now. Felt bad for Kaoru though, hope they reunite again after he takes care of things. Was a nice remake overall, pretty much enjoyed it unlike some people who ironically seems to be stuck to the past like some characters from this series. |
MegamiRemDec 16, 2023 2:57 AM
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Reply to Ricky16
Meiji 11, May 14 on this day Kenshin Himura returned to being a Rurouni Again.
& Again being wondering Swordsman who travels for peace formation.
that final moment between Kaoru and Kenshin was so nice & sad at the same time.
really can not wait for Season 2 to broadcast on this Fall (October 2024).
Overally i enjoyed this a lot.
Score 8/10 by me.
Finished on 7th July 2024 at 16:49 Hrs IST.
& Again being wondering Swordsman who travels for peace formation.
that final moment between Kaoru and Kenshin was so nice & sad at the same time.
really can not wait for Season 2 to broadcast on this Fall (October 2024).
Overally i enjoyed this a lot.
Score 8/10 by me.
Finished on 7th July 2024 at 16:49 Hrs IST.
| @Ricky16 And now we wait for the kyoto arc to be done... lets fuckin go. |
| For most all of the time, the remake was quite OK, but what they did to the duel with Saitou and especially Kenshin's departure is a crime. No emotions, no atmosphere, no nothing, and I am utterly disgusted. The Kyoto arc in the original series is a masterpiece with fantastic animation, screenplay, storyboard - everything was composed into an exciting and touching entirety, with every scene being planned carefully and executed brilliantly, to say nothing of that amazing soundtrack. RK 2023 it's a typical anime remake, so it could only be expected, although I still had hope that they wouldn't ruin this classic, at least, like they did with Sailor Moon and Legend of the Galactic Heroes, but no. |
| The Finale is here!! emotional That Sayonara hits the feeling. I hope the Gang will be back together at some point. Hitokiri Battousai is back!! Overall 8/10 for me. LIDENFILMS did the fight scene much better than what they did with Tokyo Revengers, so i really appreciated that. I only watch some episode of the OG here and there, not really remember anything about the story so i'm really glad they Remake Rurouni Kenshin this year. I hope we got Season 2 announcement soon. |
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