AR: Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (るろうに剣心 明治剣客浪漫譚 Rurō ni Kenshin Meiji Kenkaku Romantan?), also known as Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai X, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The fictional setting takes place during the early Meiji period in Japan. The story is about a fictional assassin named Himura Kenshin, from the Bakumatsu who becomes a wanderer to protect the people of Japan. Watsuki wrote this series upon his desire of making a shōnen manga different from the other ones that were published in that time, with Kenshin being a former assassin and the story taking a more serious tone as it continued. Although the tragic tone was highly expanded as the manga advanced, Watsuki became determined to give it a happy ending as it was aimed at teenagers.

The manga initially appeared in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump from September 2, 1994, to November 4, 1999. The complete work consists of 28 tankōbon volumes, while years later it was reprinted into twenty-two kanzenban volumes. Studio Gallop, Studio Deen and SPE Visual Works adapted the manga into an anime series which aired in Japan from January 10, 1996 to September 8, 1998. Besides an animated film, two series of original video animations (OVAs) were also produced. The first adapted stories from the manga that were not featured in the anime, while the second was also a sequel of the manga. Writer Kaoru Shizuka has authored three official Rurouni Kenshin light novels which were published by Shueisha. Several video games have also been released for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles.

The United States release of the manga has been completed by Viz Media. Rurouni Kenshin is subtitled "Wandering Samurai" in some English releases, as a rough translation of "Rurō ni" (流浪に lit. "Wandering"?). The TV series later licensed in North America and released on DVD by Media Blasters. The first two seasons aired on the United States Cartoon Network as a part of the Toonami Block, while the third season was only featured in DVD . The English-language versions of the OVAs as well the film is released as Samurai X, although the original title was included in the DVD releases. The first light novel has been translated by Viz and distributed in the United States and Canada. None of the video games of the series have been released in North America.

The series has been highly popular in Japan, the United States and Europe. The manga has sold over 47 million copies in Japan as of 2007 while the anime has ranked between the 100 most watched series in Japan multiple times. The anime and manga have received praise and criticism from various publications for anime, manga and other media, with both having received good response on the characters' designs and the historical setting. The OVAs have also received praise due to their animation and music.

Story:

The story of Rurouni Kenshin takes place during the early Meiji era in Japan. It tells the story of a peaceful wanderer named Himura Kenshin, formerly known as the assassin "Hitokiri Battōsai". After participating during the Bakumatsu war, Kenshin wanders the countryside of Japan offering protection and aid to those in need as atonement for the murders he once committed as an assassin. When arriving in Tokyo in the 11th year of Meiji (1878), he meets a young woman named Kamiya Kaoru, who was in the middle of a fight with a murderer who claims to be the Hitokiri Battōsai from her swordmanship school. Kenshin decides to help her and defeats the fake Battōsai. After discovering that Kenshin is the real Battōsai, she offers him a place stay at her dojo as she notes Kenshin is a gentle person instead. kenshin accepts and begins to establish lifelong relationships with many people such as Sagara Sanosuke, a former Sekihō Army member; Myōjin Yahiko, an orphan from a samurai family; and a doctor named Takani Megumi. However, he also deals with his fair share of enemies, new and old, including his rival from the Bakumatsu Saitō Hajime and the former leader from the Oniwabanshū, Shinomori Aoshi.

After several months of living in the dojo, Kenshin discovers that his successor as assassin of the shadows, Shishio Makoto, plans to conquer Japan by destroying the Meiji Government, starting with Kyoto. Feeling that his friends may be attacked by Shishio's faction, Kenshin goes to meet Shishio alone in order to defeat him. However, many of his friends, including a young Oniwabanshū named Makimachi Misao, decide to help him in his fight. He decides to accept their help and defeats Shishio in a fight, who dies in the process due to the rise in body temperature caused by his burns. The anime adapts the manga until this part, later featuring new story arcs which were not featured in the manga.

When Kenshin and his friends return to Tokyo, Kenshin finds Yukishiro Enishi, who plans to take revenge by killing his friends. At this point it is revealed that, during the Bakumatsu, Kenshin used to be married to a woman called Yukishiro Tomoe, who initially wanted to avenge the death of her fiancé, whom Kenshin had killed, but instead both fell in love and got married. When it was discovered that Tomoe was part of a group of assassins that wanted to kill Kenshin, Kenshin blindly swings his sword, killing both his assailant and Tomoe, who jumps in at the last minute to save Kenshin from a fatal attack. Wanting to take revenge for the death of his sister, Enishi kidnaps Kaoru and leaves behind a tortured figure bearing a stunning resemblance of the girl for Kenshin to find and momentarily grieve over. Once discovering that Kaoru is alive, Kenshin and his friends set to rescue her. A battle between Kenshin and Enishi follows and when Kenshin wins, he and Kaoru return home. Five years later, Kenshin has found true peace; he is married to Kaoru and has a son named Himura Kenji.

PRODUCTION

A prototype series titled Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story first appeared as a pair of separate short stories published in 1992 and 1993 in the manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump Special. The first story featured an earlier version of Kenshin stopping a crime lord from taking over the Kamiya family dojo. Watsuki described the first Rurouni story, echoing the "Megumi Arc," as a "pilot" for Rurouni Kenshin. According to Watsuki, the final Rurouni Kenshin series did not being entirely from his free will. Describing the creation of historical stories as "hard," Watsuki initially wanted to make his next series in a contemporary setting. An editor approached Watsuki and asked him to make a new historical story. With the historic concept, Watsuki intended to use the Bakumatsu time period from Moeyo Ken (Burn, O Sword) with a story akin to Sugata Sanshirō. Watsuki experimented with various titles, including Nishin (Two-Hearts) Kenshin, Yorozuya (Jack-of-All-Trades) Kenshin, and variations of "Rurouni" and "Kenshin" with different kanji in that order.

The second Rurouni story, released one half of a year after the first story, features Kenshin helping a wealthy girl named Raikōji Chizuru. Watsuki recalled experiencing difficulty when condensing "everything" into 31 pages for the first Romantic Swordsman story. He said that he "put all my soul into it" but sighs when looking at the story from his perspective after the publication of the Rurouni Kenshin Volume 1 graphic novel in Japan. Watsuki describes the first Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story as receiving mediocre reviews and about two hundred letters. Watsuki described the second Rurouni as a "side story."

During his childhood, Watsuki used to practice kendo which influenced him in the making from the series. Although, Watsuki developed various one-shots prior to the official serialization from the series, he mentioned he based the series from Crescent Moon in the Warring States, a story which introduced Kenshin's fighting style and his teacher. While naming the characters, he based some of their names from places he used to live such as Makimachi Misao's "Makimachi" and Sanjō Tsubame, who are named after places from Niigata.

Being fascinated by the Shinsengumi, Watsuki designed the characters by basing their characteristics to that of the real Shinsengumi members and also used fictional representation of them and other historical characters from the Bakumatsu period of Japan. The historical characters were considered to be a hard task by Watsuki. Due to problems with the characterization from Sagara Sōzō, Watsuki decided to illustrate Saitō Hajime in own style avoiding the historical figure. He felt very good with Saitō's character having noted he fit very well in the manga. However, Watsuki mentioned that many Japanese fans of the Shinsengumi complained about the personality of Saitō, as he was made sadistic.

When questioned about the series' theme being Kenshin's self-redemption, Watsuki mentioned that when he was young he used to read shōjo and that it influenced in the story from Rurouni Kenshin. He added that he wanted to make a story different from other comics as he considers the main character [Himura Kenshin] is neither a good or evil character. Since volume 7, Watsuki mentioned the series took a more adult tone due to the various conflicts in the story, but commented it was influenced by the shōjo manga he read. Through the series' development, Watsuki was deciding if Kamiya Kaoru's character was going to die prior to the end. However, he later decided to keep Kaoru alive as he came to the conclusion he wanted a happy ending and that the manga is aimed to young readers.

When the manga series started to be published in Weekly Shōnen Jump, Watsuki had little hope in the development of the series. He planned to finish the story in approximately 30 chapters, ending with Kenshin's departure from Tokyo in a similar manner to the one from volume 7. Kenshin's enemies would have been people from Kyoto who would send an assassin to kill Kenshin. When the Oniwabanshu were introduced during the serialization, Watsuki noted that the series could be longer as he had created various main characters. In that time, there was a survey, and the series had become very popular.

When the series reached seven volumes, Watsuki's boss suggested him that it was time to make a longer story-arc, which resulted in the creation of the fights between Kenshin and Shishio Makoto. The arc was only meant to be serialized for one year, but it being being one year and a half long. This arc was also done to develop Kenshin's character as he considered him not to have a weak point. Watsuki commented that his artistic skill were homed with this arc, as he could draw everything he wanted to. The last arc from the manga was meant to be much shorter, but it turned out to be a fairly long one as he could not present in a simplistic manner. This arc was originally made by Watsuki prior to the series' start, having already thought about how would Kenshin's scar had been made. Watsuki also planned to create a Hokkaido arc and a sequel, but felt it would be better to start with another manga and so ended the series with the last arc he made.

In a manga volume prior to the release of the anime, Watsuki said that while some fans might object to the adaptation of the series into anime, Watsuki looked forward to the adaptation and felt it would work since the manga was already "anime-esque." He had some worries about the series since he felt since the creation of the series was sudden and the series had a "tight" production schedule. In another note in the same volume Watsuki added that he had little input in the series, as he was too busy with the publishing. In addition his schedule did not match the schedule of the anime production staff. Watsuki said that it would be impossible to make the anime and manga exactly the same, so he would feel fine with the anime adaptation as long as it took advantage of the strengths of an anime format.

After the anime began production, Watsuki said that the final product was "better than imagined" and that it was created with the "pride and soul of professionals." Watsuki criticized the timing, the "off-the-wall, embarassing subtitles," and the condensing of the stories; for instance he felt the Jin-e storyline would not sufficiently fit two episodes. Watsuki said that he consulted a director and that he felt the anime would improve after that point. The fact that the CD book voice actors, especially Megumi Ogata and Tomokazu Seki, who portrayed Kenshin and Sanosuke in the CD books, respectively, did not get their corresponding roles in the anime disappointed Watsuki. Watsuki reported receiving some letters of protest against the voice actor change and letters requesting that Ogata portray Seta Sōjirō; Watsuki said that he wanted Ogata to play Misao and that Ogata would likely find "stubborn girl" roles more challenging than the "pretty boy" roles she usually gets, though Watsuki felt Ogata would have "no problem" portraying a "stubborn girl." Watsuki said that the new voice actor arrangement "works out" and that he hoped that the CD book voice actors would find roles in the anime. Watsuki said that the reason why the CD book voice actors did not get the corresponding roles in the anime was due to the fact that many more companies were involved in the production of the anime than the production of the CD books, and therefore the "industry power-structure" affected the series.

The second series of the TV anime had some original stories not in the manga. Watsuki said that some people disliked "TV originals," but to him the concept was "exciting". Watsuki said that because the first half of the original storyline that existed by the time of the production of Volume 10 in Japan was "jammed" into the first series, he looked forward to a "more entertaining" second series. Watsuki added that it was obvious that the staff of the first series "put their hearts and souls" into the work, but that the second series will be "a much better stage for their talents."

MANGA

Written and drawn by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the first chapter of Rurouni Kenshin premiered in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1994 and was serialized in the magazine until 1999. The 255 individual chapters were collected and published in 28 tankōbon volumes by Shueisha, with the first volume released on September 9, 1994 and the last on November 4, 1999. In July 2006, Shueisha began re-releasing the series in a twenty-two kanzenban special edition volumes. A single chapter follow up to the series that follows the character of Yahiko Myōjin, Yahiko no Sakabatō (弥彦の逆刃刀 ("Yahiko's Reversed-Edge Sword")?), was originally published in Weekly Shōnen Jump after the conclusion of the series. Left out of the original volumes, it was added as an extra to the final kanzenban release.

Rurouni Kenshin was licensed for an English language release in North America by Viz Media. The first volume of the series was released on October 7, 2003. Although the first volumes were published on a irregular basis, since volume 7 Viz established a monthly basis due to good sales and consumer demands. Therefore, the following volumes were published until July 5, 2006, when the final volume was published.Yahiko no Sakabatō was also serialized in Shonen Jump during 2006. In January 2008, Viz began re-releasing the manga in a wideban format called "VIZBIG Edition", which is a collection of three volumes in one. Viz uses the actual ordering of Japanese names, with the family name or surname before the given name, within the series to reduce confusion and because Rurouni Kenshin is a historical series.

ANIME

The anime, directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, began airing on Japan's Fuji TV on January 10, 1996 and ended on September 8, 1998. It was produced by Aniplex and Fuji TV, and was animated from episode 1 to 70 by Studio Gallop, whereas the episodes from 70 onwards were animated by Studio Deen. The final episode, episode 95, did not air in Japan, but was a bonus episode for the VHS and DVD releases. Since its premier of Japan, episodes from the series have been collected in DVDs various times: two DVDs series with both of them featuring four episodes per volume and three DVD boxes.

In 1999 Sony tried and failed to market the series in the United States as Samurai X via an existing company. The TV series was later licensed in North America and released on DVD by Media Blasters. It started airing in the US on the Cartoon Network as a part of the Toonami Block on March 17, 2003, but ended at the completion of the Season 2. Episodes 63-95 did not air, but were included in the DVD release. The twenty-two English DVDs from the series were released from July 18, 2000 to September 24, 2002. Each of them contain four episodes except for the volume 22 which contains five episodes. The seasons were later released in three premium "Bento box" DVD boxes on November 18, 2003, March 30, 2004 and July 27, 2004. They were released again, but in new packaging as "economy box" sets on November 15, 2005, January 17, 2006 and February 14, 2006. Sony Pictures Television International created an English-language version of the series, titled Samurai X, that airs outside of the United States.

MOVIE

 

The series also has a movie called Samurai X: The Motion Picture, known in Japan as Ishin Shishi e no Requiem (―維新志士への鎮魂歌 Requiem for the Ishin Patriots?) which tells a story where Kenshin meets a samurai who was very close to a man Battosai murdered in the war. The samurai is trying to start a revolution to overthrow the Meiji government. The film was directed by Hatsuki Tsuji and it premiered in Japan on December 20, 1997. The Japanese DVD was released on August 21, 1998. It has been republished twice in 2000 and 2002, adding new content to the DVD. It was also released on December 7, 2005 on Universal Media Disc format. In North America, the film was released in DVD on March 27, 2001.

Original Video Animations

Main articles: Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal and Samurai X: Reflection

There are also two Rurouni Kenshin original video animation (OVA) series which have respectively four and two episodes. The first of them, Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal, collectively known in Japan as Tsuiokuhen (追憶編 Recollection?) and later edited into a movie as Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal -Director's Cut, was released in 1999 in Japan and in 2003 was collected into a two hour feature-length motion picture with new animated sequences and released in North America as a Director's Cut DVD. It is set during the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate and during Kenshin's job as an assassin. The second OVA is Samurai X: Reflection, known in Japan as Seisōhen (星霜編 Time?) and later edited into a movie as Samurai X: Reflection -Director's Cut, composed of two episodes. The first episode was originally released on December 12, 2001 in Japan and the second on March 20, 2002. It is set both during and after the timeline of the series and tells of Kenshin and Kaoru's later years, much of which is not derived from the manga. It was later released in the United States by ADV Films in DVD in March 25, 2003, while a Director's Cut edition was later released.

Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (Rurouni Kenshin Tsuiokuhen) is being setting In the days before the Japanese Revolution.. its a story about Hiko Seiijuro, a wandering master swordsman and hermit, encounters a bandit raid on a slave wagon. Hiko kills the raiding bandits in hopes of saving as many lives as possible, but only manages to spare one life from the massacre. Hiko leaves the child, advising him to go to the nearby village and have them take care of him. A few days later, as Hiko comes back to check upon the child he saved, he is shocked to see the child had created graves, both for the slaves he befriended and the bandits who killed them. Seeing potential in the young one, Hiko takes the child under his wing, names him Kenshin, meaning “heart of sword,” and teaches him about the art of swordsmanship under the Hiten Mitsuruugi Ryu.

Struggling in a constant challenge with his ideal beliefs reflecting against the harshness of reality, Tsuiokuhen tells the melancholic and dark story of Himura Kenshin as one of the most feared assassins of the Japanese Revolution: the Hitokiri Battousai.

Beside Samurai X: Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin: Seisouhen) is a story about Kaoru that goes to the harbor every day to see if Kenshin has returned. After a while, she starts looking back at her life with Kenshin and all the things that have happened. 

CDs

All of the series music was composed by Noriyuki Asakura and several CDs have been released by Sony Records. The first, Rurouni Kenshin OST 1 was released on April 1, 1996 and contained twenty-three songs that were used during the first episodes of the series. The second one, Rurouni Kenshin OST 2 - Departure was released on October 21, 1996 and contained fifteen tracks that were first used before the start of the Kyoto Arc. The next one, Rurouni Kenshin OST 3 - Journey to Kyoto was released on April 21, 1997 and contained the thirteen tracks that originally used in the Kyoto Arc. For the next arc, Rurouni Kenshin OST 4 - Let it Burn was released on February 1, 1998 and contained twelve tracks.

For the OVAs series, all themes were composed by Taku Iwasaki and the CDs were released by Sony Visual Works. The first, Rurouni Kenshin Tsuioku Hen OVA OST was released on March 20, 1999 and contained sixteen tracks that were used in Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal.[58] For the Reflection OVA a sondtrack called Rurouni Kenshin Seisō Hen OVA OST was released on January 23, 2002 and contained eighteen tracks.

Several compilations of the anime songs were also released in collection CDs. Thirty tracks were selected and joined in a CD called Rurouni Kenshin - The Director's Collection, that was released on July 21, 1997. Rurouni Kenshin Best Theme Collection was released on March 21, 1998 and contained ten tracks. All of the opening and ending themes were also collected in a CD called Rurouni Kenshin OP/ED Theme Collection. The Japanese voice actors of the series also composed songs that were released as two Cds Rurouni Kenshin Songs Album. All of the anime tracks, including OVAs and films tracks were collected in Rurouni Kenshin Complete CD-Box that was released on September 19, 2002. It contains the four TV OSTs, the two OVA OSTs, the movie OST, the two game OSTs, an opening & closing theme collection, and the two Character Songs albums.

Several drama CDs, which adapted stories in the Rurouni Kenshin manga, were also released in Japan. Each of them featured different voice actors from that one that worked in the anime adaptation. In Volume 5 of the manga Watsuki stated that he anticipated that the script of the third volume, which has the stories involving the character Udō Jin-e, would be "pretty close" but would have additional lines belonging to Sanosuke and Yahiko.

Art and guidebooks

Two encyclopedias of the Rurouni Kenshin manga were released in Japan. The first one, Rurouni Kenshin Profiles (原典?), was released first in Japan in July 4, 1996 by Shueisha and in the United States by Viz Media. Kenshin Kaden (剣心華伝?), released on December 15, 1999 includes the story Haru ni Sakura, which details the fates of all of the Rurouni Kenshin characters. The story takes place years after the manga's conclusion, when Kenshin and Kaoru have married and have a young son, Kenji. Many of the series' major characters who have befriended Kenshin reunite or otherwise reveal their current whereabouts with him in a spring picnic. For the anime, three Kenshin Zoushi artbook were published from 1997 to 1998. While the first two were based on the TV series, the third one was based on the film. The film one was named Ishin Shishi No Requiem Art Book which was released along with the movie. Additionally, it was released Rurouni-Art book that contianed images from the OVAs. A guidebook from the kanzenban imprint of the series was published on June 4, 2007.

Light novels

The Rurouni Kenshin light novels were originally from Shueisha's Jump j-Books. They were co-written by Kaoru Shizuka. Most of them are original stories which were later adapted in the anime. Others are adaptations of manga and anime stories. Only Volume 1 has been translated into English so far. The first novel, Rurouni Kenshin: Voyage to the Moon World, was published in Japan on October 10, 1996 and in North America on October 17, 2006. The second, Yahiko's Battle, was released on October 3, 1997. It retells various stories featured in the manga and anime series. The last novel is TV Anime Shimabara Arc which was published on February 4, 1999.

Video games

There are two Rurouni Kenshin games released for the PlayStation console. Neither game has made it out of Japan. The first, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Ishin Gekitōhen (るろうに剣心 -明治剣ê58;浪漫譚- 維新激闘編?) was released on November 29, 1996. The game is a 3D fighter game with 5 playable characters, while the plot focuses in the first seven volumes from the manga. The second one, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Jūyūshi Inbō Hen (るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 十勇士陰謀編?) was released on December 18, 1997 and was re-released in the PlayStation The Best lineup on November 5, 1998. The game is a console role-playing game with a story unrelated to either the manga or anime.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Enjō! Kyōto Rinne (るろうに剣心　-明治剣客浪漫譚- 炎上!京都輪廻?) is the only video game for the PlayStation 2 console. Its Japanese release was slated at September 14, 2006. The game has sold over 130,000 copies in Japan.[80] Himura Kenshin also appeared in the 2006 Nintendo DS game Jump Ultimate Stars as a battle character, while others were support characters and help characters.

Reception

The manga has been highly popular with the original release having sold over 47 million copies in Japan as of 2007. Rurouni Kenshin also ranked at tenth place in the Web's Most Wanted 2005, ranking in the animation category. Volume 27 of the manga ranked second in the Viz Bookscan Top Ten during June 2006, while volume 21 and 20 ranked second and tenth, respectively, in the Top 10 Graphic Novels of Viz of 2005. Rurouni Kenshin volume 24 also ranked in 116th position in the USA Today's best selling book list for the week ending February 26, 2006. During the third quarter from 2003, Rurouni Kenshin ranked at the top of ICv2's Top 50 Manga Properties. In the same poll from 2005, it was featured at the top once again based on sales from English volumes during 2004. In the Top Ten Manga Properties from 2006 from the same site, it ranked ninth.

The manga has received praise and criticism from various publications. Mania Entertainment writer Megan Lavey found that the manga had a good balance between character development, comedy and action scenes. The artwork of Watsuki was to have improved as the series continued, noting that characters also had reactions during fights. Zac Bertschy from Anime News Network (ANN) praised the story from the manga, but noted that by volume 18 from the series, Watsuki started to repeated the same type of villains who were united to kill Kenshin. Although she praised Watsuki's characters, she commented that some of them needed needed some consistency due to various "bizarre" antagonists. IGN reviewer A.E. Sparrow liked the manga's ending, praising how the storylines are resolved, and how most of the supporting end up. He also praised the series' characters, remarking that Kenshin "belongs in any top ten of manga heroes."

When TV Asahi, a television network in Japan, conducted a nation-wide survey for the one hundred most popular animated television series, Rurouni Kenshin anime came in sixty-sixth place. They also conducted an online web poll, in which Rurouni Kenshin was placed at number 62. Nearly a year later, TV Asahi once again conducted an online poll for the top one hundred anime, and Rurouni Kenshin anime advanced in rank and came in twenty-sixth place. The fourth DVD of the anime was also Anime Castle's best selling DVD in October 2001. Rurouni Kenshin was also a finalist in the American Anime Awards in the category "Long Series" but lost against Fullmetal Alchemist.

The anime has also been commented on by Chris Shepard from ANN noting a well crafted plot and good action scenes. However, he also criticized that during the first episodes the fights never get quite interesting as it becomes a bit predictable that Kenshin is going to win as the music of moments of victory is repeated many times. However, Mark A. Grey from the same site mentioned that all those negatives points disappear during the Kyoto Arc due to amazing fights and a great soundtrack. Tasha Robinson from SciFi.com had a similar opinion on the anime, and added that the characters' personalities' allowed the plot to develop into a good variety of interesting stories. She also liked the historical setting as it makes all the situations seem authentic. Although Them Anime's Carlos Ross also liked the action scenes and storyline, he added that the number of childish and violent scenes make the show a bit unbalanced, saying it is not recommended for younger children.

The OVAs of the series have had several good reviews. In a review from Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal Mike Crandol from ANN noted it as one of the greatest OVA series of all-time, celebrating the new characters designs as well as the fights scenes which were also noted to be "terribly bloody" and beautiful at the same time. Although DVD Talk reviewer Don Houston mentioned the OVAs were very violent for teenagers, he found the story and music to be "solid". The director's cut version received positive comments by how the four OVAs were arranged with Houston commenting it "seems more like a movie that stands alone, rather than just the precursor to a long lasting series." However, Crandol later commented that fans from the manga may be disappointed when seeing Samurai X: Reflection since most of the fighting scenes have been deleted in the OVA. Another negative point was the number of out-of-character performances, with Kenshin's character being unable to laugh when in the manga he always used to. Nevertheless, the music and animation featured in the OVAs were highly praised again as one of the best ones from Japan.

My Review

Rurouni Kenshin - an amazing anime taking place during the Japan Revolution - is an amazing story first written by Nobuhiro Watsuki in 1994 and first aired as an anime in 1996. If you're one of the older anime fans, chances are that you probably have seen this anime already and give it the respect that it deserves. If you are one of the younger anime fans out there and haven't heard too much about Rurouni Kenshin (also known as Samurai X in other countries outside of the United States), I urge to immediately to get your hands on a copy of the anime somehow and start watching it, you won't be disappointed if you are into samurai.

The story is deep, intricate, emotional, and touching. Everything from romance, action, suspense, and even some thriller in included in Rurouni Kenshin. There are a total of 95 episodes to Rurouni Kenshin, however, only the first 62 (the first two seasons) are only worth watching because the third season is all fillers. The first two seaons depict the story of Himura Kenshin, also known as Hitokiri Battousai, and his motley bunch of friends in Sagara Sonouske, Myojin Yahiko, and Kamiya Kaoru. Without giving too much away, the first season is based on his stay with Kaoru Kamiya and how he keeps his vow of not to kill. The second season is where the plot develops and we are introduced to a little bit of Kenshin's past.

To some of the younger fans out there, the animation may seem a bit older and not as new as some of our recent anime like Death Note and Full Metal Alchemist, it still is drawn with very exceptional quality and after the first few episodes, you find that the style perfectly suits the time frame in which the story takes place.

Taku Iwasaki has done a beautiful job with the soundtrack to Rurouni Kenshin as during each and every part, there is the perfect song that fits the scene. This is especially the case during the second season as Iwasaki unveils a multitude of amazing pieces of music that you will undoubtedly look to download.

You will either hate the characters or love them. The character development during the anime is portrayed very well. An example of this is the development of Yahiko from an innocent child to an exceptional swordsman throughout the show. The only qualm people may have is the lack of romance between Kenshin and Kaoru. Though its hinted at very slightly during the first two seasons, there is not much between them. All of Kenshin's rivals also have unique personalities and Nobuhiro Watsuki has done an excellent job with them.

The only reason I advise you to avoid the episodes 63-95 is that they are pointless fillers. By the time the second arc had ended, the Kyoto arc, the anime had caught up to the manga. So as with all animes, they stopped animating the manga and aired fillers so the manga could develop. However, by the time the manga finished, the fillers were so terribly bad that Rurouni Kenshin had to be cancelled.

That is why after episode 62, I urge you to find the manga and start reading it from Volume 18 to enjoy the amazing story of Enishi and the Revenge Arc. It is there where the true story of Kenshin is continued and completed, and not with the later episodes.

Overall:
I rate episodes 1-62 a 10/10 because they follow the manga very well..
I rate episodes 63-95 a 6/10 because even though they are pointless, some of the fillers do have good back stories and battle scenes..

A final overall rating of a 9/10 is due to the anime, Rurouni Kenshin (the manga I would give a 10 ^_^). There is no doubt in my mind that if you are looking for an anime with a little bit of everything and looking for an anime that involves mystic sword styles, amazing battles and an "oro-ing red-headed samurai," look no further.

For OVA "Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal", this is a prequel to the anime series 'Rurouni Kenshin."

One word for this anime: Amazing! It's so good that it's hard to decribe. This is one of the only anime series that will make the viewer's jaw drop to the floor and be filled with emotion. Those who are Rurouni Kenshin fans will love it; those who are new to the series will still like it. It's a drama and may not be as interesting among younger viewers and is more mature than the anime. Those who are sensitive to extreme violence and blood may want to turn their heads during some scenes.

The first episode is a little jumpy as it skips from past to present, which to non-Kenshin fans may be confusing. Besides the jumpiness, the plot is excellent. For a drama, the pacing isn't thin and slow and is perfect for the setting. The story to Trust and Betrayal is far more enjoyable than regular series. (which is enjoyable to begin with) The characterisation is somewhat shown in the series, and could be developed further. One learns that Kenshin is turning into a merciless manslayer when he slices a man in half, killing for the first time, and shows no emotion after. However, the other character's personalities aren't as developed.

The artwork is realist compared to Nobuhiro Watsuki's original concept, but is artwork at it's finest. Those who aren't into realist artwork will still find this series interesting to watch. They used computer three-dimension graphics, mostly in the backgrounds, but still kept unto the traditional animation. For traditional animation, it's one of the best.

The music will make one go in awe with it's use of a fulll orchestra. It creates moods and themes that also make the viewer full of emotion. The music is a main factor in making this OVA unbelievable, but it was already magnificent to begin with.

They hired the best actors in both casts for this anime. The Japanese Kenshin voice (Mayo Suzukaze) is a little too girly for the role and the English Tomoe voice (Rebecca Davis) is too emotionless it sounds like she is reading the script. The voices have a different tone than the regular anime series, which is a nice change. The OVA voices are realistic and set the drama tone, while the anime has exaggerated voices that are too cartoony. Even the Kenshin voice is different, but it's hard to decide which voice is suited better. (J. Shannon Weaver in OVA, Richard Hayworth in anime) The Landlady had the best acting performance in the English dubbed, but the acting was still great. More emotion could be used in characters, but the voices matched the characters.

This OVA has to be the most underrated anime known in the anime world. It was never a "fad" or a trend as most popular series start out, which is somewhat sad because this anime deserves attention. (Although fads are always hated in the end which shouldn't happen to this OVA) Everything about the OVA is wonderful from the music to the artwork. Anyone involved with this OVA worked extremely hard in putting effort and it clearly shows. This OVA should be on every anime fan's shelve.

and for The Last arc of Rurouni Kenshin, Samurai X: Reflection.. it's all about the final days of a great man that is Kenshin. 

Everything has been decipted well in this OVA, from the stunning sceneries and up to the stunning orchestral score that it has. The story is delivered very well. It contains flashback of some of Kenshin's greatest battles and is remade or should I call it "Remastered", with a stunning animation. It also includes some scenes/events which you won't find in the manga. The OVA itself will give you a timeslip of what has happened to Kenshin through all of the years he has spent during his swordsman days.

If you have seen the TV Anime, Rurouni Kenshin. This OVA is highly recommended and should I say that you "must" also see the OVA masterpiece Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuioku Hen for these are the best OVA's of our time.

I really recommend you to watching this Anime.. ^^

External Links

Rurouni Kenshin [sic] (るろうに電信?) - Official Shueisha Rurouni Kenshin website (Japanese)
Official Sony Rurouni Kenshin website (Japanese)
Rurouni Kenshin (manga) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
Rurouni Kenshin (anime) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia

AR: Saiunkoku Monogatari (Colorcloud Palace)

The Story of Saiunkoku (彩雲国物語 Saiunkoku Monogatari, lit. Tale of the Land of Colored Clouds) is a series of Japanese light novels written by Sai Yukino and illustrated by Kairi Yura. As of December 2008, fourteen volumes of the series have been released. Three side story anthologies have also been released, collecting stories originally published in The Beans magazine.

A manga version, also illustrated by Kairi Yura, is serialized in Beans Ace, which is published by Kadokawa Shoten. Currently, four tankōbon volumes have been released.

The anime adaptation series, produced by Madhouse Studios, is directed by Jun Shishido, and broadcast on the Japanese television network NHK on Saturday mornings. The first season began airing on April 8, 2006, and completed its run on February 24, 2007, airing a total of 39 episodes. The second season, titled Saiunkoku Monogatari Second Series (彩雲国物語 第2シリーズ?) began airing on April 7, 2007 and consists of another 39 episodes, ending its run on March 8, 2008.

The setting story of Saiunkoku Monogatari (Colorcloud Palace) is telling about Saiunkoku Kingdom wich According to legend, Saiunkoku was once infested by demons who threw the country into turmoil. A brave young warrior named Sō Gen gathered together the Eight Enlightened Sages of Colour and drove away the demons.

Sō Gen then forged the nation of Saiunkoku and became its first emperor. After Sō Gen's death, the eight sages disappeared, but according to legend they still exist among the people. A beautiful shrine was built for the Eight Coloured Sages and still stands within the Imperial City.

Saiunkoku had always been divided into eight distinct provinces named after colours of the rainbow. Six hundred years ago, the Emperor commanded each ruling clan to change its name to match its province. Commoners were forbidden to use the same family names as nobles.

Each of the eight provinces in Saiunkoku is named for a color and is ruled by a noble clan of the same name:

Ran (藍 Ran, Indigo) — The most powerful clan in Saiunkoku, although it plays a dormant role in national politics.
Hong (紅 Kōu, Crimson) — Equal power to that of the Ran clan, with which it is known as the 'highest of nobility'. In the original Japanese media, the name of this clan and family is pronounced as Kō. By the request of Saiunkoku's original creator, Geneon changed this name in the official North American version to "Hong", the Mandarin Chinese pronunciation of the same logogram, in order to minimize confusion with the other "Ko" name belonging to the Yellow clan/province. Funimation has retained this name change in its distribution of the Geneon R1 DVDs.
Heki (碧 Heki, Jade Green)
Ko (黄 Kō/Ki, Yellow) — Although pronounced the same as the 'Crimson' (紅?) clan in the original Japanese, the kanji (黄?) for this clan means 'yellow'.

Haku (白 Haku, White)
Koku (黒 Koku, Black)
Sa (茶 Sa, Brown)
Shi (紫 Shi, Purple) — The Imperial family.
Hyou (縹 Hyou, Light Indigo)

The First season of anime Saiunkoku Monogatari is Set in the fictional empire of Saiunkoku.. The story centers on Shurei Hong (Shuurei Kou), a descendant of a noble family that has fallen on hard times.

Her father works as a librarian in the Imperial palace, a post which offers prestige and respect, but little compensation. Shurei teaches in the temple school and works odd jobs to make ends meet, but her dream is to pass the imperial examinations and take a post in government, a path forbidden to women.

Shurei's plans come to an abrupt halt when the Emperor's Grand Advisor makes a startling offer for her to join the imperial household for six months as the young Emperor's consort and teach the Emperor to be a responsible ruler. If she succeeds, the financial reward will be great.

The story details Shurei's growing relationship with the Emperor and other members of the court, the intrigues of imperial politics, and her commitment to better herself and her country.

The second season starts off around where the last one ends, so I recommend you watch the first season before you tackle this one. Anyway, the second season is easily even more intricate than the first, with Ryuuki finally taking charge as emperor, something not all members of government appreciates. New enemies appear, and the clans continue to feud as always. Every detail in the story is important, something viewers should be used to by now.

During her job as Royal Consort in the Imperial Court, Shuurei met new friends, Lan Shuuei and Li Koyuu. Lan Shuuei is the son of the country's most powerful Lan family while Li Koyuu is adopted son of Kou Reishin, Shuurei's uncle; who passes the National Examination as the youngest Jougen in history. Despite of his intelligence, Koyuu has poor sense of direction and tend to get lost easily. Shuurei later took the Imperial Examination to fulfill her dream to become an officer. She passed the exam on third place, To Eigetsu as Jougen and Lan Ryurren came second. Together Shurrei and Eigetsu is assigend to Sa province as Governors and their duty is to restore peace once again to the province.

Characters

Shurei Hong (紅 秀麗 Kō Shūrei)
Shuurei Kou is the daughter and only child of Shouka Kou of the Kou clan, one of the two most powerful clans in Saiunkoku. She is sixteen years old when the story begins. As a descendant of the direct line, she has the title hime, which means 'princess' or 'lady'. Despite the high social status of her family, Shuurei grew up in relatively impoverished circumstances. Her father's job brought little income, and much of the wealth of their family home was given to the needy during the devastating fight for the imperial succession eight years ago. There are no servants at the Kou residence, so Shuurei has grown adept at household chores such as needlework, cooking and cleaning, traits unusual in a lady of high social standing. She has also held a number of odd jobs to earn money, acting as a professional erhu player, working as an accountant at Kochou's brothel in the Red Light District, and serving as a teacher at the local temple.

In the English version, her name is Shurei Hong since Kou is another family name in the series. Kou has two kanji symbols in Japanese, one red the other Yellow, which explains why two families have the same romanised name. To avoid confusion, 'Hong' was given unto Shurei's family, the same as the Mandarin Chinese reading.
  

Ryuki Shi (紫 劉輝 Shi Ryūki)
Ryuuki Shi is the reigning emperor of Saiunkoku. He is nineteen years old when the story begins. The youngest of six brothers, he was an unlikely candidate to ascend to the throne. Of his five elder brothers, four killed each other over the succession and one was exiled for treason. As a child, Ryuuki was badly mistreated by his mother and his brothers, except for his brother Seien, who seemed to be the only one who truly cared for him. His other brothers and mother used to beat Ryuuki and lock him in a closet for hours at a time, telling him his birth order was bad and that he stole affection from his siblings. These experiences led to a lingering fear of the dark and sleeping alone. Ryuuki often took refuge in the garden or the imperial archives, where he first encountered Shouka Kou. Shouka tutored the young prince and encouraged War General Taifu Sou to teach him swordsmanship.

Due to his father's dying wish, Ryuuki ultimately rose to the throne. However, he avoided any involvement in politics or government, wandering the palace for hours so no one would be able to find him. He even spread rumours that he preferred the company of men to fuel speculation he could not produce an heir. Ryuuki secretly hoped that Seien, his beloved older brother, would eventually return and take his place as Emperor. Ryuuki's avoidance of responsibility came to an end when he met Shuurei, who told him of her dreams of making a better life for the nation's people. Ryuuki decided to take on his responsibilities and become a respectable Emperor.
 

Seiran Si (茈 静蘭 Shi Seiran)
He started as a low-ranking army officer and is the sole remaining retainer in the Hong household. Seiran was taken in thirteen years ago by Shoka Hong, and he has made a vow to spend his life repaying that kindness, helping the Hongs by protecting them, performing repairs, and taking small guard jobs to earn money. He is a very skilled fighter and swordsman, and despite his amiable disposition, he could be quite ruthless to those who put his loved ones in danger and conforms to the idealism of "the end justifies the means". He often puts others' well-being before his own and preferring to support others by watching and helping from the shadows. He has known Shurei ever since the latter was little, thus is very protective of her, usually following her in order to guard her, even when she does not know it. The two are often mistaken for a couple due to the amount of time they spend together, but neither of them show romantic feelings for the other.

Seiran is later revealed to be the previously exiled second elder brother of Ryuki, Seien, whom was the only one to ever treat Ryuki nicely. He was known as the "flower" of the royal princes due to his handsome looks, kind heart, and also his physical and intellectual superiority over his brothers. Because of this, his brothers grew jealous, and after his mother, who hated his existence, and grandfather conspired to make him Emperor, he, along with his mother, was exiled. The other royal families sent assassins to kill him, and though he did away with them, his mother was killed in the process. Sometime later, he is brought into the Satsujinzoku, a murderous band of thieves in Sa Province (Brown Province) where he was nicknamed "The Little Whirlwind". Ensei Ro joined the group as well, and the two destroyed the band themselves. After leaving Sa, the Hong Family comes across him and takes him in, with Shokun giving him the name 'Seiran', meaning 'Silent Orchid', as well as him receiving the surname, 'Shi' (pronounced the same as the Emperor's family name, but has different kanji). He decided to wholly devote himself into being 'Seiran', and does not let anyone get near his past, though some characters throughout the series discovers his true identity. Though he claims to be 21 years old, he is 26 years old at the start of the series.

Koyu Ri (李 絳攸 Ri Kōyū?)
Though young, Koyu Ri is a civil official holding a high position in the government. He is the Assistant Secretary of Civil Affairs which is one of the ministries under the State Affairs Department of the Imperial Chamber. Koyu became the youngest person ever to pass the official examinations at the age of 16, taking the top ranked "Jougen" spot. As the series begins, Koyu is assigned directly to the Emperor, a position that infuriates him because the wandering Emperor never carries out his duties and can rarely even be found. Despite his reputation as a genius, Koyu is notorious for having no sense of direction. He gets lost in the palace within 30 steps and it sometimes takes him two hours to get to a destination that only takes 15 minutes for another person, though he does seem to find his way when there is trouble or when he is drunk.

Shuei Ran (藍 楸瑛 Ran Shūei?)
He is the General of the Shaorin army. Also part of the Ran family, one of the two greatest clans. The fourth oldest of five brothers. A very skilled swordsman and is usually calm, but likes to tease others. His fighting skills are legendary, due to his training by the Shiba clan (retainers of the Ran clan who excel in swordsmanship). He claims to be Koyu's best friend, though Koyu keeps denying it. Unlike Koyu, Shuei is a womanizer. He often mentions how nice it is to spend time with women and is surrounded by a horde of women after winning the fighting tournament.

MY REVIEW

This Anime genre is Romance, Comedy, Historical, Shoujo, Adventure, Fantasy, and Drama.. The first time I know about this Anime was from Anime magazine "Anime Insider."

Once I read some spoiler about this Anime.. I straightly feels very interesting to watch this anime, and make the priority to watching it into my first priority.. I think I am a lucky girl (lol) because one week after I read some spolier of this anime in Magazine, I watched the Clip of this anime in Anime Channel "ANIMAX", it said that 2weeks again (at that time) Saiunkoku monogatari (Colorcloud Palace) will be on Air on Animax every Monday-Friday at 3pm (Haha.. I really get exciting when I saw that clip.. so, I still remember very well about time schedule of Colorcloud Palace Anime TV show to on air on Animax.. xD)

and.. My instinct were right (lol) This anime is AN AMAZING ANIME.. If you ask me which Anime that left the biggest thing in my mind after I watch it.. My answer will be this anime "Saiunkoku Monogatari" This anime might not look awesome and famous like another anime that we know, ex. Like Bleach, Naruto, Death Note, and stuff... BUT.. This anime have the best story that I ever know.. (for me..=P) Why?? It's because from this Anime.. I learn many good thing about "How can we get The Greatest thing that we can ever have in this life."

This Anime point is a story about a girl named "Shuurei Kou" that actually a member family of one of the highest rank family in Saiunkoku kingdom.. just because all that his family phroperthy had been given to people that got many problem when the king died and his son had fight into each other to get the "emperor title" who caused Saiunkoku Kingdom stay in a very worse time 8years ago.. She live with no servants and has grown adept at household chores such as needlework, cooking and cleaning, traits unusual in a lady of high rank.

Shuurei Live with Her father, who works as a librarian in the Imperial palace, a post which offers prestige and respect, but little compensation.. and a guy called Seiran Si , who work as a low-ranking army officer and the sole remaining retainer in the Hong household. Seiran was taken in thirteen years ago by Shoka Hong, and He is looks like a brother for Shuurei.. Shurei teaches in the temple school and works odd jobs to make ends meet for his family financial.

Even thought she isn't live in a good situation like she should be.. Shuurei have a dream.. she wanna pass the imperial examinations and take a post in government, wich that thing is forbidden to women at that time (I really admire this thing.. because from my sight.. this point (her dream) is the began of anything.. and That thing is the central point who make this anime become an interesting and wonderful anime).

Until one day, one of the highest counsellor kingdom come to her place and make an offer (I can say he give a job too) to Lady Shuurei.. he ask her to join the imperial household for six months as the young Emperor's consort and teach the Emperor to be a responsible ruler. If she succeeds, the financial reward will be great.

Shuurei accept that Job because she wanna get that big reward who She will earn if she complete her job (she earn 700.000gold) and start her life (job) in Saiunkoku Palace as Empero's consolt.

The first time she enter Saiunkoku Palace, she haven't meet Emperor yet.. or I can say, she can't meet the Emperor.. because from the rumor that she heard from people in palace.. The emperor is a Lazy guy that doesn't like girl (it means the emperor feels interest with guy [gay]), like to playing, and never do his job as an Emperor.

When Shuurei heared about that rumor, she feels a bit bad because the emperor action is something that he shouldn't do.. Shuurei have a dream to become a government because she wanna do somethin to help saiunkoku people, but she can't do that cause she is a girl.. beside, The Emperor.. a person that have a power and a duty to help his people, doesnt do something that he should do (at that time, Shuurei really wanna make the emperor understand and doing his duty.. not because it's her work.. it's her personal desire).

Once day, she go to library to searching the emperor (again), it's been 6weeks since she enter the Palace.. but, she still haven't meet the Emperor yet (poor shuurei.. it must be really hard to accept a kind of job like that.. =( even thought, I dont think shuurei feels that thing.. :P) and in Library, she meet with 2officials Government.. one guy named "Shuei Ran" He is the General of the Shaorin army. Also part of the Ran family, one of the two greatest clans. His work is become Emperor's personal guardian.. and the other guy named is "Koyu Li" He is the Assistant Secretary of Civil Affairs which is one of the ministries under the State Affairs Department of the Imperial Chamber. Koyu became the youngest person ever to pass the official examinations at the age of 16, taking the top ranked "Jougen" spot. As the series begins, Koyu is assigned directly to the Emperor, a position that infuriates him because the wandering Emperor never carries out his duties and can rarely even be found.

Those 2 man are guys that staying very close to the emperor.. and when she know that, Shuurei straightly ask them about the Emperor.. but, as usual.. they dont say anything that could help her to fing the emperor.. Except the thing about The emperor is Gay they said it's untrue.

after that, Shuurei go to Palace garden to spent a day time with drinking tea and eating her made Bak-Pao.. while see the beautiful view of Sakura's tree (Oh.. I love sakura's tree.. it's really beautiful.. Hope I can sit under Sakura blossom tree one day). In that time, she saw the lower bough of sakura's tree.. and because it looks pretty, she wanna reach it..When she wanna do that, suddenly there is a small storm of sakura's tree.. and at that time, there is a guy that come to her side, and protect her from sakura's small storm with his hand.. (it's so sweet). and after it end, that guy pick that bough for her.. so, for Shurrei grateful, she ask that guy to have a tea time and eat her Bak-Pao made together.
That guy feels happy to have tea time with shuurei, and he ask shuurei about shuurei reason why she wanna become emperor consort.. and does shuurei have something that she wanna say to the Emperor? because that guy was introduce his self as The emperor best friend to Shuurei.

Shuurei say to that guy that she became an emperor consult because she wanna accompany the emperor to do his duty.. she wanna help the emperor to do his job.. She enter the Palace because she wanna stay beside the Emperor as someone that he can lend on.

She is his consult, so.. She will accept the emperor as his self.. she will always be with the emperor everytime, and together.. When The emperor wanna cry, She will sipe his tears, When The emperor feels tired, She will comfort him, when The emperor have a problem, She will be there to hear His share, and she will make Saiunkoku kingdom become a great kingdom together with The emperor.

What Shuurei said actually more great than what I said in here.. It was really sweet.. very cool.. and I really can feel the great personality of Shuurei Kou.

And that guy, After he heard Shuurei answer.. He promise to Her that he will tell her word to him straightly.

After they wanna end tea time, Shuure ask that guy about his name, and that guy said that his name is "Shuei Ran" .. When Shuurei heared about it.. She eventually understand, that the guy who stay in front of her now actually the Emperor that she had been looking for (because she had meet the real Shuei Ran in Library before this).

So, She tell him to say to Emperor, that.. if The emperor wanna do His Duty together with her.. She will waiting him in Library tomorrow..

And, as what she thought before.. that guy is really an Emperor.. He come to Library and tell Shuurei that He is an Emperor.. and His name is "Shi Ryuki".

After Shuurei had meet Ryuki, she start to thinking about How can she make Ryuki understand about his duty as an emperor? because.. as much as he know.. Ryuki doesnt have any interest to become an Emperor. In the anime, its appear that actually Ryuki is waiting his brother.. The 2nd prince that was bear the highest vote to become the Emperor.. who being chase away from the Palace long years ago.. Seien.

Until one day, when she discuss about it with his father.. she find out one point, that Ryuki never go out from Palace since he was born til now. "The fork that never come out from well, never know the vast of ocean" That's what Shuurei said when she knew about it. It means, Ryuki never come out from Palace, so he might doenst know the real situation of His people. and shuurei think if Ryuki come and see the real condition of People on his kingdom, he might can eventually understand that they need him.. an emperor that rule their kingdom with wise and protect them from any bad thing.

After she thinking about that, Shuurei ask Ryuki to go with her to walking aroung in city.. Shuurei bring ryuki to central market of saiunkoku kingdom. In there, Shuurei show Ryuki something that he never know during his life.. and Finally, he can understand about his duty as an Emperor. "I wanna protect their smile" That is what Ryuki reason to become The Emperor.

Since that time.. Ryuki change become a good guy, he start to come to his class schedule to study.. and his study skill really make Li Koyu, his tutor.. a bit impressed. He has an opinion that actually, Ryuki is not a lazy or stupid guy like he thought before this. Basically, Ryuki had learning almost all subject that he have to learn about Administration, Ruler thing and everything that have to be learn as an Emperor. He also start to do His morning meeting with His Official Government every day.. and he start to do his Job as the Real emperor.

The Emperor Grand Advicer really feels happy to see Ryuki start to do his duty and feels very grateful to Lady Shuurei. but, even thought everything is going better after Ryuki doing his duty. The fact is, not all people feels happy with Ryuki changed.. They are people that doesnt like to know Ryuki do his job as the emperor, and they think Shuurei is the cause of his changed, so.. They start to do something bad with Shuurei.. Start from poison Shuurei til Kidnap her.

Ryuki, that have a special feeling toward Shuurei, feels very worry and sad to know about that.. Shuure is a girl that make him understand about his duty, and Shuurei is a girl that have a special place in his mind.. Ryuki start to Love Shuurei, so He try his best and use all his power to protect Shuurei.

When Shuurei being kidnaped, Ryuki searched her by his own self.. and finally he can find her in an old temple on Saiunkoku palace area. even thought, at that time Shuurei fell collapse after being kidnaped for a long time, and its also because she got poison before that.

Ryuki really Love Shuurei, I can feel his feeling when he try so hard to rescue Shuurei, and how happy he is when he know shuurei is awake from his consciuosness.. he hugs her with such a happy face and hold her as Shuurei is something very precious for him.. It was so sweet.. I was hope, I will be happy if I could be shuurei at that time.. (Hahaha.. xD).

Ryuki was feels sad when he knew that actually Shuurei just his consort to make him understand and doing his duty as the emperor. He was ever ask Shuurei about Does shuurei want to live with him in Palace? but Shuurei refuse it, because what she want is to become government and help people with her ability. Ryuki had a promise that he will make a new rule about it, so shuurei can reach her dream as a government thought.

oh yea, during Shuurei living in Palace as Ryuki consort, Ryuki had kiss her twice them.. it's really sweet.. I was have a feeling that actually, Shuurei have a feeling too toward Ryuki, but its not as much as Ryuki have with her.

well, That's the end of Saiukoku Monogatari first season.. With Shuurei get her big raise after doing her job, and Ryuki had become a good emperor. Everything's going fine except the thing that Shuurei refuse Ryuki.. xD I really Love this anime.

(continue)

External Link

Official Kadokawa Story of Saiunkoku website (Japanese)
Official NHK Story of Saiunkoku anime website (Japanese)
Official Funimation Story of Saiunkoku anime website
The Story of Saiunkoku (anime) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia