Though the popularity of the Rurouni Kenshin property isn’t what it once was for a number of reasons, new projects continue to percolate for it in Japan. 2020 saw the arrival of a new novel on July 2nd called Rurouni Kenshin Kamiya Dojo Monogatari, for example. And then in December 2021, we learned that a new anime project is in the works at Jump Festa 2022 with LIDEN FILMS handling the animation for the project.
The summer 2023 series, which is set for two cour, is getting its home video releases handled by Aniplex Japan. The eight-volume series will have three episodes per disc and release monthly beginning on October 25th, 2023. Both formats are listed as limited editions with the DVDs priced at 6,500 yen each and the Blu-rays at 7,500 yen.
With it just a couple of days until the fifth set lands, we now have our first teases of artwork with the main cover while we wait for the full packaging spread. Check out the full schedule and details below.
The series will see Hideyo Yamamoto directing it and based on the series composition by Hideyuki Kurata. Terumi Nishii is on board for the character designs with LIDEN FILMS handling the animation production.
The Japanese cast includes Sōma Saitō as Kenshin Himura, Rie Takahashi as Kaoru Kamiya, Taku Yashiro as Sannosuke Sagara, Makoto Koichi as Yahiko Myojin, Yūma Uchida as Shinomori Aoshi, Saori Ōnishi as Takani Megami, and Satoshi Hino as Hajime Saitō.
The title was originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1994 to 1999 and had a ninety-five-episode TV series get underway in 1996 that ran for two years. Several OVAs and films were produced in both the live-action and animated front and there were some mild short-run manga series that came out in the last few years as well to complement the live-action films.
Check out the official site and Twitter.
Plot concept: One hundred and forty years ago in Kyoto, with the coming of the American “Black Ships,” there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, manslayer! His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji. Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend.
| Volume | Date | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10/25/23 | Booklet, Original Soundtrack 1, Audio Commentary |
| 2 | 11/22/23 | Booklet, Production Material Collection 1, Audio Commentary |
| 3 | 12/27/23 | Booklet, Original Soundtrack 2, Audio Commentary |
| 4 | 01/31/24 | Booklet, Original Picture Collection 1, Audio Commentary |
| 5 | 02/28/24 | Booklet, Original Drama CD 1, Audio Commentary, Clean Opening, Clean Closing |
| 6 | 03/27/24 | Booklet, Production Material Collection 2, Audio Commentary |
| 7 | 04/24/24 | Booklet, Original Drama CD 2, Audio Commentary |
| 8 | 05/29/24 | Booklet, Original Picture Collection 2, Audio Commentary, Clean Opening, Clean Closing, Promos, Commercials |
[Source: Rurouni Kenshin ]
