|
AN
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO RUROUNI KENSHIN
Kurofuneraikoku
An American naval captain named Perry arrived in Japan in a fleet of ominous
black ships almost 140 years ago asking for trade and friendly relations
between Japan and America. This incident was called the Kurofuneraikoku.
Bakumatsu
no Douran
This heralded the end of the Edo Bakufu - Bakumatsu no Douran. Many were
against meeting with Perry's requests and were not willing to open up
Japan to any foreign countries. Their unhappiness was evident when a province
called Choushuuhan fired at the ships in an effort to chase them away.
Unhappy with this independent action from Choushuuhan, the Edo Bakufu
sent armies to Kyoto, the heart of Choushuuhan. A battle for control was
fought. It cost thousands of Kyoto residents losing their homes and lives.
Shinsengumi
vs Ishinshishi
The Choushuuhan subsequently joined other provinces opposed to the Edo
Bakufu and formed the Meiji Ishin. To counter the Meiji Ishin, the Edo
Bakufu formed the Shinsengumi - to police Kyoto. Bloody battles were fought
between the Shinsengumi and Ishinshishi.
Hitokiri
Battousai
One among the Ishinshishi, was a red haired swordsman. He was called "Hitokiri
Battousai - The Sword Wielding Assassin" - for his legendary skill
with the sword and the countless men he had killed. Hitokiri Battousai
paved the way for the new Meiji era. When the Bakumatsu no Douran ended,
he disappeared.
Rurouni Kenshin
The story begins in the eleventh year of the Meiji era and revolves around
Hitokiri Battousai. He is now a wanderer or "rurouni" who calls
himself, Himura Kenshin - Heart of Sword. He has made an oath never to
kill again to atone for the countless lives he had taken and therefore
carries a "sakaba" sword - a sword with its blade reversed.
The series is about Kenshin and his friends; His battles with his enemies,
his past and his own dual personality.
|
