List of Rurouni Kenshin (1996 TV series) episodes
The 1996 Rurouni Kenshin anime is the adaptation of the manga series with the same name by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Situated during the early Meiji period in Japan, the story tells about a fictional assassin named Kenshin Himura, who becomes a wanderer to protect the people of Japan.
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 66 by Studio Gallop, whereas the episodes from 67 onwards were animated by Studio Deen. The final episode did not air in Japan, but was a bonus episode for the VHS and DVD releases.[1] The TV series was later licensed in North America by Media Blasters, who split it up into "seasons", and released on DVD. It started airing in the US on Cartoon Network as a part of the Toonami block on March 17, 2003, but ended at the completion of the "Season 2" (episode 62).[2] Episodes 63–95 did not air, but were included in the DVD release.[3] The twenty-two English DVDs from the series were released from July 18, 2000 to September 24, 2002. Each of them contains four episodes except for the volume 22 which contains five episodes.[1] 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.
There were 95 episodes in the Rurouni Kenshin's TV series, but there are also two original video animation (OVA) series which have respectively four and two episodes. The first of them, Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal 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.[4] The second OVA is Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection, composed of two episodes that were originally released from December 19, 2001 to March 20, 2002 in Japan. It was later released in the United States by ADV Films in DVD on March 25, 2003, while a Director's Cut edition was later released. Both OVAs were eventually released on Blu-ray Disc by Aniplex of America in 2011.[5]
A two-episode OVA, retelling the story of the second arc/season, Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc, was announced in April 2011. The first part premiered on December 17, 2011, and ran at Tokyo's Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro theater and Osaka's Cine-Libre Umeda theater for one week only.[6] It was released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 21, 2012.[7] The second part premiered on June 23, 2012.[8]
Series overview[edit]
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||
| 1 | 27 | January 10, 1996 | October 16, 1996 | |
| 2 | 35 | October 30, 1996 | September 17, 1997 | |
| 3 | 33 | October 14, 1997 | September 8, 1998 | |
Episodes[edit]
A note on the "Season" nomenclature:
The "seasons" that comprise the following list correspond to Media Blaster's release of the series in North America. In Japan, Rurouni Kenshin was aired year-round continuously with regular preemptions for sporting events and television specials taking place, and not split into standard seasonal cycles.
Season 1 (1996)[edit]
| No. overall | No. in season | Media Blasters titles / Sony titles [a] | Directed by | Written by | Animation directed by | Original air date [9] | American air date [10][11][12] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "The Handsome Swordsman of Legend: A Man who Fights for Love" Transliteration: "Densetsu no Bikenshi...Ai Yue ni Tatakau Otoko" (Japanese: 伝説の美剣士...愛ゆえに闘う男) | Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Michiru Shimada | Kobayashi Kazuyuki | January 10, 1996 | March 17, 2003 |
| 2 | 2 | "Kid Samurai: A Big Ordeal and a New Student" Transliteration: "Gakizamurai Sutta! Monda! de Monkasei" (Japanese: ガキ侍 スッた!モンだ!で門下生) | Directed by : Shin'ichi Matsumi Storyboarded by : Yoshihiro Takamoto | Michiru Shimada | Mitsunori Murata | January 17, 1996 | March 18, 2003 |
| 3 | 3 | "Swordsman of Sorrow: The Man Who Slays His Past" Transliteration: "Kanashimi no Kenshi - Kako o Kiru Otoko" (Japanese: 哀しみの剣士· 過去を斬る男) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Akitaro Daichi | Michiru Shimada | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | January 24, 1996 | March 19, 2003 |
| 4 | 4 | "Bad! Introducing Sanosuke, Fighter-for-hire" Transliteration: "Aku no Ichimonji - Kenkaya Sanosuke Tōjō!" (Japanese: 悪の一文字· ケンカ屋左之助登場!) | Directed by : Hiroshi Tsuruta Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Kobayashi Kazuyuki | January 31, 1996 | March 20, 2003 |
| 5 | 5 | "The Reverse-blade Sword vs. the Zanbatou: Beyond the Battle" Transliteration: "Sakabatō Tai Zanbatō - Tatakai no Hate ni!" (Japanese: 逆刃刀対斬馬刀· 闘いの果てに!) | Yoshihiro Takamoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Hironobu Saitō | February 7, 1996 | March 21, 2003 |
| 6 | 6 | "The Appearance of Kurogasa: Visitor from the Shadows" Transliteration: "Yami kara no Hōmonsha - Kurogasa Arawaru!" (Japanese: 闇からの訪問者· 黒笠現る!) | Directed by : Naoto Hashimoto Storyboarded by : Saki Noda | Michiru Shimada | Kobayashi Kazuyuki | February 14, 1996 | March 24, 2003 |
| 7 | 7 | "Deathmatch under the Moon! Protect the One You Love" Transliteration: "Gekka no Shitō - Aisuru Hito o Mamore!" (Japanese: 月下の死闘· 愛する人を守れ!) | Directed by : Shunji Yoshida Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Michiru Shimada | Moriyasu Taniguchi | February 21, 1996 | March 25, 2003 |
| 8 | 8 | "A New Battle! The Mysterious Beauty From Nowhere" Transliteration: "Arata naru Tatakai! Tobikonde kita Nazo no Bijo" (Japanese: 新たなる戦い! 飛び込んできた謎の美女) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Mamoru Hosoda | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | February 28, 1996 | March 26, 2003 |
| 9 | 9 | "The Strongest Group of Ninjas: The Horrible Oniwaban Group" Transliteration: "Saikyō no Shinobi Gundan - Kyōfu no Oniwabanshū!" (Japanese: 最強の忍び軍団· 恐怖の御庭番衆!) | Yoshihiro Takamoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Yasuhiro Aoki | March 6, 1996 | March 27, 2003 |
| 10 | 10 | "Aoshi: Someone so Beautiful it's Frightening" Transliteration: "Aoshi - Utsukushisugiru hodo Kowai Yatsu" (Japanese: 蒼紫· 美しすぎるほど怖い奴) | Directed by : Hiroshi Tsuruta Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Hatsuki Tsuji | March 13, 1996 | March 28, 2003 |
| 11 | 11 | "Farewell, the Strongest Men: The Clash of Light and Shadow" Transliteration: "Saraba Saikyō no Otokotachi! Hikari to Yami no Gekitotsu" (Japanese: さらば最強の男たち! 光と闇の激突) | Takashi Kobayashi | Yoshiyuki Suga | Kobayashi Kazuyuki | April 24, 1996 | March 31, 2003 |
| 12 | 12 | "Birth of a Boy Swordsman: The Battle of First Apprentice Yahiko" Transliteration: "Shōnen Kenshi Tanjō! Ichiban Deshi Yahiko no Tatakai" (Japanese: 少年剣士誕生! 一番弟子 弥彦の戦い) | Directed by : Shunji Yoshida Storyboarded by : Norio Kashima | Michiru Shimada | Moriyasu Taniguchi | May 1, 1996 | April 2, 2003 |
| 13 | 13 | "Strive for the Grand Championship: Toramaru's Sumo Battle Log!" Transliteration: "Mezase Yokozuna Toramaru no Dosukoi Funsenki" (Japanese: めざせ横綱 虎丸のどすこい奮戦記) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | May 8, 1996 | April 3, 2003 |
| 14 | 14 | "To Save a Small Life"/ "Lady Doctor Megumi to the Rescue" Transliteration: "Chiisana Inochi o Sukue! Bijin Joi - Megumi no Chōsen" (Japanese: 小さな命を救え! 美人女医·恵の挑戦) | Yoshihiro Takamoto | Nobuaki Kishima | Yasuhiro Aoki | May 15, 1996 | January 24, 2004 |
| 15 | 15 | "Assassination Group of Fire"/ "Jinpuu Squad on the Run" Transliteration: "Honō no Ansatsu Shūdan, Jinpūtai Hashiru!" (Japanese: 炎の暗殺集団, 神風隊走る!) | Directed by : Jun Fukuda Storyboarded by : Akihiro Enomoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Akihiro Enomoto | May 22, 1996 | April 4, 2003 |
| 16 | 16 | "A Promise From the Heart"/ "The Secret Sword Technique of Shiden" Transliteration: "Yūki Aru Chikai! Moeyo Hiken - Shiden no Tachi" (Japanese: 勇気ある誓い! 燃えよ秘剣·紫電の太刀) | Directed by : Hiroshi Tsuruta Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Ikkō Kobayashi | June 5, 1996 | April 7, 2003 |
| 17 | 17 | "Fly to Your Dreams"/ "The Adventures of Marimo, the Human Bullet" Transliteration: "Yume ni Mukatte Tobe! Hōdan Musume Marimo no Bōken" (Japanese: 夢に向かって飛べ! 砲弾娘マリモの冒険) | Shunji Yoshida | Nobuaki Kishima | Moriyasu Taniguchi | June 12, 1996 | April 8, 2003 |
| 18 | 18 | "Run, Yahiko!"/ "Run Yahiko! Get the Reverse-Edged Sword Back" Transliteration: "Hashire! Yahiko - Sakabatō o Torikaese!" (Japanese: 走れ!弥彦· 逆刃刀を取り返せ!) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Mamoru Hosoda | Nobuaki Kishima | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | June 19, 1996 | April 9, 2003 |
| 19 | 19 | "Raijuta's Ambition"/ "The Fantasy of the Forbidden Kingdom" Transliteration: "Raijūta no Yabō - Kinjirareta Ōkoku no Gensō" (Japanese: 雷十太の野望· 禁じられた王国の幻想) | Directed by : Kenichiro Watanabe Storyboarded by : Kazu Yokota | Michiru Shimada | Akira Matsushima | June 26, 1996 | April 10, 2003 |
| 20 | 20 | "Revival of the Shinko Style"/ "The Technique Which Heralds a Storm" Transliteration: "Shinkoryū no Fukkatsu! Arashi o Yobu Kyūkyoku no Satsujinken" (Japanese: 真古流の復活! 嵐を呼ぶ究極の殺人剣) | Yoshihiro Takamoto | Michiru Shimada | Ikkō Kobayashi | July 10, 1996 | April 11, 2003 |
| 21 | 21 | "Dissolution of a Nightmare"/ "Destruction of a Nightmare" Transliteration: "Akumu no Hōkai! Raijūta no Yabō - Kanketsuhen" (Japanese: 悪夢の崩壊! 雷十太の野望·完結編) | Directed by : Jun Fukuda Storyboarded by : Akihiro Enomoto | Michiru Shimada | Akihiro Enomoto | July 17, 1996 | April 14, 2003 |
| 22 | 22 | "Danger on a Runaway Locomotive"/ "Surprise Incident on a Runaway Locomotive" Transliteration: "Hatsunori! Bōsō Okajōki Bikkuri Daijiken" (Japanese: 初乗り! 暴走陸蒸気びっくり大事件) | Aoki Yasunao | Michiko Yokote | Yasuhiro Aoki | July 31, 1996 | April 15, 2003 |
| 23 | 23 | "Sanosuke's Betrayal"/ "The Fateful Reunion" Transliteration: "Sanosuke no Uragiri!? Unmei no Saikai" (Japanese: 左之助の裏切り!? 運命の再会) | Shunji Yoshida | Yoshiyuki Suga | Moriyasu Taniguchi | August 14, 1996 | April 16, 2003 |
| 24 | 24 | "Midnight Battle"/ "Midnight Battle: Kenshin versus Sanosuke Revisited" Transliteration: "Mayonaka no Tatakai! Sanosuke Tai Kenshin Futatabi" (Japanese: 真夜中の戦い! 左之助対剣心ふたたび) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudou | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | August 21, 1996 | April 17, 2003 |
| 25 | 25 | "The Crimson Pirate"/ "The Red Pirate – Kenshin and Kaoru Separated" Transliteration: "Shinku no Kaizoku - Hikisakareta Kenshin to Kaoru" (Japanese: 真紅の海賊· 引き裂かれた剣心と薫!) | Directed by : Shigeo Koshi Storyboarded by : Kazu Yokota | Michiru Shimada | Akira Matsushima | August 28, 1996 | April 18, 2003 |
| 26 | 26 | "Lightning Incarnate"/ "Shura, The Mysterious Female Pirate" Transliteration: "Inazuma no Keshin! Hokoritakaki Nazo no Onna Kaizoku Shura" (Japanese: 稲妻の化身! 誇り高き謎の女海賊, 朱羅) | Kiyoshi Murayama | Michiru Shimada | Masahide Yanagisawa | September 4, 1996 | April 21, 2003 |
| 27 | 27 | "Burn, Island of Terror!"/ "The Red Pirate - Conclusion" Transliteration: "Moeagaru Senritsu no Shima! Shinku no Kaizoku - Kanketsuhen" (Japanese: 燃え上がる戦慄の島! 真紅の海賊·完結編) | Directed by : Jun Fukuda Storyboarded by : Akihiro Enomoto | Michiru Shimada | Akihiro Enomoto | October 16, 1996 | April 22, 2003 |
Season 2 (1996–97)[edit]
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Animation directed by | Original air date [13] | American air date [14][15][16] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 1 | "Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near" Transliteration: "Aratanaru Kessen e no Jokyoku: Semarikuru Ōkami no Kage!" (Japanese: 新たなる血戦への序曲· 迫り来る狼の影!) | Yoshihiro Takamoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Ikkō Kobayashi | October 30, 1996 | April 24, 2003 |
| 29 | 2 | "Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!" Transliteration: "Shijō Saikyō no Shukuteki! Osoikakaru Hijō no Kiba" (Japanese: 史上最強の宿敵! 襲いかかる非情の牙) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Mamoru Hosoda | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | November 6, 1996 | April 25, 2003 |
| 30 | 3 | "A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot" Transliteration: "Fukushū no Akki: Shishio Makoto no Bōryaku" (Japanese: 復讐の悪鬼 志々雄真実(まこと)の謀略) | Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Michiru Shimada | Masahide Yanagisawa | November 13, 1996 | April 28, 2003 |
| 31 | 4 | "A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs" Transliteration: "Todokanu Omoi... Kenshin no Tabidachi" (Japanese: 届かぬ想い......剣心の旅立ち!) | Directed by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi Storyboarded by : Norio Matsumoto | Michiru Shimada | Atsuko Nakajima | November 27, 1996 | April 29, 2003 |
| 32 | 5 | "Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice" Transliteration: "Namida o Yūki ni Kaete! Kamiya Kaoru ga Eranda Michi" (Japanese: 涙を勇気にかえて! 神谷薫が選んだ道) | Shunji Yoshida | Yoshiyuki Suga | Moriyasu Taniguchi | December 4, 1996 | April 30, 2003 |
| 33 | 6 | "For the Title of Strongest: Aoshi's New Conflict" Transliteration: "Saikyō no Shōgō o Tsukamu made! Aoshi no Aratanaru Tatakai" (Japanese: 最強の称号を掴むまで! 蒼紫の新たなる闘い) | Directed by : Shigeru Ōmachi Storyboarded by : Kazu Yokota | Michiru Shimada | Akira Matsushima | December 11, 1996 | May 1, 2003 |
| 34 | 7 | "The Girl Bandit: Misao Makimachi's Hidden Side" Transliteration: "Oihagi Shōjo - Makimachi Misao no Kakusareta Shōtai!" (Japanese: 追いはぎ少女· 巻町 操の隠された正体!) | Yoshihiro Takamoto | Michiru Shimada | Ikkō Kobayashi | January 8, 1997 | May 2, 2003 |
| 35 | 8 | "Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands" Transliteration: "Ubawareta Mura - Osoikakaru Shishio no Ma no Te!" (Japanese: 奪われた村· 襲いかかる志々雄の魔の手!) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | January 15, 1997 | June 17, 2003 |
| 36 | 9 | "Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!" Transliteration: "Bakumatsu no Toki o Koete! Taiji Shita Shishio to Kenshin" (Japanese: 幕末の時を超えて! 対峙した志々雄と剣心) | Directed by : Jun Fukuda Storyboarded by : Akihiro Enomoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Akihiro Enomoto | January 22, 1997 | June 18, 2003 |
| 37 | 10 | "Shock! The Reverse-Blade is Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin" Transliteration: "Shōgeki! Oreta Sakabatō - Tenken no Sōjirō Tai Kenshin" (Japanese: 衝撃!折れた逆刃刀· 天剣の宗次郎対剣心) | Katsuyoshi Yatabe | Yoshiyuki Suga | Kazunori Takahashi | January 29, 1997 | June 19, 2003 |
| 38 | 11 | "Sanosuke's Secret Training: The Challenge of Anji the Destroyer" Transliteration: "Sanosuke, Gokui no Shugyō! Hakaisō - Anji e no Chōsen" (Japanese: 左之助, 極意の修行! 破戒僧·安慈への挑戦) | Directed by : Shigeru Ōmachi Storyboarded by : Kazu Yokota | Yoshiyuki Suga | Akira Matsushima | February 5, 1997 | June 20, 2003 |
| 39 | 12 | "The Creator of the Reverse-Blade Sword: Shakku Arai's Final Swing" Transliteration: "Sakabatō o Tsukutta Otoko - Arai Shakkū Saigo no Hito Furi!" (Japanese: 逆刃刀を作った男· 新井赤空 最後の一振り!) | Yoshihiro Takamoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Kuniyuki Ishii | February 12, 1997 | June 23, 2003 |
| 40 | 13 | "A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana" Transliteration: "Osorubeki Mujō no Shikaku! Juppongatana Chō to no Shitō" (Japanese: 恐るべき無情の刺客! 十本刀·張との死闘) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudou | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | February 19, 1997 | June 24, 2003 |
| 41 | 14 | "The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko" Transliteration: "Hiten Mitsurugiryū no Ōgi! Shishō Hiko Seijūrō to no Saikai" (Japanese: 飛天御剣流の奥義! 師匠比古清十郎との再会) | Directed by : Jun Fukuda Storyboarded by : Akihiro Enomoto | Michiru Shimada | Akihiro Enomoto | February 26, 1997 | June 25, 2003 |
| 42 | 15 | "The Formation of an Alliance: The Day When Aoshi Joins with Shishio" Transliteration: "Dōmei Seiritsu: Aoshi ga Shishio to Te o Kunda Hi!" (Japanese: 同盟成立· 蒼紫が志々雄と手を組んだ日!) | Katsuyoshi Yatabe | Michiru Shimada | Kazunori Takahashi | March 5, 1997 | June 26, 2003 |
| 43 | 16 | "Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki!" Transliteration: "Sei to Shi no Aida de! Ōgi Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki no Etoku" (Japanese: 生と死の間で! 奥義·天飛龍閃(あまかけるりゅうのひらめき)の会得) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudou | Michiru Shimada | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | March 12, 1997 | June 27, 2003 |
| 44 | 17 | "A Decisive Battle Like Violent Waters: The Strongest Troop Juppongatana" Transliteration: "Dotō no Kessen, Saikyō Shūdan Juppongatana Shūketsu!" (Japanese: 怒涛の決戦· 最強集団十本刀集結!) | Directed by : Shigeru Ōmachi Storyboarded by : Kazu Yokota | Michiru Shimada | Akira Matsushima | March 19, 1997 | June 30, 2003 |
| 45 | 18 | "As if to Fly: Stop the Launch of the Battleship Purgatory!" Transliteration: "Tobu ga Gotoku! Senkan Rengoku Shukkō o Soshi Seyo" (Japanese: 翔ぶが如く! 戦艦煉獄 出航を阻止せよ) | Ichirō Takakura | Yoshiyuki Suga | Kazuyuki Kobayashi | April 16, 1997 | July 1, 2003 |
| 46 | 19 | "Purgatory Bursts into Flames: The Destiny of Makoto Shishio" Transliteration: "Rengoku Enjō! Shishio Makoto no Meiun" (Japanese: 煉獄炎上! 志々雄真実(まこと)の命運) | Directed by : Akira Kusune Storyboarded by : Futa Morita & Kazu Yokota | Michiru Shimada | Kazunori Takahashi | April 23, 1997 | July 2, 2003 |
| 47 | 20 | "Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sanosuke Screams!" Transliteration: "Gekitotsu! Futae no Kiwami: Unaru Sanosuke no Kobushi" (Japanese: 激突!二重の極み· 唸る左之助の拳) | Directed by : Shigeru Ōmachi Storyboarded by : Kazu Yokota | Michiru Shimada | Akira Matsushima | April 30, 1997 | July 3, 2003 |
| 48 | 21 | "Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life" Transliteration: "Guze e no Saisei: Anji no Arata naru Shuppatsu" (Japanese: 救世(ぐぜ)への再生· 安慈の新たなる出発) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroki Kudō | Michiru Shimada | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | May 14, 1997 | July 4, 2003 |
| 49 | 22 | "The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu" Transliteration: "Shingan o Toraeta Ōkami: Sakuretsu Suru Gatotsu Zero Shiki!" (Japanese: 心眼をとらえた狼· 炸裂する牙突零(ゼロ)式!) | Ichirō Takakura | Michiru Shimada | Kazuyuki Kobayashi | May 28, 1997 | July 12, 2003 |
| 50 | 23 | "The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again" Transliteration: "Yakusoku o Hatasu Toki: Aoshi to Kenshin no Saisen!" (Japanese: 約束を果たす時· 蒼紫と剣心の再戦!) | Koichi Chigira | Yoshiyuki Suga | Michinori Chiba | June 4, 1997 | July 19, 2003 |
| 51 | 24 | "Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish" Transliteration: "Mezameru Toki wa Ima: Manshin Sōi no Ketchaku!" (Japanese: 目醒める時は今· 満身創痍の決着!) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroki Kudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | June 11, 1997 | July 26, 2003 |
| 52 | 25 | "To Make a Miracle: The Battle at the Aoiya" Transliteration: "Kiseki o Yobiokose! Aoi-ya no Kōbō" (Japanese: 奇跡を呼び起こせ! 葵屋の攻防) | Directed by : Shigeru Ōmachi Storyboarded by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Michiru Shimada | Akira Matsushima | June 18, 1997 | August 2, 2003 |
| 53 | 26 | "The Giant Versus Superman: Like an Arrow Shot at a Time of Despair" Transliteration: "Kyojin Tai Chōjin: Zetsubō no Fuchi ni Hanatareta Isshi!" (Japanese: 巨人対超人· 絶望の淵に放たれた一矢!) | Ichirō Takakura | Michiru Shimada | Kazuyuki Kobayashi | June 25, 1997 | August 16, 2003 |
| 54 | 27 | "Hiten versus Shukuchi" Transliteration: "Hiten Tai Shukuchi! Sōjirō Tenpu no Chikara" (Japanese: 飛天対縮地! 宗次郎天賦の能力(ちから)) | Koichi Chigira | Michiru Shimada | Michinori Chiba | July 2, 1997 | August 23, 2003 |
| 55 | 28 | "The Tragedy of a Stormy Night" Transliteration: "Arashi no Yo no Sangeki: Sōjirō no Kako" (Japanese: 嵐の夜の惨劇· 宗次郎の過去) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroki Kudō | Michiru Shimada | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | July 9, 1997 | August 30, 2003 |
| 56 | 29 | "A Duel With an Extreme Moment" Transliteration: "Kyokugen no Shōbu! Shuntensatsu Tai Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki" (Japanese: 極限の勝負! 瞬天殺対天翔龍閃) | Directed by : Shigeru Ōmachi Storyboarded by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Michiru Shimada | Akira Matsushima | July 16, 1997 | September 6, 2003 |
| 57 | 30 | "Two Men at the End of an Era" Transliteration: "Bakumatsu o Kaketa Futari: Shishio Tai Kenshin Saishūsen!" (Japanese: 幕末を駆けた二人· 志々雄対剣心 最終戦!) | Directed by : Shinichiro Aoki Storyboarded by : Masayuki Ôzeki | Yoshiyuki Suga | Akio Kawamura | August 6, 1997 | September 13, 2003 |
| 58 | 31 | "The Age Chooses Shishio?" Transliteration: "Jidai wa Shishio o Erabu no ka? Kenshin Saidai no Kiki!" (Japanese: 時代は志々雄を選ぶのか? 剣心最大の危機!) | Directed by : Akira Yoshimura Storyboarded by : Hiroki Kudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Takuro Shinbo | August 13, 1997 | September 20, 2003 |
| 59 | 32 | "Not Out of Luck!" Transliteration: "Meiun Tsukizu! Tōshi, Ima Yomigaeru" (Japanese: 命運尽きず! 闘志, 今よみがえる) | Koichi Chigira | Yoshiyuki Suga | Kazuyuki Kobayashi | August 20, 1997 | September 27, 2003 |
| 60 | 33 | "The Man Who is Chosen for Victory" Transliteration: "Shōri o Yurusareshi Mono: Shishio Tai Kenshin Shūmaku!" (Japanese: 勝利を許されし者· 志々雄対剣心終幕!) | Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Yoshiyuki Suga | Michinori Chiba | September 3, 1997 | October 4, 2003 |
| 61 | 34 | "The Juppongatana Who Remain (aka The Choice for Life)" Transliteration: "Nokosareta Juppongatana: Ikite Yuku Tame no Sentaku" (Japanese: 残された十本刀· 生きてゆくための選択) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroki Kudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | September 10, 1997 | October 11, 2003 |
| 62 | 35 | "Kyoto, the Engraved Memory" Transliteration: "Kyōto... Kizamareta Kioku, Omoi o Haseta Shuppatsu" (Japanese: 京都...刻まれた記憶· 想いを馳せた出発) | Directed by : Shigeru Ōmachi Storyboarded by : Toshirou Mitaka | Yoshiyuki Suga | Akira Matsushima | September 17, 1997 | October 18, 2003 |
Season 3 (1997–98)[edit]
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Animation directed by | Original air date [17] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 1 | "The Legend of the Fireflies" Transliteration: "Negaibotaru no Densetsu, Aru Kenkaku o Machi Tsuzuketa Shōjo" (Japanese: 願い蛍の伝説· ある剣客を待ち続けた少女) | Directed by : Kazuya Miyazaki Storyboarded by : Katsumi Endō | Michiru Shimada | Masaki Hosoyama | October 14, 1997 |
| 64 | 2 | "The Birth of Prince Yahiko" Transliteration: "Yahiko Ōji Tanjō? Karei naru Shakōkai Debyū" (Japanese: 弥彦王子誕生? 華麗なる社交界でびゅー) | Directed by : Yasuhiro Geshi Storyboarded by : Akihiro Enomoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Takuro Shinbo | October 28, 1997 |
| 65 | 3 | "Find the Lost Treasure!" Transliteration: "Kieta Otakara o Sagase! Meitanteiken Notarō" (Japanese: 消えたお宝を探せ! 名探偵犬·ノ太郎) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | November 4, 1997 |
| 66 | 4 | "Kaoru, Ecstatic" Transliteration: "Kaoru Kangeki Kenshin no Puropōzu!?" (Japanese: 薫 感激 剣心のぷろぽ〜ず!?) | Directed by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi Storyboarded by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi & Kiyoshi Hase | Yoshiyuki Suga | Ikkō Kobayashi | November 11, 1997 |
| 67 | 5 | "The Gleaming Blade of Legends" Transliteration: "Kirameku Densetsu no Ken! Shinpi no Kenshi Amakusa Shōgo" (Japanese: 煌めく伝説の剣! 神秘の剣士·天草翔伍) | Directed by : Makoto Sokuza Storyboarded by : Junji Nishimura | Michiru Shimada | Tetsuhito Saito | November 18, 1997 |
| 68 | 6 | "The Medallion of Destiny" Transliteration: "Unmei no Medario, Sanosuke to Sayo no Deai" (Japanese: 運命のメダリオ· 左之助と小夜の出会い) | Directed by : Naoki Hishikawa Storyboarded by : Sumio Watanabe | Michiru Shimada | Kazumi Sato | November 25, 1997 |
| 69 | 7 | "To the Battlefield of Shimabara" Transliteration: "Taisen no Chi, Shimabara e! Shiyū o Kessuru Toki" (Japanese: 対戦の地, 島原へ! 雌雄を決する時) | Directed by : Shigeru Ueda Storyboarded by : Zouji Azumaya | Michiru Shimada | Seiichi Nakatani | December 2, 1997 |
| 70 | 8 | "Shock of the Rai Ryu Sen" Transliteration: "Rairyūsen no Shōgeki! Yami ni Hōmurareta Kenshin" (Japanese: 雷龍閃の衝撃! 闇に葬られた剣心) | Directed by : Hiroshi Morioka Storyboarded by : Katsumi Terahigashi | Michiru Shimada | Yumenosuke Tokuda | December 9, 1997 |
| 71 | 9 | "The Conspiracy of Kaiou: Shougo Caught in a Trap" Transliteration: "Kaiō no Inbō, Wana ni Kakatta Shōgo!" (Japanese: 傀王の陰謀 罠にかかった翔伍!) | Directed by : Hiroyuki Yokoyama Storyboarded by : Junji Nishimura | Michiru Shimada | Tetsuhito Saito | December 16, 1997 |
| 72 | 10 | "The Days of Remorse" Transliteration: "Tsuioku no Hibi, Shōgo to Sayo no Kanashiki Kako" (Japanese: 追憶の日々· 翔伍と小夜の哀しき過去) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Hiroyuki Kakudō | Michiru Shimada | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | January 6, 1998 |
| 73 | 11 | "The Sneering Demon" Transliteration: "Azawarau Akki! Shōzō, Bakuen ni Chitta Karyū" (Japanese: あざ笑う悪鬼! 庄三, 爆炎に散った火龍) | Directed by : Makoto Sokuza Storyboarded by : Tsukasa Sunaga | Michiru Shimada | Masaaki Kannan | January 13, 1998 |
| 74 | 12 | "Sanosuke's Tears" Transliteration: "Sanosuke no Namida, Futari ni Otozureta Towa no Wakare" (Japanese: 左之助の涙 二人に訪れた永遠(とわ)の別離(わかれ)) | Directed by : Naoki Hishikawa Storyboarded by : Sumio Watanabe | Michiru Shimada | Seiichi Nakatani | January 20, 1998 |
| 75 | 13 | "The Last Crusade" Transliteration: "Saigo no Seisen, Gekitotsu! Futatsu no Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki" (Japanese: 最後の聖戦 激突!ふたつの天翔龍閃(あまかけるりゅうのひらめき)) | Directed by : Hiroshi Morioka Storyboarded by : Katsumi Terahigashi | Michiru Shimada | Kazumi Sato | January 27, 1998 |
| 76 | 14 | "Bon Voyage" Transliteration: "Tabidachi no Umi, Kibō wa Kanashimi no Nami o Koete" (Japanese: 旅立ちの海 希望は哀しみの波を越えて) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Kodo Koji | Michiru Shimada | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | February 3, 1998 |
| 77 | 15 | "Himura Dojo in Shimonoseki?" Transliteration: "Shimonoseki ni Himura Dōjō? Mō Hitori no Battōsai Arawaru" (Japanese: 下関に緋村道場? もう一人の抜刀斎現る) | Directed by : Hiroyuki Yokoyama Storyboarded by : Tsukasa Sunaga | Yoshiyuki Suga | Akira Matsushima | February 10, 1998 |
| 78 | 16 | "Crush!" Transliteration: "Gagakusei no Omou Hito, Hakone Yu no Machi Koi Sōdō" (Japanese: 画学生の想う女性(ひと)· 箱根湯の街恋騒動!) | Directed by : Makoto Noriza Storyboarded by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Yoshiyuki Suga | Tetsuhito Saito | February 17, 1998 |
| 79 | 17 | "Kaishu-Katsu and Kenshin" Transliteration: "Katsu Kaishū to Kenshin, Bakumatsu o Ikita Futari no Shukuen" (Japanese: 勝海舟と剣心· 幕末を生きた二人の宿縁) | Directed by : Naoki Hishikawa Storyboarded by : Tsukasa Sunaga | Akemi Mende | Masaaki Kannan | February 24, 1998 |
| 80 | 18 | "The Unending Revolution" Transliteration: "Owaranai Bakumatsu, Kaishū ni Kaserareta Tenmei" (Japanese: 終わらない幕末· 海舟に課せられた天命) | Directed by : Hiroyuki Yokoyama Storyboarded by : Tsukasa Sunaga | Akemi Mende | Kazumi Sato | March 3, 1998 |
| 81 | 19 | "Conspiracy of the Beniaoi" Transliteration: "Beniaoi no Sakubō, Kaishū o Nerau Bakumatsu no Ikiryō!" (Japanese: 紅葵の策謀· 海舟を狙う幕末の生霊!) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Sumio Watanabe | Akemi Mende | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | March 10, 1998 |
| 82 | 20 | "Kaishu-Katsu's Determination" Transliteration: "Katsu Kaishū no Ketsui, Jidai o Koeta Shinjitsu" (Japanese: 勝海舟の決意· 時代を超えた真実) | Directed by : Makoto Noriza Storyboarded by : Katsumi Terahigashi | Akemi Mende | Seiichi Nakatani | April 14, 1998 |
| 83 | 21 | "Yutaro Returns" Transliteration: "Yutarō Kikoku, Kage ni Hisomu Kurokishidan no Yabō" (Japanese: 由太郎帰国· 影に潜む黒騎士団の野望) | Directed by : Shunji Yoshida Storyboarded by : Moritake | Yoshiyuki Suga | Akira Matsushima | April 21, 1998 |
| 84 | 22 | "The Sanada Ninja Squad" Transliteration: "Sanada Ninjagun to Reiyaku, Okashira Misanagi no Nerai" (Japanese: 真田忍者群と霊薬· お頭御沙薙の狙い) | Directed by : Naoki Hishikawa Storyboarded by : Tsukasa Sunaga | Yoshiyuki Suga | Masaaki Kannan | May 5, 1998 |
| 85 | 23 | "A Straying Journey" Transliteration: "Meisō no Tabi, Shikumareta Omiwatari no Wana!" (Japanese: 迷走の旅· 仕組まれた御神渡りの罠!) | Directed by : Hiroyuki Yokoyama Storyboarded by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi & Norio Matsumoto | Yoshiyuki Suga | Tetsuhito Saito | May 19, 1998 |
| 86 | 24 | "A Heatwave from Beneath the Earth" Transliteration: "Chitei o Mau Akai Kagerō! Sakki! Sanada Sanninshū" (Japanese: 地底を舞う赤い陽炎· 殺鬼!真田三人衆) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Moritake | Yoshiyuki Suga | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | May 26, 1998 |
| 87 | 25 | "Schneider's Bet" Transliteration: "Shunaidā no Kake, Kurokishidan no Hōkai!" (Japanese: シュナイダーの賭け· 黒騎士団の崩壊!) | Directed by : Makoto Noriza Storyboarded by : Katsumi Terahigashi | Yoshiyuki Suga | Kazumi Sato | June 2, 1998 |
| 88 | 26 | "The Two Guides" Transliteration: "Futatsu no Michishirube, Yahiko to Yutarō Towa no Yakusoku" (Japanese: ふたつの道標(みちしるべ)· 弥彦と由太郎永遠(とわ)の約束) | Shunji Yoshida | Yoshiyuki Suga | Seiichi Nakatani | June 9, 1998 |
| 89 | 27 | "To My Angel Misao" Transliteration: "Mai Enjeru Misao e... Kyōto kara no Mukae" (Japanese: まいえんじぇる操へ... 京都からの迎え) | Directed by : Hiroyuki Yokoyama Storyboarded by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Akemi Mende | Masaaki Kannan | June 16, 1998 |
| 90 | 28 | "Feng Shui Surprise Attack!" Transliteration: "Fūsui no Kishū! Harimegurasareta Gobōsei no Nazo" (Japanese: 風水の奇襲! 張り巡らされた五茫星の謎) | Directed by : Naoki Hishikawa Storyboarded by : Junji Nishimura | Seiji Togawa | Akira Matsushima | June 23, 1998 |
| 91 | 29 | "The Magic of Feng Shui" Transliteration: "Ugomeku Fūsui no Maryoku, Nerawareta Kamiya Dōjō" (Japanese: うごめく風水の魔力· 狙われた神谷道場!) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Moritake | Seiji Togawa | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | July 21, 1998 |
| 92 | 30 | "Tokyo Under Martial Law" Transliteration: "Kaigenrei no Tōkyō-fu! Bakushin Suru Kyōki no Ryūmyaku" (Japanese: 戒厳令の東京府! ばく進する凶器の龍脈) | Directed by : Shunji Yoshida Storyboarded by : Junji Nishimura | Seiji Togawa | Masaaki Kannan | August 4, 1998 |
| 93 | 31 | "The Enemy Awaits in Senjogahara" Transliteration: "Teki wa Senjōgahara ni Ari! Hisui no Monshō o Motomete" (Japanese: 敵は戦場ヶ原にあり! 翡翠(ひすい)の紋章を求めて) | Directed by : Makoto Noriza Storyboarded by : Katsumi Terahigashi | Seiji Togawa | Akira Matsushima | August 18, 1998 |
| 94 | 32 | "The Elegy of Wind and Water" Transliteration: "Kaze to Mizu no Banka, Ima Koko ni Shiryoku Tsukusu!" (Japanese: 風と水の挽歌· 今ここに死力尽くす!) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Junji Nishimura | Seiji Togawa | Toshimitsu Kobayashi | September 8, 1998 |
| 95 | 33 | "End of Wanderings" Transliteration: "Rurō no Saihate, Hi to Ruri no Kizuna wa Shiosai no Uchi ni" (Japanese: 流浪の最果て·緋と瑠璃の絆は潮騒の中 (うち) に) | Directed by : Akira Shimizu Storyboarded by : Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Tsunaki Aki | December 2, 1998 (home video only)[18] |
OVAs[edit]
Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal[edit]
| # | Title | Original release | English release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The Man of the Slashing Sword" Transliteration: "Kiru Otoko" (Japanese: 斬る男) | February 20, 1999 | October 10, 2000 |
| 2 | "The Lost Cat" Transliteration: "Mayoi Neko" (Japanese: 迷い猫) | April 21, 1999 | October 10, 2000 |
| 3 | "The Previous Night at the Mountain Home" Transliteration: "Yoi no Satoyama" (Japanese: 宵里山) | June 19, 1999 | November 14, 2000 |
| 4 | "The Cross-Shaped Wound" Transliteration: "Jūji Kizu" (Japanese: 十字傷) | September 22, 1999 | November 14, 2000 |
Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection[edit]
| # | Title | Original release | English release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "After So Many Years Have Lapsed, Part 1" | December 19, 2001 | March 25, 2003 |
| 2 | "After So Many Years Have Lapsed, Part 2" | March 20, 2002 | March 25, 2003 |
Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc[edit]
| # | Title | Original release | English release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc – Cage of Flames" Transliteration: "Rurouni Kenshin: Shin Kyoto-Hen: Zenpen Homura no Ori" (Japanese: るろうに剣心―明治剣客浪満譚― 新京都編 (焔の獄（ホムラのオリ）) | December 17, 2011 (theatrical) March 21, 2012 (video) | March 5, 2013 |
| 2 | "Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc – Warble of Light" Transliteration: "Rurouni Kenshin: Shin Kyoto-Hen: Hikari no Saezuri" (Japanese: るろうに剣心―明治剣客浪満譚― 新京都編 (光の囀（ヒカリのサエズリ）) | June 23, 2012 (theatrical) August 22, 2012 (video) | March 5, 2013 |
Notes[edit]
- ^ The titles on the left are those from the Media Blasters version. The titles on the right are of the Samurai X Sony episodes posted on Crackle.
References[edit]
- ^ a b Kumana, Zubin. "Rurouni Kenshin Vol #22: End Song". Archived from the original on 2008-12-01. Retrieved 2008-10-13.
- ^ "Toonami to Receive Facelift". Anime News Network. 2003-03-03. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
- ^ "Media Blasters February DVDs". Anime News Network. 2005-10-27. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
- ^ "Samurai X Director's Cut - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
- ^ "Aniplex USA - Rurouni Kenshin". Aniplex. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
- ^ Loo, Egan (November 1, 2011). "New Rurouni Kenshin Anime's Part I Slated for December 17 (Updated)". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "New Rurouni Kenshin Anime's 1st BD/DVD Volume Titled, Dated". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 5, 2012). "New Rurouni Kenshin Anime's Part II Promo Streamed". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ るろうに剣心―明治剣客浪漫譚―. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Berryhill, Garry (March 3, 2003). "Toonami to Receive Facelift". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
- ^ "Rurouni Kenshin (TV Schedule) [Episodes 4–23]". Cartoon Network. Archived from the original on March 20, 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Rurouni Kenshin (TV Schedule) [Episodes 21–34]". Cartoon Network. Archived from the original on April 13, 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ るろうに剣心―明治剣客浪漫譚―. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Rurouni Kenshin (TV Schedule) [Episodes 21–34]". Cartoon Network. Archived from the original on April 13, 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Rurouni Kenshin (TV Schedule) [Episodes 27–46]". Cartoon Network. Archived from the original on June 4, 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Rurouni Kenshin (TV Schedule) [Episodes 61 and 62]". Cartoon Network. Archived from the original on October 4, 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ るろうに剣心―明治剣客浪漫譚―. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ るろうに剣心ー明治剣客浪漫譚ー未放映秘蔵ビデオ「流浪の最果て・緋と瑠璃の絆は潮騒の中（うち）に」 (in Japanese). Sony Music Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 21, 2004. Retrieved September 16, 2023.