by “Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story” by Nobuhiro Watsuki was a massive hit in the 90s, and the live-action film version became a social phenomenon from 2010 to 2020. This work is still very popular as a masterpiece whose impact on future generations is immeasurable.
A new anime was produced in 2023, and it became even more popular because it was rebooted under the full supervision of the original author. The second season, “Kyoto Disturbance,” will start broadcasting tomorrow, October 3rd, and the excitement will continue to grow.
It is also known that there are subtle differences between the two anime works, the old and new. When comparing them, the 2023 version of the anime has a different charm from the old anime from 1996 to 1998, which has become a hot topic among anime fans. The 2023 version beautifully captures the nostalgia of the original, making it a must-watch for fans of the series. So, this time, let’s introduce the amazing things about the 2023 version of the anime “Rurouni Kenshin.”
Dynamic battles and retro cityscapes… the artwork is just beautiful!
The 2023 version is the first reimaging in 27 years. The first attraction is the remarkable improvement in animation technology compared to the old anime. The fast-paced battle scenes, drawn with the latest animation technology, are not just amazing, they are breathtaking. When I watched the new anime broadcast, I was overwhelmed by the sense of speed and beautiful animation, which far exceeded my imagination.
The original work is also impressive in that each frame is carefully drawn. Still, the powerful depictions of the battle scenes and the skillful reproduction of the nostalgic cityscape of the Meiji era are also attractive. The beautiful animation makes this a work that adults can enjoy, and it will appeal to fans of both the old anime and the original work.
A change in voice actor changes the image of the main character!
A big topic of discussion in the 2023 anime version was the change in the voice actor cast. In the old anime, the main character was played by Mayo Suzukaze, a top star of the Takarazuka Revue’s Moon Troupe.
In the new anime, the role of Kenshin was replaced by the famous male voice actor Soma Saito, and one of the highlights was seeing a male voice actor play the role of Kenshin. Kenshin, played by Suzukaze, a former top star of Takarazuka, is attractive for his gentle impression of Kenshin, who is often described as a “gentleman,” and his strength when fighting gracefully with the Hiten Mitsurugi style.
On the other hand, Kenshin, played by Saito, emphasizes the calm and gentleness of a more realistic man in his late 20s, and his performance expressing an enveloping kindness captivated female fans. In particular, Kenshin’s catchphrase “Oro?” shows off their respective charms well. Suzukaze brings Kenshin’s cuteness to the forefront, and the contrast with the battle scenes is irresistible.
In contrast, Saito’s voice has a warm, low tone, making Kenshin’s kindness and gentleness stand out. Saito also mentioned this line as a point of interest, and the difference between the old and new anime could be seen in just one line, “Oro?” Although there were concerns about the change in voice actors when it was first announced, the quality of the new anime was so high that the first episode blew away any sense of incongruity. By the end of the first season, I was so engrossed in the new character of Kenshin that Saito had brought out. I would also like to recommend the performances of fresh voice actors such as Saito, Takahashi Rie, who plays Kaoru, and Yashiro Taku, who plays Sanosuke, as highlights of the new anime.
