When asked what the most memorable weapon in the "Rurouni Kenshin" series is, almost every Rurouni Kenshin fan would answer, "the reverse-blade sword." The reverse-blade sword is a particularly well-known weapon in the anime industry, with many people even unfamiliar with the characters from the series claiming to know it. Its unique appearance, with its blade facing the opposite direction from a normal sword, coupled with the protagonist Kenshin's past hidden within its irregular design, make it a very dramatic and cool weapon. This time, we'll be explaining the reverse-blade sword, a popular weapon that represents the anime industry, in a way that's easy to understand even for those unfamiliar with the "Rurouni Kenshin" series. The reverse-blade sword itself is an incredibly well-known weapon that often appears as an homage in other anime works, so even anime fans who haven't yet enjoyed the story of this work should definitely take a look at the reverse-blade sword in this article.
The sword wielded by the protagonist of this work, Himura Kenshin
First, let me give you an overview of the reverse-blade sword. The reverse-blade sword is the sword used by Himura Kenshin, the protagonist of the "Rurouni Kenshin" series, which is based on a manga. Because it is the sword used by the protagonist, its past is explored extensively throughout the story, and it plays a very important role in the progression of the story.
The blade faces the opposite direction
One of the defining features of a reverse-edged sword is that, unlike a regular sword, its blade faces the opposite direction. Unlike a regular sword, the blade faces forward, so it will not kill an opponent in a sword fight. It is a sword designed solely to strike and stun an enemy.
Embodying the "Non-Killing" Belief
Why does Kenshin use a reverse-blade sword, which is completely useless as a weapon? The reason he uses a reverse-blade sword is actually because of his cherished belief in "Non-Killing." Throughout the story, Kenshin has forbidden himself from taking the life of his opponent in a duel, and he upholds the belief in "Non-Killing." For this reason, the reverse-blade sword Kenshin wields is designed to prevent the opponent's life from being taken.
Powerful Enough
However, since the reverse-blade sword is still a heavy block of iron, it is still a powerful weapon that, while not particularly sharp, can instantly knock out even the most skilled swordsman with a single blow. While it still has the weakness of not being able to kill an opponent, it is a well-balanced weapon that can be used to deliver a decisive blow in combat.
Kenshin's Past and the Reverse-Blade Sword
We've mentioned that Kenshin, who uses a reverse-blade sword that cannot kill, has a belief in "non-killing." From here, we'd like to explain why Kenshin decided to uphold the beliefs of such a person and was forced to use the reverse-blade sword.
The Trauma of Taking His Own Wife's Life
The biggest reason Kenshin is no longer able to kill is likely the trauma of unintentionally killing his wife, Yukishiro Tomoe. Kenshin believed he could bring peace to Japan through his secret activities, but when he unintentionally took his wife's life, he felt that he had paid for the actions he had taken up until that point.
"The sword is madness, swordsmanship is the art of murder."
It is precisely because of this experience that Kenshin frequently utters the phrase "The sword is madness, swordsmanship is the art of murder" throughout the series. This line was originally spoken by Kenshin's master, Hiko Seijuro, but during his early years, Kenshin was unable to grasp the true meaning of these words and chose the path of a swordsman, solely focused on using his skills for the good of Japan. This ultimately led to the tragic loss of his own wife, and Kenshin once again came to realize the weight of his master's words.
How effective will his beliefs be against the swordsmen of the late Edo period?
Thus, Kenshin's past has led him to believe in "non-killing." But how effective will his beliefs be against the many powerful foes that appear in the story? While Kenshin himself is a master swordsman of the late Edo period, the enemies that appear in the story are also powerful foes who have survived similar battles. It will be interesting to see how far his seemingly self-indulgent belief in "non-killing" will hold up against them.
Crafted by swordsmith Arai Sekisora
Now, let's delve deeper into not only Kenshin's past, but also the history of the reverse-blade sword. In fact, the person who crafted the reverse-blade sword plays a very important role in the story, so be sure to learn about Arai Sekisora, the sword's creator.
Pursuing the "Murderous Sword"
Arai Sekisora, the creator of the reverse-blade sword, originally created the famous "Murderous Swords" by pursuing "not how well they cut, but how well they can kill." The fact that many enemy characters in the series wield his murderous swords shows just how powerful his swords are.
A Past That Overlaps with Kenshin's
Arai Sekku created countless deadly swords and indirectly contributed to taking the lives of many people. However, like Kenshin, he grew tired of the swords he created taking so many lives, and decided to create swords that would not take human life. This past, in which he was "fascinated by great power and took the lives of many people for a time, but then had a change of heart and changed course to avoid taking lives," somehow overlaps with Kenshin's.
His swordsmithing skills are top-notch
Through this process, Arai Sekisora created the reverse-blade sword. His skills are top-notch, as evidenced by his craftsmanship, which includes the sword known as the "Kizuna" (Satsujinkiken) and the support of many master swordsmen. Perhaps it's precisely because Sekisora was such a top-notch swordsmith that his reverse-blade swords are so powerful.
Damaged in a duel with Seta Sojiro
Though this reverse-blade sword was crafted by Arai Sekisora, one of the most skilled swordsmiths in the series, the blade is broken during a duel with Seta Sojiro midway through the story.
Defeated by Sojiro of the Heavenly Sword
Sojiro is such a powerful character that Kenshin's arch-rival, Shishio Makoto, described him as "Sojiro of the Heavenly Sword." Sojiro suppresses all emotions except for joy, and has no hesitation in taking a life. He is a character with a mental structure that is the polar opposite of Kenshin's.
Walking about his "non-killing" belief...
Facing such a formidable foe, Kenshin himself begins to waver about fighting while upholding his "non-killing" belief. After all, murderous intent is the most important element in combat, so even focusing on not killing the opponent is a significant handicap. Kenshin's wavering about his "non-killing" belief likely resulted in the damage to his sakabada.
Revenge with a New Reverse-Blade Sword
Though Kenshin was once defeated by Sojiro due to this mental disturbance, he later achieved revenge, wielding a new reverse-blade sword crafted by Arai Sekisora. He proved that even with his vow not to kill, he was still capable of facing powerful foes.
Passed down to the next generation
Though damaged once, the reverse-blade sword served alongside Kenshin until the end, aligning with his belief in "non-killing" (not taking another's life). In the end, it was passed on to Yahiko. Yahiko had shared his adventures and overcome countless hardships, and Kenshin decided to pass the sword on to a new generation who would carry Japan forward.
It's Difficult to Master
When Kenshin gives Yahiko the reverse-blade sword, he realizes for the first time how difficult it is to wield. Because it's designed differently from a regular sword, it can sometimes cause unusual problems, making it far more difficult to handle.
Toward the peaceful Japan Kenshin desired
In order to realize the "Japan where everyone can live in peace" that Kenshin once wished for, the reverse-blade sword continues to serve its purpose, changing its owner as it goes.
Kenshin and Akasora's Beliefs Remain
Even as times and masters change, Kenshin and Akasora's belief in "non-killing" will remain with the next generation of Japanese culture. Keep an eye on the exploits of Yahiko and his reverse-blade sword in the ongoing Hokkaido arc!
Summary
What did you think? This time, we introduced the reverse-blade sword, beloved by the series' protagonist, Himura Kenshin. The reverse-blade sword is a sword based on Kenshin's belief in "non-killing," and it shines especially because of Kenshin's past and character. It is truly the item that best embodies Kenshin's character, so be sure to take a look at not only Kenshin, but also the reverse-blade sword.
