The "Rurouni Kenshin" series will be remade into an anime in 2023, but for today's generation of anime fans, it's a work from a generation ago, so there are probably many fans who know the name of this series but don't understand what's so great about it. It's a representative Jump work, so while it's well-known, the reality is that few people have watched the entire original anime series. That's why the goal of this anime adaptation is to increase the number of fans of the series by remaking it into an anime. However, many people may be hesitant to watch an anime series from the beginning when they don't understand what's so great about it. So, this time, I'd like to introduce the amazing aspects of this work to fans who haven't previously heard of the "Rurouni Kenshin" series. It's amazing that it was serialized as a Jump work, but even among the many Jump works, it's a legendary manga that has gained support from a particularly wide range of people, so be sure to check it out!!
The opening song "Freckles" is so popular!
The first amazing thing about this series is its incredibly popular opening song. The popularity of an opening song is a crucial factor in anime, so the popularity of an anime can be gauged by how well-known the opening song is.
Karaoke Classics
The opening song of this series, "Freckles," is easy to sing at karaoke for both men and women, and remains a popular karaoke classic to this day.
The CD also sold millions!
The CD itself has sold millions, making it a particularly outstanding opening song among the many anime opening songs available.
Some people say it doesn't fit Rurouni Kenshin
On the other hand, some people feel that "Freckles" is a little too pop compared to the content in "Rurouni Kenshin." It's important to note that fans of the series have mixed opinions about "Freckles."
There's no doubt that this song symbolizes Rurouni Kenshin
However, despite the mixed reviews, "Freckles" has become established as the opening theme for the series, and it remains one of its most enduringly popular openings. Many fans still cite "Freckles" as the series' signature song, so if you're interested in the series, be sure to give it a listen.
It's amazing that the live-action version was such a huge hit!
The next amazing thing about this work is that the live-action version was a huge hit. In addition to the anime series, this work was also a successful live-action film, and many fans probably associate it more with the live-action version.
Live-action films overturn the dilemma of being difficult to hit
Live-action adaptations of anime are generally considered difficult to succeed in, and many popular anime titles, such as "Devilman" and "Attack on Titan," have failed in their live-action adaptations. Despite this trend, this film successfully appealed to both casual and core audiences by featuring action scenes that rival those in the anime and actors who matched the image of fans of the original work, resulting in a stunning hit.
Highly Popular Around the World
The live-action film in particular has received acclaim worldwide and has even been released in theaters outside of Japan. Films like Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" enjoy enduring popularity overseas, and films with a samurai theme, unique to Japanese cinema, tend to be highly acclaimed. This is precisely the field in which the strengths of this work, set in the late Edo period through the Meiji era, could be best utilized.
Features numerous popular actors
All of the actors featured in this series are top-notch actors with enduring popularity, so many fans likely tuned in for the first time simply to see the actors in action.
Attracting both existing and new fans!
The success of this film can be attributed to its ability to attract both long-time Rurouni Kenshin fans and fans of each of the actors.
It's also a fun and amazing internet meme!
The next great thing about this work is that it's "interesting and amazing as an internet meme." In today's world, where social media is so widespread, it's important not only to consider the work's pure entertainment value, but also to consider whether it's being used as an internet meme!
Buzzing online increases popularity
If they can create a fun meme that goes viral on social media, even people who aren't familiar with the series can see the characters on social media. Internet memes are a crucial element in raising awareness of content, and this series has produced many excellent memes that rival those of other works.
"Futaeno Kiwami"
The most famous internet meme related to this work is the misheard lines from the international version of "Rurouni Kenshin," which sound funny and amusing. In particular, the international version's "Futaeno Kiwami" (double extreme) is pronounced in a uniquely foreign way, making it addictive even after hearing it just once.
"Serves you right, Shishio!"
In addition to "Futaeno Kiwami," there's also an online meme in which "Shishio-sama!" (Shishio-sama!) is misheard as "Serves you right, Shishio!" People can't help but laugh at the surrealism of Shishio Makoto's subordinates, who normally swear absolute obedience to him, suddenly pronouncing it as "Serves you right, Shishio!"
Popularity as a meme is also important
As such, this work has enjoyed immense popularity as an online meme, and it can still be seen frequently on social media today. Online memes are a very important factor in the popularity of anime works, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.
The setting is unique and amazing!
The next great thing about this work is its unique and amazing setting. The various special moves and weapons are the lifeblood of a battle manga, and this work is no less impressive than other Jump titles, boasting an incredibly detailed and well-crafted setting. From here, we'll introduce the amazing aspects of this work's setting.
Meticulous Settings
For example, the reverse-bladed sword isn't just a sword with a blade facing the opposite direction. It's precisely because the blade faces the opposite direction that it's difficult to draw and changes the way you hold the sword, thoroughly explaining what would happen if you actually used it. The sheer depth of the exploration into what would actually happen if you used the weapon really shows how realistic the settings in this work are.
Even scientifically impossible settings!?
However, the amazing thing about this work's setting isn't simply its complexity. For example, the Double Extreme technique featured in this work is designed to transmit 100% of the second impact by absorbing the first impact with the second joint of the finger. However, this effect is scientifically impossible to achieve.
Prioritizing the Interest of the Manga
However, rather than depicting these aspects 100% realistically, the manga incorporates a variety of "settings that seem somehow possible." This strict prioritization of the manga's interest over realism is a very Jump-esque trait.
The characters are incredibly popular!
The last amazing thing about this work is the incredible popularity of its characters. Character popularity is the very source of a work's popularity and is the most important aspect of an anime. Naturally, this work also boasts extremely popular characters.
Characters Popular with Women
One of the most notable features of this series' characters is that they are consistently popular with women. Starting with the protagonist, Himura Kenshin, and characters like Seta Sojiro, many characters are extremely popular with women in both the live-action, manga, and anime versions.
Content that is popular with women tends to be successful
It's said that content that is popular with women, especially in the case of manga, tends to be successful. Since female fans tend to invest more in merchandise and other items than male fans, it seems that this allows for stable revenue.
What's the reason for this series' longevity? ?
When you think about it this way, it's no wonder this series has grown into such a long-lasting franchise.
Hot Eyes from Overseas
There's no doubt that this series is attracting a lot of attention overseas for its character content, so we hope that this re-animation will help it grow and become even more successful overseas.
Summary
What did you think? This time, we've introduced the amazing aspects of the "Rurouni Kenshin" series. Of course, there are many other great aspects to this work beyond what we've introduced here, so we hope you'll use the new anime series as an opportunity to experience the various content of this work.
