Aniplex has officially announced a third season of the Rurouni Kenshin anime at AnimeJapan 2025, continuing the remake of Nobuhiro Watsuki’s beloved manga series. The announcement follows the conclusion of the second season, titled Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance, and has fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Kenshin Himura’s journey.
What We Know About Rurouni Kenshin Season 3
Here’s a breakdown of what has been revealed so far:
- Confirmation: Rurouni Kenshin Season 3 is officially confirmed.
- Production Studio: Liden Films is expected to continue as the animation studio, maintaining consistency with the previous seasons.
- Story Arc: Season 3 will likely adapt the climax of the Kyoto Arc, featuring the epic confrontation between Kenshin and Makoto Shishio. This will see Kenshin, Sanosuke Sagara, Hajime Saito, and Aoshi Shinomori uniting to challenge Shishio and his Juppon-Gatana.
- Release Date: While not yet confirmed, following the pattern of previous seasons, a 2026 release is speculated.
- Netflix Release: The first season of the remake will be available on Netflix in February 2025.
Where to Watch
- Crunchyroll: The previous seasons have streamed on Crunchyroll.
- Netflix: Season 1 will be available on Netflix beginning February 4, 2025.
The Rurouni Kenshin Story So Far
Rurouni Kenshin is set in the Meiji era of Japan and follows the story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin known as “Hitokiri Battosai”. Haunted by his past, Kenshin now wanders the country as a rurouni (wanderer), vowing to never kill again and using his swordsmanship to protect the innocent.
Key Story Arcs
- Tokyo Arc: Introduces Kenshin and his new life at the Kamiya Dojo, where he meets Kaoru Kamiya and makes new friends.
- Kyoto Arc: Kenshin travels to Kyoto to confront Makoto Shishio, a revolutionary who seeks to overthrow the Meiji government. This arc is known for its intense battles and the introduction of key allies.
- Hokkaido Arc: The manga sequel continues Kenshin’s journey.
The Significance of the Kyoto Arc
The upcoming third season marks a major moment, as it will feature the main event of the Kyoto arc. Kenshin Himura assembles his own group to deal with Makoto Shishio and his band of powerful swordsmen, the Juppon-Gatana.
What to Expect in Season 3
Season 3 promises high-stakes action as Kenshin and his allies face the formidable Makoto Shishio and his Juppon-Gatana. The season will delve into themes of redemption, justice, and the struggle to maintain peace in a changing world.
Key Characters and Their Roles
- Kenshin Himura: The protagonist, a former assassin seeking redemption.
- Makoto Shishio: The main antagonist of the Kyoto Arc, a ruthless revolutionary with a vendetta against the Meiji government.
- Kaoru Kamiya: The owner of the Kamiya Dojo, who becomes Kenshin’s close friend and confidante.
- Sanosuke Sagara: A street fighter who becomes one of Kenshin’s closest allies.
- Hajime Saito: A former member of the Shinsengumi, now a government agent, who often clashes with Kenshin but ultimately fights alongside him.
- Aoshi Shinomori: The leader of the Oniwabanshu, a group of ninja, who initially opposes Kenshin but eventually becomes an ally.
The Rurouni Kenshin Remake: A Fresh Take on a Classic
The Rurouni Kenshin remake aims to re-adapt the original manga story. The first season of the new anime premiered on Fuji TV ‘s Noitamina programming block and other venues in July 2023.
Differences from the Original Anime
The remake aims to provide a more faithful adaptation of the manga, potentially including storylines and details that were omitted from the original 1996-1998 anime series.
Watch Order
For those new to the series, here’s a suggested watch order:
- Rurouni Kenshin (2023-2024) – TV Series (Seasons 1 & 2)
- Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture (Optional)
- Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal (OVA)
- Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc (OVA)
- Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (OVA) (Watch only if prepared for a tragic ending)
The Legacy of Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin has left an indelible mark on the anime and manga world, with over 72 million copies in circulation worldwide. The series is known for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and blend of action, drama, and humor. The new anime adaptation is a testament to the enduring popularity of the series and its continued relevance to audiences around the world.
