The ongoing reboot of Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan – Kyoto Disturbance has released its new promotional video, introducing additional cast members for Shishio Makoto’s elite group, the Ten Swords (Jūppongatana).
The announcement was made during Jump Festa 2025, held at Makuhari Messe on December 21, 2024. The second cour of the anime is set to air on January 9, 2025, continuing the narrative of Kenshin’s battle against Shishio’s forces in Kyoto.
The second cour will feature a new opening theme, BURN by yama × WurtS. Both artists are known for their introspective lyrics and modern sound, which could add depth to this arc. WurtS mentioned that the song aims to capture the emotional and literal clashes between Kenshin and Shishio.
New Cast Details
The updated cast includes:
- Junichi Suwabe as Uonuma Usui
- Ayumu Murase as Honjō Kamatari
- Bin Shimada as Saizuchi
- Gakuto Kajiwara as Fuji
Comments from the Voice Cast
Some of the voice actors shared their thoughts on their roles, and honestly, the commitment to these characters is clear:
Suwabe admitted he was thrilled to join such a legendary series, calling it a “privilege to be part of Rurouni Kenshin in the Reiwa era.” He’s particularly focused on portraying Usui’s inner madness and sadistic tendencies.
Murase shared a more personal anecdote, saying he’d often pretend to use Kenshin’s signature move on his way home from school. His excitement is infectious, but he’s also keen on nailing Kamatari’s layered personality—loyalty to Shishio, admiration, and even romantic feelings.
Shimada spoke about the pressure of taking on a character from a series he watched as a child. He’s leaning into Saizuchi’s slyness while ensuring the character doesn’t feel outdated.
Kajiwara kept it lighthearted, joking about Fuji’s “straightforward yet subtly tricky” vocal challenges.
For those who might not know, Rurouni Kenshin isn’t just another shōnen series. The manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki ran from 1994 to 1999 in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The original anime aired from 1996 to 1998 and covered major arcs like Kyoto but controversially skipped the Jinchū Arc.
OVAs like Trust & Betrayal filled in some gaps, focusing on Kenshin’s past. The reboot, produced by Liden Films, aims to modernize the story with better pacing and animation quality. So far, it’s been pretty faithful to the manga.
Source: Jump Festa 2025 via Comic Natalie
