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itsmaferart · 9 months

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Talking about Rurouni Kenshin 2023

I'm going to write a lot and I might have a bit of spoiler!!!

As a fan of Rurouni Kenshin from 1996, and now that a new adaptation came out this year I wanted to give a little opinion of my own, focusing on the comparisons I've seen of the current animated version with the 96 version.

However, I think that in order to see and enjoy both adaptations it is necessary to clarify several points, and the first of them is the intention behind each adaptation and which points can be compared and which others cannot.

Clearly, both adaptations have been made under different directions, by different companies and different times, aimed at different target audiences. And this can be clearly reflected from the first chapters aired to date (at the time of writing this review). Actually, I don't want to talk in depth about Jin-e Udo's arc yet, since in anime 2023 the battle between them and several of the arcs that are still to be broadcasted have not been released yet, but I think episode 6- Kurogasa, serves to illustrate how the current adaptation seeks to move away from its 96 counterpart despite being the chapters with less changes from each other.

To begin with, the contextualization and presentation of characters...

While in both the manga and the anime 2023, we are given a little contextualization of the situation. We are not introduced to Mr. Tani, the person Kenshin must protect at the request of one of the policemen, he is a rather arrogant man who currently holds a political office so he has enough money at his disposal to hire many men to protect them against the threat of an assassin. Although, at the beginning he refuses with arrogance, when Kenshin reminds him how he protected him during the Bakumatsu, Mr. Tani's expression changes radically, adding that all his bodyguards are useless since Sanosuke himself has crushed them in previous times.

Much of this context is omitted in the 1996 version, and it is only pointed out that Kenshin has to go to protect Lord Tani, in the face of Kurogasa's threat.

Also the presentation of Jin-e are very different proposals. In the original version, it is done from the viewer's point of view. We can see Jin-e ruthlessly murdering the guards until he appears in the room. In that way, we are introduced how this is a ruthless killer who makes his way.

While in the 2023 version (and in the manga) it is left to the expectation. Neither Sano nor Kenshin see Jin-e killing directly, they only see the bodies he has left in his path until he makes a surprising presence in the room just when he attacks one of the bodyguards and that is when we see him kill the bodyguards.

Here we see how the approach of both anime is very different. While the original version, seeks to focus more on the killer Kenshin will face and the combat, to convey to the viewer the intimidating feeling of a new enemy. The current version, focuses more on setting the context and showing us the relationship Kenshin has had in the past during the battles. Each chapter shows us key pieces of what Kenshin was like during his Hitokiri era, as well as how those who participated in the war relate to the current government and Meji era.

In Rurouni Kenshin the social and political context is one of the bases of its story, as it is directly inspired by real events. While the character of Lord Tani is irrelevant in many ways. It serves to expose once again that many of those who participated in the war took positions of importance in politics and economics, becoming arrogant people who use power to their convenience. Something Kenshin is against.

Now, really my point is not to talk about which version is better or worse....or if the current version is better for being faithful to the manga or if it is a bad adaptation for not being the same as the 90's version.

But to understand that the original version was never intended to be 100% faithful to the manga, but rather an interpretation using the manga as a guide. The fundamental elements of the manga are respected and maintained, at the same time subtle and continuous changes are made that change the story. I understand that many of these changes are not really important but substantially give a very different interpretation at the narrative level. While this adaptation seeks to be faithful to the manga, following almost in its entirety the events that the original format raised.

The remake is not a remastering of the '96 anime, but rather an adaptation completely detached from its predecessor to stick only to the manga. And this can be reflected in all the number of decisions that the direction has had, from not using the original voice cast, the change in the drawing style, not using the (iconic) soundtrack of the original, not remastering the ending and opening version. Evidently, the current version aims to capture a more current audience, proposing a version that is more attached to modernity. The goal in itself is not to appeal to nostalgia to please the established fandom, but to capture a new one that may or may not have seen the original. And that's why I think many people don't like the differences between the two adaptations.

In my opinion, I don't see anything wrong with the adaptations being different. In fact, I think to a certain extent it's good that they don't play it safe by copying what the '96 anime achieved.

However, despite how faithful the Remake is to the manga, I consider that it has several points to be solved that makes it subtract points.

For starters, several of the comedy scenes that ARE in the manga are omitted. (There are scenes that are adapted while others are omitted) Which, well… I understand the desire to stick to a serious tone and rhythm, I don't pretend that they add comic scenes that are not necessary. But the comedy in the manga was not randomly placed, but emphasized the dynamic between the characters and gave more contrast to Kenshin's personality which is sweet, relaxed and somewhat silly, contrary to his Battousai personality. Subtle details like Kenshin ready to unsheathe the sword, but seeing Kaoru they end up cutting their finger, I think details that make the difference.

Not to mention that really the OST is unremarkable. It's not bad, but it doesn't usually stand out with the scene. I can understand not recycling the previous one, but a new one could be proposed to go with a better scene.

Most importantly, do not raise new technical resources:

Just like the OST, I really don't think that making a carbon copy of the '96 work is the best thing to do. But it would be great if, while not using the same techniques, they at least come up with some new ones.

In '96, the change of color, the use of negative, slow motion, worked to make the dramatic scenes stand out. The drama was intended to be more impactful and contrasting with the comedy and serenity of the rest of the scene. While in the current version (2023), we can see Kenshin's face very well drawn, his anger as Battousai is clearly seen, but there is a lack of ambience that envelops us in the tragic atmosphere as Kaoru's kidnapping. Although these are just details, I hope that for future fights they will focus on giving more emphasis to the combats and manage to transmit the epicness of this work.

Finally, I think that the 1996 adaptation is an incredible work that unfortunately was not completed, and really as a fan of the original anime and manga I think it is worth giving a chance to the remake that shows a lot of potential. The voice cast seems very good (I personally like the new voice of Kenshin) and the animation is quite fluid, and I like the drawing style, however, it has some considerable details to be polished. Although at the moment there are very few chapters broadcasted, there is still a long way to go to see the best fights. The point of comparing is in a constructive way to see those details that can or could have been better in both adaptations, without detracting from the achievements that each one has. Since both stand out in very different ways.

#rurouni kenshin #kenshin himura #himura kenshin #kenshin x kaoru #sagara sanosuke #yahiko myojin #kaoru kamiya #battousai #anime 1996 #A long analysis that nobody asked for but still wanted to do #I honestly like both versions #But I have high expectations of the Saito Vs Kenshin fight #I hope the new version does a very good version of that fight #the 96 version was too brutal

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kenkaodoll · 24 days

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Kamiya Dojo Monogatari Tale 76 (JUMP SQ 24/06)

About Kamiya Dojo Monogatari: Tales of Kamiya dojo is written by Kaoru Kurosaki and published along with the “Rurouni Kenshin Hokkaido” arc in JUMPSQ. The tale involves the Rurouni Kenshin character in daily life that takes time between Kenshin and Kaoru marriage until the epilogue chapter in the original manga before the Hokkaido Arc. Until this month (April 2024) there are a total 76 chapters in Tales of Kamiya dojo. This is an unofficial translation.

Previous Story: https://www.tumblr.com/kenkaodoll/745210446270889984/kamiya-dojo-monogatari-tale-75-jump-sq-2404

The night passed.

Finally the day had arrived. It was the first day of the opening of the Rabbit Cafe. Kaoru, Megumi, Misao, and Tsubame, all dressed as waitresses in bluish-gray, wide-brimmed dresses and frilly white aprons, they had finished their preparations before the opening and were all gathered around, looking somewhat restless and uneasy.

“I'm kind of nervous about opening a rabbit café for the first time,” Kaoru told Misao.

”Shall I teach you a method to relieve the tension that has been passed down through the Oniwabanshu?”

“It sounds like it might work. Please let me know.”

“Write the character for "person", *hito (人) in the palm of your hand…”

Before Misao could finish, Megumi immediately interrupted.

“Everyone does it, not just the Oniwabanshu.”

“Eh! Really?” Misao was surprised.

“You write the hito (人) character in your palm three times then put it in your mouth and act like you swallow it, right?”

“Bingo! So this wasn’t a special method handed down to the Oniwabanshu,” Misao was disappointed at Megumi’s words.

“Yes, I know that too,” Kaoru followed up.

“Damn, Jiiya has played me for a sucker!”

“I know that old men would do such pranks. He didn’t tell you immediately, but eventually you will find out that everyone knew about it, even if they weren't the Oniwabanshu. Then when you realized it for the first time, you were already tricked by him.” The lie was like a time bomb.

“I've been tricked!” Misao was very frustrated.

He is a funny old man, isn't he?” Tsubame said, and Yahiko, who had been listening from the back room, came out and shrugged his shoulders.

“Yes, he can be too funny sometimes.”

Since today was the first day, Yahiko and Mikio's wife, Shino, were waiting behind the room, just in case they needed help.

Yahiko and Shino were not dressed in Western-style clothing because they were waiting in a place where customers couldn’t see them. They were dressed normally.

The plan was that while everyone was working in the cafe, if a customer came in and wanted to buy rabbit, whoever was available would take care of it. However, if there were too many customers who wanted to buy rabbits, the situation would be very hectic. The cafe had a fixed number of seats, so there was a limit to how busy it could get.

However, since it was completely unknown what would happen, it was decided that Yahiko and Shino would wait and see to respond in case of an emergency.

However they had their own reasons. Yahiko wanted to see the usual face of his friends, and Shino wanted to see Mikio in his high spirit.

“Today, the members of the Rabbit Club, which Usagawa-san represents, will be here, so we will definitely be busy,” Mikio spoke at the morning briefing before the store opened.

“The first impression you make on the first day is very important! I look forward to working with you today.”

“Eh! What he just said? I didn't know he could say such an auspicious thing,” Yahiko was so surprised that he unintentionally whispered to Tsubame.

“Well, um…” Tsubame lost a word.

“He’s going to be a parent now, he'd better be able to say something like that, or else we'll be in trouble,” Shino patted her big belly and spoke to Yahiko in a whisper.

“Ah... Mikio-sama's…”Tsubame bowed his head.

She had wanted to greet Shino ever since she arrived at the store, but she had somehow missed it.

“You must be Tsubame-chan. I heard about you from him,” Shino looked at Tsubame and smiled.

“Eh?” Tsubame was very curious about what was said, but she didn’t have the courage to ask her about it.

“Hey, there!” Mikio looked at Yahiko, Tsubame, and Shino and shouted.

“The manager is giving you a very important briefing, so you should not chit-chat casually.”

“Hey, hey!”

“I.. I'm sorry, sir.”

“My bad.”

Yahiko, Tsubame, and Shino each apologize to Mikio.

“All right, everybody, take your positions! We're about to open!”

Mikio cheerfully urged everyone to get ready, like he was commanding a battle.

The waitresses line up in front of the entrance door, while their helpers, Yahiko and Shino, wait in the back room.

Mikio glanced out the window and saw a few customers waiting for the store to open. Are they members of the Rabbit Club, or are they just a fan of new things?

“All right, everyone. I'm going to open this door. Once we open this door, there's no going back.”

“Yosh!”

Kaoru, Megumi, Misao, and Tsubame all pumped their fists in the air and shouted with all their might. From the room behind Yahiko and Shino’s voice also could be heard.

・

And then the store opens!

“Welcome!”

Mikio opened the door, and Kaoru, Megumi, Misao, and Tsubame greeted the customers in cheerful voices.

The first guest to come in was....

It was Kenshin.

He entered with a smiling face, carrying Kenji on his back.

Mikio opened the door and saw an unexpected person, letting out a strange voice.

“Ooooh! Oh, you!”

For a moment, he almost ran away. He had reflexively turned away, remembering once he stared at him with scary eyes. But this time Mikio was not just a thug. He was the manager of the Rabbit Café.

“…”

Mikio took one deep breath to prepare himself.

”Why did you come here?” He sounded intimidating.

This was a completely wrong response for a manager, but it was better than running away.

“Mikio-sama,” Tsubame helped him out in a whisper.

“This is the time when you say 'irasshaimase' (welcome).”

Mikio gasped hearing her voice

“Irasshaimase!”

He greeted Kenshin with a stiff smile.

“Today, I came to see my wife in her finest clothes,” Kenshin told Mikio.

“Oh no, Kenshin,” Kaoru broke into a smile.

“Does it look good?” She picks up the hem of her waitress dress and spins around.

“For me, my favorite is your regular training clothes, but the Western clothes suit you as well, that you do.”

Kenji who’s carried by Kenshin, was also cackling happily.

“What are you guys doing? Cut the crap and get to work.”

“Then let's have some tea,” Kenshin replied to Mikio's request with a serious expression.

“Please come to our seat over here,” Kaoru led Kenshin to a table.

“Tsk… our first guest is her family. How long has he been waiting in line with his child?” Mikio grumbled and invited the next guest in.

“Irasshaimase!”

The second guest was a member of the Rabbit Club.

The third and fourth guests were also members of the rabbit club.

“Usagawa-san told me I could see cute rabbits while sipping a cup of delicious tea.”

The men in the group look fondly at the rabbits.

“Can I take a good look at that rabbit over there with the nice fur?”

“Please let me see that little rabbit with the brown ears.”

“I'd like to see that little rabbit over there!”

“I want to give the rabbits some *komatsuna. Eh, it’s sold separately? How much?”

The members of the rabbit club seemed very satisfied with this breakthrough opportunity to interact with the rabbits.

Then it got out of hand, not only for Kaoru and the waitresses, but also for Yahiko and Shino, who were also really busy helping out.

“It can't be helped…” Mikio looked at the rabbits and growled at Kenshin, who was slowly sipping his tea.

“You know, it's so crowded, can you think about it a little.”

Hearing that, Tsubame hurriedly apologized.

“I am terribly sorry!”

She then chided Mikio.

“Mikio-sama, you shouldn't talk to customers like that.”

“You’re so annoying. I don't like to treat him like a customer.”

“But you said it's important to make a good impression on the first day.”

Kenshin smiled at Tsubame.

“I don't mind. The rabbit café was so interesting that the manager had a hard time. I'll go home soon.”

“No, I didn't ask you to leave the store. It's the other way around.”

“What do you mean by ‘the other way around’?”

“I need your help. Your wife and her students are helping. As a house head you should help out too,” Mikio threw the apron at Kenshin.

“Oro~?”

・

Although the first day had only just begun, this rabbit café seemed to have a promising future.

They served tea and sweets, sold live rabbits, and had a lot of customers! Sales are also going well!

It was a wide difference from last year, when Mikio was selling rabbits by himself.

Will there really be customers for such an unprecedented new-age business as a rabbit café, or will anyone buy rabbits there? Mikio was a bit skeptical about Usagawa's plan for this rabbit café. But even if this did not work out, it was Usagawa’s money, not Mikio. His pocket would remain unschated. On the contrary, he would be paid as a hired manager, so it could only be a good thing whether it sold well or not. He thought it would be convenient no matter which way it went.

When he actually saw customers coming in and being pleased with the product, he was glad I could sell it. A sense of fulfillment that he had never felt before welled up from the bottom of his heart.

・

Mikio was in a good mood.

The door of the store opened.

“Irasshaima-…”

“Hey”

Suwa appeared at the store.

“I've come to pick up... The clay.”

Suwa's smile brought down Mikio’s mood.

Notes:

*Hito(人): Kanji character for man/ person

*Jiiya: grandpa

*Irasshaimase: welcome

*komatsuna: Japanese mustard spinach, a leafy vegetable.

.…..to be continued in chapter 77……

TLnote(1): translating Japanese is so hard because the sentence structure is very different compared with English. Also the style of writing is different, plus there’s a lot of figurative, poetic language and things that don't make sense if it’s directly translated into english. So forgive me if this is very weird to read, and please tell me if you want to give corrections.

TLnote(2) I will provide the original Japanese text for correction if any of you who read have better knowledge of the Japanese language. Just dm and I’ll send the file.

TLnote(3) Dtninja had translated some earlier chapters on his website. You can go and check on there

Read the rest of the story here: https://www.tumblr.com/kenkaodoll/686193523858538496/rurouni-kenshin-tales-of-kamiya-dojo