Warning: This Story Discusses Criminal Acts Involving the Abuse of Children. Reader Discretion is Advised.

The Resurgence of Rurouni Kenshin

The anime industry has a history of reviving classic stories and remaking them for a new audience. However, some of these attempts have been met with controversy and criticism. One notable example is the classic samurai series Rurouni Kenshin.

A Historical Action Shonen Series

Written by mangaka Nubuhiro Watsuki, Rurouni Kenshin follows the story of a wandering samurai named Kenshin Himura, who has turned over a new leaf from being a feared revolutionary killer to a peace-loving vagabond. Since its release as a manga in 1994, the series has spawned an anime series from studio Gallop and Deen, making it a formative anime/manga shonen combo alongside its contemporaries like Yu Yu Hakusho.

A Controversial Creator

However, the series’ creator, Nubuhiro Watsuki, has been embroiled in controversy. In February 2018, Watsuki was fined 200,000 yen ($1,900) for possession of hundreds of child pornography DVDs. Possession of child porn in Japan can lead to a year of imprisonment, a one million yen fine, or both. The incident led to Watsuki’s sequel series, Rurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido Arc, being placed on hiatus.

A Resumption of Publication

Despite the controversy, Shueisha, the publisher of the series, decided to resume the series four months later, stating that they wanted to continue the manga to answer the desires of fans. Watsuki has since stated that he is living a life of reflection and atonement.

A New Anime Adaptation

In 2021, anime studio Liden Films announced that it was making an anime adaptation of the Hokkaido Arc. The series is currently airing on Crunchyroll.

A Controversy in the Anime Industry

The case of Rurouni Kenshin highlights the complex issue of separating the art from the artist. While some argue that the statute of limitations on atonement should be taken into account, others believe that the anime industry’s decision to revive the series despite Watsuki’s controversy is problematic.

The Industry’s Paradox

The anime industry’s reaction to Watsuki’s incident is unusual, as most other creators have faced similar charges and been met with public criticism and condemnation. However, Rurouni Kenshin has managed to avoid being canceled, despite its creator’s controversy.

A Cautionary Tale

The revival of Rurouni Kenshin serves as a cautionary tale for the anime industry. While it may be tempting to revive a classic series, it is essential to consider the impact on the creator and the audience. The industry would have been better off if Rurouni Kenshin had remained a thing of the past, rather than trying to force it back into relevancy.