{{Short description|Japanese OVA series}} {{Bots|deny=Citation bot}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}} {{Use American English|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox animanga/Header | image = Rurouni Kenshin Reflection BD.png | caption = Cover of the Blu-ray release, featuring Himura Kenshin (front) and Kamiya Kaoru (back) | ja_kanji = 星霜編 | ja_romaji = Rurouni Kenshin: Seisōhen | genre = {{ubl|Adventure<ref name="ME">{{cite web|title=Samurai X – Ova Collection|url=http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=3588&method=view|publisher=Madman Entertainment|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313221154/http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=3588&method=view|archive-date=March 13, 2008}}</ref>|Martial arts<ref name="ME"/>|Romance<ref>{{cite web|last=Yegulalp|first=Serdar|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Seisou-hen (Reflection)|url=http://anime.about.com/od/rurounikenshin/fr/Rurouni-Kenshin-Seisou-Hen.htm|website=About.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712044902/http://anime.about.com/od/rurounikenshin/fr/Rurouni-Kenshin-Seisou-Hen.htm|archive-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref>}}<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per MOS:A&M). --> | creator = Nobuhiro Watsuki }} {{Infobox animanga/Video | type = ova | director = Kazuhiro Furuhashi | producer = {{ubl|Ena Kiriyama|Keiichi Matsuda}} | writer = Reiko Yoshida | music = Taku Iwasaki | studio = Studio Deen | licensee = {{English anime licensee | AUS = Madman Entertainment | NA = {{ubl|A.D. Vision (former)|Aniplex of America (current)}} }} | first = December 19, 2001 | last = March 20, 2002 | runtime = 90 minutes | episodes = 2 | episode_list = List of Rurouni Kenshin (1996 TV series) episodes#Reflection (2001–02) }} {{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}
'''''Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection''''', known in Japan as {{nihongo||るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 星霜編|'''Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan- Seisōhen'''|"Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story – Time"|lead=yes}}, is a Japanese original video animation (OVA) which serves as a sequel to the 1996–1998 anime television series ''Rurouni Kenshin'', an adaptation of Nobuhiro Watsuki's 1994–1999 manga series. It was animated by Studio Deen, directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi and written by Reiko Yoshida. It was released from December 2001 to March 2002.
The OVA series is set both during and after the timeline of the television series and tells of Kenshin and Kaoru's later days, much of which is not derived from the ''Rurouni Kenshin'' manga. It is mostly told from the point of view of Kamiya Kaoru. The story follows Himura Kenshin as he attempts searching for ways to atone for those who died at his hands, while Kaoru waits for Kenshin to return home. Kenshin's actions, however, alienate him from his estranged son, Kenji.
''Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection'' was originally released in North America as '''''Samurai X: Reflection''''' while it was being licensed by ADV Films. ''Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection'' is currently licensed by Aniplex of America for English-language releases. ''Reflection'' was released in the United States by ADV Films on DVD in March 2003, while a Director's Cut edition was later released. ''Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection'' was released on Blu-ray Disc by Aniplex of America in September 2011.
''Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection'' received mixed reviews upon its release; critics praised the art, animation and music of the series but criticized its story and character development.
==Plot== The narrative begins with a montage of pivotal moments from Himura Kenshin's life, recounted through the perspective of Kamiya Kaoru. The story then shifts focus to Kenshin, who is tormented by guilt over his violent past and his inability to reconcile it with his present happiness. Resolving to wander once more, he is met with Kaoru's unwavering support; she promises to await his return with their child, welcoming him home with a smile. Over the next fifteen years, Kenshin periodically revisits his family before being stricken by an unidentified illness. In an act of shared suffering, Kaoru persuades him to transmit the disease to her through intimacy. Kenshin later departs to aid in the First Sino-Japanese War, fulfilling a promise to the Meiji government—not as a combatant, but as a healer assisting the wounded.
Meanwhile, his son, Kenji, harbors deep resentment toward Kenshin for his prolonged absence. As a teenager, Kenji travels to Kyoto seeking tutelage under Hiko Seijūrō, aspiring to master the {{Transliteration|ja|Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū}} style and rival his father's strength. Myōjin Yahiko, dispatched by Kaoru, confronts Kenji and engages him in a duel to dispel his misguided ambitions. Acknowledging Kenji's innate talent, Yahiko delivers a decisive strike with Kenshin's sakabatō, forcing him to confront the weight of his father's philosophy. Defeated, Kenji kneels as Yahiko presents him the reversed-blade sword as a belated {{Transliteration|ja|genpuku}} gift.
Following the war, Sagara Sanosuke discovers an ailing Kenshin after he falls overboard during a voyage. Sanosuke arranges his return to Tokyo, where a bedridden Kaoru musters the strength to meet him along a path lined with cherry blossoms. Weak and faltering, Kenshin collapses into her embrace, whispering that he has come back for her. Kaoru addresses him by his childhood name, Shinta, fulfilling his final request. Beneath the blossoms, she assures him they will host yearly gatherings beneath the tree. As silence settles, Kaoru realizes Kenshin has died peacefully in her arms. Brushing his hair aside, she finds his iconic scar vanished—a symbol of his atonement's completion.
In an epilogue, Kenji walks beneath the cherry blossoms with a young girl, Chizuru, vowing they will live happily together.
==Cast== {{Main|List of Rurouni Kenshin characters{{!}}List of ''Rurouni Kenshin'' characters}} {| class="wikitable" ! Character !! Japanese voice<ref>{{cite web|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (2003) Japanese Cast|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Rurouni-Kenshin-Reflection/japanese-cast/|website=Behind the Voice Actor|access-date=September 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929023307/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Rurouni-Kenshin-Reflection/japanese-cast/|archive-date=September 29, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> !! English voice<ref>{{cite web|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (2003) English Dub Cast|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Rurouni-Kenshin-Reflection/|website=Behind the Voice Actor|access-date=September 29, 2022|archive-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702230318/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Rurouni-Kenshin-Reflection/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Himura Kenshin || Mayo Suzukaze || J. Shannon Weaver |- | Kamiya Kaoru || Miki Fujitani || Katherine Catmull |- | Myōjin Yahiko || Miina Tominaga || Derek Wade |- | Sagara Sanosuke || Yuji Ueda || Gray Haddock |- | Takani Megumi || Mika Doi || Rebecca Robinson |- | Hiko Seijūrō || Shūichi Ikeda || James Brownlee |- | Himura Kenji || Yuki Kaida || Joey Hood |- | Sanjō Tsubame || Yuri Shiratori || Meg Bauman |- | Udō Jin-e || Akio Otsuka || Martin Blacker |- | Yukishiro Enishi || Nozomu Sasaki || Bill Wise |- | Yamagata Arimoto || Hari Kaneko|| Bill Harwell |- | Chief Muraki || Sukekiyo Kameyama || Charles C. Campbell |- | Ujiki|| Mitsuru Miyamoto || Charles C. Campbell |- | Raikōji Chizuru|| Reiko Fujita|| Elena Carrillo |- |}
==Release== [[File:Rurouni Kenshin.png|thumb|130px|Digipak art of the Blu-ray collection illustrated by Atsuko Nakajima]] ''Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection'' was directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, with the screenplay written by Reiko Yoshida, and animated by Studio Deen. Its two episodes were first released on VHS and DVD by SPE Visual Works on December 19, 2001,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:オリジナル･ビデオ･アニメーション『るろうに剣心－明治剣客浪漫譚－』星霜編 ～上巻～ [VHS]|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWV000001307|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210602211616/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWV000001307|archive-date=June 2, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:オリジナル･ビデオ･アニメーション『るろうに剣心－明治剣客浪漫譚－』星霜編 ～上巻～ [DVD]|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWB000001307|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210819034316/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWB000001307|archive-date=August 19, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> and March 20, 2002.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:オリジナル･ビデオ･アニメーション『るろうに剣心－明治剣客浪漫譚－』星霜編 ～下巻～ [VHS]|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWV000001308|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210819032942/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWV000001308|archive-date=August 19, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:オリジナル･ビデオ･アニメーション『るろうに剣心－明治剣客浪漫譚－』星霜編 ～下巻～ [DVD]|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWB000001308|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210602212232/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWB000001308|archive-date=June 2, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> A "Director's Cut" DVD, which included new scenes, was released on October 9, 2002.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:オリジナル･ビデオ･アニメーション『るろうに剣心－明治剣客浪漫譚－』星霜編 ～特別版～|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWB000001309|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210819051445/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=SVWB000001309|archive-date=August 19, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> Aniplex released the series on a Blu-ray set on September 21, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:るろうに剣心 星霜編 （Blu-ray）|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&lay=ANX&cd=ANSX000003936|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210819035741/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&lay=ANX&cd=ANSX000003936|archive-date=August 19, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>
In North America, the OVA was released by A.D. Vision, under the title ''Samurai X: Reflection'', on March 25, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (of 1)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/1872.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101183116/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/1872.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|date=March 10, 2003}}</ref> The Director's Cut DVD was released on December 28, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Samurai X Reflection Director's Cut (of 1)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3550.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101192223/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3550.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|date=January 2, 2005}}</ref> Aniplex of America released the OVA on a Blu-ray set, as ''Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection'', on September 20, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Manry|first=Gia|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases: September 18-24|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-09-20/north-american-anime-manga-releases/september-18-24|website=Anime News Network|access-date=August 19, 2021|date=September 20, 2011|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127184243/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-09-20/north-american-anime-manga-releases/september-18-24|url-status=live}}</ref>
In Australia and New Zealand, Madman Entertainment released the OVA on DVD on May 14, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|title=Samurai X: Reflection|url=http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/item.php?catalogue=MMA772|publisher=Madman Entertainment|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050624092702/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/item.php?catalogue=MMA772|archive-date=June 24, 2005}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, A.D. Vision released the OVA on DVD on September 22, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|title=Samurai X: Reflection|url=http://www.advfilms.co.uk/acatalog/ADV_films__Reflection_1059.html|publisher=ADV Films UK|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028090102/http://www.advfilms.co.uk/acatalog/ADV_films__Reflection_1059.html|archive-date=October 28, 2007}}</ref>
===Music=== The music for ''Reflection'' was composed by Taku Iwasaki. A soundtrack album, containing 18 tracks, was released on January 23, 2002.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:OVA「るろうに剣心-明治剣客浪漫譚-」星霜編 オリジナル･サウンドトラック（音楽：岩崎琢）|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&ima=1054&cd=SVWC000001010|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=September 16, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916021303/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&ima=1054&cd=SVWC000001010|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Reception== Although ''Reflection'' was not written by Watsuki, he stated that he "checked in on the script."<ref name="Watsuki">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/conitem.php?item=190|title=Watsuki interview at AnimeOnDVD|access-date=2007-06-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041215165012/http://www.animeondvd.com/conitem.php?item=190|archive-date=2004-12-15}}</ref> Watsuki mentioned not having input in it, and let the director "run wild with it." In response to Kenshin's death in comparison to the happy ending in the manga version, he felt that his own work eventually would have reached Kenshin's death had he continued writing. He had not wished to pursue that line because "Kenshin went through so much crap and deserved a happy ending." He felt that neither version was better than the other because "it's a personal taste thing."<ref name="Watsuki"/>
Mike Crandol of ''Anime News Network'' gave different opinions about the OVA series. On one hand, Crandal said that the OVA series were some of the best animation ever to come out of Japan, rivaling the American masters in fluidity of motion and with a musical score to match. On the other hand, Crandol says that fans of the original story will be disappointed as there are not many fight scenes and that the character Kenshin Himura<!--Use Western order with the OVA!--> is very different from his original version; for instance, he never uses his trademark idiomatic phrase "oro?", and it is thought he never gives a "true" smile.<ref>Crandol, Mike. "[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rurouni-kenshin-ova-series-2-part-1 Ruroni Kenshin second OAV series Seisouhen, part 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120100618/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rurouni-kenshin-ova-series-2-part-1 |date=2008-01-20 }}." ''Anime News Network''. January 21, 2002. Retrieved on July 12, 2009.</ref> Crandol also comments about a "tedious and depressing melodrama".<ref>Crandol, Mike. "[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rurouni-kenshin-ova-series-2-part-2 Rurouni Kenshin second OAV series Seisouhen, part 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410063018/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rurouni-kenshin-ova-series-2-part-2 |date=2009-04-10 }}." ''Anime News Network''. April 5, 2002. Retrieved on July 12, 2009.</ref> while IGN felt that some moments of the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru were depressing.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://dvd.ign.com/articles/505/505495p1.html|title=Samurai X|date=April 9, 2004|access-date=February 6, 2008|website=IGN|first=Efrain Jr.|last=Diaz|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080104043006/http://dvd.ign.com/articles/505/505495p1.html|archive-date=January 4, 2008 }}</ref> While criticizing the characters' sad decisions, Serdar Yegulalp from About.com wondered whether the OVAs had to make viewers accept Kenshin's death wish after so much time of wandering and feeling a mortal disease.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://anime.about.com/od/rurounikenshin/fr/Rurouni-Kenshin-Seisou-Hen.htm|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Seisou-hen (Reflection)|access-date=April 17, 2017| publisher= About.com|first= Efrain Jr.|last= Diaz|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160204053128/http://anime.about.com/od/rurounikenshin/fr/Rurouni-Kenshin-Seisou-Hen.htm|archive-date=February 4, 2016}}</ref> However, some reviewers noted Kenshin's personality in the OVAs was one of the most complex ever to be animated remarking on the fact that he can not forget his bloody past, despite having a peaceful life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=736|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection review|access-date=February 6, 2008|work=T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews|first=Robert|last=Nelson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016034740/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=736|archive-date=October 16, 2007 }}</ref> Don Houston from DVD Talk noted the controversy between the fandom as they refrained from treating ''Reflection'' as canon due to how tragic the life of Kenshin's family became.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/13973/samurai-x-reflection-directors-cut/|title=Samurai X – Reflection – Director's Cut|access-date=April 17, 2017|work=DVD Talk|first=Don|last=Houston|date=December 28, 2004|archive-date=April 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418081617/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/13973/samurai-x-reflection-directors-cut/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ridwan Khan from Animefringe found that Enishi and Shishio's antagonisms against Kenshin in the original video animations were overshadowed by Kenshin's disease due to the bigger impact it has on the narrative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.06/reviews/6/index.php3|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Sei Sou Hen Vol.2|date=June 2002|access-date=2017-05-13|publisher=Animefringe|author=Khan, Ridwan|archive-date=2016-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314091631/http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.06/reviews/6/index.php3|url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Anime News Network|ova|310}}
{{Rurouni Kenshin}} {{Kazuhiro Furuhashi}} {{Reiko Yoshida}} {{Studio Deen films}}
Category:Rurouni Kenshin Category:ADV Films Category:Adventure anime and manga Category:Aniplex Category:Drama anime and manga Category:Fiction set in 1864 Category:Kyoto in fiction Category:Martial arts anime and manga Category:OVAs based on manga Category:Romance anime and manga Category:Samurai in anime and manga Category:Studio Deen