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Episode 41 The Ultimate Technique of the Hiten-Mitsurugi Style: Reunion with a Mentor, Seijuro Hiko. Watch online and download anime Rurouni Kenshin Episode 1 english subbed in high quality.

Original run September 4, 2017 – present. (1999). (2001) Live-action films.

(2012). (2014). (2014) Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (: るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-,: Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Rōman Tan-), also referred as simply Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai X, is a Japanese series written and illustrated. The story begins during the 11th year of the in Japan (1878) and follows a former assassin from the, known as Hitokiri Battosai. After his work against the, Hitokiri Battosai disappears to become: a wandering swordsman who protects the people of Japan with a vow of to never take another life.

Watsuki wrote this series upon his desire of making a different from the other ones that were published at the time, with Kenshin being a former assassin and the story taking a more serious tone as it continued. The manga revolves around themes of, and.

The manga initially appeared in 's from April 25, 1994, to November 4, 1999. The complete work consists of 28 volumes, while years later it was reprinted into twenty-two volumes., and adapted the manga into an series which aired in Japan from January 10, 1996 to September 8, 1998. Besides an animated feature film, two series of (OVAs) were also produced.

The first adapted stories from the manga that were not featured in the anime, while the second was a sequel to the manga. Several art and guidebooks for Rurouni Kenshin have been published and writer Kaoru Shizuka has authored three official which were published by Shueisha. Many have also been released for the, and consoles. A successful adaptation was released in 2012, with limited international screenings. The manga, as well as the first light novel and first guidebook, has received a complete North American release.

Rurouni Kenshin is subtitled ' Wandering Samurai' in some English releases. The TV series was later licensed in North America and released on DVD. The first two seasons aired on the United States as part of the block, while the third season was only featured on.

The versions of the OVAs, as well as the film, were originally released as Samurai X in North America, although the original name was included on the later DVD and releases. The Rurouni Kenshin manga has over 70 million copies in circulation as of 2014, making it one of the, while its anime has ranked among the 100 most watched series in Japan multiple times. The series has received praise and criticism from various publications for manga, anime and other media, with both having received good response on the characters' designs and historical setting.

Main article: Written and drawn by, the first chapter of Rurouni Kenshin premiered in in 1994 and was serialized in the magazine until 1999. The 255 individual chapters were collected and published in 28 volumes by, with the first volume released on September 9, 1994 and the last on November 4, 1999. In July 2006, Shueisha began re-releasing the series in a twenty-two special edition volumes. A single chapter follow up to the series that follows the character of, Yahiko no Sakabatō ( 弥彦の逆刃刀, 'Yahiko's Reversed-Edge Sword'), was originally published in Weekly Shōnen Jump after the conclusion of the series. Left out of the original volumes, it was added as an extra to the final kanzenban release.

In December 2011, Shueisha announced Watsuki would be putting his current series, on hold to begin a 'reboot' of Rurouni Kenshin, called Rurouni Kenshin Cinema Version ( るろうに剣心 -キネマ版-, Rurouni Kenshin Cinema-ban), as a tie-in to the live-action movie. The series began in the June 2012 issue of, which was released on May 2, 2012, and ended in the July 2013 issue on June 4, 2013. The reboot depicts the battles that are featured in the first live-action film. Shueisha released the first tankōbon volume in Japan on September 4, 2012, and the second on July 4, 2013. Another special titled Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story: Chapter 0 ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 第零幕, Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan- Dai Rei-maku), was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump in August 2012 as a prologue to Cinema Version and included in its first volume.

In 2014, Watsuki wrote a two-chapter spin-off titled Controlling Flame -Rurouni Kenshin: Hidden Chapter- ( 炎を統べる -るろうに剣心・裏幕-, Honō wo Suberu -Rurouni Kenshin: Uramaku-) for Jump SQ., which tells how Shishio met Yumi and formed the Juppongatana. It was collected into one volume on October 3, 2014. Watsuki and his wife, Kaoru Kurosaki, collaborated on a two chapter spinoff titled Rurouni Kenshin Side Story: The Ex-Con Ashitaro ( るろうに剣心 ―明治剣客浪漫譚―, Rurouni Kenshin Ibun: Ashitarō Zenka Ari) for the ninth anniversary of Jump SQ.

The second chapter revealed that the story is a prequel to a new arc of Rurouni Kenshin that was originally scheduled to begin in spring 2017, but was now set to start in the summer. In order to promote the 'Hokkaido Arc', multiple posters of Kenshin were on display in the.

The arc began publication in September, 2017. In November 2017, Watsuki was charged with possession of child pornography. Following the news, Shueisha suspended publication of new chapters and is debating on whether to pull all volumes out of print. Rurouni Kenshin was licensed for an English language release in North America. The first volume of the series was released on October 7, 2003. Although the first volumes were published on an irregular basis, since volume 7 Viz established a monthly basis due to good sales and consumer demands. Therefore, the following volumes were published until July 5, 2006, when the final volume was released.

Yahiko no Sakabatō was also serialized in English during 2006. In January 2008, Viz began re-releasing the manga in a format called 'Viz Big Edition', which is a collection of three volumes in one. The final volume included the Yahiko no Sakabatō and Haru no Sakura chapters, which take place after the series. Viz uses the actual ordering of, with the or before the, within the series to reduce confusion and because Rurouni Kenshin is a historical series. On May 7, 2012, it was announced in Viz Media's digital manga magazine that Rurouni Kenshin Cinema Version would join its line-up under the title Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration, and would be published monthly starting on May 21. Viz Media released the first volume on June 4, 2013, and the second was published on January 14, 2014.

Viz also published Honō wo Suberu -Rurouni Kenshin: Uramaku-, translated as Rurouni Kenshin: To Rule Flame, and The Ex-Con Ashitaro stories in the digital magazine in July 2014 and December 2016 respectively. Anime series. See also: The anime, directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, began airing on Japan's on January 10, 1996 and ended on September 8, 1998. It was produced by and Fuji TV, and was animated from episode 1 to 66 by, whereas the episodes from 67 onwards were animated. The anime only adapts the manga up until the fight with Shishio, from then on it features original material not in the manga.

The final episode did not air in Japan, but was a bonus episode for the VHS and DVD releases. Since its premiere in Japan, episodes from the series have been collected in DVDs various times: two DVDs series with both of them featuring four episodes per volume and three DVD boxes. In 1999 Sony tried and failed to market the series in the United States as Samurai X via an existing company. The TV series was later licensed in North America by, who split it up into 'seasons', and released on DVD. It started airing in the US on the as a part of the Block on March 17, 2003, but ended at the completion of the 'second season' (episode 62).

Some of the show's depictions of obscene language, intense violence, and tobacco and drug usage were subject to heavy editing on Toonami. Episodes 63-95 did not air, but were included in the DVD release. The 'seasons' were later released in three premium 'Bento box' DVD boxes on November 18, 2003, March 30, 2004 and July 27, 2004. They were released again, but in new packaging as 'economy box' sets on November 15, 2005, January 17, 2006 and February 14, 2006. (later as ) now Sony Pictures Television International created an English-language version of the series, titled Samurai X, that airs outside of the United States.

As of May 2017, all three seasons with both the original Japanese audio and the Media Blasters dub (Bang Zoom! Entertainment) available to stream on. Animated films Requiem for the Ishin Patriots The series also has a movie called Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture, known in Japan as Ishin Shishi e no Chinkonka ( ―維新志士への鎮魂歌, Requiem for the Ishin Patriots) and originally released in North America as Samurai X: The Motion Picture, which tells a story where Kenshin meets a samurai who was very close to a man Battōsai murdered in the war. The samurai is trying to start a revolution to overthrow the Meiji government. The film was directed by Hatsuki Tsuji and it premiered in Japan on December 20, 1997. The Japanese DVD was released on August 21, 1998. It has been republished twice in 2000 and 2002, adding new content to the DVD.

It was also released on December 7, 2005 on format. In North America, the film was released on DVD on March 27, 2001. The film was released on in North America on October 26, 2011 by Aniplex of America. New Kyoto Arc A new Rurouni Kenshin project was announced in April 2011's.

Director, and the original cast returned after nine years (except who died in 2006; was voiced by ). The project was split into two parts and is a remake of the second arc, the Kyoto arc, with some changes.

Part I was released on December 17, 2011 and titled Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc: The Cage of Flames ( 焔の獄（ホムラのオリ）, Zenpen Homura no Ori), which was selected from a fan suggestion, ran at Tokyo's Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro theater and Osaka's Cine-Libre Umeda theater for one week only. Part II, Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc: The Chirps of Light ( 光の囀（ヒカリのサエズリ）, Hikari no Saezuri), was released on June 23, 2012 and ran for three weeks in ten theaters. Of America announced at 2011 that they were in 'negotiations' for the English language rights to the films. Aniplex released part I on DVD and Blu-ray on March 21, 2012 in Japan, while Part II was released on August 22, 2012. In 2013, North American licensor released both films together on DVD and Blu-ray, editing them into a single movie. Original video animations. Main articles: and There are also two Rurouni Kenshin (OVA) series.

The first of them, collectively known in Japan as Tsuiokuhen ( 追憶編, Recollection), was released in 1999 as four episodes in Japan, and later edited into a two-hour theatrical film with some new animated sequences. It is set during the downfall of the and during Kenshin's job as an assassin. Released the series on two VHS or DVD sets in 2000 under their Samurai X name in North America, and the film version in 2003.

Aniplex of America released it on Blu-ray in 2011 in North America. The second OVA is, known in Japan as Seisōhen ( 星霜編, Time). It is composed of two episodes and was later edited into a theatrical film. The first episode was originally released on December 12, 2001 in Japan and the second on March 20, 2002. It is set both during and after the timeline of the series and tells of Kenshin and Kaoru's later days, much of which is not derived from the manga. Although Nobuhiro Watsuki had checked the script from the OVA, he gave it disapproval due to its sad ending, and he stated that it is not canon and should not be treated as canonical.

It was released in the United States by ADV Films on DVD on March 25, 2003 under their Samurai X name, while the movie edition was released the following year. Aniplex of America released it on Blu-ray in 2011 in North America. Live-action films.

Cover of Rurouni Kenshin OST 1. All of the series music was composed by and several CDs have been released. The first, Rurouni Kenshin OST 1 was released on April 1, 1996 and contained twenty-three songs that were used during the first episodes of the series.

The second one, Rurouni Kenshin OST 2 - Departure was released on October 21, 1996 and contained fifteen tracks that were first used before the start of the Kyoto Arc. The next one, Rurouni Kenshin OST 3 - Journey to Kyoto was released on April 21, 1997 and contained the thirteen tracks that originally used in the Kyoto Arc. For the next arc, Rurouni Kenshin OST 4 - Let it Burn was released on February 1, 1998 and contained twelve tracks.

For the OVAs series, all themes were composed by and the CDs were released by Sony Visual Works. The first, Rurouni Kenshin Tsuioku Hen OST was released on March 20, 1999 and contained sixteen tracks that were used in. For the OVA a soundtrack called Rurouni Kenshin Seisō Hen OST was released on January 23, 2002 and contained eighteen tracks.

Several compilations of the anime songs were also released in collection CDs. Thirty tracks were selected and joined in a CD called Rurouni Kenshin - The Director's Collection, that was released on July 21, 1997.

Rurouni Kenshin Best Theme Collection was released on March 21, 1998 and contained ten tracks. All of the opening and ending themes were also collected in a CD called Rurouni Kenshin OP/ED Theme Collection. The Japanese voice actors of the series also composed songs that were released as two Cds Rurouni Kenshin Songs Album.

All of the anime tracks, including OVAs and films tracks were collected in Rurouni Kenshin Complete CD-Box that was released on September 19, 2002. It contains the four TV OSTs, the two OVA OSTs, the movie OST, the two game OSTs, an opening & closing theme collection, and the two Character Songs albums. On July 27, 2011, Rurouni Kenshin Complete Collection, which includes all the opening and ending themes and the theme song of the animated film, was released.

Several drama CDs, which adapted stories in the Rurouni Kenshin manga, were also released in Japan. Each of them featured different voice actors from that one that worked in the anime adaptation. In Volume 5 of the manga Watsuki stated that he anticipated that the script of the third volume, which has the stories involving the character, would be 'pretty close' but would have additional lines belonging to Sanosuke and Yahiko.

Stage shows In 2016, the performed a musical adaptation of the manga called Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story. The show ran from February to March, and starred Seina Sagiri as Kenshin and Miyu Sakihi as Kaoru. Art and guidebooks Two of the Rurouni Kenshin manga were released in Japan.

The first one, Rurouni Kenshin Profiles ( 原典), was released first in Japan on July 4, 1996 by Shueisha and in the United States by Viz Media on November 1, 2005. Kenshin Kaden ( 剣心華伝), released on December 15, 1999 includes the story Haru no Sakura ( 春の桜, lit.' Cherry Blossoms in Spring'), which details the fates of all of the Rurouni Kenshin characters. The story takes place years after the manga's conclusion, when Kenshin and Kaoru have married and have a young son, Kenji.

Many of the series' major characters who have befriended Kenshin reunite or otherwise reveal their current whereabouts with him in a spring picnic. For the anime, three Kenshin Soushi artbook were published from 1997 to 1998. While the first two were based on the TV series, the third one was based on the film. The film one was named Ishin Shishi no Requiem Art Book and was released along with the movie. Also released was Rurouni-Art Book, which contained images from the OVAs.

A guidebook from the kanzenban imprint of the series was published on June 4, 2007. Light novels The Rurouni Kenshin were published by Shueisha's Jump J-Books line and co-written by Kaoru Shizuka. Most of them are original stories which were later adapted in the anime. Others are adaptations of manga and anime stories. The first novel, Rurouni Kenshin: Voyage to the Moon World, was published in Japan on October 10, 1996 and in North America on October 17, 2006. The second, Yahiko's Battle, was released on October 3, 1997. It retells various stories featured in the manga and anime series.

The third novel, TV Anime Shimabara Arc, was published on February 4, 1999. A novel adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin Cinema-ban, titled Rurouni Kenshin -Ginmaku Sōshihen- ( るろうに剣心 ―銀幕草紙変―) and written by Watsuki's wife Kaoru Kurosaki, was released on September 4, 2012. Video games There are five Rurouni Kenshin games released for the console. The first, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Ishin Gekitōhen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 維新激闘編) was released on November 29, 1996. It was developed.

The game is a 3D fighter game with 5 playable characters, while the plot focuses in the first seven volumes from the manga. The second one, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Jūyūshi Inbō Hen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 十勇士陰謀編) was released on December 18, 1997 and was re-released in the PlayStation The Best lineup on November 5, 1998. The game is a with a story unrelated to either the manga or anime. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Enjō!

Kyōto Rinne ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 炎上!京都輪廻) is the only video game for the console. Its Japanese release was slated for September 13, 2006. The game has sold over 130,000 copies in Japan. A 2D fighting game titled Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Saisen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 再閃) was released for the in March 10, 2011 in Japan.

On August 30, 2012, a sequel, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Kansen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 完醒), was released. Also appears in the 2005 and 2006 games and as a battle character, while others were support characters and help characters.

Kenshin and Shishio appear as playable characters in the 2014 and game. Merchandise Watsuki commented that there was a lot of Rurouni Kenshin merchandise released for the Japanese market. He recommended that buyers consider quality before paying for merchandise items and for them to consult their wallets and buy stuff that they feel is 'worth it.' Watsuki added that he liked the prototype for a stuffed Kenshin doll for the devices. Reception Manga Rurouni Kenshin has been highly popular, having sold over 55 million copies in Japan alone as of February 2012, making it one of Shueisha's top ten best-selling manga series. In 2014, it was reported that the series had 70 million copies in circulation.

Volume 27 of the manga ranked second in the Viz Bookscan Top Ten during June 2006, while volume 21 and 20 ranked second and tenth, respectively, in the Top 10 Graphic Novels of Viz of 2005. Rurouni Kenshin volume 24 also ranked in 116th position in the USA Today's best selling book list for the week ending February 26, 2006. During the third quarter from 2003, Rurouni Kenshin ranked at the top of ICv2's Top 50 Manga Properties. In the same poll from 2005, it was featured at the top once again based on sales from English volumes during 2004. In the Top Ten Manga Properties from 2006 from the same site, it ranked ninth. The manga has received praise and criticism from various publications. Mania Entertainment writer Megan Lavey found that the manga had a good balance between character development, comedy and action scenes.

The artwork of Watsuki was said to have improved as the series continued, noting that characters also had reactions during fights. Steve Raiteri from praised the series for its characters and battles. However, he noted some fights were too violent so he recommended the series to older teenagers as well as adults. Zac Bertschy from (ANN) praised the story from the manga, but noted that by volume 18 of the series, Watsuki started to repeat the same type of villains who were united to kill Kenshin. Although he praised Watsuki's characters, he commented that some of them needed some consistency due to various 'bizarre' antagonists. Reviewer A.E.

Sparrow liked the manga's ending, praising how the storylines are resolved, and how most of the supporting cast end up. He also praised the series' characters, remarking that Kenshin 'belongs in any top ten of manga heroes.' Reviewer Daryl Surat said that the manga's quality was good until the 'Revenge Arc,' where he criticized the storyline and the new characters. Surat described the series as an example of a 'neo-shōnen' series, where a shōnen series also appeals to a female audience; Surat stated that, in such series character designs are 'pretty' for female audiences, but not too 'girly' for male audiences. Surat cited and, characters who ranked highly in popularity polls even though, in Surat's view, Aoshi does not engage in 'meaningful' battles and Sōjirō is a 'kid.'

Surat explained that Aoshi appears 'like a character wearing 's coat and Sōjirō always smiles despite the abuse inflicted upon him. Surat said that the character designs for the anime television series were 'toughened up a bit.' He added that the budget for animation and music was 'top-notch' because Sony produced the budget. As a result of the series taking a darker tone in latter story arcs with Kenshin facing new threats and at the same time his Battosai self, Kat Kan from recommended it to older teens. Kan also found that the anime viewers will also enjoy Watsuki's drawings due to the way he illustrates battles.

Before becoming an official manga author, decided he should try creating a manga since Weekly Shōnen Jump had not published a title from that genre. However, during his years of college, Kishimoto started reading 's and Rurouni Kenshin which used the said genre. Kishimoto recalls having never been surprised by manga ever since reading and found that he still was not able to compete against them.

In a review about the series' reboot, praised the manga for appealing to both newcomers as well as old fans of Rurouni Kenshin. The reviewer also noted the manga had light parts during its comedy which he found strange in the samurai genre. Kat Kan of Voice of Youth Advocates shared similar feelings, but suggested it to try it for older teens rather than children as a result of its violent content. Rebecca Silverman from Anime News Network praised the reboot, praising the focus on Kenshin and Yahiko's development but criticized Kaoru and Saito for lacking focus. Anime When, a in Japan, conducted a nationwide for the one hundred most popular animated television series, the Rurouni Kenshin anime came in sixty-sixth place.

They also conducted an, in which Rurouni Kenshin was placed at number 62. Nearly a year later, TV Asahi once again conducted an online poll for the top one hundred anime, and Rurouni Kenshin anime advanced in rank and came in twenty-sixth place.

It also ranked at tenth place in the Web's Most Wanted 2005, ranking in the animation category. The fourth DVD of the anime was also Anime Castle's best selling DVD in October 2001.

Rurouni Kenshin was also a finalist in the in the category 'Long Series' but lost against. The anime has also been commented on by Chris Shepard from ANN noting a well crafted plot and good action scenes. However, he also criticized that during the first episodes the fights never get quite interesting as it becomes a bit predictable that Kenshin is going to win as the music of moments of victory is repeated many times. However, Mark A.

Grey from the same site mentioned that all those negatives points disappear during the Kyoto Arc due to amazing fights and a great soundtrack. Tasha Robinson from had a similar opinion on the anime, and added that the characters' personalities' allowed the plot to develop into a good variety of interesting stories.

She also liked the historical setting as it makes all the situations seem authentic. Lynzee Loveridge from Anime News Network highlighted as the most known series to use the Meiji period and saw the Kyoto Arc as one of the best ones. Although Them Anime's Carlos Ross also liked the action scenes and storyline, he added that the number of childish and violent scenes make the show a bit unbalanced, saying it is not recommended for younger children.

Surat approved of the anime series, stating that while half of the first-season episodes consisted of filler, the situation 'clicks' upon the introduction of and that he disagreed with people who disliked the television series compared to the OVAs. Surat said that while the Media Blasters anime dub is 'well-cast,' the English dub does not sound natural since the producers were too preoccupied with making the voice performances mimick the Japanese performances. Surat said that while he 'didn't mind' the first filler arc with the Christianity sect, he could not stomach the final two filler arcs, and Japanese audiences disapproved of the final two filler arcs. Robin Brenner from noted that despite its pacifist messages, Rurouni Kenshin was too violent, recommending it to older audiences. OVAs and films has received significant praise for its story, animation, art, music and Japanese voice acting from various critics.

Mike Crandol from ANN noted Trust & Betrayal as one of the greatest OVA series of all time, celebrating the new characters designs as well as the fights scenes which were also noted to be 'terribly bloody' and beautiful at the same time. Although reviewer Don Houston mentioned the OVAs were very violent for teenagers, he found the story and music to be 'solid'. The director's cut version received positive comments by how the four OVAs were arranged with Houston commenting it 'seems more like a movie that stands alone, rather than just the precursor to a long lasting series.'

Received mixed reviews. While Nobuhiro Watsuki had checked the script from the OVA, he gave it disapproval due to its sad ending. Crandol also later commented that fans from the manga may be disappointed when seeing Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection since most of the fighting scenes have been deleted in the OVA. Nevertheless, the music and animation featured in the Reflection were highly praised again as one of the best ones from Japan. References. Retrieved October 28, 2017. Note: The Japanese title literally means 'Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman, a collection of Romantic Folk Tales.'

'Rurouni' is a created from the verb 'ru,' meaning 'to wander,' and ',' meaning 'masterless samurai.' A rough translation of the title would be 'Kenshin the Wandering Swordsman'. 2016-03-03 at the. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). 'Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (2)'. Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 3.

^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. 'Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (1)'. Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). 'Interview with Nobuhiro Watsuki'. Rurouni Kenshin Profiles.

^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). 'The Secret Life of Characters' (21) Saitō Hajime'. Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 7. Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2003). 'The Secret Life of Characters (6) Sagara Sanosuke'.

Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (1999). 'Interview with Nobuhiro Watsuki'. Kenshin Kaden.

Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 27. Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). 'Free Talk I'. Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. 21 November 2017. Shueisha announced on Tuesday that Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin manga is going on hiatus, due to Watsuki being charged for possession of child pornography.

The manga will not run in Shueisha's Jump SQ. Magazine as of the January 2018 issue, which will ship on December 4. Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 8. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 8. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005).

Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 10. Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 10.

Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 10.

^ Burnham, Jef (2013). In Beaty, Bart H.; Weiner, Stephen. Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Manga. Ipswich, Mass.:. (Subscription required ( help)). Olivier, Marco (2007). South African Journal of Art History.

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'Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration Vol. Kan, Kat (2013-08-01). 'Castles, monsters, samurai, and superheroes'. Voice of Youth Advocates. E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC. 36 (3): 54(2). (1985–1987).

(1985–1987). Tekkamen wo oe! Dartanyan Monogatari Yori (1987).

(1987–1989). (1988–1996). Gaki Deka (1989–1990).

(1989–1990). Tanken Gobrin Tou (1990–1991). (1991–1992). (1992–1993). Dragon League (1993–1994). (1994–1995). Sorcerers of the Serenade: Secret of Top Record (1995–1996).

(1995–1996). (1996–1997). (1996–1998).

(1996–2004). Anime TV de Hakken! Tamagotchi (1997–1998). (1998). (1998–present).

Daichi wa Future Blade (2000–2002). (2000). (2000–2004). (2002). (2004–2005). Morizo to Kikkoro (2004–2005).

(2004–2008). (2005–2006). (2005–2008).

(2006). (2008–2011). (2009–2012).

(2011–2014). (2014–2017). (special) (2016). (2017–present) OVAs.

Original run September 4, 2017 – present. (1999). (2001) Live-action films.

(2012). (2014). (2014) Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (: るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-,: Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Rōman Tan-), also referred as simply Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai X, is a Japanese series written and illustrated. The story begins during the 11th year of the in Japan (1878) and follows a former assassin from the, known as Hitokiri Battosai.

After his work against the, Hitokiri Battosai disappears to become: a wandering swordsman who protects the people of Japan with a vow of to never take another life. Watsuki wrote this series upon his desire of making a different from the other ones that were published at the time, with Kenshin being a former assassin and the story taking a more serious tone as it continued. The manga revolves around themes of, and.

The manga initially appeared in 's from April 25, 1994, to November 4, 1999. The complete work consists of 28 volumes, while years later it was reprinted into twenty-two volumes., and adapted the manga into an series which aired in Japan from January 10, 1996 to September 8, 1998. Besides an animated feature film, two series of (OVAs) were also produced. The first adapted stories from the manga that were not featured in the anime, while the second was a sequel to the manga.

Several art and guidebooks for Rurouni Kenshin have been published and writer Kaoru Shizuka has authored three official which were published by Shueisha. Many have also been released for the, and consoles.

A successful adaptation was released in 2012, with limited international screenings. The manga, as well as the first light novel and first guidebook, has received a complete North American release. Rurouni Kenshin is subtitled ' Wandering Samurai' in some English releases. The TV series was later licensed in North America and released on DVD. The first two seasons aired on the United States as part of the block, while the third season was only featured on. The versions of the OVAs, as well as the film, were originally released as Samurai X in North America, although the original name was included on the later DVD and releases.

The Rurouni Kenshin manga has over 70 million copies in circulation as of 2014, making it one of the, while its anime has ranked among the 100 most watched series in Japan multiple times. The series has received praise and criticism from various publications for manga, anime and other media, with both having received good response on the characters' designs and historical setting. Main article: Written and drawn by, the first chapter of Rurouni Kenshin premiered in in 1994 and was serialized in the magazine until 1999. The 255 individual chapters were collected and published in 28 volumes by, with the first volume released on September 9, 1994 and the last on November 4, 1999. In July 2006, Shueisha began re-releasing the series in a twenty-two special edition volumes. A single chapter follow up to the series that follows the character of, Yahiko no Sakabatō ( 弥彦の逆刃刀, 'Yahiko's Reversed-Edge Sword'), was originally published in Weekly Shōnen Jump after the conclusion of the series. Left out of the original volumes, it was added as an extra to the final kanzenban release.

In December 2011, Shueisha announced Watsuki would be putting his current series, on hold to begin a 'reboot' of Rurouni Kenshin, called Rurouni Kenshin Cinema Version ( るろうに剣心 -キネマ版-, Rurouni Kenshin Cinema-ban), as a tie-in to the live-action movie. The series began in the June 2012 issue of, which was released on May 2, 2012, and ended in the July 2013 issue on June 4, 2013. The reboot depicts the battles that are featured in the first live-action film. Shueisha released the first tankōbon volume in Japan on September 4, 2012, and the second on July 4, 2013. Another special titled Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story: Chapter 0 ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 第零幕, Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan- Dai Rei-maku), was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump in August 2012 as a prologue to Cinema Version and included in its first volume.

In 2014, Watsuki wrote a two-chapter spin-off titled Controlling Flame -Rurouni Kenshin: Hidden Chapter- ( 炎を統べる -るろうに剣心・裏幕-, Honō wo Suberu -Rurouni Kenshin: Uramaku-) for Jump SQ., which tells how Shishio met Yumi and formed the Juppongatana. It was collected into one volume on October 3, 2014. Watsuki and his wife, Kaoru Kurosaki, collaborated on a two chapter spinoff titled Rurouni Kenshin Side Story: The Ex-Con Ashitaro ( るろうに剣心 ―明治剣客浪漫譚―, Rurouni Kenshin Ibun: Ashitarō Zenka Ari) for the ninth anniversary of Jump SQ. The second chapter revealed that the story is a prequel to a new arc of Rurouni Kenshin that was originally scheduled to begin in spring 2017, but was now set to start in the summer. In order to promote the 'Hokkaido Arc', multiple posters of Kenshin were on display in the. The arc began publication in September, 2017. In November 2017, Watsuki was charged with possession of child pornography.

Following the news, Shueisha suspended publication of new chapters and is debating on whether to pull all volumes out of print. Rurouni Kenshin was licensed for an English language release in North America.

The first volume of the series was released on October 7, 2003. Although the first volumes were published on an irregular basis, since volume 7 Viz established a monthly basis due to good sales and consumer demands. Therefore, the following volumes were published until July 5, 2006, when the final volume was released. Yahiko no Sakabatō was also serialized in English during 2006.

In January 2008, Viz began re-releasing the manga in a format called 'Viz Big Edition', which is a collection of three volumes in one. The final volume included the Yahiko no Sakabatō and Haru no Sakura chapters, which take place after the series. Viz uses the actual ordering of, with the or before the, within the series to reduce confusion and because Rurouni Kenshin is a historical series. On May 7, 2012, it was announced in Viz Media's digital manga magazine that Rurouni Kenshin Cinema Version would join its line-up under the title Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration, and would be published monthly starting on May 21.

Viz Media released the first volume on June 4, 2013, and the second was published on January 14, 2014. Viz also published Honō wo Suberu -Rurouni Kenshin: Uramaku-, translated as Rurouni Kenshin: To Rule Flame, and The Ex-Con Ashitaro stories in the digital magazine in July 2014 and December 2016 respectively. Anime series. See also: The anime, directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, began airing on Japan's on January 10, 1996 and ended on September 8, 1998. It was produced by and Fuji TV, and was animated from episode 1 to 66 by, whereas the episodes from 67 onwards were animated.

The anime only adapts the manga up until the fight with Shishio, from then on it features original material not in the manga. The final episode did not air in Japan, but was a bonus episode for the VHS and DVD releases. Since its premiere in Japan, episodes from the series have been collected in DVDs various times: two DVDs series with both of them featuring four episodes per volume and three DVD boxes. In 1999 Sony tried and failed to market the series in the United States as Samurai X via an existing company. The TV series was later licensed in North America by, who split it up into 'seasons', and released on DVD.

It started airing in the US on the as a part of the Block on March 17, 2003, but ended at the completion of the 'second season' (episode 62). Some of the show's depictions of obscene language, intense violence, and tobacco and drug usage were subject to heavy editing on Toonami. Episodes 63-95 did not air, but were included in the DVD release. The 'seasons' were later released in three premium 'Bento box' DVD boxes on November 18, 2003, March 30, 2004 and July 27, 2004. They were released again, but in new packaging as 'economy box' sets on November 15, 2005, January 17, 2006 and February 14, 2006. (later as ) now Sony Pictures Television International created an English-language version of the series, titled Samurai X, that airs outside of the United States.

As of May 2017, all three seasons with both the original Japanese audio and the Media Blasters dub (Bang Zoom! Entertainment) available to stream on. Animated films Requiem for the Ishin Patriots The series also has a movie called Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture, known in Japan as Ishin Shishi e no Chinkonka ( ―維新志士への鎮魂歌, Requiem for the Ishin Patriots) and originally released in North America as Samurai X: The Motion Picture, which tells a story where Kenshin meets a samurai who was very close to a man Battōsai murdered in the war.

The samurai is trying to start a revolution to overthrow the Meiji government. The film was directed by Hatsuki Tsuji and it premiered in Japan on December 20, 1997. The Japanese DVD was released on August 21, 1998. It has been republished twice in 2000 and 2002, adding new content to the DVD. It was also released on December 7, 2005 on format.

In North America, the film was released on DVD on March 27, 2001. The film was released on in North America on October 26, 2011 by Aniplex of America. New Kyoto Arc A new Rurouni Kenshin project was announced in April 2011's.

Director, and the original cast returned after nine years (except who died in 2006; was voiced by ). The project was split into two parts and is a remake of the second arc, the Kyoto arc, with some changes. Part I was released on December 17, 2011 and titled Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc: The Cage of Flames ( 焔の獄（ホムラのオリ）, Zenpen Homura no Ori), which was selected from a fan suggestion, ran at Tokyo's Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro theater and Osaka's Cine-Libre Umeda theater for one week only. Part II, Rurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc: The Chirps of Light ( 光の囀（ヒカリのサエズリ）, Hikari no Saezuri), was released on June 23, 2012 and ran for three weeks in ten theaters.

Of America announced at 2011 that they were in 'negotiations' for the English language rights to the films. Aniplex released part I on DVD and Blu-ray on March 21, 2012 in Japan, while Part II was released on August 22, 2012. In 2013, North American licensor released both films together on DVD and Blu-ray, editing them into a single movie. Original video animations. Main articles: and There are also two Rurouni Kenshin (OVA) series. The first of them, collectively known in Japan as Tsuiokuhen ( 追憶編, Recollection), was released in 1999 as four episodes in Japan, and later edited into a two-hour theatrical film with some new animated sequences.

It is set during the downfall of the and during Kenshin's job as an assassin. Released the series on two VHS or DVD sets in 2000 under their Samurai X name in North America, and the film version in 2003. Aniplex of America released it on Blu-ray in 2011 in North America. The second OVA is, known in Japan as Seisōhen ( 星霜編, Time). It is composed of two episodes and was later edited into a theatrical film. The first episode was originally released on December 12, 2001 in Japan and the second on March 20, 2002. It is set both during and after the timeline of the series and tells of Kenshin and Kaoru's later days, much of which is not derived from the manga.

Although Nobuhiro Watsuki had checked the script from the OVA, he gave it disapproval due to its sad ending, and he stated that it is not canon and should not be treated as canonical. It was released in the United States by ADV Films on DVD on March 25, 2003 under their Samurai X name, while the movie edition was released the following year. Aniplex of America released it on Blu-ray in 2011 in North America. Live-action films. Cover of Rurouni Kenshin OST 1.

All of the series music was composed by and several CDs have been released. The first, Rurouni Kenshin OST 1 was released on April 1, 1996 and contained twenty-three songs that were used during the first episodes of the series.

The second one, Rurouni Kenshin OST 2 - Departure was released on October 21, 1996 and contained fifteen tracks that were first used before the start of the Kyoto Arc. The next one, Rurouni Kenshin OST 3 - Journey to Kyoto was released on April 21, 1997 and contained the thirteen tracks that originally used in the Kyoto Arc.

For the next arc, Rurouni Kenshin OST 4 - Let it Burn was released on February 1, 1998 and contained twelve tracks. For the OVAs series, all themes were composed by and the CDs were released by Sony Visual Works. The first, Rurouni Kenshin Tsuioku Hen OST was released on March 20, 1999 and contained sixteen tracks that were used in.

For the OVA a soundtrack called Rurouni Kenshin Seisō Hen OST was released on January 23, 2002 and contained eighteen tracks. Several compilations of the anime songs were also released in collection CDs. Thirty tracks were selected and joined in a CD called Rurouni Kenshin - The Director's Collection, that was released on July 21, 1997. Rurouni Kenshin Best Theme Collection was released on March 21, 1998 and contained ten tracks. All of the opening and ending themes were also collected in a CD called Rurouni Kenshin OP/ED Theme Collection.

The Japanese voice actors of the series also composed songs that were released as two Cds Rurouni Kenshin Songs Album. All of the anime tracks, including OVAs and films tracks were collected in Rurouni Kenshin Complete CD-Box that was released on September 19, 2002. It contains the four TV OSTs, the two OVA OSTs, the movie OST, the two game OSTs, an opening & closing theme collection, and the two Character Songs albums. On July 27, 2011, Rurouni Kenshin Complete Collection, which includes all the opening and ending themes and the theme song of the animated film, was released. Several drama CDs, which adapted stories in the Rurouni Kenshin manga, were also released in Japan.

Each of them featured different voice actors from that one that worked in the anime adaptation. In Volume 5 of the manga Watsuki stated that he anticipated that the script of the third volume, which has the stories involving the character, would be 'pretty close' but would have additional lines belonging to Sanosuke and Yahiko. Stage shows In 2016, the performed a musical adaptation of the manga called Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.

The show ran from February to March, and starred Seina Sagiri as Kenshin and Miyu Sakihi as Kaoru. Art and guidebooks Two of the Rurouni Kenshin manga were released in Japan. The first one, Rurouni Kenshin Profiles ( 原典), was released first in Japan on July 4, 1996 by Shueisha and in the United States by Viz Media on November 1, 2005.

Kenshin Kaden ( 剣心華伝), released on December 15, 1999 includes the story Haru no Sakura ( 春の桜, lit.' Cherry Blossoms in Spring'), which details the fates of all of the Rurouni Kenshin characters. The story takes place years after the manga's conclusion, when Kenshin and Kaoru have married and have a young son, Kenji. Many of the series' major characters who have befriended Kenshin reunite or otherwise reveal their current whereabouts with him in a spring picnic.

For the anime, three Kenshin Soushi artbook were published from 1997 to 1998. While the first two were based on the TV series, the third one was based on the film. The film one was named Ishin Shishi no Requiem Art Book and was released along with the movie.

Also released was Rurouni-Art Book, which contained images from the OVAs. A guidebook from the kanzenban imprint of the series was published on June 4, 2007. Light novels The Rurouni Kenshin were published by Shueisha's Jump J-Books line and co-written by Kaoru Shizuka. Most of them are original stories which were later adapted in the anime.

Others are adaptations of manga and anime stories. The first novel, Rurouni Kenshin: Voyage to the Moon World, was published in Japan on October 10, 1996 and in North America on October 17, 2006. The second, Yahiko's Battle, was released on October 3, 1997. It retells various stories featured in the manga and anime series.

The third novel, TV Anime Shimabara Arc, was published on February 4, 1999. A novel adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin Cinema-ban, titled Rurouni Kenshin -Ginmaku Sōshihen- ( るろうに剣心 ―銀幕草紙変―) and written by Watsuki's wife Kaoru Kurosaki, was released on September 4, 2012. Video games There are five Rurouni Kenshin games released for the console. The first, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Ishin Gekitōhen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 維新激闘編) was released on November 29, 1996. It was developed. The game is a 3D fighter game with 5 playable characters, while the plot focuses in the first seven volumes from the manga.

The second one, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Jūyūshi Inbō Hen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 十勇士陰謀編) was released on December 18, 1997 and was re-released in the PlayStation The Best lineup on November 5, 1998. The game is a with a story unrelated to either the manga or anime. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Enjō!

Kyōto Rinne ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 炎上!京都輪廻) is the only video game for the console. Its Japanese release was slated for September 13, 2006. The game has sold over 130,000 copies in Japan. A 2D fighting game titled Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Saisen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 再閃) was released for the in March 10, 2011 in Japan. On August 30, 2012, a sequel, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Kansen ( るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚- 完醒), was released.

Also appears in the 2005 and 2006 games and as a battle character, while others were support characters and help characters. Kenshin and Shishio appear as playable characters in the 2014 and game. Merchandise Watsuki commented that there was a lot of Rurouni Kenshin merchandise released for the Japanese market. He recommended that buyers consider quality before paying for merchandise items and for them to consult their wallets and buy stuff that they feel is 'worth it.' Watsuki added that he liked the prototype for a stuffed Kenshin doll for the devices. Reception Manga Rurouni Kenshin has been highly popular, having sold over 55 million copies in Japan alone as of February 2012, making it one of Shueisha's top ten best-selling manga series. In 2014, it was reported that the series had 70 million copies in circulation.

Volume 27 of the manga ranked second in the Viz Bookscan Top Ten during June 2006, while volume 21 and 20 ranked second and tenth, respectively, in the Top 10 Graphic Novels of Viz of 2005. Rurouni Kenshin volume 24 also ranked in 116th position in the USA Today's best selling book list for the week ending February 26, 2006. During the third quarter from 2003, Rurouni Kenshin ranked at the top of ICv2's Top 50 Manga Properties. In the same poll from 2005, it was featured at the top once again based on sales from English volumes during 2004. In the Top Ten Manga Properties from 2006 from the same site, it ranked ninth. The manga has received praise and criticism from various publications.

Mania Entertainment writer Megan Lavey found that the manga had a good balance between character development, comedy and action scenes. The artwork of Watsuki was said to have improved as the series continued, noting that characters also had reactions during fights. Steve Raiteri from praised the series for its characters and battles.

However, he noted some fights were too violent so he recommended the series to older teenagers as well as adults. Zac Bertschy from (ANN) praised the story from the manga, but noted that by volume 18 of the series, Watsuki started to repeat the same type of villains who were united to kill Kenshin. Although he praised Watsuki's characters, he commented that some of them needed some consistency due to various 'bizarre' antagonists. Reviewer A.E. Sparrow liked the manga's ending, praising how the storylines are resolved, and how most of the supporting cast end up. He also praised the series' characters, remarking that Kenshin 'belongs in any top ten of manga heroes.'

Reviewer Daryl Surat said that the manga's quality was good until the 'Revenge Arc,' where he criticized the storyline and the new characters. Surat described the series as an example of a 'neo-shōnen' series, where a shōnen series also appeals to a female audience; Surat stated that, in such series character designs are 'pretty' for female audiences, but not too 'girly' for male audiences. Surat cited and, characters who ranked highly in popularity polls even though, in Surat's view, Aoshi does not engage in 'meaningful' battles and Sōjirō is a 'kid.' Surat explained that Aoshi appears 'like a character wearing 's coat and Sōjirō always smiles despite the abuse inflicted upon him. Surat said that the character designs for the anime television series were 'toughened up a bit.' He added that the budget for animation and music was 'top-notch' because Sony produced the budget.

As a result of the series taking a darker tone in latter story arcs with Kenshin facing new threats and at the same time his Battosai self, Kat Kan from recommended it to older teens. Kan also found that the anime viewers will also enjoy Watsuki's drawings due to the way he illustrates battles. Before becoming an official manga author, decided he should try creating a manga since Weekly Shōnen Jump had not published a title from that genre. However, during his years of college, Kishimoto started reading 's and Rurouni Kenshin which used the said genre. Kishimoto recalls having never been surprised by manga ever since reading and found that he still was not able to compete against them. In a review about the series' reboot, praised the manga for appealing to both newcomers as well as old fans of Rurouni Kenshin. The reviewer also noted the manga had light parts during its comedy which he found strange in the samurai genre.

Kat Kan of Voice of Youth Advocates shared similar feelings, but suggested it to try it for older teens rather than children as a result of its violent content. Rebecca Silverman from Anime News Network praised the reboot, praising the focus on Kenshin and Yahiko's development but criticized Kaoru and Saito for lacking focus. Anime When, a in Japan, conducted a nationwide for the one hundred most popular animated television series, the Rurouni Kenshin anime came in sixty-sixth place. They also conducted an, in which Rurouni Kenshin was placed at number 62. Nearly a year later, TV Asahi once again conducted an online poll for the top one hundred anime, and Rurouni Kenshin anime advanced in rank and came in twenty-sixth place. It also ranked at tenth place in the Web's Most Wanted 2005, ranking in the animation category.

The fourth DVD of the anime was also Anime Castle's best selling DVD in October 2001. Rurouni Kenshin was also a finalist in the in the category 'Long Series' but lost against. The anime has also been commented on by Chris Shepard from ANN noting a well crafted plot and good action scenes. However, he also criticized that during the first episodes the fights never get quite interesting as it becomes a bit predictable that Kenshin is going to win as the music of moments of victory is repeated many times. However, Mark A.

Grey from the same site mentioned that all those negatives points disappear during the Kyoto Arc due to amazing fights and a great soundtrack. Tasha Robinson from had a similar opinion on the anime, and added that the characters' personalities' allowed the plot to develop into a good variety of interesting stories. She also liked the historical setting as it makes all the situations seem authentic. Lynzee Loveridge from Anime News Network highlighted as the most known series to use the Meiji period and saw the Kyoto Arc as one of the best ones.

Although Them Anime's Carlos Ross also liked the action scenes and storyline, he added that the number of childish and violent scenes make the show a bit unbalanced, saying it is not recommended for younger children. Surat approved of the anime series, stating that while half of the first-season episodes consisted of filler, the situation 'clicks' upon the introduction of and that he disagreed with people who disliked the television series compared to the OVAs. Surat said that while the Media Blasters anime dub is 'well-cast,' the English dub does not sound natural since the producers were too preoccupied with making the voice performances mimick the Japanese performances. Surat said that while he 'didn't mind' the first filler arc with the Christianity sect, he could not stomach the final two filler arcs, and Japanese audiences disapproved of the final two filler arcs. Robin Brenner from noted that despite its pacifist messages, Rurouni Kenshin was too violent, recommending it to older audiences. OVAs and films has received significant praise for its story, animation, art, music and Japanese voice acting from various critics.

Mike Crandol from ANN noted Trust & Betrayal as one of the greatest OVA series of all time, celebrating the new characters designs as well as the fights scenes which were also noted to be 'terribly bloody' and beautiful at the same time. Although reviewer Don Houston mentioned the OVAs were very violent for teenagers, he found the story and music to be 'solid'. The director's cut version received positive comments by how the four OVAs were arranged with Houston commenting it 'seems more like a movie that stands alone, rather than just the precursor to a long lasting series.' Received mixed reviews. While Nobuhiro Watsuki had checked the script from the OVA, he gave it disapproval due to its sad ending. Crandol also later commented that fans from the manga may be disappointed when seeing Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection since most of the fighting scenes have been deleted in the OVA.

Nevertheless, the music and animation featured in the Reflection were highly praised again as one of the best ones from Japan. References. Retrieved October 28, 2017.

Note: The Japanese title literally means 'Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman, a collection of Romantic Folk Tales.' 'Rurouni' is a created from the verb 'ru,' meaning 'to wander,' and ',' meaning 'masterless samurai.' A rough translation of the title would be 'Kenshin the Wandering Swordsman'. 2016-03-03 at the.

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