The second season of the Rurouni Kenshin anime, subtitled Kyoto Disturbance, has added Hiroki Yasumoto to its voice cast. Yasumoto will be voicing the character Ryūsaku Arato, a police chief who made his debut in the 38th episode of the series, which aired on January 16th. This announcement was made by the official Rurouni Kenshin anime’s X/Twitter account, confirming Yasumoto’s participation in the popular series.
A New Chapter for Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance is the second season of the new anime adaptation of Nobuhiro Watsuki’s renowned manga. This series is a fresh take on the classic story, animated by Liden Films. The first season aired from July to December 2023, and the Kyoto Disturbance season premiered in October 2024, continuing the narrative with a focus on the intense Kyoto arc. This arc sees the protagonist, Kenshin Himura, journey to Kyoto to confront Makoto Shishio, a dangerous adversary with ties to Kenshin’s past.
Hiroki Yasumoto Joins the Ranks
Hiroki Yasumoto is a prolific Japanese voice actor known for his deep, resonant voice. Born on March 16, 1977, Yasumoto has lent his talents to numerous popular anime series and video games. Some of his most notable roles include Germany in Hetalia: Axis Powers, Yasutora Sado in Bleach, and Hozuki in Hozuki’s Coolheadedness. He also voices Raven in the Guilty Gear video game series. His addition to the Rurouni Kenshin cast as Ryūsaku Arato is expected to bring a compelling presence to the character.
Ryūsaku Arato: A New Character
Ryūsaku Arato, the character voiced by Yasumoto, is a police chief who appears in the Kyoto arc. This arc is a critical part of the Rurouni Kenshin story where Kenshin faces the formidable Shishio Makoto. Arato’s role is part of the intricate web of characters and storylines that contribute to the tension and drama of this season.
The Kyoto Disturbance Arc
The Kyoto Disturbance arc is a significant storyline in Rurouni Kenshin, renowned for its intensity and complex character development. The story follows Kenshin, a former assassin who has vowed never to kill again, as he travels to Kyoto to stop Shishio, who plans to overthrow the Meiji government. This season explores Kenshin’s internal struggles as he battles powerful enemies and grapples with his past.
Synopsis of the Season
The official synopsis of the Kyoto Disturbance season highlights the era’s upheaval and Kenshin’s commitment to his vow of non-violence. The season begins with the murder of Toshimichi Okubo, a significant figure of the Meiji Restoration. This incident sets the stage for Shishio’s plans, prompting Kenshin to leave his friends and travel to Kyoto to face his adversary. The plot incorporates new characters, intense fights, and emotional depth, exploring the balance between Kenshin’s destiny and his oath.
Key Characters in the Kyoto Arc
The Kyoto Disturbance arc includes many compelling characters. Here are some key players:
- Himura Kenshin: The protagonist, a former assassin with a vow of peace, voiced by Soma Saito in the Japanese version and Howard Wang in the English dub.
- Kamiya Kaoru: Kenshin’s close companion and head of the Kamiya dojo, voiced by Rie Takahashi in Japanese and Risa Mei in English.
- Sagara Sanosuke: A street fighter and friend of Kenshin, voiced by Taku Yashiro in Japanese and Darius Johnson in English.
- Makoto Shishio: The main antagonist of the Kyoto arc, a ruthless and skilled swordsman planning to overthrow the Meiji government. He is voiced by Makoto Furukawa.
- Sojiro Seta: Shishio’s right-hand man and a formidable fighter, voiced by Daiki Yamashita.
- Shinomori Aoshi: The leader of the Oniwabanshu, a skilled ninja, voiced by Yuma Uchida.
- Misao Makimachi: A young ninja from the Oniwabanshu, who becomes an ally of Kenshin.
- Takani Megumi: A doctor who becomes a close friend of Kenshin, voiced by Saori Onishi.
Production and Release
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance premiered on October 3, 2024, on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block. The season is scheduled to run for two consecutive cours, a half-year run. The series is directed by Yuki Komada, with scripts written by Hideyuki Kurata. The series also features new theme songs: the opening theme “Chained” by Tatsuya Kitani and Natori, and the ending theme “Suikōsetten” by Nomelon Nolemon.
The English dub of Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance premiered on Crunchyroll on October 24, 2024, making it accessible to a wider international audience.
Previous Adaptations
Rurouni Kenshin has a rich history of adaptations, including:
- The original 1996-1998 anime series: Produced by Studio Gallop and Studio Deen.
- Original Video Animations (OVAs): Including Trust & Betrayal and Reflection, which explored different parts of the manga.
- Live-action films: A series of successful live-action films, including Rurouni Kenshin (2012) and the Kyoto Inferno and The Legend Ends (2014) films, which adapted the Kyoto arc, as well as The Final and The Beginning (2021) which covered the Jinchu arc.
How to Watch
For fans looking to catch up on the series, here’s a recommended order:
- Rurouni Kenshin (1996-1998): The original anime series.
- Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal (1999): An OVA that explores Kenshin’s past.
- Rurouni Kenshin (2023): The first season of the new adaptation.
- Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance (2024): The second season of the new series.
- Other adaptations: Including Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture and Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection.
Conclusion
The addition of Hiroki Yasumoto to the voice cast of Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance is exciting news for fans of the series. As the Kyoto Disturbance arc unfolds, viewers can expect intense battles, emotional moments, and complex character interactions. The new season offers a fresh take on a beloved story, with modern animation and a talented voice cast, ensuring that Rurouni Kenshin continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
