Rurouni Kenshin: Tales of the Meiji Collection

The 33 episodes in the Meiji Era Premium Box conclude the popular 1996 broadcast series Rurouni Kenshin, although the characters later appeared in a theatrical feature (1997), the Samurai X OVA (1999), and various compilation "specials." Usually referred to as "The Tales of the Meiji," these brief stories lack the sustained plotline and depth of characterization that distinguish the Legend of Kyoto narrative.

The most interesting story requires Kenshin to deal with the aftermath of the conflicts that produced the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Once the trusted lieutenant of the last Tokugawa shogun, Kaishu Katsu is attacked by renegade samurai who believe he betrayed their feudal lord. Kenshin must defend Katsu and his actions, which prevented wholesale slaughter in Tokyo. In a longer adventure, Yutaro, Yahiko's friend and rival from the first story arc (Rurouni Kenshin, Wandering Samurai Premium Collection), returns to Japan from Germany. His arrival precipitates a complicated plot involving a cabal of German knights and a miraculous elixir. The final story pits Kenshin and his friends against Chinese Feng Shui masters scheming to seize control of Japan. These supernatural tales feel like anime business as usual, and lack the compelling interior battles that make the Kyoto arc so powerful. Despite the weakness of the writing, few fans will be able to resist the last adventures of the well-loved Kenshin Himura, including his long-awaited marriage to "Miss Kaoru."