Kenshin Himura Rurouni Kenshin - Nendoroid

Rurouni Kenshin was one of the most popular manga series of the 1990s. With over 70 million volumes in circulation, it's also one of Shueisha's best-selling series of all time. The series stood out for its balance of action, comedy, and character development along with its romantic themes. The series protagonist, Kenshin Himura, became instantly popular among fans, establishing his place as a cultural icon. Kenshin has been represented in merchandise ranging from keychains, plush toys, and figures. His popularity even earned Kenshin a Nendoroid figure, "Nendoroid Rurouni Kenshin Kenshin Himura."

Nendoroid Rurouni Kenshin Kenshin Himura

The soft-spoken non-lethal swordsman Kenshin Himura now has a figure in the Nendoroid line. Kenshin wears his simple men's kimono, sculpted with pleats and visible hems. The three faceplates, a gentle smile, fierce Battousai glare, and dazed, "oro" expression, all accurately depict his legendary cross-shaped scar. He carries his signature reverse blade katana with parts to display both sheathed and unsheathed. Additional accessories include a stick of colorful dango and an alternate hair piece to pose him in mid-action.

Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Shichibee
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"

About Kenshin Himura

Kenshin Himura is the main character of the manga series Rurouni Kenshin. He is a former legendary assassin from the Bakumatsu turned wandering swordsman. Kenshin was highly popular among female readers at the time and has become one of the most recognizable manga characters of all time.

About Kenshin Himura: Background

During the Boshin War, Kenshin was a feared assassin known as Hitokiri Battousai, or Battousai the Slayer. In the aftermath of the dissolved shogunate, Kenshin wanders the countryside offering protection to people to atone for the murders he committed. Kenshin notably carries a reverse blade katana that experiences more resistance than a standard blade, making it harder to land fatal strikes. Through his travels, Kenshin arrives at the Kamiya dojo, where he begins to make peace with himself.

Despite his frightening reputation, Kenshin is not cold-hearted or bloodthirsty. Instead, he is tortured by his past and strives for peace and pacifism whenever possible. Kenshin is soft-spoken, humble, and selfless, often going out of his way to help others. While Kenshin places a high value on all forms of life, he views his own life as cheap and dispensable. However, when pushed by an aggressor, Kenshin can revert to the brutal and distant demeanor he had as an assassin.

About Kenshin Himura: Abilities

Kenshin's delicate appearance and humble personality belie his incredible strength as a warrior. His skills as a swordsman are nearly unmatched in the series, only bested by his former master. Kenshin is capable of performing legendary feats with his sword, including cutting through steel. His speed and precision are top-level, enabling his mastery of the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu sword style. Kenshin's signature battle skill is battoujutsu, which involves quickly removing and sheathing a sword, emphasizing response time and precision.

Outside of battling, Kenshin is very accomplished in domestic work. He often cooks for everyone in the dojo and completes cleaning tasks efficiently. Kenshin is also skilled in public speaking, giving moving speeches at a moment's notice. His level-headedness and composure also give him an edge in verbal arguments.

Other Important Rurouni Kenshin Characters

Kenshin's path to atonement centers on the influential relationships he has with the women in his life.

Kaoru Kamiya

Kaoru Kamiya is the owner and lead instructor of the Kamiya dojo and the heroine of Rurouni Kenshin. She is strong-willed, proud, and fiercely independent. Her hard work kept her late father's dojo in operation and made her a master of the school's sword style, Kamiya Kasshin-Ryu. She has a volatile temper but also quickly sees the good, or potential for good, in others.

Kaoru meets Kenshin when he defends her dojo from an assailant posing as the Hitokiri Battousai. The two quickly become friends based on mutual respect. Kenshin appreciates Kaoru's protection-oriented view of swordsmanship while Kaoru acknowledges Kenshin's growth and good nature despite his past. The romantic development between the two serves as a focal point of the series.

Tomoe Yukishiro

Tomoe Yukishiro was the daughter of a low-rank samurai family and Kenshin's first love. Initially, Tomoe sought revenge after Kenshin as the Battousai killed her fiance. She got close to him as a spy for the Shogunate but eventually developed real feelings for him. Her feelings caused her to betray her family and comrades when she intervenes in an attempt to kill Kenshin. Her interference led to her own death at Kenshin's hands.

Kenshin's relationship with Tomoe shaped his pacifistic, mild-mannered personality. His guilt resulting from her death led him to go on his redemption quest to atone for all the murders he committed.

Links

Nendoroid Rurouni Kenshin Kenshin Himura
Rurouni Kenshin - Figures
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