Anime Review: Samurai X

The story of Samurai X is actually the Prequel to the popular anime series "Rurouni Kenshin" and this prequel takes into account the life of "Hitokiri Battosai" in a much darker tone than the light-hearted anime series. Kenshin is drawn into the war and has gone astray from his master, Hiko. Caught in the conflict, he believes that his job as an assasin is bringing relief to "the people" of Japan, however the ideals of the Choshu are to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate, the party in power at the time. Kenshins sword will go on to push forward the Meiji Revolution, and a new form of government. For reasons unknown, he disappeared soon after the Meiji Government was established. The Choshu and other Hitokiri are known as "ishin-nishi, or the "patriots".
Little does Kenshin know that as he murders, he takes away other's happiness (which will be the cause of "Jinchu" [or judgement] later on in the Ruroken series.). Kenshin has slayed a chief bodyguard, who was also engaged to marry a beautiful woman named Tomoe. After news of Kiyosato's death (the bodyguard) Tomoe was crushed in a never-ending realm of sorrow, grief and hated. She hated the murderer so much, and plotted her revenge against him. For that, she began to get to know Kenshin, and tried to lure him into a trap. Just how will the story progress from here?
The series has some of the "best" artwork I have ever seen. The entire series, Samurai X in particular is rich with Japanese Culture of the Edo Period and beyond. The English dub isn't half bad at all either (its actually enjoyable to watch both languages, however the Japanese language leaves in a few more plot details). The Japanese dialogue makes this anime an instant masterpiece of blended culture, artwork, and storyline. You will learn how Kenshin receives his cross-shaped scar, and exactly why he will vow never to kill again.

Trivia:
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- In the anime, Kenshin is carrying the "Musashi Daishyo" consisting of a katana and wakizashi. This was common for the samurai of the past, and was a good choice for an assasin. However, wanabanshu ninja and many assasins used "cheap" disposable swords and equipment that could be used in a hitch. That is why ninja swords are straight and are not curved like katana; because the blades break that easy like cane swords. In reality, an assasin will most likely, in this time period not be carrying around heavy weapons, but they did do so.

- There were Hitokiri that existed in real life, however only 3 or 4 of them really existed. They were skilled swordsman with exceptional skill, however they were all slain in battle. I believe only 1 died of old age.

- The way many of these assasins wipe off their blades of blood is necessary. Blood is corrosive and will rust the blade. Swordsman know this.

- The anime features realistic swords fighting, and you will not find any "exaggerated" battle scenes in Samurai X (even in reflection). (The opening scene and the speed of Kenshin and some of his fight scenes are a bit exaggerated.)

- Seppuku (suicide) by Tanto or by bighting off ones tongue and choking on it was a common practice in the Edo Period.

- The Buddhist religion was common belief in the Edo Period. After the actual Meiji Restoration (in real life) there was a massive influx of Christianity. Both religions exist in Japan today, with the majority of "Shinto" Buddhism. Both religions believe in peace.

- In the opening scene, Master Hiko fights off the bandits (rather easily) with his own katana. In reality, a samurai or swordsman would not fight with a sword in its shira-saya, or wood covered decor. The shira-saya, in a way is like fitting a sword in socks, a t-shirt and shorts. A normal katana is like dressing up the sword in a tuxedo and bowtie. Shira-saya were used to store the blade until it could be formally mounted. Samurai and other Swordsman did not fight with a shirasaya (unless necessary) because there was no hand guard to protect the hand from slipping over the blade.