Reflection OVA
A story of atonement, waiting, and the cost of a wandering life.
Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection, known in Japan as Rurōni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Roman Tan- Seisōhen, is a Japanese original video animation (OVA) which serves as a sequel to the 1996–1998 anime television series Rurouni Kenshin, an adaptation of Nobuhiro Watsuki's 1994–1999 manga series. It was animated by Studio Deen, directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi and written by Reiko Yoshida. It was released from December 2001 to March 2002. The OVA series is set both during and after the timeline of the television series and tells of Kenshin and Kaoru's later days, much of which is not derived from the Rurouni Kenshin manga. It is mostly told from the point of view of Kamiya Kaoru. The story follows Himura Kenshin as he attempts searching for ways to atone for those who died at his hands, while Kaoru waits for Kenshin to return home. Kenshin's actions, however, alienate him from his estranged son, Kenji.
- Protagonist
- Kenshin Himura
- Format
- Original Video Animation (OVA)
- Episode Count
- 2 episodes
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The narrative begins with a montage of pivotal moments from Himura Kenshin's life, recounted through the perspective of Kamiya Kaoru. The story then shifts focus to Kenshin, who is tormented by guilt over his violent past and his inability to reconcile it with his present happiness. Resolving to wander once more, he is met with Kaoru's unwavering support; she promises to await his return with their child, welcoming him home with a smile. Over the next fifteen years, Kenshin periodically revisits his family before being stricken by an unidentified illness. In an act of shared suffering, Kaoru persuades him to transmit the disease to her through intimacy. Kenshin later departs to aid in the First Sino-Japanese War, fulfilling a promise to the Meiji government—not as a combatant, but as a healer assisting the wounded. Meanwhile, his son, Kenji, harbors deep resentment toward Kenshin for his prolonged absence. As a teenager, Kenji travels to Kyoto seeking tutelage under Hiko Seijūrō, aspiring to master the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū style and rival his father's strength. Myōjin Yahiko, dispatched by Kaoru, confronts Kenji and engages him in a duel to dispel his misguided ambitions. Acknowledging Kenji's innate talent, Yahiko delivers a decisive strike with Kenshin's sakabatō, forcing him to confront the weight of his father's philosophy. Defeated, Kenji kneels as Yahiko presents him the reversed-blade sword as a belated genpuku gift.
In Their Own Story
Following the war, Sagara Sanosuke discovers an ailing Kenshin after he falls overboard during a voyage. Sanosuke arranges his return to Tokyo, where a bedridden Kaoru musters the strength to meet him along a path lined with cherry blossoms. Weak and faltering, Kenshin collapses into her embrace, whispering that he has come back for her. Kaoru addresses him by his childhood name, Shinta, fulfilling his final request. Beneath the blossoms, she assures him they will host yearly gatherings beneath the tree. As silence settles, Kaoru realizes Kenshin has died peacefully in her arms. Brushing his hair aside, she finds his iconic scar vanished—a symbol of his atonement's completion. In an epilogue, Kenji walks beneath the cherry blossoms with a young girl, Chizuru, vowing they will live happily together.
Reader's Guide
Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection was directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, with the screenplay written by Reiko Yoshida, and animated by Studio Deen. Its two episodes were first released on VHS and DVD by SPE Visual Works on December 19, 2001, and March 20, 2002. A 'Director's Cut' DVD, which included new scenes, was released on October 9, 2002. Aniplex released the series on a Blu-ray set on September 21, 2011. In North America, the OVA was released by A.D. Vision, under the title Samurai X: Reflection, on March 25, 2003. The Director's Cut DVD was released on December 28, 2004. Aniplex of America released the OVA on a Blu-ray set, as Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection, on September 20, 2011. In Australia and New Zealand, Madman Entertainment released the OVA on DVD on May 14, 2003. In the United Kingdom, A.D. Vision released the OVA on DVD on September 22, 2003. The music for Reflection was composed by Taku Iwasaki. A soundtrack album, containing 18 tracks, was released on January 23, 2002.
Did You Know?
- Although Reflection was not written by Nobuhiro Watsuki, he stated that he 'checked in on the script' and let the director 'run wild with it.'
- Watsuki felt that his own work eventually would have reached Kenshin's death had he continued writing, but he had not wished to pursue that line because 'Kenshin went through so much crap and deserved a happy ending.'
- Mike Crandol of Anime News Network said the OVA series were 'some of the best animation ever to come out of Japan, rivaling the American masters in fluidity of motion.'
- The OVA was originally released in North America as Samurai X: Reflection while it was being licensed by ADV Films.
- Kenshin's iconic scar vanishes after his death, described in the source as 'a symbol of his atonement's completion.'