Hyderabad Metro and Himura Kenshin: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox animanga character
{{Expand|date=March 2007}}
| name = Himura Kenshin
{{rewrite}}
| series = [[Rurouni Kenshin]]
[[Image:Hyd_MRTS.JPG|400px|thumb|right|Hyderabad MRTS, MMTS, BRTS and Airport Link]]
| image = [[Image:Tomo1-1.jpg|150px|middle]]
The Hyderabad [[Mass Rapid Transit System]](MRTS) also known as the Hyderabad [[rapid transit|Metro]] is one of the several planned [[Mass Rapid Transit System]] projects in India. This project will serve the city of [[Hyderabad]]. The Project was approved by the [[Government of India|Union Government]] on [[April 15]] [[2008]]. The project will be the largest MRTS project under Public-Private partnership. The total length is 66 km,extended to 71 km . The bidding process will be complete by July 2008 and work on the metro will start from August 2008.
| caption = Himura Kenshin by [[Nobuhiro Watsuki]]
| first = ''Rurouni Kenshin'' manga chapter 1 <br /> ''Rurouni Kenshin'' anime episode 1
| last =
| voiced by = '''Japanese''' <br>[[Mayo Suzukaze]] (anime) <br> [[Megumi Ogata]] ([[Radio drama in Japan|drama CD]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=790|title=Megumi Ogata|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2008-02-04}}</ref> <br> '''English''' <br> [[Richard Cansino]] (anime, Credited<br /> as [[Richard Hayworth]]) <br> J. Shanon Weaver (OVA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=6289|title=J. Shannon Weaver|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2008-02-04}}</ref>
| nickname =
| alias =
| age = 28<ref name="age">{{cite book |title= 剣心華伝|year=1999|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Shueisha]]|page=p. 162|isbn= 4-08-782037-8}}</ref>
| born = June 20, 1849<ref name="age"/>
| death =
| occupation= Former ''[[Four Hitokiri of the Bakumatsu|hitokiri]]''
| relatives = [[Yukishiro Tomoe]] (late wife, deceased)<br> [[Yukishiro Enishi]] (ex-brother-in-law) <br> [[Kamiya Kaoru]] (wife) <br> [[List of Rurouni Kenshin characters#Himura Kenji|Himura Kenji]] (son)
}}
{{nihongo|'''Himura Kenshin'''|緋村 剣心|Himura Kenshin}}, known as '''Kenshin Himura''' in the [[English language|English-language]] [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dub]], is a [[fictional character]] from the ''[[Rurouni Kenshin]]'' [[Fictional universe|universe]] created by [[Nobuhiro Watsuki]]. He is the main [[protagonist]] of the [[manga]] and [[anime]] series, as well as the related media in the franchise. When creating Kenshin, Watsuki designed him to be the physical opposite of [[Hiko Seijūrō]], a character that appears in Watsuki's first [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]] manga, ''[[Crescent Moon in the Warring States]]'', and later in ''Rurouni Kenshin'' as his swordsmanship teacher.


Set in a fictional version of Japan, during the pre-[[Meiji period]], Kenshin is a former legendary assassin known as {{nihongo|"''Hitokiri Battōsai''"|人斬り抜刀斎}}.<ref>"''[[Four Hitokiri of the Bakumatsu|Hitokiri]]''" means "manslayer", however, "''Battōsai''" does not have a literal meaning. While "''battō''" is a reference to ''[[battōjutsu]]'', "''sai''" means "purify".</ref> At the end of the [[Bakumatsu]], he becomes a wandering samurai, now wielding a {{nihongo|''sakabatō''|逆刃刀||lit. "reverse-blade sword"}}, a [[katana]] that has the cutting edge on the inwardly curved side of the sword, thus being nearly incapable of killing. Kenshin wanders the countryside of Japan offering protection and aid to those in need, as atonement for the murders he once committed as an assassin. In [[Tokyo]], he meets a young woman named [[Kamiya Kaoru]], who invites him to live in her dojo despite learning about Kenshin's past. Throughout the series, Kenshin begins to establish lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies, while dealing with his fair share of enemies, new and old. Through these encounters and relationships, Kenshin begins to find true atonement for his past enabling him to fully conquer his "''Battōsai''" nature. By the series' end, he has found true peace and contentment as the husband of Kaoru and the father of their son, [[List of Rurouni Kenshin characters#Himura Kenji|Kenji]].
==Implementing agency==
The [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]] has formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) ''Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited'' (HMRL) to coordinate and monitor the speedy implementation of the project.


Kenshin's character was well received by fans, with his holding the top spot in all reader popularity polls for the series. Critics of the series praised his personality, though some complained about his development during the anime [[original video animations]] (OVAs), series, which differs from the manga. A variety of [[collectible]]s based around Kenshin have been created, including [[Action figure|figurines]], [[Keychain|key chains]], [[Stuffed animal|plushies]], and replicas of his ''sakabatō'' sword.
==Location of the Project==


==Creation and conception==
[[Image:MRTS Map.JPG|320px|thumb|Hyderabad, Mass Rapid Transport System]]<br/>
[[Image:Rekenshin.jpg|thumb|left|Redesign of Kenshin in the ''[[Tankōbon#Aizōban and kanzenban|kanzenban]]'' series.]]
Watsuki discovered and used the story of [[Kawakami Gensai]], a ''hitokiri'' executed by the [[Government of Meiji Japan|Meiji Government]]. According to Watsuki, when he found that Kawakami maintained a duty to his dead comrades, he decided to create the [[Title role#Title character|title character]]. Since Watsuki's debut work contained a tall, black-haired man in "showy" armor, the creator wanted to make a character "completely opposite" to the debut character and the new character ended up "coming out like a girl." According to Watsuki, he used "no real motif" when creating Kenshin and placed a cross-shaped scar when "not knowing what else to do."<ref name="design">{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1 |year=2003|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=The Secret Life of Characters (1) Himura Kenshin|page=p. 56|isbn= 1-59116-220-3 }}</ref> At the end of the series, Kenshin appears with short hair. Initially, Watsuki had planned to make his hair shorter before the end, however, he found this to be similar to the character [[List of characters in To Heart#Multi (HMX-12)|Multi]] from ''[[To Heart]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28 |page=p. 154|year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=The Secret Life of Characters (54) Himura Kenji and the characters from Meiji 15|isbn=1-4215-0675-0 }}</ref> Watsuki based most of Kenshin's abilities on a real swordsman of the [[Edo period|Tokugawa period]] named Matsubayashi Henyasai, who was skilled in acrobatic techniques.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15 |year= 2005|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |page=p. 66|chapter=The Secret Life of Characters (36) Henya Kariwa |isbn=1-59116-810-4 }}</ref> During the Kyoto arc, Kenshin is given a new sword with a sheath made of wood. Watsuki decided to redesign the sword to make it look as the first one Kenshin had in the series, though it is more difficult to draw.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 10 |year= 2005|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=The Secret Life of Characters (30), Seiku family|page=p. 128|isbn=978-1591167037}}</ref>


During the development of the pilot chapter of the series, ''Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story'', Watsuki and his editor argued over Kenshin's speech patterns; they settled for a "slangy" pattern. For the final version of the first ''Romantic Story'', Watsuki adjusted the dialogue; in his view, he made Kenshin sound "more as I prefer him now."<ref name="rurouni">{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (1)|page=p. 168|isbn=1-4215-0674-2 }}</ref> Watsuki added Kenshin's trademark "oro" as a placeholder to be an expression of the English [[speech disfluency]] "huh." Watsuki notes that he was surprised at how much it caught on, and how much he ended up having Kenshin use the sound during the series.<ref name="WatsukiInterview">{{cite web |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/conitem.php?item=190 |title=Anime Expo 2002: Friday Report |first=Andrew |last=Tei |date= |publisher=[[AnimeOnDVD.com]] |accessdate=2008-05-08 }}</ref> Watsuki also planned to make Kenshin older than 30 years old; his editor commented that it was strange that the main character of a manga for teenagers was so old, so he made Kenshin 28 years old.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 27 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |page=p. 2|isbn=1-59116-220-3 }}</ref>
As it is well known, a good traffic and transportation infrastructure is one of the pre-requisites for the survival, competitiveness, and livability of a city. [[Hyderabad]], the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. With a population of about 7 million and considerable floating population, the city is grappling with increasing traffic congestion due to fast growing IT, ITES, pharma, and various other manufacturing and business activities.


In the first ''Rurouni Kenshin'' ''[[Tankōbon#Aizōban and kanzenban|kanzenban]]'', published in Japan in July 2006, Watsuki included a draft page featuring a redesign of Kenshin's character. To make his X-shaped scar more notable, Watsuki made it long enough to cross his nose. Kenshin's hair is tied in two tails, which are flowing to make him look younger, but shorter, to be less [[Androgyny|androgynous]]. Watsuki also added a ''[[habaki]]'' to Kenshin's sword to make it easier to draw by simplifying its structure, while also emphasizing strength.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin Kanzenban, Volume 1 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Shueisha]] |page=p. 2|isbn=4-08-874150-1 }}</ref>
== Current Transit systems ==
Kenshin's ''hitokiri'' look was also redesigned slightly, by making his clothes more damaged and giving him [[Yukishiro Tomoe|Yukishiro Tomoe's]] neck scarf.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin Kanzenban, Volume 15 |year= 2007|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Shueisha]] |page=p. 2|isbn=978-4-08-874164-2 }}</ref>
Lack of an efficient, reliable and comfortable Public Transportation System (PTS) has resulted in the rapid growth of personal vehicles (1.8 million vehicles, with an addition of 0.2 million per annum), leading to frequent traffic jams and higher pollution levels in the city. Out of the 7.0 million motorized trips that are made in the city every day, only 40% (2.8 million trips) are by PTS (mostly by buses run by [[APSRTC]], a Govt of AP owned company) and there is a need to take this share to 70% mainly by creation of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).
The Current local train system known as the [[MMTS, Hyderabad|Multi Modal Transport System(MMTS)]] operational since 2003 runs on existing tracks meant for long distance trains supplemented by aging [[Diesel Multiple Units]](DMU) locally known as push-pull trains operational since the 80's. This is seen as inadequate since the bulk of the city's population as well as major economic centers lie away from the long distance tracks. Only recently the usage of these trains has increased due to increase of population in the suburbs.


In the anime adaptation of ''Rurouni Kenshin'', Watsuki's designs were combined with the voice talents of [[Mayo Suzukaze]], a female ''[[seiyū]]''. In producing the English dub version of the series, [[Media Blasters]] considered following suit, with [[Mona Marshall]] considered as a finalist for voicing Kenshin. [[Richard Cansino|Richard Hayworth]] eventually was selected for the role, giving Kenshin's character a more masculine voice in the English adaptation. Marshall was selected instead to voice the younger Kenshin during flashback scenes. Clark Cheng, writer of the dub script, noted that localizing Kenshin's unusual speech was a difficult process. His use of "de gozaru" and "oro" were not only character trademarks that indicated Kenshin's state of mind, but important elements to the story. However, neither is directly translatable to English, and in the end the company chose to replace "de gozaru" with "that I did" and "that I am." Kenshin's signature "oro" was replaced with "huah" to simulate it being a "funny sound" that had no real meaning.<ref name="ChengInterview">{{cite web |url=http://www.dubreview.com/ki_cc.php |title=Interview with Clark Cheng |publisher=Dub Review |year=2003 |month=November |accessdate=2008-05-07 }}</ref>
== Proposal ==


==Character outline==
Concerned about the fast deteriorating traffic position and increasing pollution levels, Government of Andhra Pradesh recently constituted a Seven Member Committee of Senior Officers belonging to different departments to evolve a Comprehensive Transportation Strategy and submit a road map for strengthening the Public Transportation System and other measures to solve the traffic problems of Hyderabad metropolitan area. Further, in the light of some international consortia/companies along with their Indian partners coming forward to take up MRTS projects in the city on BOT basis on a commercial format, the Committee was also directed to examine the proposals and come up with specific recommendations.
===Personality===
The Committee accordingly examined the proposals/presentations (which are basically at a preliminary level), perused the various traffic studies available for Hyderabad and observed that the busy traffic corridors (especially in the core area) of about 150 km have become prone to frequent traffic jams and that there is a need to develop MRTS on these routes in a phased manner. The Committee recommended immediate development of MRTS on BOT basis on the following 3 corridors in phase-I:
Kenshin desires to protect every individual from danger without harming others. Formerly known as "the strongest ''hitokiri''," Kenshin is the main target of many old enemies and people who want to gain his title, thus he avoids letting others get too close to him personally for their own protection. However, he eventually begins relying on his friends, allowing them to fight alongside him.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 22 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 187|page= p. 19|isbn= 1-4215-0196-1 }}</ref> He also has a rivalry with the ex-[[Shinsengumi]] member [[Saitō Hajime (Rurouni Kenshin)|Saitō Hajime]] since the Bakumatsu. Although they become partners in the series, they both know that one day they will finish their duel. After the end of the Jinchu arc, Kenshin challenges Saitō to end the rivalry, but Saitō refuses to fight since Kenshin is different from the time they were enemies.<ref name="end">{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 252|isbn= 1-4215-0675-0 }}</ref>


Throughout the series, a young woman named Kaoru develops [[Romance (love)|strong romantic feelings]] for him, and he also comes to love her. Despite his feelings, he is constantly haunted by the wrongs committed in his past, and believes he does not deserve happiness. However, as he notes how Kaoru would feel if he dies, Kenshin decides not to leave her and regains a desire to survive.<ref>{{cite book |year=2005|title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17 |last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 145|page= p. 136|isbn= 1-59116-876-7 }}</ref>
#'''''Miyapur – L B NAGAR - 27 km. (Approximate)'''''
#'''''Secunderabad – Falaknuma - 17 km. (Approximate)'''''
#'''''Tarnaka – Panjagutta – Hitec City - 26 km. (Approximate)'''''<br />
:''''' Total Length - 71 km (Approximate)'''''


If he is not able to protect his loved ones, he begins to shift into his "''Hitokiri Battōsai''" personality, and takes extreme measures in order save others, caring little for the well-being of his opponents.<ref name="high">{{cite book |year=2003|title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 12|isbn= 1-59116-249-1 }}</ref> However, Kenshin avoids changing his personality, swearing that he will never kill, and will try to avoid the deaths of as many people as possible.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |year=2005|chapter=Chapter 118|page= pp. 128-129|isbn= 1-59116-767-1 }}</ref>
== Line 1 Miyapur – L B NAGAR ==


Kenshin's [[Japanese language|Japanese-language]] dialogue contains some unusual words and [[catch phrase]]s which can cause problems in translations. Most of the time, he refers to himself with the extremely humble pronoun "sessha" (translated in the manga by [[Viz Media|Viz]] as "this one") and uses the formal verb "de gozaru" (conveyed by Media Blasters by phrases like "…that it is."). He also addresses most women with an [[Honorific speech in Japanese|honorific]] which is generally reserved for [[Daimyo|feudal lords]]. In the English anime, "Miss Kaoru" is used instead of "Kaoru-''[[Japanese honorifics#Dono/tono|dono]]''." When in his "''Battōsai''" mode, Kenshin changes from being polite to serious; one of his quotes, "de gozaru", disappears and "sessha" is replaced with the more typical brash male pronoun "ore".<ref name="high"/> Along the series, Kenshin uses the quote "oro", which expresses surprise or dismay, based on the similar exclamation "ara" (generally considered feminine). As proper Japanese vocabulary, "oro" only exists as a word for [[lochia]]. In the English dub, "oro" has been translated into "huh". "Oro" is kept intact in the Viz manga.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monkey-pirate.com/stuff/Kenshin-oro-small.jpg|title=Oro demonstration|publisher=monkey-pirate.com|accessdate=2008-03-07}}</ref>
'''Route Length'''
*Between dead ends 29.87 kilometers</br>
*Between End stations centers 29.17 kilometers</br>
'''Number of Stations (All elevated)''' 27</br>
'''Link to other Corridors'''</br>
*At Ameerpet connecting corridors 1 and 3</br>
*At Medical College connecting corridors 1 and 2</br>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! S.No !! Station !! Inter Station distance in Kilometres !! Chainage in Kilometres From Miyapur Junction
|-
|1||Miyapur||0.000||0.000
|-
|2||JNTU College||1.450||1.450
|-
|3||Housing Board Colony||1.320||2.770
|-
|4||Kukatpalli||1.540||4.310
|-
|5||Balanagar||1.490||5.800
|-
|6||Moosapet||0.720||6.520
|-
|7||Bharatnagar||1.080||7.600
|-
|8||Erragadda Road||0.780||8.380
|-
|9||ESI Hospital||0.940||9.320
|-
|10||S.R.Nagar||1.040||10.360
|-
|11||Ameerpet||0.990||11.350
|-
|12||Punjagutta||0.960||12.310
|-
|13||Erra Manzil||0.750||13.060
|-
|14||Khairatabad||1.060||14.120
|-
|15||Secretariat||1.320||15.440
|-
|16||Assembly||1.460||16.900
|-
|17||Nampally||1.060||17.960
|-
|18||Gandhi Bhavan||0.790||18.750
|-
|19||Medical College||1.080||19.830
|-
|20||MG Bus Stand||0.620||20.450
|-
|21||Malakapet||0.880||21.330
|-
|22||New Market||1.090||22.420
|-
|23||Musarambagh||0.980||23.400
|-
|24||Dilkushnagar||1.460||24.860
|-
|25||Chaitanyapuri||0.704||25.564
|-
|26||Victory Memorial||1.033||26.597
|-
|27||L.B.Nagar||2.573||29.170
|}


===Techniques===
== Line 2 JBS/SECUNDERABAD – FALAKNUMA ==
[[Image:Kenshinama-1.jpg|thumb|The void created by the ''Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki'' and the consecutive strike]]
Kenshin is a practitioner of the {{nihongo|''Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū''|飛天御剣流||lit. "Flying Heaven Honorable Sword Style"}}, also referred to in the series as "Ultrasonic Sword Style", a fictional ancient sword art. Kenshin's mastery of the style allows him to possess [[List of comic book superpowers#Superhuman speed|superhuman speed]] and [[List of comic book superpowers#Superhuman reflexes|reflexes]], study and predict his opponent's movements in battle, as well as perform many powerful sword techniques.<ref name="start"/> Among several of his ''Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū'' and ''[[battōjutsu]]'' skills, Kenshin can utilize {{nihongo|''Shinsoku''|神速||lit. "God-speed"}}, which allows him to quickly overpower and dispatch opponents with his sword before they have time to react. Although most of his techniques were originally intended to have deadly effects, Kenshin fights using his ''sakabatō'', a katana that has the cutting edge on the inwardly curved side of the sword (in contrast to a normal katana, where the outwardly curved side of the sword is sharp, while the inwardly curved side of the sword is blunt), since he desires not to kill anyone.<ref name="start"/>


When Kenshin decides to continue his training to defeat [[Shishio Makoto]], he learns the {{nihongo|''Kuzu-ryūsen''|九頭龍閃||lit. "Nine-headed Dragon Strike"}}, which simultaneously deals nine strikes to the fundamental targets of swordsmanship, making guarding and dodging virtually impossible.<ref name="train"/><ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15 |last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro|year=2005|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 129|isbn= 1-59116-810-4 }}</ref> The ''Kuzu-ryūsen'', however, is a byproduct used for the initiation in learning {{nihongo|''Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki''|天翔龍閃||lit. "Heavens Bridging Dragon Spark"; Viz translation - "Dragon Flight of Heaven"}}, a ''Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū'' ''battōjutsu'' that surpasses the speed of the ''Kuzu-ryūsen''.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12 |last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |year= 2005|chapter=Chapter 96|isbn= 1-59116-712-4 }}</ref> The secret behind the technique lies in an additional step with the left foot which adds instantaneous acceleration and weight to the sword.<ref name="popular">{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 16 |last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |year= 2005|chapter=Chapter 135|isbn= 1-59116-854-6 }}</ref> In addition, if the initial strike is avoided or blocked, the force of the unusually fast slashing motion displaces the air around it, generating a vacuum in its wake and sucking the opponent in; as this happens, the body is spun around for a second strike, with the previous action adding force and momentum to the swing, making the subsequent strike far stronger.<ref name="ougi">{{cite book |year=2005|title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17 |last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 143|isbn= 1-59116-876-7 }}</ref> Since the ''Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū'' is only suitable to a wide-framed muscular build like that of Seijūrō's, Kenshin's body deteriorates and he is unable to use it ever again by the end of the manga.<ref name="end"/>
'''Route Length'''
*Between dead ends 14.78 kilometers</br>
*Between End stations centers 14.08 kilometers</br>
'''Number of Stations (All elevated)''' 16</br>
'''Link to other Corridors'''</br>
*At Parade Grounds – Connecting Corridors 2 and 3 </br>
*At Medical College – Connecting Corridors 1 and 2 </br>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! S.No !! Station !! Inter Station distance in Kilometres !! Chainage in Kilometres From JBS Junction
|-
|1||Jubilee Bus Stand||0.000||0.000
|-
|2||Parade Ground||0.700||0.700
|-
|3||Secunderabad||1.000||1.700
|-
|4||MG Hospital||1.246||2.946
|-
|5||Ramnagar||0.641||3.587
|-
|6||R.T.C. Cross Roads||1.330||4.917
|-
|7||Chikkadapalli||0.653||5.570
|-
|8||Narayanguda||1.010||6.580
|-
|9||Sultan Bazar||0.779||7.359
|-
|10||Medical College||0.826||8.185
|-
|11||Salarjung Museum||1.390||9.575
|-
|12||Charminar||1.540||11.115
|-
|13||Shalibanda||0.717||11.832
|-
|14||Shamsherganj||0.951||12.783
|-
|15||Jangametta||0.926||13.709
|-
|16||Falaknuma||0.474||14.183
|}


==Plot overview==
The [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]] has accepted the recommendations of the committee and MRTS on these routes has since been made an integral part of the Traffic & Transportation Master Plan for Hyderabad metropolitan area, which envisages, inter alia, creation of link/parallel roads, MMTS, construction of flyovers, bridges over Musi river, ROBs/RUBs, FOBs, Junction improvements, development of parking facilities etc. Detailed Project Report is available (conducted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) for the first 2 corridors mentioned above, viz., 1). Miyapur – Chaitanyapuri; and 2). Secunderabad – Falaknuma. Since no DPR has been prepared for the third corridor, Tarnaka – Panjagutta – Hitec City (which has now become a very important and congested traffic corridor due to development of IT/ ITES sector), DPR has since been undertaken by [[DMRC]], which will be completed in about two months.
After finishing his job as the murderer "''Hitokiri Battōsai''" in the [[Shishi (organization)|Ishin Shishi]], Kenshin assumes the life of a wanderer. Ten years after the Revolution, he arrives in Tokyo where he meets Kaoru, who offers him to stay in her dojo despite her knowledge that Kenshin is the "''Battōsai''".<ref name="start">{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1 |year=2003|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 1|isbn= 1-59116-220-3 }}</ref> Numerous events transpire from that point, and Kenshin establishes lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies. When Shishio Makoto, the brutal once-successor to Kenshin's position as [[Chōshū Domain|Chōshū]]'s ''hitokiri'', and masterminded a movement seeking to overthrow the Meiji Government, Kenshin leaves Tokyo to stop him.<ref name="ougi"/> To defeat such foe, Kenshin is forced to resume his training and mend his relationship with his teacher [[Hiko Seijūrō]], who took care of him when he lost his partners but Kenshin decide to stop the training to protect the people from Japan.<ref name="train">{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12 |last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |year=2005|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 95|isbn= 1-59116-712-4 }}</ref> After finishing his training, all Kenshin's friends reunite with him and help him to defeat Shishio and his army. Months later, a man known as [[Yukishiro Enishi]] starts attacking all people that Kenshin meets as an act of revenge for the death of his sister [[Yukishiro Tomoe|Tomoe]]. At this moment it is discovered that Kenshin was married with Tomoe in the Bakumatsu but he accidentally killed her when a group of assasains captured Tomoe and Kenshin tried to rescue her.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 21 |year=2005|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 178|page= pp. 20-23|isbn= 1-4215-0082-5 }}</ref> As Enishi finds out about Kenshin's feelings towards Kaoru, he sets out to kidnap her, doing so and leaving a professionally made decoy of Kaoru with a sword in her heart, making everyone believe that she had been murdered.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 211|isbn= 1-4215-0338-7 }}</ref> Kenshin falls into severe depression and runs off to a village of wanderers to mourn.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 208|page=pp. 32-33|isbn= 1-4215-0338-7 }}</ref> However, he breaks out of his depression and after his friends discover Kaoru is alive, the group goes to rescue her on Enishi's island.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 26 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 236|page=pp. 167-168|isbn= 1-4215-0673-4 }}</ref> A battle between Kenshin and Enishi follows and when Kenshin wins, he and Kaoru return home.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28 |year= 2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 250|isbn= 1-4215-0675-0 }}</ref> Five years later, Kenshin is married to Kaoru and has a son named Kenji. After an encounter with Yahiko, Kenshin gives his ''sakabatō'' to him as a gift for his coming-of-age.<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28 |year=2006|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Chapter 255|isbn= 1-4215-0675-0 }}</ref>
The [[Government of Andhra Pradesh|State Government]] is in the process of identifying some government lands along these corridors for location of the station buildings, terminals, depots etc., and for real estate development thereon to improve the viability of the BOT projects. Since these are long gestation projects, it is expected that viability gap funding would become necessary to make them attractive, implementable and sustainable. Updation/validation of the traffic projections made in the DPR prepared by DMRC needs to be done to assess the revenue streams and the viability gap funding requirements more realistically.


==Appearances in other media==
==Technical Supervision==
[[Image:Ken111-1.jpg|thumb|left|Kenshin as seen in the [[Original video animation|OVAs]]]]
The [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]] will appoint professional consultants with technical expertise in order to oversee the design and construction of the project.
Kenshin first appears in two chapters of ''Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story'', the pilot chapters of the manga, in which he arrives in Tokyo and defeats several groups of villains attacking families. In these stories, Kenshin is given a similar personality to the one he has in the series but his name is unmentioned.<ref name="rurouni"/><ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 3 |year= 2004|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (2)|isbn=1-59116-356-0 }}</ref> Later, in the movie ''[[Rurouni Kenshin#Movie|Samurai X The Motion Picture]]'', Kenshin meets a samurai named Takimi Shigure, who tries to overthrow the Meiji Government and avenge the deaths of his family during the Bakumatsu. Kenshin encounters Shigure and defeats him in order to avoid the start of a war.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=217|title=Samurai X: The Motion Picture|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2008-02-06}}</ref>


In the OVAs, Kenshin is given a more humanized design and a different personality. There are also numerous changes to his life story compared to that of the manga, including the way he received his X-shaped scar in ''[[Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=210|title=Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (OAV)|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2008-02-04}}</ref> In ''[[Samurai X: Reflection]]'', as time passes, Kenshin becomes tortured anew by the guilt of leading a happy life after such a destructive past. He makes the decision to wander again, and Kaoru strongly supports him, promising to welcome him home with a smile and their child. Kenshin eventually becomes ravaged by an unknown disease. However, he decides to assist in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] as he had promised the Meiji Government. After the war's end, Sanosuke discovers a gravely injured Kenshin on the shore, and arranges for Kenshin's return to Tokyo and Kaoru. The two finally meet, and Kenshin collapses into her arms as he clutches her to him. Kaoru then notices Kenshin's scar has faded away, signifying his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=310|title=Samurai X: Reflection (OAV)|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2008-02-04}}</ref> Nobuhiro Watsuki, after watching the last OVA, was quite unhappy with how his story ended, saying that "Kenshin went through so much crap and deserved a happy ending."<ref name="WatsukiInterview"/>
The objective of appointing the Owner’s Consultant is to develop a comprehensive BOT based Infrastructure Project and its attendant technical, legal, commercial and financial guidance documents, to assist GoAP in the selection of concessionaire(s) by adopting appropriate mechanisms for the project. GoAP also expects the assistance in negotiation, finalisation and execution of the Concession Agreement and Concession Implementation till the Financial Closure of the project.
To accomplish the assignment, the selected consultant firm shall have requisite technical, financial and legal competency, competent personnel, working capital, modern equipment etc., Such firm shall set up its office at Hyderabad. A senior level person who is designated as Team Leader of the team proposed and also other important personnel involved in the assignment as per the requirement to be decided in consultation with the Project Director shall be stationed in this office at Hyderabad.


Kenshin is a [[Player character|playable character]] in all of the [[Rurouni Kenshin#video games|''Rurouni Kenshin'' video games]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.banpresto-game.com/rurouni/main.html|title=Rurouni Kenshin: Enjou! Kyoto Rinne official website|publisher=[[Banpresto]]|accessdate=2008-02-06}}</ref> including ''[[Jump Super Stars]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajsj/p3.html#|title=Jump Super Stars official website|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|accessdate=2008-02-06}}</ref> and ''[[Jump Ultimate Stars]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajuj/character/chara_38.html|title=Jump Ultimate Stars official website|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|accessdate=2008-02-06}}</ref>
==Conformity to standards==
<br />
The Selected Consultant Firm for accomplishing the assignment shall conform to the local laws & rules and standards concerning the following:
*The Design and layout of the track structure and stations ; traction, power supply, air-conditioning and ventilation systems, rolling stock signalling system, automatic fare collection mechanism, security etc., for the elevated MRTS and other relevant issues.
*Other restrictions and standards concerning Elevated MRTS operations.
*Energy efficient systems for the stations and other buildings, rolling stock, electric traction, air-conditioning and ventilation and other operations.


[[List of characters in Buso Renkin#Tokiko Tsumura|Tokiko Tsumura]], one of the main characters of ''[[Buso Renkin]]'', another series created by Watsuki, is based on the design of Kenshin as a ''hitokiri''. Watsuki commented that Tokiko is the female version of the "''Hitokiri Battōsai''" when he drew her face.<ref>{{cite book |title= Buso Renkin, Volume 1 |last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |year=2006|page= p. 108|chapter=Character case No. 4|isbn= 1-4215-0615-7 }}</ref>
== Problems ==
*The presence of Foot Over Bridges along the proposed elevated routes has led to questions regarding the efficient use of Government Funds. These bridges have only been recently constructed at a cost of Rs 1 Crore each (approximately $240000). They were constructed without consulting the Metro Rail Authority and are now being pulled down in order to make way for the elevated tracks. <ref>http://www.google.com/search?q=removal+of+foot+over+bridges+in+hyderabad&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS236US236</ref>
*The extended delay to the project has worsened the traffic situation.
*The expected minimum ticket cost at Rs 8 may cause problems with its future ridership although this is still under review.


==See also==
==Reception==
Kenshin has been highly popular with the ''Rurouni Kenshin'' reader base, having ranked first in every ''[[Weekly Shonen Jump|Shonen Jump]]'' popularity poll of the series, always with more than double the votes of second place.<ref name="popular"/><ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |year=2005|chapter=Chapter 113|page=p. 28|isbn= 1-59116-767-1 }}</ref> Watsuki received letters from fans describing [[Megumi Ogata|Megumi Ogata's]] [[audio theatre]] voice as a "good fit" for Kenshin. Watsuki said that he imagined Kenshin's voice to be "more neutral."<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Free Talk|page=p. 77|isbn= 1-59116-249-1 }}</ref> A plethora of merchandise have been released in Kenshin's likeness including keychains,<ref name="key">{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Rurouni-Kenshin-Karou-Sanosuke-Group/dp/B000MQRV8G/ |title=Rurouni Kenshin, Karou, Sanosuke Group Key Chain |publisher=[[Amazon.com]] |accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref> action figures,<ref name="action">{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Rurouni-Kenshin-Story-Image-Figure/dp/B0009NVBUG/ |title=Rurouni Kenshin Story Image Figure! - Himura Kenshin|publisher=[[Amazon.com]] |accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref> and plush dolls.<ref name="doll">{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Rurouni-Kenshin-Battousai-Ver-Plush/dp/B000N22HKQ/ |title=Rurouni Kenshin: Kenshin Battousai Ver. 8" Plush |publisher=[[Amazon.com]] |accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref> Since the manga was published, non-functional<ref>{{cite web |url=http://japanimation.com/index.php?url=Inventory_GeneralsDetail.jsp?arg=dt%253DInventory_Generals%2526mid%253D9855682130%2526usr%253D%2526cid%253D%2526id%253D7996%2526typ%253Dcl%2526aff%253D |title=Reverse Blade Rurouni Sword |publisher=[[Japanimation]] |accessdate=2008-02-13}}</ref> and functional<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trueswords.com/deluxe-reverse-blade-sword-rurouni-kenshin-sakabato-p-3098.html |title=Deluxe Reverse Blade Sword - Rurouni Kenshin Sakabato |publisher=True Swords |accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref> ''sakabatō'' have been produced for purchase by collectors and fans.
* [http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=459134 Hyderabad Metro Updates]
*[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Work_on_Hyderabad_metro_to_begin_from_August/articleshow/2947776.cms Work on Hyderabad metro to begin from August 2008]
{{Rapid transit in India}}


Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other media have provided praise and criticism on the character. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews criticized that the fact that Kenshin looks [[super deformed]] in comedy scenes is not suited for the context of the character and the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=387 |title= Rurouni Kenshin manga review |accessdate= 2008-01-25 | work= T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews | first=Carlos |last= Ross }}</ref> [[AnimeOnDVD.com]] remarks that Kenshin has a "smartass" attitude in a review of volume 8; while they noted that is a common attitude in the anime that makes him look out-of-character.<ref>{{cite web|first=Megan |last=Laveyurl |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=602 |title= Rurouni Kenshin Vol. #08 of 28 |accessdate= 2008-02-11 |publisher= [[AnimeOnDVD.com]] }}</ref> [[Anime News Network]] praises Kenshin for being a character that all people enjoy to watch due to his comedy scenes.<ref name="network">{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rurouni-kenshin-ova-series-2-part-1 |title= Ruroni Kenshin second OAV series Seisouhen, part 1 |date= 2002-01-22 |accessdate= 2008-01-25 | publisher= [[Anime News Network]] | first=Mike |last= Crandol }}</ref> [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)#SciFi.com|SciFi.com]] remarked "Kenshin's schizoid personal conflict between his ruthless-killer side and his country- bumpkin" as a perfect way to develop good stories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue181/anime.html|title=Rurouni Kenshin TV The first steps down a very popular road|author=Robinson, Tasha|publisher=[[Sci Fi Channel (United States)#SciFi.com|SciFi.com]] |accessdate= 2008-05-01}}</ref>
== References ==


The development of Kenshin in the OVA series has had negative reviews by many publications. Anime News Network also adds that in ''Samurai X: Reflection'' he continues to be his old mopey self and criticizes that he never says "oro,"<ref name="network"/> while [[IGN]] cited that some moments of the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru were depressing.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://dvd.ign.com/articles/505/505495p1.html|title= Samurai X|date= 2004-04-09|accessdate= 2008-02-06| publisher= [[IGN]] |first= Efrain|last= Diaz Jr}}</ref> However, some reviewers noted Kenshin's personality in the OVAs to be one of the most complex to ever be animated remarking the fact that he can not forget his bloody past, although having a peaceful life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=736|title= Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection review|accessdate= 2008-02-06| work= T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews |first= Robert|last= Nelson}}</ref>
{{Reflist}}
http://www.google.com/search?q=removal+of+foot+over+bridges+in+hyderabad&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS236US236


A large number of video game characters were based on the character of Kenshin such as [[List of Last Blade characters#Keiichiro Washizuka|Keiichiro Washizuka]] from ''[[The Last Blade]]''<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17 |year=2005|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Free Talk|isbn= 1-59116-876-7 }}</ref> and [[Shizumaru Hisame]] from the [[Samurai Shodown (series)|''Samurai Shodown'' series]].<ref>{{cite book |title= Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 8 |year=2004|last= Watsuki |first= Nobuhiro|publisher= [[Viz Media]] |chapter=Free Talk|isbn= 1-59116-563-6 }}</ref> Kenshin's personality was also planned to be used in the character [[Kakashi Hatake]] from ''[[Naruto]]'', but the idea was deemed as a failure.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kishimoto|first=Masashi|title=Naruto, Volume 1|year=2003 |publisher=[[Viz Media]]|chapter=Failed Chapter 2|isbn=1-56931-900-6}}</ref> In an interview with [[Mayo Suzukaze]], who is the ''seiyū'' for the character, she says that she started feeling similar to Kenshin after years of work as his voice, and comments that providing the voice for the character was one of her best experiences.<ref>{{cite video | people=Suzukaze, Mayo|year=2002|title=Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen 2| medium=DVD|publisher=[[Sony]]}}</ref>
[[Category:Metros in India]]

[[Category:Transport in Hyderabad, India]]
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Rurouni Kenshin}}

[[Category:Anime and manga characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Fictional assassins]]
[[Category:Fictional Japanese swordsmen]]
[[Category:Fictional mass murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional orphans]]
[[Category:Fictional samurai]]


[[Category:Rurouni Kenshin characters]]

[[ar:كينشن]]
[[es:Himura Kenshin]]
[[fr:Kenshin Himura]]
[[it:Kenshin Himura]]
[[nl:Battousai]]
[[ja:緋村剣心]]
[[pt:Kenshin Himura]]
[[th:ฮิมุระ เคนชิน]]
[[vi:Himura Kenshin]]
[[zh:緋村劍心]]

Revision as of 17:45, 10 October 2008

Himura Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin character
Himura Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki
First appearanceRurouni Kenshin manga chapter 1
Rurouni Kenshin anime episode 1
In-universe information
OccupationFormer hitokiri
RelativesYukishiro Tomoe (late wife, deceased)
Yukishiro Enishi (ex-brother-in-law)
Kamiya Kaoru (wife)
Himura Kenji (son)

Himura Kenshin (緋村 剣心, Himura Kenshin), known as Kenshin Himura in the English-language dub, is a fictional character from the Rurouni Kenshin universe created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. He is the main protagonist of the manga and anime series, as well as the related media in the franchise. When creating Kenshin, Watsuki designed him to be the physical opposite of Hiko Seijūrō, a character that appears in Watsuki's first one-shot manga, Crescent Moon in the Warring States, and later in Rurouni Kenshin as his swordsmanship teacher.

Set in a fictional version of Japan, during the pre-Meiji period, Kenshin is a former legendary assassin known as "Hitokiri Battōsai" (人斬り抜刀斎).[4] At the end of the Bakumatsu, he becomes a wandering samurai, now wielding a sakabatō (逆刃刀, lit. "reverse-blade sword"), a katana that has the cutting edge on the inwardly curved side of the sword, thus being nearly incapable of killing. Kenshin wanders the countryside of Japan offering protection and aid to those in need, as atonement for the murders he once committed as an assassin. In Tokyo, he meets a young woman named Kamiya Kaoru, who invites him to live in her dojo despite learning about Kenshin's past. Throughout the series, Kenshin begins to establish lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies, while dealing with his fair share of enemies, new and old. Through these encounters and relationships, Kenshin begins to find true atonement for his past enabling him to fully conquer his "Battōsai" nature. By the series' end, he has found true peace and contentment as the husband of Kaoru and the father of their son, Kenji.

Kenshin's character was well received by fans, with his holding the top spot in all reader popularity polls for the series. Critics of the series praised his personality, though some complained about his development during the anime original video animations (OVAs), series, which differs from the manga. A variety of collectibles based around Kenshin have been created, including figurines, key chains, plushies, and replicas of his sakabatō sword.

Creation and conception

File:Rekenshin.jpg
Redesign of Kenshin in the kanzenban series.

Watsuki discovered and used the story of Kawakami Gensai, a hitokiri executed by the Meiji Government. According to Watsuki, when he found that Kawakami maintained a duty to his dead comrades, he decided to create the title character. Since Watsuki's debut work contained a tall, black-haired man in "showy" armor, the creator wanted to make a character "completely opposite" to the debut character and the new character ended up "coming out like a girl." According to Watsuki, he used "no real motif" when creating Kenshin and placed a cross-shaped scar when "not knowing what else to do."[5] At the end of the series, Kenshin appears with short hair. Initially, Watsuki had planned to make his hair shorter before the end, however, he found this to be similar to the character Multi from To Heart.[6] Watsuki based most of Kenshin's abilities on a real swordsman of the Tokugawa period named Matsubayashi Henyasai, who was skilled in acrobatic techniques.[7] During the Kyoto arc, Kenshin is given a new sword with a sheath made of wood. Watsuki decided to redesign the sword to make it look as the first one Kenshin had in the series, though it is more difficult to draw.[8]

During the development of the pilot chapter of the series, Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, Watsuki and his editor argued over Kenshin's speech patterns; they settled for a "slangy" pattern. For the final version of the first Romantic Story, Watsuki adjusted the dialogue; in his view, he made Kenshin sound "more as I prefer him now."[9] Watsuki added Kenshin's trademark "oro" as a placeholder to be an expression of the English speech disfluency "huh." Watsuki notes that he was surprised at how much it caught on, and how much he ended up having Kenshin use the sound during the series.[10] Watsuki also planned to make Kenshin older than 30 years old; his editor commented that it was strange that the main character of a manga for teenagers was so old, so he made Kenshin 28 years old.[11]

In the first Rurouni Kenshin kanzenban, published in Japan in July 2006, Watsuki included a draft page featuring a redesign of Kenshin's character. To make his X-shaped scar more notable, Watsuki made it long enough to cross his nose. Kenshin's hair is tied in two tails, which are flowing to make him look younger, but shorter, to be less androgynous. Watsuki also added a habaki to Kenshin's sword to make it easier to draw by simplifying its structure, while also emphasizing strength.[12] Kenshin's hitokiri look was also redesigned slightly, by making his clothes more damaged and giving him Yukishiro Tomoe's neck scarf.[13]

In the anime adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin, Watsuki's designs were combined with the voice talents of Mayo Suzukaze, a female seiyū. In producing the English dub version of the series, Media Blasters considered following suit, with Mona Marshall considered as a finalist for voicing Kenshin. Richard Hayworth eventually was selected for the role, giving Kenshin's character a more masculine voice in the English adaptation. Marshall was selected instead to voice the younger Kenshin during flashback scenes. Clark Cheng, writer of the dub script, noted that localizing Kenshin's unusual speech was a difficult process. His use of "de gozaru" and "oro" were not only character trademarks that indicated Kenshin's state of mind, but important elements to the story. However, neither is directly translatable to English, and in the end the company chose to replace "de gozaru" with "that I did" and "that I am." Kenshin's signature "oro" was replaced with "huah" to simulate it being a "funny sound" that had no real meaning.[14]

Character outline

Personality

Kenshin desires to protect every individual from danger without harming others. Formerly known as "the strongest hitokiri," Kenshin is the main target of many old enemies and people who want to gain his title, thus he avoids letting others get too close to him personally for their own protection. However, he eventually begins relying on his friends, allowing them to fight alongside him.[15] He also has a rivalry with the ex-Shinsengumi member Saitō Hajime since the Bakumatsu. Although they become partners in the series, they both know that one day they will finish their duel. After the end of the Jinchu arc, Kenshin challenges Saitō to end the rivalry, but Saitō refuses to fight since Kenshin is different from the time they were enemies.[16]

Throughout the series, a young woman named Kaoru develops strong romantic feelings for him, and he also comes to love her. Despite his feelings, he is constantly haunted by the wrongs committed in his past, and believes he does not deserve happiness. However, as he notes how Kaoru would feel if he dies, Kenshin decides not to leave her and regains a desire to survive.[17]

If he is not able to protect his loved ones, he begins to shift into his "Hitokiri Battōsai" personality, and takes extreme measures in order save others, caring little for the well-being of his opponents.[18] However, Kenshin avoids changing his personality, swearing that he will never kill, and will try to avoid the deaths of as many people as possible.[19]

Kenshin's Japanese-language dialogue contains some unusual words and catch phrases which can cause problems in translations. Most of the time, he refers to himself with the extremely humble pronoun "sessha" (translated in the manga by Viz as "this one") and uses the formal verb "de gozaru" (conveyed by Media Blasters by phrases like "…that it is."). He also addresses most women with an honorific which is generally reserved for feudal lords. In the English anime, "Miss Kaoru" is used instead of "Kaoru-dono." When in his "Battōsai" mode, Kenshin changes from being polite to serious; one of his quotes, "de gozaru", disappears and "sessha" is replaced with the more typical brash male pronoun "ore".[18] Along the series, Kenshin uses the quote "oro", which expresses surprise or dismay, based on the similar exclamation "ara" (generally considered feminine). As proper Japanese vocabulary, "oro" only exists as a word for lochia. In the English dub, "oro" has been translated into "huh". "Oro" is kept intact in the Viz manga.[20]

Techniques

File:Kenshinama-1.jpg
The void created by the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki and the consecutive strike

Kenshin is a practitioner of the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū (飛天御剣流, lit. "Flying Heaven Honorable Sword Style"), also referred to in the series as "Ultrasonic Sword Style", a fictional ancient sword art. Kenshin's mastery of the style allows him to possess superhuman speed and reflexes, study and predict his opponent's movements in battle, as well as perform many powerful sword techniques.[21] Among several of his Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū and battōjutsu skills, Kenshin can utilize Shinsoku (神速, lit. "God-speed"), which allows him to quickly overpower and dispatch opponents with his sword before they have time to react. Although most of his techniques were originally intended to have deadly effects, Kenshin fights using his sakabatō, a katana that has the cutting edge on the inwardly curved side of the sword (in contrast to a normal katana, where the outwardly curved side of the sword is sharp, while the inwardly curved side of the sword is blunt), since he desires not to kill anyone.[21]

When Kenshin decides to continue his training to defeat Shishio Makoto, he learns the Kuzu-ryūsen (九頭龍閃, lit. "Nine-headed Dragon Strike"), which simultaneously deals nine strikes to the fundamental targets of swordsmanship, making guarding and dodging virtually impossible.[22][23] The Kuzu-ryūsen, however, is a byproduct used for the initiation in learning Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki (天翔龍閃, lit. "Heavens Bridging Dragon Spark"; Viz translation - "Dragon Flight of Heaven"), a Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū battōjutsu that surpasses the speed of the Kuzu-ryūsen.[24] The secret behind the technique lies in an additional step with the left foot which adds instantaneous acceleration and weight to the sword.[25] In addition, if the initial strike is avoided or blocked, the force of the unusually fast slashing motion displaces the air around it, generating a vacuum in its wake and sucking the opponent in; as this happens, the body is spun around for a second strike, with the previous action adding force and momentum to the swing, making the subsequent strike far stronger.[26] Since the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū is only suitable to a wide-framed muscular build like that of Seijūrō's, Kenshin's body deteriorates and he is unable to use it ever again by the end of the manga.[16]

Plot overview

After finishing his job as the murderer "Hitokiri Battōsai" in the Ishin Shishi, Kenshin assumes the life of a wanderer. Ten years after the Revolution, he arrives in Tokyo where he meets Kaoru, who offers him to stay in her dojo despite her knowledge that Kenshin is the "Battōsai".[21] Numerous events transpire from that point, and Kenshin establishes lifelong relationships with many people, including ex-enemies. When Shishio Makoto, the brutal once-successor to Kenshin's position as Chōshū's hitokiri, and masterminded a movement seeking to overthrow the Meiji Government, Kenshin leaves Tokyo to stop him.[26] To defeat such foe, Kenshin is forced to resume his training and mend his relationship with his teacher Hiko Seijūrō, who took care of him when he lost his partners but Kenshin decide to stop the training to protect the people from Japan.[22] After finishing his training, all Kenshin's friends reunite with him and help him to defeat Shishio and his army. Months later, a man known as Yukishiro Enishi starts attacking all people that Kenshin meets as an act of revenge for the death of his sister Tomoe. At this moment it is discovered that Kenshin was married with Tomoe in the Bakumatsu but he accidentally killed her when a group of assasains captured Tomoe and Kenshin tried to rescue her.[27] As Enishi finds out about Kenshin's feelings towards Kaoru, he sets out to kidnap her, doing so and leaving a professionally made decoy of Kaoru with a sword in her heart, making everyone believe that she had been murdered.[28] Kenshin falls into severe depression and runs off to a village of wanderers to mourn.[29] However, he breaks out of his depression and after his friends discover Kaoru is alive, the group goes to rescue her on Enishi's island.[30] A battle between Kenshin and Enishi follows and when Kenshin wins, he and Kaoru return home.[31] Five years later, Kenshin is married to Kaoru and has a son named Kenji. After an encounter with Yahiko, Kenshin gives his sakabatō to him as a gift for his coming-of-age.[32]

Appearances in other media

File:Ken111-1.jpg
Kenshin as seen in the OVAs

Kenshin first appears in two chapters of Rurouni, Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, the pilot chapters of the manga, in which he arrives in Tokyo and defeats several groups of villains attacking families. In these stories, Kenshin is given a similar personality to the one he has in the series but his name is unmentioned.[9][33] Later, in the movie Samurai X The Motion Picture, Kenshin meets a samurai named Takimi Shigure, who tries to overthrow the Meiji Government and avenge the deaths of his family during the Bakumatsu. Kenshin encounters Shigure and defeats him in order to avoid the start of a war.[34]

In the OVAs, Kenshin is given a more humanized design and a different personality. There are also numerous changes to his life story compared to that of the manga, including the way he received his X-shaped scar in Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal.[35] In Samurai X: Reflection, as time passes, Kenshin becomes tortured anew by the guilt of leading a happy life after such a destructive past. He makes the decision to wander again, and Kaoru strongly supports him, promising to welcome him home with a smile and their child. Kenshin eventually becomes ravaged by an unknown disease. However, he decides to assist in the First Sino-Japanese War as he had promised the Meiji Government. After the war's end, Sanosuke discovers a gravely injured Kenshin on the shore, and arranges for Kenshin's return to Tokyo and Kaoru. The two finally meet, and Kenshin collapses into her arms as he clutches her to him. Kaoru then notices Kenshin's scar has faded away, signifying his death.[36] Nobuhiro Watsuki, after watching the last OVA, was quite unhappy with how his story ended, saying that "Kenshin went through so much crap and deserved a happy ending."[10]

Kenshin is a playable character in all of the Rurouni Kenshin video games,[37] including Jump Super Stars[38] and Jump Ultimate Stars.[39]

Tokiko Tsumura, one of the main characters of Buso Renkin, another series created by Watsuki, is based on the design of Kenshin as a hitokiri. Watsuki commented that Tokiko is the female version of the "Hitokiri Battōsai" when he drew her face.[40]

Reception

Kenshin has been highly popular with the Rurouni Kenshin reader base, having ranked first in every Shonen Jump popularity poll of the series, always with more than double the votes of second place.[25][41] Watsuki received letters from fans describing Megumi Ogata's audio theatre voice as a "good fit" for Kenshin. Watsuki said that he imagined Kenshin's voice to be "more neutral."[42] A plethora of merchandise have been released in Kenshin's likeness including keychains,[43] action figures,[44] and plush dolls.[45] Since the manga was published, non-functional[46] and functional[47] sakabatō have been produced for purchase by collectors and fans.

Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other media have provided praise and criticism on the character. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews criticized that the fact that Kenshin looks super deformed in comedy scenes is not suited for the context of the character and the series.[48] AnimeOnDVD.com remarks that Kenshin has a "smartass" attitude in a review of volume 8; while they noted that is a common attitude in the anime that makes him look out-of-character.[49] Anime News Network praises Kenshin for being a character that all people enjoy to watch due to his comedy scenes.[50] SciFi.com remarked "Kenshin's schizoid personal conflict between his ruthless-killer side and his country- bumpkin" as a perfect way to develop good stories.[51]

The development of Kenshin in the OVA series has had negative reviews by many publications. Anime News Network also adds that in Samurai X: Reflection he continues to be his old mopey self and criticizes that he never says "oro,"[50] while IGN cited that some moments of the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru were depressing.[52] However, some reviewers noted Kenshin's personality in the OVAs to be one of the most complex to ever be animated remarking the fact that he can not forget his bloody past, although having a peaceful life.[53]

A large number of video game characters were based on the character of Kenshin such as Keiichiro Washizuka from The Last Blade[54] and Shizumaru Hisame from the Samurai Shodown series.[55] Kenshin's personality was also planned to be used in the character Kakashi Hatake from Naruto, but the idea was deemed as a failure.[56] In an interview with Mayo Suzukaze, who is the seiyū for the character, she says that she started feeling similar to Kenshin after years of work as his voice, and comments that providing the voice for the character was one of her best experiences.[57]

References

  1. ^ "Megumi Ogata". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  2. ^ "J. Shannon Weaver". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  3. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (1999). 剣心華伝. Shueisha. p. p. 162. ISBN 4-08-782037-8. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  4. ^ "Hitokiri" means "manslayer", however, "Battōsai" does not have a literal meaning. While "battō" is a reference to battōjutsu, "sai" means "purify".
  5. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2003). "The Secret Life of Characters (1) Himura Kenshin". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media. p. p. 56. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  6. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "The Secret Life of Characters (54) Himura Kenji and the characters from Meiji 15". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. p. p. 154. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  7. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "The Secret Life of Characters (36) Henya Kariwa". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15. Viz Media. p. p. 66. ISBN 1-59116-810-4. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  8. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "The Secret Life of Characters (30), Seiku family". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 10. Viz Media. p. p. 128. ISBN 978-1591167037. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  9. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (1)". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media. p. p. 168. ISBN 1-4215-0674-2. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  10. ^ a b Tei, Andrew. "Anime Expo 2002: Friday Report". AnimeOnDVD.com. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  11. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 27. Viz Media. p. p. 2. ISBN 1-59116-220-3. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  12. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). Rurouni Kenshin Kanzenban, Volume 1. Shueisha. p. p. 2. ISBN 4-08-874150-1. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  13. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2007). Rurouni Kenshin Kanzenban, Volume 15. Shueisha. p. p. 2. ISBN 978-4-08-874164-2. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  14. ^ "Interview with Clark Cheng". Dub Review. 2003. Retrieved 2008-05-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  15. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 187". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 22. Viz Media. p. p. 19. ISBN 1-4215-0196-1. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  16. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 252". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0.
  17. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 145". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. p. p. 136. ISBN 1-59116-876-7. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  18. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2003). "Chapter 12". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-249-1.
  19. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 118". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14. Viz Media. p. pp. 128-129. ISBN 1-59116-767-1. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  20. ^ "Oro demonstration". monkey-pirate.com. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
  21. ^ a b c Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2003). "Chapter 1". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-220-3.
  22. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 95". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-712-4.
  23. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 129". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 15. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-810-4.
  24. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 96". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 12. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-712-4.
  25. ^ a b Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 143". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7.
  26. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 178". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 21. Viz Media. p. pp. 20-23. ISBN 1-4215-0082-5. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  27. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 211". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0338-7.
  28. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 208". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 24. Viz Media. p. pp. 32-33. ISBN 1-4215-0338-7. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  29. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 236". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 26. Viz Media. p. pp. 167-168. ISBN 1-4215-0673-4. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  30. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 250". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0.
  31. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Chapter 255". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28. Viz Media. ISBN 1-4215-0675-0.
  32. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). "Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (2)". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 3. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-356-0.
  33. ^ "Samurai X: The Motion Picture". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  34. ^ "Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  35. ^ "Samurai X: Reflection (OAV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  36. ^ "Rurouni Kenshin: Enjou! Kyoto Rinne official website". Banpresto. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  37. ^ "Jump Super Stars official website". Nintendo. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  38. ^ "Jump Ultimate Stars official website". Nintendo. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  39. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2006). "Character case No. 4". Buso Renkin, Volume 1. Viz Media. p. p. 108. ISBN 1-4215-0615-7. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  40. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Chapter 113". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 14. Viz Media. p. p. 28. ISBN 1-59116-767-1. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  41. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro. "Free Talk". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 2. Viz Media. p. p. 77. ISBN 1-59116-249-1. {{cite book}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  42. ^ "Rurouni Kenshin, Karou, Sanosuke Group Key Chain". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  43. ^ "Rurouni Kenshin Story Image Figure! - Himura Kenshin". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  44. ^ "Rurouni Kenshin: Kenshin Battousai Ver. 8" Plush". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  45. ^ "Reverse Blade Rurouni Sword". Japanimation. Retrieved 2008-02-13.
  46. ^ "Deluxe Reverse Blade Sword - Rurouni Kenshin Sakabato". True Swords. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  47. ^ Ross, Carlos. "Rurouni Kenshin manga review". T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
  48. ^ Laveyurl, Megan. "Rurouni Kenshin Vol. #08 of 28". AnimeOnDVD.com. Retrieved 2008-02-11.
  49. ^ a b Crandol, Mike (2002-01-22). "Ruroni Kenshin second OAV series Seisouhen, part 1". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
  50. ^ Robinson, Tasha. "Rurouni Kenshin TV The first steps down a very popular road". SciFi.com. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
  51. ^ Diaz Jr, Efrain (2004-04-09). "Samurai X". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  52. ^ Nelson, Robert. "Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection review". T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  53. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2005). "Free Talk". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 17. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-876-7.
  54. ^ Watsuki, Nobuhiro (2004). "Free Talk". Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 8. Viz Media. ISBN 1-59116-563-6.
  55. ^ Kishimoto, Masashi (2003). "Failed Chapter 2". Naruto, Volume 1. Viz Media. ISBN 1-56931-900-6.
  56. ^ Suzukaze, Mayo (2002). Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen 2 (DVD). Sony.
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