Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno

Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno

Year: 2014

Runtime: 138 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Keishi Otomo

AdventureFantasyDramaAction

Having found a measure of peace with Kaoru and his companions, Kenshin is drawn back into conflict when the Meiji government seeks his aid. A former assassin named Makoto Shishio, believed to have died after being left for dead, has resurfaced in Kyoto. Fueled by vengeance, Shishio plots to overthrow the government, and Kenshin reluctantly agrees to confront him, despite Kaoru's concerns about the danger and potential consequences. The fate of Japan hangs in the balance as Kenshin prepares to face a formidable and ruthless foe.

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Timeline & Setting – Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Meiji period

The events unfold during Japan's Meiji era, a time of rapid modernization and political upheaval. Traditional samurai codes contend with new government authority and societal reform. The story juxtaposes ancient loyalties with the birth of a modern state.

Location

Settsu Mine, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kyoto, Tokyo

Settsu Mine in Hyōgo Prefecture is where Saitō Hajime pursues Shishio's operatives and where a massacre underscores the threat. The action shifts to Kyoto as Kenshin confronts Shishio and his forces, drawing in Okina and the Oniwabanshu. The plot ultimately targets Tokyo, signaling a clash between old loyalties and a rapidly modernizing Japan.

🏯 Historical ⚔️ Samurai 🗺️ Meiji era 🗼 Kyoto 🗼 Tokyo

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:47

Main Characters – Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014)

Meet the key characters of Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh)

A wandering swordsman who has sworn to protect the innocent and pursue a non-lethal path. He lives at the Kamiya dojo with Kaoru, Yahiko, and Misao, but is drawn back into conflict as Shishio's threat grows. He confronts his past as Hitokiri Battōsai while striving to prevent further bloodshed.

🗡️ Protagonist 🗡️ Meiji-era warrior 🛡️ Protector

Shishio Makoto (Tatsuya Fujiwara)

A ruthless renegade bent on conquering Japan by destabilizing Kyoto and Tokyo. He commands a loyal cadre under Sōjirō and Chō Sawagejō, using fear and violence to push his agenda. He challenges Kenshin’s ideals at every turn.

🗡️ Antagonist 🧭 Power-seeker ⚔️ Meiji-era

Misao Makimachi (Tao Tsuchiya)

A spirited, aspiring ninja who initially tries to steal Kenshin's sakabato but becomes a steadfast ally. Her curiosity and courage drive her to Kyoto, where she aids Kenshin against Shishio's plans and connects him with the Oniwabanshu.

🗡️ Ninja 🛡️ Ally 🗺️ Meiji-era

Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei)

The dojo owner and Kenshin's ally who follows him to Kyoto. She embodies compassion and resilience, supporting Kenshin as they confront Kyoto’s threats and the broader danger to Tokyo.

👘 Mentor 🛡️ Ally 🗺️ Meiji-era

Sanosuke Sagara (Munetaka Aoki)

A brash yet loyal fighter who joins Kenshin after crossing paths with him. He provides strength and camaraderie, standing firm against Shishio's men as the group moves toward Kyoto.

⚔️ Fighter 🛡️ Ally 🗺️ Meiji-era

Sōjirō Seta (Ryunosuke Kamiki)

Shishio's elite underling whose cunning and skill test Kenshin's resolve. His duels and manipulations escalate the conflict and push Kenshin to push his limits.

🗡️ Elite 🧭 Antagonist ⚔️ Meiji-era

Okina / Kashiwazaki Nenji (Min Tanaka)

A semi-retired ninja who provides guidance and protection to Kenshin. He embodies the old guard’s loyalty and shares the Oniwabanshu legacy with Kenshin and Misao.

🗡️ Mentor 🛡️ Ally 🗺️ Meiji-era

Chō Sawagejō (Ryosuke Miura)

Shishio's elite warrior who kidnaps a baby to pressure the government and confront Kenshin. He stands as a formidable obstacle in Kyoto, amplifying the danger posed by Shishio.

🗡️ Elite 🛡️ Adversary ⚔️ Meiji-era

Seiku Arai (Dai Watanabe)

The son of Arai Shakku, who provides Kenshin a chance to wield a second sakabato after the original is broken. He becomes a crucial link in Kenshin’s weapon-recovery arc.

🗡️ Artisan 🛡️ Ally ⚔️ Meiji-era

Arai Shakku / Shakku Arai (Tatsuya Nakamura)

The original sakabato craftsman whose legacy continues through his son. His work underpins Kenshin's ability to face Chō and Shishio in the conflict.

🗡️ Craftsman 🛡️ Mentor ⚔️ Meiji-era

Saito Hajime (Yōsuke Eguchi)

A capable government policeman who challenges Shishio’s forces and collaborates with Kenshin to restore order. His presence anchors the government’s response to the insurgent threat.

🕶️ Law enforcer 🛡️ Ally 🗺️ Meiji-era

Aoshi Shinomori (Yusuke Iseya)

Shishio's former rival who pursues Kenshin with a desire to prove his strength. His confrontations with Kenshin reflect the lingering loyalties from the old guard.

⚔️ Rival 🛡️ Meiji-era 🗡️ Duelist

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:47

Major Themes – Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014)

Explore the central themes of Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Duty and Morality

Kenshin struggles to protect the innocent while avoiding lethal violence, highlighting the tension between personal duty and the costs of war. Shishio represents a radical, immoral use of power to impose his will. The narrative probes whether true justice can coexist with mercy.

💡 Power and Modernization

Shishio seeks to destabilize Kyoto and threaten Tokyo to seize control, exploiting fear to rise to power. The Meiji government embodies reform and institutional change, clashing with insurgent violence. The conflict frames modernization as a battleground between old loyalties and a new political order.

🛡️ Loyalty and Alliance

Kenshin's allies—Misao, Kaoru, Yahiko, and Sanosuke—stand together against a common foe, forged through trust and sacrifice. Their bonds are tested by danger and deceit, yet they unite to safeguard Kyoto. The power of friendship and collective resolve shines amid the peril.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:47

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