Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is set during the Meiji Restoration, a pivotal turning point for Japanese swords. The protagonist's sakabato (reverse-edge sword) is fictional, but historically, swords with reversed edges have been documented, and the concept of embodying a vow of non-killing through a blade beautifully symbolizes the spiritual dimension of Japanese swords. The fictional Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu is set against a backdrop richly informed by real schools such as Hokushin Itto-ryu, Tennen Rishin-ryu, and Shinto Munen-ryu, all active during the Bakumatsu period. The early Meiji setting corresponds to the peak of the shinshinto era through the Haitorei (sword abolishment edict), a time when master smiths like Minamoto Kiyomaro and Koyama Munetsugu produced their final masterworks. At DATEKATANA, we carry authentic Japanese swords from every era, including shinshinto blades forged during this very period.