If you're an anime swords collector and fan, you must know about Himura Kenshin. Did you know his story is based on real Japan samurai era?

Hitokiri Battousai was one of the four deadliest samurai assassins in the 18th century in Japan during the violent Bakumatsu era. This historical period inspired the anime Rurouni Kenshin.

The main character, Himura Kenshin, was based on one of these assassins named Kawakami Gensai.

Battousai was known as one of the most skilled swordsmen of his time, having mastered the secret Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū style of swordsmanship which allowed him to kill targets quickly and efficiently.

Kenshin’s New Path

After the Bakumatsu ended, Battousai disappeared for eleven years before resurfacing as the wandering swordsman Himura Kenshin.

Similar to the real Kawakami Gensai, Kenshin refused to kill and renounced violence. He gave up his title as an assassin and wanted to live peacefully as a freeman helping those in need.

However, his past deeds and fighting prowess were well known, so his enemies tried to stop his new path by threatening his friends to keep him isolated.

They even killed his acquaintances to prevent Kenshin from confiding in and gaining support from others. Therefore, Kenshin lived secretly in the shadows to avoid endangering those around him.

Samurai X

The life and journey of the main character is the focus of the famous Japanese manga and anime Samurai X, also known as Rurouni Kenshin.

Created by Nobuhiro Watsuki in 1994, Rurouni Kenshin became one of the top 100 most popular manga and anime productions of all time thanks to its large international fanbase drawn to Kenshin's compelling backstory and redemption arc.

Kenshin was easily recognized by the large cross-shaped scar on his left cheek, a permanent reminder of his violent past.

Himura Kenshin & the Reverse Blade Sword

As the reformed Battousai, Kenshin took a new name and vowed only to fight to protect the innocent without killing.

The reverse-blade sword, or sakabato in Japanese, was the perfect weapon for this goal. With its cutting edge on the inward curving side instead of out, it could disable opponents in close-quarters combat but not end their life.

This allowed Kenshin to defend against attacks from soldiers and corrupt officials harming civilians while staying true to his pacifist ideals.

The sakabato became his iconic weapon and a symbol of his commitment to non-lethal justice.

Reverse Blade Sword & Katana Sword

Both swords are similar in functionality, shape and balance achieved through precise steel folding techniques.

However, they differ in where the sharpened edge is placed - outward facing on the katana and inward on the sakabato.

This single design change allowed Kenshin to achieve the formidable defensive capabilities of a katana without the risk of a fatal blow during combat.

The reverse blade embodied his path of subduing enemies through skill and restraint rather than death. It reinforced his mission as a protector seeking peace.

Samurai X Movie Sword

The 1990s live-action movie adaptation was a major success that increased Rurouni Kenshin's popularity worldwide.

Critics praised the film's faithful portrayal of Kenshin's complex character undergoing redemption. His reverse-blade sword, always at his side during the Bakumatsu wars and his subsequent wanderings, was prominently featured and credited with saving Kenshin's life countless times through clever maneuvers in tense fight scenes. The movie helped cement the sakabato as a beloved iconic anime prop.

Collectible Reverse Blade Swords

Rurouni Kenshin's popularity led to a huge range of officially licensed merchandise like figures, clothes, plush toys, replica swords and more featuring characters and swords from the manga and anime.

The great new is, you can find the authentic replica of Kenshin's signature sakabato reverse-blade sword here on swordsswords.com!

Other Swords

Various other swords appear throughout the anime's battles, like the ninja swords commonly used for stealthy assassinations given the era's political intrigue and unrest.

Other popular swords wielded by antagonists include the Hakujin no Tachi and Renbato owned by former assassin Sawagejo Cho. Each blade further enriched the vividly depicted sword-based combat and fed fans' fascination with Japanese bladed weapons.