Exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of Rurouni Kenshin

The manga Rurouni Kenshin, also known in the West as Samurai X, celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. To mark this occasion, an exhibition was launched at the huge Animate store in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and will be available until February 10th.

Focused on the saga of Makoto Shishio, one of the most iconic and beloved arcs in the manga, the exhibition mainly features original artwork from this part of the story, created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The displayed items are the original hand-drawn art before being digitized for the manga release. You can observe corrections, improvements, the textured effects of the inks, and even pieces of paper pasted over the drawings to create special effects.

Being in front of these authentic works, which have marked so many reading moments, is an emotional experience for any fan. This is undoubtedly one of the most captivating aspects of this type of exhibition.


In addition to the manga artwork, some areas of the exhibition feature immersive settings that complement the theme. One of them recreates the battle between Hajime Saitou and Uonuma Usui in an environment decorated with the eye symbol that characterizes the villain. In another, the library where Aoshi Shinomori waits for Kenshin at Shishio’s hideout has been reproduced, with pages from their battle decorating the walls.

Iconic scenes are highlighted with enlarged replicas of the artwork, while the original versions, displayed in their centers, complement the moments depicted, offering an even richer experience for visitors.



The famous sakabatou, Kenshin’s reverse-blade sword, never existed in real life. However, the swordsmith Kanekuni Ogawa created an authentic version of the sakabatou, which has been displayed at various Rurouni Kenshin exhibitions—and, of course, it could not be missing from this 30th-anniversary celebration.

The exhibition also dedicates a section to the current anime that is retelling the hero’s adventures. A wall features illustrations by various renowned manga artists, such as those from One Piece and Naruto, who drew Rurouni Kenshin characters in their unique styles. Unfortunately, this was one of the few areas where photography was not allowed.


Finally, Nobuhiro Watsuki created two special pieces for the exhibition, one of Kenshin and another of Shishio. Both, as expected, can be purchased as replicas at the event’s souvenir shop. And, of course, the shop also offers a variety of exclusive items, ensuring no fan leaves empty-handed.

If you’re a big fan of Rurouni Kenshin, like me, don’t miss this exhibition. If you’re in Tokyo in the next few days, there’s still time to check it out before it ends!


Official site: https://rurouni-kenshin-exhibition.com/
Exhibition period: 2025/01/10 ~ 2025/02/10
Place: Animate Ikebukuro