One of the most iconic manga and anime to have released in the past 30 years has been Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin. The series follows the story of Kenshin Himura, a samurai famous for his body count and efficiency in his sword style, who abandons his past life and travels Japan helping those in need and protecting those that he loves.
Since its release, the franchise has enjoyed a successful anime, film series, and a live stage-play! One of the recent additions to the franchise was a musical edition of the iconic "Kyoto Arc" of the series.
Shūichirō Koike directed the musical, and Teppei Koike was cast in the titular role that was to run from November 3rd to December 15th. Sadly, with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to cancel the run of the play, as announced form the play's official website.
While the difficult decision was made with the safety of the cast and crew in mind, there is still a degree of sadness that the curtain will not rise on the play. Make sure to share your thoughts on the recent news in the comments below.
The story of Rurouni Kenshin takes place during the early Meiji era in Japan. It tells the story of a peaceful wanderer named Himura Kenshin, formerly known as the assassin "Hitokiri Battōsai". After participating during the Bakumatsu war, 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.
There is no confirmation on if the Rurouni Kenshin musical will return.