Rurouni Kenshin or also known as Samurai X is the most popular manga and anime story based on the original historical events from the Bakumatsu Revolution period to the Meiji Restoration. The main character is Kenshin, a former warrior of the Meiji Knights who was inspired by the original historical figure of a sweet-faced and short Hitokiri named Kawakami Genzai. The live action version of Rurouni Kenshin Movie has also become a hit with many people because of the epic historical elements in it.

Of the many fictional characters who play a role in Rurouni Kenshin, it turns out that there are 7 characters who are original historical figures. They are figures who are part of the transformation of Japan from the Tokugawa Shogunate government to the Meiji Empire. Who are the 7 characters in Rurouni Kenshin who are real historical figures? While enriching your historical knowledge, let's take a look at the following list. 

1. Toshimichi Okubo

The minister of home affairs who appears in Rurouni Kenshin is an important character in the Kyoto Arc. Toshimichi Okubo is Kenshin Himura's former comrade in the Bakumatsu war. Okubo's request to stop Shishio Makoto and his group of Juppongatana from revolting in the city of Kyoto was initially rejected by Kenshin, who has retired as a Meiji Knight Samurai. Okubo's death because his horse-drawn carriage was intercepted by Soujiro Seta, a member of Juppongatana, made Kenshin regret refusing his friend's request, and finally the former Battousai wandered back to Kyoto to stop Shishio.

Okubo in the original Japanese history was a samurai from Satsuma, the region in the land of Sakura that fomented the Bakumatsu revolution. His success in the Meiji war made him one of the 3 Meiji nobles who served in the new government. Okubo’s assasination is historically accurate, his horse-drawn carriage is intercepted by a swordsman who kills him in the middle of the road.

2. Aritomo Yamagata

The general of the Japanese army in Rurouni Kenshin has a lot of influence on Kenshin's life. Aritomo Yamagata is an army commander with his trademark mustache who used to be Kenshin's comrade in the Meiji Knights. The fierce duel between Kenshin and Saito Hajime at Kamiya Dojo as old mortal enemies can only be stopped by Yamagata. The outbreak of the Sino-Japanese war at the end of the 19th century later made Yamagata ask Kenshin to go to war to leave Japan. Kenshin's worsening illness and Kenshin's being thrown into the sea from the warship made him die in the lap of his wife, Kaoru when he finally returned to Japan.

Yamagata in history is a figure who renewed the Japanese military from traditional samurai into a modern army that is not inferior to western nations. Yamagata will later serve as prime minister of Japan's Meiji government as well.  

3. Hirobumi Ito

This very famous figure in the history of Japan and Korea also appears in the Rurouni Kenshin. Hirobumi Ito came from the Choshu clan who ignited the Sonno Joui spirit of "expel foreigners and restore the Emperor's power". Being on the same side of Ishin Shishi as Kenshin makes Ito close to the former Hitokiri Battousai even though times have changed. Okubo's death saw Ito replace him as Meiji's new home affairs minister. When Shishio was defeated and the warship Rengoku could be prevented from attacking the capital by Kenshin, Ito and his troops immediately saluted Kenshin.

Ito is a figure who has served as prime minister of Japan for 3 times in different periods. Japan's victory over Russia made Ito's name shine even more in the war that gave rise to the confidence of the Asian nation to be superior for the first time from a European country. The title of prince was eventually assigned to Ito, although he was eventually killed by a Korean independence nationalist while trying to negotiate with Russian officials. 

Also Read:

•  Seven Rurouni Kenshin Movie Male Characters That Make Rurouni Kenshin: The Final A Fantastic Treat
•  Why Did Rurouni Kenshin The Final Come Out First Before The Beginning?
•  There are Differences Between Rurouni Kenshin Movie The Final & Manga Story. Where’s Kenshin’s Father-In-Law?

4. Shinsaku Takasugi

In addition to the several Meiji Knights above who survived and became officials in the new age, there is 1 revolutionary who is not so lucky in Rurouni Kenshin. Shinsaku Takasugi is a fighter who continues to fight from the beginning of the Bakumatsu revolution until the Meiji side wins to change the times. Takasugi died of lung disease while fighting against the Tokugawa Shogunate group. The Battosai Kenshin Himura has great respect for the leader of the rebel forces from Choshu.

Takasugi is the initiator of the Bakumatsu revolution, including the one who could unite the Satsuma and Choshu troops who were initially hostile to each other even though they both defended the Emperor. Kiheitai's modern army was his idea, too, to make the Japanese army as strong as the western powers in adapting the standard of war tactics and modern weapons and equipment. 

5. Kogoro Katsura

The peace-loving samurai who gave missions to Battousai in Rurouni Kenshin is a very authoritative historical figure. This true leader of the Meiji Knights has always avoided battle in his goal of transforming Japan into a new era. Kenshin and Tomoe's marriage was also originally the idea of ​​Kogoro Katsura who was very concerned about the safety of his comrades.

Because of his love for peace, Katsura always ran away from battles which made him known as "Kogoro Katsura the Runner". The traditional samurai code of ethics is actually against that, because a samurai should not run away from a fight that could be a disgrace to him and even have to commit Seppuku Harakiri because of it. For Katsura who wants to change the idea to a more modern one, running is the fastest way to bring Japan into a new, better era.

6. Souji Okita

After discussing the historical figures in Rurouni Kenshin from the pro-emperor Meiji side, it's a good idea to also discuss figures from the Tokugawa side who are pro-shogunate governments. Souji Okita was the first commander of the shogunate's special forces, the Shinsengumi. This handsome young man has a sword skill to be reckoned with, especially during the draw duel with Kenshin the Hitokiri Battousai at the time of the Ikeda building raid.

Okita is a young member of the Shinsengumi who quickly shines among other officers because of his very capable combat abilities. Only tuberculosis could stop him from fighting, and he died young in a sanatorium at the age of 22.

7. Saito Hajime

The most popular character in Rurouni Kenshin is a genuine historical figure who can survive in various ages. Saito Hajime is the commanding officer of the third unit of the Shinsengumi forces. His dexterity in survival made him serve any era in Japanese history. His struggle with the Shinsengumi from beginning to end did not tire him even though his side lost the war. He remains passionate about being an officer of the modern security forces in the new Meiji era called Japanese police.

His feud with Kenshin made him want to survive because he didn't want to be defeated by Hitokiri Battousai. Just like history, when the era changed Saito changed his name to Goro Fujita.

Those are the 7 Rurouni Kenshin characters who turned out to be real historical figures. Hopefully it can enrich your history knowledge as well. Who is the coolest historical figure here? You can write it in the comments section while waiting for the new Rurouni Kenshin Movie to air on Netflix.

Stay tuned for more information about games and don’t forget to follow Dunia Games on Facebook and Instagram. 

You can buy in-game cash for Mobile Legends, Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, and other games on Dunia Games.

Also Read >>> 6 Facts about Hajime Saito in Rurouni Kenshin