The blockbuster hit Rurouni Kenshin, which opened on Aug. 25, 2012, grossed over 3 billion yen at the box office during its run. The popular drama will return after two years in summer 2014 as a sequel tentatively titled Rurouni Kenshin: The Great Kyoto Fire Arc/The Last of the Legend Arc.

As one can see from the title, the sequel will be divided into two parts, each covering one arc of the original manga. The two films will be released one after another in the summer of 2014. Fans can expect nationwide road shows and promotions even bigger than the first movie!

Despite the larger scale, the work will still capture the essence of the critically acclaimed previous work. Director Keishi Otomo hopes to once again challenge himself to a new height in his career through this movie.

Actor Takeru Satoh will of course reprise his role as the protagonist, Kenshin. In the previous film, Satoh was able to combine his superb acting skills with the character's appeal for the fans. Furthermore, Saki Takei, who acted as Kamiya Kaoru, will also reprise the role, with others such as Yu Aoi, Munetaka Aoki, and Yosuke Eguchi in the cast, much to the joy of fans.

On top of the old cast, new members have been added for the sequel. Actor Tatsuya Fujiwara will take on the role of Kenshin's successor and nemesis, Shishio Makoto. Fujiwara had previously attained international fame through his role in the movie Shield of Straw and will once challenge an antagonistic role.

The new movie will be based on the popular “Kyoto Arc” from the original manga. The setting for the movie will move west from Tokyo to the old capital, and captures the drama of the turbulent period in history. In particular, because the movie will be split into two parts, fans can look forward to a condensed and well-crafted story in the movies.

Rurouni Kenshin the movie is based on the manga of the same title by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The series is a bestseller that has sold more than 57 million volumes to date and has been translated into many languages, becoming an international bestseller as both manga and anime. Director Otomo's first Rurouni Kenshin movie was a worldwide sensation, and the sequel based in Kyoto is expected to garner just as much attention, if not more.

Comment from Takeru Satoh (Himura Kenshin):

>I feel very fortunate to be able to play Kenshin again, but I am also feeling the pressure of having to cross over an even higher hurdle. This time, the movie will portray the “Kyoto Arc,” which is one of the most popular arcs and considered the climax of the manga. I am glad we will be able to capture the great story on screen, but at the same time, this will also be a very difficult project. However, I don't think of it as 'surpassing the previous film,' but rather, I would like to make a movie that fans will approve of. As such, I will place my trust in the director and play Kenshin based on the soul of the original manga, and challenge the new scale and action in the sequel. I started practicing for combat scenes and horse-riding since a few months ago. All the cast and staff are shooting this movie from the bottom of their hearts so I hope our fans will support us as well!

Comment from Takuya Fujiwara (Shishio Makoto):

> Rurouni Kenshin is a childhood anime for me, so to be able to play Shishio this time is like a dream come true. Shishio is one of the most popular characters, so I will do my best to take everyone's suggestions and portray him the best I can. This is my second role as the bad guy since Shield of Straw and I am looking forward to it!