The anime industry has long embraced revivals, reboots, and nostalgic reimaginings. While revisiting classic series can be exciting for fans, some revivals raise ethical concerns—especially when tied to controversial creators. One of the most debated cases in recent years is *Rurouni Kenshin*, a beloved historical action series whose legacy is tainted by the criminal record of its creator, Nobuhiro Watsuki. Despite widespread criticism, the industry continues to promote and expand the franchise, raising troubling questions about accountability in entertainment.
Rurouni Kenshin first debuted as a manga in 1994, telling the story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin seeking redemption. The series quickly gained popularity, leading to a successful anime adaptation, multiple OVAs, and a live-action film series. More recently, the franchise introduced a sequel manga, *Rurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido Arc*, written by Watsuki and his wife, Kaoru Kurosaki. However, while *Rurouni Kenshin* remains a fan favorite, it has become impossible to ignore the troubling history of its author.
In 2018, Nobuhiro Watsuki was convicted of possessing child pornography, a crime that resulted in a relatively minor fine of ¥200,000 ($1,900) but no jail time. Following his arrest, *Hokkaido Arc* was temporarily suspended, only to return just four months later. Shueisha, Watsuki’s publisher, justified this decision by claiming a “duty” to continue providing content for fans. The swift reinstatement shocked many, especially when compared to the treatment of other disgraced manga creators.
For example, the manga *Act-Age* was promptly canceled after its writer, Tatsuya Matsuki, was convicted of indecent acts involving a minor. Similarly, *Toriko* creator Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro faced career setbacks after being arrested for child prostitution in 2002, though he later returned to the industry. These cases reveal inconsistencies in how publishers and production companies handle misconduct, where some figures face lasting consequences while others continue working with little interruption.
Despite the controversy, *Rurouni Kenshin* continues to thrive. In 2022, Liden Films announced a new anime adaptation, which later aired on Crunchyroll, reigniting discussions about Watsuki’s past. Although Western publishers initially hesitated to bring *Hokkaido Arc* to international audiences, the renewed focus on *Rurouni Kenshin* suggests a growing disregard for ethical concerns. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and major companies like Aniplex continue to promote the series, sparking debates within the anime community.
Many longtime fans struggle to separate art from the artist. Some argue that *Rurouni Kenshin* should be judged independently from Watsuki, emphasizing the contributions of animators, voice actors, and other staff involved in its production. However, others contend that actively supporting the series directly benefits Watsuki, reinforcing a culture where financial success outweighs moral accountability.
The revival of *Rurouni Kenshin* raises larger concerns about selective accountability in the anime industry. If certain works like *Act-Age* are permanently scrapped due to a creator’s crimes, why is *Rurouni Kenshin* given multiple chances? This inconsistency suggests that corporate decisions are often driven by financial considerations rather than ethical responsibility.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to engage with *Rurouni Kenshin* lies with individual audiences. While nostalgia is powerful, it is important to consider the broader implications of supporting media connected to controversial figures. At the very least, viewers should be informed about the context surrounding the content they consume. As the industry continues to revive classic series, it must also grapple with the responsibility of holding creators accountable.
