On Wednesday, August 22, premiere anime channel Animax hosted a block screening of Japanese blockbuster Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno for specialy-invited media outlets and agencies. Held at the Ayala Greenbelt 3 Cinemas, the event drew a mixed crowd of Rurouni Kenshin fans and film enthusiasts, all excited to see the sequel to the 2012 smash hit. The event was graced with the appearance of cosplayers dressed as characters from the popular series (which the film is based on) which currently airs on Animax.
For the sequel premiere, excitement in the air was palpable as invited guests filed into the cinema with meals sponsored by Tokyo Tokyo. Of course, what’s an event without a game or two? Prior to the screening, the audience was invited to participate in a raffle – with a little help from the cosplayers – for a chance to win exclusive Animax merchandise and goodie bags.
A mainstay of local anime fans over the years, Rurouni Kenshin centers around Kenshin, a former assassin who tries to leave his murderous past behind in late 19th century Japan. With themes of friendship, honor, loyalty and scacrfiice resonating with audiences here and abroad, the 2012 live-action film version was praised by fans and critics alike for its exciting, largely faithful approach to the source material. For Kyoto Infrerno, fans were promised an adventure that was bigger in every way and, from all accounts, the film delivered on its pledge.
With their Rurouni Kenshin premiere turning out to be a blockbuster in much the same was as the film they were supporting, Animax showed that they knew how to give back to anime and anime fans alike. Here’s looking forward to the next one!
