Glossary
Confused on some Kenshin terms? We can help! More to come...A-G
Baka- Stupid/ Silly.
Bakumatsu- The period in Japan during the end of the Edo era in which the Ishin Shishi group and Tokogawa were at war. See Japanese Crash Course for more information.
Battoujutsu- Kenshin's most famous stance that earned him the name "Battousai" as he states to Jine.
-Chan- Suffix meaning "little", "cute", "small". A loving term
Dame- No/never/absolutely not.
Desho / Deshi- Pupil.
Edo Empire- Era in which the Tokugawa ruled. Edo (capital) is now known as Tokyo.
H-K
Hitokiri- Shadow Assassin, Kenshin was hired as a Hitokiri during the ages of 14-17.
Jiiya- What Misao calls Okina.
-Kun- Suffix used as respect or with affection, to induce a certain familiarity
Ishin Shishi- Group that brought about the Meiji Restoration, basiclly patriots like Kenshin
L-R
Meiji Era- The era after the Tokugawa when imperial power was returned the Meiji, the emporer.
Meiji Restoration- Between 1853-1868 which had samurai fighting for the restoration of the emporer Meiji.
Okashira- Boss/leader.
Oniwa Banshuu- During the Bakumatsu, this secret elite of ninjas were assigned to guard Edo Castle.
Onmitsu- (secret) ninja/spies (ex. Oniwa Banshuu).
Rurouni- Wanderer.
Ryu- in RK "Ryu" often indicates the school (or technique) of a character.
S-Z
Sakabatou- A reverse blade, which is also Himura Kenshin's weapon of choice.
-Senpai- Suffix used towards an elder/senior/older student.
-Sama- Suffix used towards a leader or someone respectable.
Sekihou Tai- Armed group of peasants who served the Ishin Shishi until they were massacred by them.
Sensei- Teacher/ Master
Shihandai- "Co-Instructor" (or assistant instructor). Used towards Kaoru, and Yahiko calls her this when he wants stuff...
Shinsengumi- Highly organized group which fought against the Ishin Shishi, thus against imperial rule.
Shishou- Means Teacher or Master. Kenshin uses this to address Hiko.
Shogun- Chief rulers in Japan during Tokogawa Dynasty.
Tokugawa Shogunate- Form of government from 1609-1867 which didn't allow western culture and was ruled by shoguns.
Usui- Weak, thin. Also the name of a character.
Yakuza- Gangs (in Japan).
