Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is a manga (Japanese comics) by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is currently being serialized on one of the most popular manga magazines, Shonen Jump. Besides, it is also turned to an anime, currently running on Japan.

Rurouni Kenshin is set back in the time of feudal Japan. The story is now set ten years after Hitokiri Battosai disappeared when he single handedly saved the Meiji government. Taking up the name of Himura Kenshin, once the deadliest and most brutal swordsman is now a wandering ronin, swearing that he would not kill anymore. With his sword, the sakabatou, a sharpened blade on the wrong side of the sword allows him to fight without killing. Many have heard the legend, and Hitokiri Battousai is recognized by the X-scar on his left cheek. One day a girl named Kaoru, hearing about Kenshin, went to enlist his help only to find that the legendary Hitokiri is now a polite and gentleman. Slowly, she developed feelings for Kenshin which cause her a lot of pain when Kenshin decided to leave for a mission. Among the other cast are Sanosuke Sagara and Yahiko Myojin both who crossed paths with Kenshin. Sanosuke Sagara possessed great strength and learned a new fighting technique after his gigantic sword was broken by Kenshin. Yahiko was caught pickpocketing Kenshin's pocket. Finally they ended up staying together in the Kamiya Dojo, owned by Kaoru.

I think this is a cool anime with the coolest villians around, namely the self proclaimed rival of Kenshin, Shinomori Aoshi. Kenshin's fear was well described and portrayed in this anime making viewers wonder at how he could have been Hitokiri Battousai once.

Sanrio Characters

Since Sanrio's establishment in 1960, the company ranges from the design and sale of social communications gifts and greeting cards, to publishing, production and distribution of the Strawberry Newspaper, to the planning and operation of theme parks. Some of their characters are most recognizable on stationary and such. Here are a few of my favourites:

Hello Kitty (1974)
Hello Kitty is a cute little white kitten who loves making friends. She is the most popular of the Sanrio's characters, and has become the representative to the world. Her trademark is the red bow she always wears on her left ear.
Hello Kitty was born on November 1st and she lives in London, England with her parents and her twin sister, Mimmy. These third graders have lots of friends at school with whom they share many adventures. Most often it is Hello Kitty who leads the group, and usually they all end up learning an important lesson in the process. Her hobbies include traveling, music, reading, eating yummy cookies her sister Mimmy bakes, and best of all making new friends. After all, as Hello Kitty always says, you can never have too many friends.

Badtz-Maru (1993)
As his April 1st birthday would suggest, Badtz Maru is one mischievous little penguin. He lives with his mother and pinball-playing father in Gorgeoustown. He attends the first grade at the Gorgeous Academy where he plays recess with his friends Hana Maru, a white seal, and Pandaba, a panda bear. After school Badtz Maru attracts lots of attention as he walks around the park with his pet alligator, but Pochi is as nice a gator as you will ever meet. Badtz Maru has dreams of greatness when he grows up, but for now he rolls his eyes at his humorous life in Gorgeoustown.

Little Twin Stars (1975)
Kiki and Lala, the Little Twin Stars, were born on the Star of Comapassion. These mystical twins would pass the time wondering about life on Earth, the planet they had heard so many stories about. With permission from Mother-Star and Father-Star they set out for a visit to Earth. Lala's star wand led them on their journey. Ever since they arrived they have been spreading happiness to everyone they meet.

Pochacco (1989)
Think of Pochacco as the most popular purebred in the neighbourhood. This sports-minded pup is the best three-on-three basketball player on the playground and a not so shabby soccer goalie too. He’s got a few quirks; how many vegetarian canines do you know? Carrots rank high on Pochacco’s list of favorite foods but banana ice cream is his all time favorite! He is also a leap year pup, celebrating his birthday on February 29th.

Pekkle (1984)
A wanna-be lifeguard who has a little trouble swimming, Pekkle hails from Australia. He is one very laid-back duck and at first glance he might even look a bit lazy! But if there ever was an unlikely hero, it is Pekkle. He is extremely loyal, especially to his girlfriend Ruby and his constant aquatic companion, Pich the fish. In return all of his friends love him dearly. As clumsy as he appears, Pekkle is a very talented dancer and body surfer and most times you can find him down on the beach with his friends. His birthday is July 27th.

Keroppi (1987)
Keroppi was born on July 10th. He lives with his brother, sister and parents in a big house on the edge of Donut Pond, the largest and bluest pond around. Most of his best friends live nearby, including his girlfriend, Keroleen. He is the natural leader of his large group of friends, and he leaps to help his pals in their time of need. Keroppi and his friends share his love for playing games, especially baseball and boomerangs. But most often he is seen with his little snail friend, Den Den, always tagging along and usually a little behind