We've seen highly impressive traditional Japanese ink paintings embrace characters of popular fiction before, most recently and seamlessly seen with these Star Wars bujinga, or warrior portraits. The most appropriate subject yet, however, may be these amazing sumi-e Japanese ink paintings of Watsuki Nobuhiro's Rurouni Kenshin characters. Fan favorites such as Saitō Hajime, Shishio Makoto, and of course Himura Kenshin seem right at home in these traditional portraits that gives the world of the wandering swordsman a very authentic and badass shine.

With the hype of a new story arc in the Rurouni Kenshin manga buzzing about, there couldn't be a better time for these fearsome ink portraits to come out. These portraits were drawn by professional and accomplished sumi-e artist Okazu, who has a special talent for drawing military commanders of Japan's Sengoku period. Naturally he made for a great choice to bring these characters to life with brilliant and vivid strokes of his brush.

Himura Kenshin

Shishio Makoto

Saitō Hajime

Officially titled the Rurouni Kenshin: Sumi-e Collection, the traditional ink prints will be made to order with reservations available at Aniplex Plus for 7,560 yen each ($64.74 USD) until January 9th, with a delivery date of February expected. The portraits will also be on display at "Jump Festa 2017" to be held at Makuhari Messe on 17th and 18th December, where attendees can witness live paintings.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.