[JenB]

Perhaps, or maybe it's just a good way to start the story. Or it could be a convention, like the woodcutter's youngest son in so many European fairy tales.

Have read some Chinese fairy tales, but not any Japanese. Hmm... Anyway, some of the characters in Kenshin are based on real people, and some are inspired by real people, and then there are the Shinsengumi (really cool name!), who were a real group and show up occasionally.

[Fedora]

then there are the Shinsengumi (really cool name!)

Didn't Longfellow write a poem about them that was inspired by the Kalevala and influenced Tolkien?

By the shores of Shinsengumi. . .

:-)

Yeah, it's probably like the woodcutter's son in European fairy tales, I figure. Hmm, wonder what Tolkien would have to say about it? I wish I could've attended one of his classes! :)