IN PHOTOS: Stars of 'Rurouni Kenshin' in Manila red carpet premiere

MANILA, Philippines – The red carpet premiere of “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” didn't start until 6 p.m. However, fans were already waiting for the stars of the hit Japanese movie as early as three in the afternoon at the Event Center of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, August 6.

“Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” is the sequel of the 2012 Japanese movie “Rurouni Kenshin,” based on the hit comic book and anime series of the same name. The Rurouni Kenshin franchise became popular in the Philippines during the late 90s, when a local channel aired the series, dubbed in English, as “Samurai X.” 

Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei and Munetaka Aoki at the "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" red carpet premiere in Manila (Photo by Yas Salanga)

The movie's main stars Takeru Satoh (who plays Kenshin), Emi Takei (Kaoru) and Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke) graced the red carpet premiere, along with director Keishi Otomo.

The Manila premiere of “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” is the only premiere event of the movie outside Japan.

Director Keishi Otomo and "Rurouni Kenshin" main stars Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, and Munetaka Aoki (Photo by Yas Salanga)

The movie premieres in the Philippines on August 20, while it premiered in Japan on August 1.

Takeru Satoh said he prepared for the role of Kenshin "swinging the katana" three months prior to the shoot of the film. 

“Kumusta. Ako po si Takeru Satoh. Masaya ako makita kayo,” greets the main star of the movie, much to the delight of the fans, some of whom attended the event dressed as characters from the movie.

“I heard that Rurouni Kenshin broke the record of any Japanese film shown in the Philippines,” Takeru said through a translator. The 25-year-old actor added he can't believe “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” will be shown in the Philippines just a few days after the movie premiered in Japan. He further said, “I believe it is thanks to all of you."

Munetake Aoki walked the red carpet wearing slippers (Photo by Yas Salanga)

“Magandang gabi po,” Munetaka said during a short program after their the red carpet walk at the lower ground floor of SM Megamall. “Salamat po, salamat po. I'm very excited, very excited to stand here.”

“Do you watch the movie, first Samurai X? Do you know my character's name?” he asked. Munetaka also said, “You have to promise you're gonna love the movie. I'm very sure you will love Samurai X.”

"Thank you so much. It's actually my very first time to attend a premiere in another country," said Emi Takei. (Photo by Yas Salanga)

“Thank you so much for such a warm welcome. I'm very surprised. Thank you so much,” Emi said, who noted it was her first time to attend a movie premiere outside Japan.

Takeru, Munetaka, Emi, and their director Keishi reciprocated the warm welcome they received from their Filipino fans by obliging to photo and autography requests of fans waiting by the red carpet. 

Munetaka Aoki signs autographs for fans. (Photo by Yas Salanga)

"We really put our lives on the line here. So I hope you can support us and support the movie," said Takeru Satoh. (Photo by Yas Salanga)

As a result, the “Rurouni Kenshin” director and stars took more than thirty minutes to walk from the Megamall lower ground floor entrance to the stage in the middle of the mall's even center.

“We're very glad to have such a welcoming premiere in this country. It's really thanks to all of you fans,” Takeru said. “We really put our lives on the line here. So I hope you can support us and support the movie.” 

The main stars of "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" (Photo by Yas Salanga)

Takeru, Munetaka and Keishi will attend a public press conference for “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” on Thursday, August 7, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

Here are more photos from the “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” red carpet premiere (Photos by Yas Salanga):