Forget Shogun, These 5 Shows & Anime About Samurai Will Have You Hooked
Fascinated by medieval Japan? These projects are sure to impress you.
Shogun, a new large-scale adaptation of the famous novel by James Clavell, continues to air on Hulu and FX. In this context, we decided to recall other projects, both TV series and anime, in which samurai play a key role.
1. Sanadamaru, 2016
The Japanese-produced historical series follows members of the Sanada family during the Sengoku period, when the country was engulfed in ongoing civil wars.
Surrounded by more powerful neighbors, a small clan of samurai survived and rose to prominence through the cunning and military skill of their leader, Nobushige Sanada. He led the family through all difficulties, founded the impregnable fortress of Sanada, and eventually became known as one of the greatest commanders of his time.
Sanadamaru is a representative of one of the most respected drama genres in Japan – taiga. Since 1963, projects in this sub-genre have been telling viewers about key moments in history and iconic personalities of Japan.
2. Shigurui: Death Frenzy, 2007
The story begins in the year 1629 in Japan. A bloodthirsty feudal lord organizes a tournament in which participants must fight with real swords. Despite the risks, the competition attracts warriors from all over the country, including the one-armed swordsman Fujiki and the blind samurai Seigen.
Once friends, they even studied under the same master, but since then their destinies have diverged. Now they both hope to improve their position in society by winning the tournament.
Shigurui is still impressive after more than 15 years. The anime looks like an adaptation of an ancient novel, and not only because it tells about the era of the samurai, but because in pace, emphasis and depth it is closer to a classic novel than to an animated series.
3. Samurai Champloo, 2004-2005
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Samurai Champloo is the story of three strangers from the Tokugawa era who come together on a journey across Japan. Fuu, a young waitress at a teahouse, is being harassed by local soldiers when two strangers come to her aid.
The reserved ronin Jin and the rude swordsman Mugen easily deal with their opponents, but end up being arrested. Fuu saves them from execution and asks to help find a mysterious samurai who smells like sunflowers.
Director Shinichiro Watanabe is well known even to those who don't watch anime – his filmography includes one of the cult anime series Cowboy Bebop.
4. The Trusted Confidant, 2007
Based on the historical novel by Yasushi Inoue, the series chronicles the life and times of Yamamoto Kansuke, a strategist and samurai who lived during a time of civil war. In addition, it recounts the events that led to the rise of the Takeda clan under the leadership of Takeda Shingen, one of the most powerful and respected military leaders of the time.
It is undoubtedly one of the best samurai series, praised by fans for its historical accuracy, realistic costumes, and capturing the spirit of the times.
5. Blue Eye Samurai, 2023-…
Blue Eye Samurai is an eight-episode project about a samurai girl who has made revenge her life's purpose. The viewer will not only see the dramatic story of a samurai, but also travel with her through exotic medieval Japan, with its samurai orders, influential shoguns and beautiful geishas.
Blue Eye Samurai is like traveling through Japan in a time machine, transported back centuries. You definitely won't get tired of seeing all the beauty on screen: epic battles with millions of arrows and masterful fights; the spectacular costumes of the samurai and the beauty of their brides with their golden combs and luxurious kimonos.