It is difficult to find anime that truly delve into Japanese history and faithfully depict past events.
True historical fiction is a rare and underrated genre. Whether it's aesthetic elements, like the dazzling swordplay of the samurai, or legends and folklore that often influence supernatural anime, traces of Japan's rich history and cultural heritage are ubiquitous across anime genres and worlds.
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Japan's history is filled with thrilling events and captivating tales. Although few in number, some exceptional anime rise to the challenge of bringing Japanese history to life, offering the audience a glimpse into a fascinating past—ranging from long-lost warrior and imperial epics to more recent history enriched by fiction.
10. Sengoku Basara Turns Japan's Most Famous Historical Period into an Exciting Action Show
Sengoku Basara, originally a video game series and gradually becoming a massive multimedia franchise, is very popular in Japan but enjoys a rather limited cult following worldwide. The anime adaptation of the series serves as an excellent introduction to the franchise, as well as a captivating interpretation of the conflicts of the Sengoku era.
Also known as the "Warring States Period," the Sengoku era was a time of rapid, chaotic, and often violent changes within Japanese society. Sengoku Basara manages to tell the story of its major conflicts while relying on the extravagant and fantastical codes of action anime, making the dry history all the more captivating for a broader audience. While not historically accurate, Sengoku Basara is one of the most entertaining ways to approach Japan’s most tumultuous and famous period in history.
9. In This Corner of the World Takes a Sharp Approach to Life to Depict the Horrors of War
The most devastating conflicts of humanity are a major subject in historical fiction, but the World War II film In This Corner of the World doesn’t focus on the most significant historical events; rather, it centers on the equally important subject of how war affects the lives of ordinary people.
The film's heroine, Suzu, an artist with a laid-back personality, lives in Hiroshima in the 1940s, her peaceful life disrupted by the relentless waves of war. Yet, just as important to the film are the fragments of normalcy that Suzu manages to preserve: her life is not solely defined by the tragedy of war, despite the calamity's impact on everything around her. A painful and poignant portrait of the life of an ordinary family in rural 1940s Japan, In This Corner of the World is a powerful war film that reminds the viewer of the precious fragility of everyday life.
8. Ojiisan no Lamp Explores the Impact of Technological Advancements on Daily Life
A captivating historical story doesn’t require a long runtime to make an impact, as proven by the 24-minute short film Ojiisan no Lamp. The film’s historical subject is specific and tailored to the limited scope of the project, exploring the changes that time brings to the most mundane aspects of existence through the story of an old lamp vendor.
In his youth, Minosuke’s lamp business was a novelty and a success, bringing innovation to the homes of ordinary Japanese families. However, technological advances and electric lighting pushed Minosuke’s trade into obscurity, with modernization casting his passion into the past. Short yet moving, Ojiisan no Lamp is a wonderful film that connects the past and the future through its themes.
7. The Elusive Samurai Is a Fantastical Take on a Dark Event from the End of the Kamakura Period
A hidden gem of the 2024 summer season, The Elusive Samurai is far from a historically accurate series. From the fantastical feats of its characters to the presence of a god among the main cast, this action-filled adventure heavily leans on the fantastical aspect of historical fantasy.
Nevertheless, the anime’s plot is deeply rooted in history: Hojo Tokiyuki was a real historical figure, as were the events of his adventures. While taking liberties with historical accuracy, The Elusive Samurai makes up for it with its expressive animation and storytelling, making it a rare historical anime that can easily captivate a broad audience, not just history enthusiasts.
6. House of Five Leaves Offers a Refreshing and Grounded Look at the Mundanity of the Edo Period
Most anime draw inspiration from the samurai theme for the allure of captivating battles, a genre rich in raw, kinetic action, though rarely realistic, with a subtle historical touch. While the protagonist of House of Five Leaves is a ronin, grim sword fights are far from the heart of this series.
A realistic historical drama about Masanosuke, a docile samurai who accidentally becomes the bodyguard of a gang of outlaws, House of Five Leaves provides viewers with an atypical look at Japan’s Edo period by focusing on slow-paced, character-driven storytelling rather than explosive action. For discovering the everyday aspects of bandits and swordsmen during this time, often overlooked in conventional samurai tales, it's hard to find a better anime.
5. The Heike Story Is a Reinterpretation of a Famous Japanese Historical Text
The 2022 historical anime The Heike Story brings to life a curious 13th-century Japanese epic, telling the story of the Taira clan during the Heian period. In this version, the rise and fall of this powerful family are portrayed through the eyes of Biwa, a young girl who lost her father to the Taira and was taken in by the clan’s eldest son.
While the anime dramatizes the history by adding a supernatural touch and romanticized liberties to the original text, The Heike Story revels in a palpable appreciation of the past's complexities and intrigues. Touching, dramatic, and beautifully crafted by the talented team at Science Saru studio and renowned director Naoko Yamada, this series excels at blending history and fiction.
4. Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju Explores History Through the Lens of Performing Arts
Not every historical period can be reduced to the events recorded in history books; understanding its cultural context is just as crucial to appreciating the past. Rakugo, a unique form of Japanese performing art, is the theatrical art practiced by Yakumo Yurakutei, the protagonist of Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju.
However, his journey to mastering rakugo was filled with obstacles, both from personal tragedies and the historical upheavals he experienced during World War II. A coming-of-age drama that delves into Yakumo's past, his complex relationship with the world of performing arts, and the thorny bond he shared with his rakugo companion Sukeroku, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju gives a personal touch to history and enlightens the audience on a particular facet of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Grave of the Fireflies is the Acclaimed Anti-War Film from Studio Ghibli
Famous for its magical animated films and whimsical adventures for children, Studio Ghibli features a unique case in its catalog: the devastating and realistic tragedy of World War II, Grave of the Fireflies.
Set at the end of World War II, in the desolate Japanese countryside, Grave of the Fireflies follows the survival struggles of two orphans, Seita and Setsuko, as they face the harsh realities of a world torn apart by war. Unfortunately, Grave of the Fireflies is far from a cheerful cinematic experience. The film conveys its pacifist message by highlighting the cruelty of Seita and Setsuko's situation without sugar-coating, bringing even the most stoic fans to tears.
2. Millennium Actress Blends History with Distorting Fiction
Known for his conceptual works that blur the line between dream and reality, Satoshi Kon plays with the perception of history in Millennium Actress, while depicting past events with remarkable realism. The story of an elderly actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara, examines her past through the lens of her work. The highlights of the heroine’s career are intertwined with real historical events in Millennium Actress, demonstrating a harmonious blend of fiction and reality.
From the Great Kanto Earthquake that marked Chiyoko's birth to World War II, through the Second Sino-Japanese War, the actress has lived—and worked—through many significant historical events, all of which have shaped her personal story. Regardless of the influence of fiction on Chiyoko's memories, Millennium Actress never fails to emphasize the importance of actual events.
1. Hyouge Mono is the Perfect Anime for History Enthusiasts
In terms of historical accuracy, few anime compare to Hyouge Mono, one of the rare historical fiction series to present its subject without any deviation, whether it be exaggerated action, fantasy, or notable departures from real history. Set at the end of the Sengoku period, Hyouge Mono steps away from the themes of war and conflict that characterize many depictions of this era.
The main focus of the anime is rather the exploration of aesthetics and fine arts, as evidenced by the story of Furuta Sasuke, the protagonist of the series and a vassal of Oda Nobunaga, who is obsessed with tea ceremonies. Centered on character development and rich in themes, Hyouge Mono doesn't appeal to the mainstream audience, which explains its status as an underrated cult classic.
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