Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

If you are likely to watch an anime specifically because it predominantly features swords, blades, katanas, scimitars, or claymores in it, then this is the list for you!

(Real swords only: i.e. no magic, virtual, or fake swords)

Anime directed by Ryousuke Takahashi

The Edo period (1603-1867) is a time in Japanese history characterized by economic growth, isolationist foreign policies, and popular enjoyment of arts and culture. The period derives its name from Edo (now Tokyo), where the shogunate was officially established by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

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Think there's an entry that should be added/removed? Let me know.

Imagine you've just watched "Harakiri", or perhaps "Yojimbo", and now you're thinking to yourself: "I wonder how Samurai Cinema would translate into anime" - Next you're scrolling the anime database, and you've searched for anime with the theme "Samurai", only to be met with entries containing people spitting fireballs, and giant robots shooting lasers.

If this is something you've experienced, then this interest stack is for you. I've scoured every entry (as of October 2024) listed under the theme "Samurai", as well as tried to find others not listed there, to fit the following more narrow definition:

"Swordfighting anime set in historical Japan with a realistic setting."

Some anachronism is okay, but futurism like mechas and RPG launchers are excluded. Trying to keep supernatural elements at a minimal. Allowed to a certain extent, but trying to avoid full on superpowers. This list contains no sequels, one entry per franchise only.

Anime might be excluded for other reasons, such as not adhering enough to the style. Also skipping a lot of <~10 minute shorts. Some (most) of the anime I haven't yet seen, so there's a possibility an anime that should've been excluded has slipped by into the list.

PS. "Lone Wolf and Cub" + "Vagabond" anime when??

Tags: Chambara, Samurai, Jidaigeki, Ninja, Katana, Meiji, Edo, Azuchi–Momoyama, Muromachi, Ashikaga, Nanboku-chou, Sengoku, Kamakura, Heian, Nara,

Kimonos, robes & the sort




*Will remove samurai/historical/80s & earlier once capped since it's needless to say that those will have traditional dress


Removed/Soon to remove:
Less prevalent appearances: Hanayamata, Inukami, Isekai wa Smartphone (Yae), Izumo OVA, Jigoku Shoujo (Ai), To LOVE-Ru (Shizu), Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho (Botan)
Historical: Utakoi
Inns & teashops: Wakaokami wa Shougakusei!, Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san
Miko Character: Haunted Junction, Amagami-san
Mythology: Tensui no Sakuna-hime, Wagaya no Oinari-sama.
Rakugo:
Samurai:
Spirits/Supernatural:
H-anime: Cartagra, Moonlight Lady, Hininden: Gauss, Koihime

Ryousuke Takahashi is a Japanese anime director, screenwriter, and producer. He has worked for Sunrise on many anime shows in the real robot genre, including Armored Trooper VOTOMS, Fang of the Sun Dougram, Panzer World Galient, and Blue Comet SPT Layzner.