Ask John: What Anime are Set During Early Periods of Japanese History?

Question:
Having been fascinated thus far by the first 13 episodes of Otogi Zoushi, how many other anime properties are you aware of that are set (either in part or in full) in a feudal period other than the Tokugawa or Meiji era?

Answer:
Perhaps because the Tokugawa era (roughly 1615-1867) and Meiji era (1867-1912) are the periods of Japanese history which have the most directly attributable influence on contemporary Japanese society, these two historical settings tend to be rather popular environments for historical anime. A few examples of anime set during the Tokugawa period include Shura no Toki, Shigurui, Hidamari no Ki, Kaze Makase Tsukikage Ran, Ayakashi ~ Japanese Classic Horror, Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto, and Ooedo Shijuhatte. The Meiji period plays an important role in anime including Ayakashi Ayashi, Rurouni Kenshin, Peacemaker Kurogane, Oh! Edo Rocket, and Hijikata Toshizou ~ Shiro no Kiseki.

While many historical anime are set in imprecise historical settings, there are some anime which have clearly stated or identifiable chronological settings. I can’t say that there aren’t any anime set during the earliest periods of Japanese history, but I can’t recall any anime specifically set prior to the Heian era (794-1185). The Shounen Onmyouji television series occurs during this period, along with the the 1987 Murasaki Shikibu’s Genji Monogatari motion picture and 2001 Kaidohmaru OVA. The upcoming Asakiyumemishi TV series will also be set during the Heian period since it’s another adaptation of the Genji Monogatari story.

The rather little known Kasho no Tsuki yaoi OVA seems to be one of the few anime set during the Kamakura era (1185-1392).

The Sanada Jyuyushi & Samurai Deeper Kyo television series both portray unique interpretations of the same characters that lived during the Sengoku (“warring states”) period of the Muromachi era. The Muromachi era lasted from roughly 1392-1597. The Sengoku period occurred near the end of the Muromachi era, from roughly 1467-1573. The 2007 Stranger ~ Mukoh Hadan motion picture occurs during the Sengoku period. Although not specified, anime including Fire Tripper, Inuyasha, and Dororo also appear to occur during the Sengoku period. Hayao Miyazaki’s Mononoke Hime is set during an unspecified time in the Muromachi era, as is the 1975 Ikkyu-san television series. And a large part of the 1986 film Toki no Tabibito ~ Time Stranger is set in 1582, near the end of the Muromachi era.

There are almost certainly other historical anime with distinctly recognizable settings prior to the Tokugawa period, but I hope that this brief list will provide, at least, a starting point for further exploration.

Thanks to Chieko Cranley for assistance provided regarding the Ikkyu-san series.