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#Historical(8)
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Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Ninety-Two
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
(Story: Yotarou is a former yakuza member fresh out of prison and fixated on just one thing: rather than return to a life of crime, the young man aspires to take to the stage of rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling. Inspired during his incarceration by the performance of distinguished practitioner Yakumo Yuurakutei, he sets his mind on meeting the man who changed his life. After hearing Yotarou's desperate appeal for his mentorship, Yakumo is left with no choice but to accept his very first apprentice.
As he eagerly begins his training, Yotarou meets Konatsu, an abrasive young woman who has been under Yakumo's care ever since her beloved father Sukeroku Yuurakutei, another prolific rakugo performer, passed away. Through her hidden passion, Yotarou is drawn to Sukeroku's unique style of rakugo despite learning under contrasting techniques. Upon seeing this, old memories and feelings return to Yakumo who reminisces about a much earlier time when he made a promise with his greatest rival.
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a story set in both the past and present, depicting the art of rakugo, the relationships it creates, and the lives and hearts of those dedicated to keeping the unique form of storytelling alive.
Source: MyAnimeList)
(Genre: Drama, Historical, Romance)
(Released 2016; 13 episodes; TV-14)
(Notes: Okay, so as far as I can tell, you can only find this one on Crunchyroll. I mean, if you don't already just pirate anime tbh. But that ain't my business. Y'all can do what you want. I ain't involved with your shenanigans, you hooligans. lmao okay so this is a nice one. It's like...a breath of fresh air in general. It just has this light feel to it without sacrificing depth and character. It just has a vibe i dont get from alot of other anime. And it's one of the rare Josei anime. y'know , the anime/manga genre aimed at adult women. Think, like, Nana. Nana is josei. I think. I'm pretty sure. This lovely show is animated by Studio Deen; the same anime studio behind Konosuba, Fate/Stay Night, the original Higurashi... don't get too excited, they also did Seven Deadly Sins. But other than that, they have some bangers. Can't stand Seven Deadly Sins but that's another story [how hard is it to NOT make a grown man attracted to the one chick that looks like a literal child why couldn't the creator just make her look like a GROWN WOMAN i dont wanna hear the "u h m she's actually 2 million years old" argument so sHUT PLEASE no loli defenders allowed in my space i have nieces and i dont need that creepy energy around me so LEAVE] okay aside from that rant. Uhm. Yay Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is great. No more sleeping on it please.) Read Note
(Story: Yotarou is a former yakuza member fresh out of prison and fixated on just one thing: rather than return to a life of crime, the young man aspires to take to the stage of rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling. Inspired during his incarceration by the performance of distinguished practitioner Yakumo Yuurakutei, he sets his mind on meeting the man who changed his life. After hearing Yotarou's desperate appeal for his mentorship, Yakumo is left with no choice but to accept his very first apprentice.
As he eagerly begins his training, Yotarou meets Konatsu, an abrasive young woman who has been under Yakumo's care ever since her beloved father Sukeroku Yuurakutei, another prolific rakugo performer, passed away. Through her hidden passion, Yotarou is drawn to Sukeroku's unique style of rakugo despite learning under contrasting techniques. Upon seeing this, old memories and feelings return to Yakumo who reminisces about a much earlier time when he made a promise with his greatest rival.
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a story set in both the past and present, depicting the art of rakugo, the relationships it creates, and the lives and hearts of those dedicated to keeping the unique form of storytelling alive.
Source: MyAnimeList)
(Genre: Drama, Historical, Romance)
(Released 2016; 13 episodes; TV-14)
(Notes: Okay, so as far as I can tell, you can only find this one on Crunchyroll. I mean, if you don't already just pirate anime tbh. But that ain't my business. Y'all can do what you want. I ain't involved with your shenanigans, you hooligans. lmao okay so this is a nice one. It's like...a breath of fresh air in general. It just has this light feel to it without sacrificing depth and character. It just has a vibe i dont get from alot of other anime. And it's one of the rare Josei anime. y'know , the anime/manga genre aimed at adult women. Think, like, Nana. Nana is josei. I think. I'm pretty sure. This lovely show is animated by Studio Deen; the same anime studio behind Konosuba, Fate/Stay Night, the original Higurashi... don't get too excited, they also did Seven Deadly Sins. But other than that, they have some bangers. Can't stand Seven Deadly Sins but that's another story [how hard is it to NOT make a grown man attracted to the one chick that looks like a literal child why couldn't the creator just make her look like a GROWN WOMAN i dont wanna hear the "u h m she's actually 2 million years old" argument so sHUT PLEASE no loli defenders allowed in my space i have nieces and i dont need that creepy energy around me so LEAVE] okay aside from that rant. Uhm. Yay Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is great. No more sleeping on it please.) Read Note
lol no
Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Eighty-Seven
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water
(Story: In 1889, the world is on the pinnacle of great discoveries in technology. In mankind's grasp for the future, a sinister foe known only as Gargoyle, obsessed with restoring the former Atlantean empire to the glory it once held, begins his plans to take over the world. Nadia, with the help of a young inventor, Jean Roque Lartigue, and Captain Nemo of the submarine Nautilus, must fight to save the world from Gargoyle and Neo-Atlantis. Based on the Novel '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' by Jules Verne.)
(Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi)
(Released 1990; 39 episodes; TV-14)
(Notes: This is one where you've probably seen a chatracteror two before but you've never seen the show. Well, I'm here to officially recommend it. And I haven't mentioned this before but i get the story/synopsis from MyAnimeList since... I'm bad at summarizing things. I'll go off on a tangent and add irrelevant crap. Anyway, did you know this series won the Animage Anime Grand Prix in 1990? AND it's Studio Gainax's FIRST ever anime. Remainder: Gainax is responsible for Neon Genesis Evangelion, Royal Space Force, Gunbuster, Kare Kano, FLCL, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Gurren Lagann, Corpse Princess, Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, Medaka Box and Re: Cutie Honey. I like this one. It's cozy, charming, fun and the story and characters are great. Again, retro anime art style is peak. 10/10. This show needs way more love. So check it out if you can. It's on Crunchyroll, Sling TV, Apple TV, Vudu, RetroCrush i think [BTW RetroCrush is a free service that let's you watch old/classic/retro anime. It's where I found City Hunter, Gokudo and Kimagure Orange Road ; which are other shows I've recommended before. Check it out.], Amazon Prime Video if i remember correctly and there may be more but if i find more I'll edit this.) Read Note
(Story: In 1889, the world is on the pinnacle of great discoveries in technology. In mankind's grasp for the future, a sinister foe known only as Gargoyle, obsessed with restoring the former Atlantean empire to the glory it once held, begins his plans to take over the world. Nadia, with the help of a young inventor, Jean Roque Lartigue, and Captain Nemo of the submarine Nautilus, must fight to save the world from Gargoyle and Neo-Atlantis. Based on the Novel '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' by Jules Verne.)
(Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi)
(Released 1990; 39 episodes; TV-14)
(Notes: This is one where you've probably seen a chatracteror two before but you've never seen the show. Well, I'm here to officially recommend it. And I haven't mentioned this before but i get the story/synopsis from MyAnimeList since... I'm bad at summarizing things. I'll go off on a tangent and add irrelevant crap. Anyway, did you know this series won the Animage Anime Grand Prix in 1990? AND it's Studio Gainax's FIRST ever anime. Remainder: Gainax is responsible for Neon Genesis Evangelion, Royal Space Force, Gunbuster, Kare Kano, FLCL, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Gurren Lagann, Corpse Princess, Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, Medaka Box and Re: Cutie Honey. I like this one. It's cozy, charming, fun and the story and characters are great. Again, retro anime art style is peak. 10/10. This show needs way more love. So check it out if you can. It's on Crunchyroll, Sling TV, Apple TV, Vudu, RetroCrush i think [BTW RetroCrush is a free service that let's you watch old/classic/retro anime. It's where I found City Hunter, Gokudo and Kimagure Orange Road ; which are other shows I've recommended before. Check it out.], Amazon Prime Video if i remember correctly and there may be more but if i find more I'll edit this.) Read Note
lol no
Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Eighty-One
Altair: A Record of Battles
(Story: Tuğrul Mahmut is a young pasha serving on the Divan of the Türkiye Stratocracy. The clouds of war are gathering over his country due to the threat of an aggressive Empire. With the Divan split between warmongers and the pacifists, Mahmut begins his quest to keep the peace at any cost. As he finds himself deeper and deeper in the politics of the ancient world, new enemies and allies surface. Who will prevail? What will Mahmut do if war proves to be inevitable?)
(Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy)
(Released 2017; 24 episodes)
(Notes: Bruh how was this one slept on?.. It got better and better with each episode and it's yet another MAPPA production. y'know, MAPPA, as in, Jujutsu Kaisen,Chainsaw Man,Kakegurui,Yuri!!! on Ice,etc. Im surprised it wasn't a bigger hit. I find it very intriguing and i recommend it. It had my attention the whole way through.) Read Note
(Story: Tuğrul Mahmut is a young pasha serving on the Divan of the Türkiye Stratocracy. The clouds of war are gathering over his country due to the threat of an aggressive Empire. With the Divan split between warmongers and the pacifists, Mahmut begins his quest to keep the peace at any cost. As he finds himself deeper and deeper in the politics of the ancient world, new enemies and allies surface. Who will prevail? What will Mahmut do if war proves to be inevitable?)
(Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy)
(Released 2017; 24 episodes)
(Notes: Bruh how was this one slept on?.. It got better and better with each episode and it's yet another MAPPA production. y'know, MAPPA, as in, Jujutsu Kaisen,Chainsaw Man,Kakegurui,Yuri!!! on Ice,etc. Im surprised it wasn't a bigger hit. I find it very intriguing and i recommend it. It had my attention the whole way through.) Read Note
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Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Seventy-Eight
House of Five Leaves
(Story: Masanosuke "Masa" Akitsu is a wandering ronin adrift in Japan's peaceful Edo period. Despite being a skilled swordsman, Masa's meek personality has netted him the label "unreliable," and he is often abruptly dismissed by his employers, leading him to question his resolve as a samurai.
As Masa reaches his lowest point, he is approached by Yaichi, a carefree man draped in pink who seemingly hires him on a whim as his bodyguard. Unbeknownst to Masa, the job is not as innocent as it seems, and he is drawn into the illicit activities of the group spearheaded by Yaichi. As he becomes further entwined with the gang known as the Five Leaves, Masa struggles with his own principles. Still, his curiosity spurs him forward to uncover the past and motivations of this mysterious band of outlaws.)
(Genre: Drama, Martial Arts)
(Released 2010; 12 episodes; TV-14)
(Notes: i know the character designs can take some getting used to for some people but for such a short show, i swear the characters are the highlight. I think they're well-written. It's a more slow show though so if that's not your thing, you can skip over it. It isn't the best overall but I like the art and characters.) Read Note
(Story: Masanosuke "Masa" Akitsu is a wandering ronin adrift in Japan's peaceful Edo period. Despite being a skilled swordsman, Masa's meek personality has netted him the label "unreliable," and he is often abruptly dismissed by his employers, leading him to question his resolve as a samurai.
As Masa reaches his lowest point, he is approached by Yaichi, a carefree man draped in pink who seemingly hires him on a whim as his bodyguard. Unbeknownst to Masa, the job is not as innocent as it seems, and he is drawn into the illicit activities of the group spearheaded by Yaichi. As he becomes further entwined with the gang known as the Five Leaves, Masa struggles with his own principles. Still, his curiosity spurs him forward to uncover the past and motivations of this mysterious band of outlaws.)
(Genre: Drama, Martial Arts)
(Released 2010; 12 episodes; TV-14)
(Notes: i know the character designs can take some getting used to for some people but for such a short show, i swear the characters are the highlight. I think they're well-written. It's a more slow show though so if that's not your thing, you can skip over it. It isn't the best overall but I like the art and characters.) Read Note
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Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Seventy-Four
The Mystic Archives of Dantalian
(Story: Six months ago, Lord Hugh Anthony Disward, also known as Huey, lost his eccentric grandfather, Sir Wesley Disward, who was a renowned collector of rare books. His grandfather's will states that, in order to inherit his manor and everything inside it, he must take guardianship over the Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian—an archive that contains forbidden knowledge—and also take care of a mysterious girl called Dalian.)
(Genre: Action, Mystery, Supernatural, Detective, Historical)
(Released 2011; 12 episodes; TV-MA)
(Notes: Well, for one, no unnecessary romance for the most part so that's a relief. I hate forced romance/pairings. It's a surprisingly dark show with some good jokes and moments. I enjoyed it. And it is short. It doesn't overstay its welcome. Oh and this anime is by Studio Gainax. You know, Gainax is the anime studio behind Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL,Kare Kano(Which i recommended before), Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster(Which i also recommended) and Medaka Box. This is a short, sweet little show. If you have some free time, give it a watch. You might like it.) Read Note
(Story: Six months ago, Lord Hugh Anthony Disward, also known as Huey, lost his eccentric grandfather, Sir Wesley Disward, who was a renowned collector of rare books. His grandfather's will states that, in order to inherit his manor and everything inside it, he must take guardianship over the Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian—an archive that contains forbidden knowledge—and also take care of a mysterious girl called Dalian.)
(Genre: Action, Mystery, Supernatural, Detective, Historical)
(Released 2011; 12 episodes; TV-MA)
(Notes: Well, for one, no unnecessary romance for the most part so that's a relief. I hate forced romance/pairings. It's a surprisingly dark show with some good jokes and moments. I enjoyed it. And it is short. It doesn't overstay its welcome. Oh and this anime is by Studio Gainax. You know, Gainax is the anime studio behind Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL,Kare Kano(Which i recommended before), Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster(Which i also recommended) and Medaka Box. This is a short, sweet little show. If you have some free time, give it a watch. You might like it.) Read Note
lol no
Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Sixty-Two
The Rose of Versailles
(Story: In a time of class stratification and rising tensions amongst the impoverished population, the Austrian Empire sends Princess Marie Antoinette to France to be wed to Crown Prince Louis XVI. The political marriage is arranged to strengthen the alliance between both countries, but the future queen is deeply unsatisfied with her fate being decided for her. Upon arrival in the country, Marie Antoinette is acquainted with Oscar Fançois de Jarjayes—Commander of the Royal Guard.
Due to her father's desire for a son, Oscar is raised as a boy with an expectation to inherit his title as The Commander. Though she is revered by both men and women alike, Oscar cannot help but desire to live life as a woman instead of masquerading as a man. As Oscar reluctantly serves the young, spoiled queen, the growing resentment and suffering of the poor become harder for her to ignore—especially when Marie Antoinette frivolously spends her wealth.)
(Genre: Drama, Romance)
(Released 1979; 40 episodes; PG-13 Edit: im a dingus who had this as "PG-23" for 19 hours imma cry now)
(Notes: This is a very interesting one and a very important one in manga (and anime) history in general. This series was developed during a significant transitional period for shōjo manga (manga for girls) as a medium, characterized by the emergence of stories with complex narratives focused on politics and sexuality. The Rose of Versailles would ultimately become the first shōjo manga to achieve mainstream critical and commercial success, proving the genre's viability as a commercial category and granting the genre greater recognition among critics. It contributed significantly to the development of shōjo manga, and was one of the primary works responsible for its shift from a genre aimed at children to a genre aimed at adolescents and young adults. By 2022, the manga had sold over 23 million copies worldwide. So yeah. Also, underrated as heck especially given how influential it is. I wish it was brought up more. Not just for its importance but actual amazing story, characters,etc. If you have time, check it out. Also, these OP and ED songs are beautiful im gonna cry. I really miss these kinds of OP and ED songs tbh) Read Note
(Story: In a time of class stratification and rising tensions amongst the impoverished population, the Austrian Empire sends Princess Marie Antoinette to France to be wed to Crown Prince Louis XVI. The political marriage is arranged to strengthen the alliance between both countries, but the future queen is deeply unsatisfied with her fate being decided for her. Upon arrival in the country, Marie Antoinette is acquainted with Oscar Fançois de Jarjayes—Commander of the Royal Guard.
Due to her father's desire for a son, Oscar is raised as a boy with an expectation to inherit his title as The Commander. Though she is revered by both men and women alike, Oscar cannot help but desire to live life as a woman instead of masquerading as a man. As Oscar reluctantly serves the young, spoiled queen, the growing resentment and suffering of the poor become harder for her to ignore—especially when Marie Antoinette frivolously spends her wealth.)
(Genre: Drama, Romance)
(Released 1979; 40 episodes; PG-13 Edit: im a dingus who had this as "PG-23" for 19 hours imma cry now)
(Notes: This is a very interesting one and a very important one in manga (and anime) history in general. This series was developed during a significant transitional period for shōjo manga (manga for girls) as a medium, characterized by the emergence of stories with complex narratives focused on politics and sexuality. The Rose of Versailles would ultimately become the first shōjo manga to achieve mainstream critical and commercial success, proving the genre's viability as a commercial category and granting the genre greater recognition among critics. It contributed significantly to the development of shōjo manga, and was one of the primary works responsible for its shift from a genre aimed at children to a genre aimed at adolescents and young adults. By 2022, the manga had sold over 23 million copies worldwide. So yeah. Also, underrated as heck especially given how influential it is. I wish it was brought up more. Not just for its importance but actual amazing story, characters,etc. If you have time, check it out. Also, these OP and ED songs are beautiful im gonna cry. I really miss these kinds of OP and ED songs tbh) Read Note
lol no
Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Forty-Seven
Katanagatari
(Story: Katanagatari is the story of Yasuri Shichika, a swordsman who fights without a sword, and Togame, an ambitious young strategist who seeks to collect 12 legendary swords for the shogunate. Shichika is the son of an exiled war hero and the seventh head of the Kyotouryuu school of fighting who lives on the isolated Fushou Island with his elder sister, Nanami. Togame seeks him out because his bare-handed fighting style means that he will not be corrupted by the power of the swords. Togame, who has been betrayed before, convinces Shichika to accompany her on a mission to locate the Deviant Blades. They embark on a journey together across Edo-era Japan to collect the Deviant Blades, all wielded by formidable opponents.)
(Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Romance)
(Released 2010; 12 episodes; TV-MA)
(Notes: I kinda love these designs and this art style. It's unique and refreshing. This is a pretty good show in my opinion. Kinda flew under the radar but the few people I've seen who know about it seem to agree it's good. The anime studio behind this one is White Fox. You may not know them by name but you may have seen of or heard the other shows they've worked on such as Akame Ga Kill, Steins; Gate, Re:Zero, The Devil is a Part Timer, Arifureta, Jormungand, etc. Oh, and Katanagatari was originally created by Nisio Isin. Yes, the same person behind Monogatari, Medaka Box, and Bishounen Tanteidan; a show I've recommended here before. Also i really like these OPs lmao) Read Note
(Story: Katanagatari is the story of Yasuri Shichika, a swordsman who fights without a sword, and Togame, an ambitious young strategist who seeks to collect 12 legendary swords for the shogunate. Shichika is the son of an exiled war hero and the seventh head of the Kyotouryuu school of fighting who lives on the isolated Fushou Island with his elder sister, Nanami. Togame seeks him out because his bare-handed fighting style means that he will not be corrupted by the power of the swords. Togame, who has been betrayed before, convinces Shichika to accompany her on a mission to locate the Deviant Blades. They embark on a journey together across Edo-era Japan to collect the Deviant Blades, all wielded by formidable opponents.)
(Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Romance)
(Released 2010; 12 episodes; TV-MA)
(Notes: I kinda love these designs and this art style. It's unique and refreshing. This is a pretty good show in my opinion. Kinda flew under the radar but the few people I've seen who know about it seem to agree it's good. The anime studio behind this one is White Fox. You may not know them by name but you may have seen of or heard the other shows they've worked on such as Akame Ga Kill, Steins; Gate, Re:Zero, The Devil is a Part Timer, Arifureta, Jormungand, etc. Oh, and Katanagatari was originally created by Nisio Isin. Yes, the same person behind Monogatari, Medaka Box, and Bishounen Tanteidan; a show I've recommended here before. Also i really like these OPs lmao) Read Note
lol no
Daily Obscure/Underrated Anime Recommendations Number Sixteen
Millennium Actress
(Story: Loosely based on the lives of actresses Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine, it tells the story of two documentary filmmakers investigating the life of a retired acting legend. As she tells them the story of her life, the borderline between cinema and reality gradually becomes blurred.)
(Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Action, Romance, Award Winning, Adventure, Historical)
(Released 2001; 1 hr 26 min movie, PG-13)
(Notes: This one isnt exactly super underrated i think? , i just wanna draw more attention to it since it doesn't get talked about as much and it just feels underrated and like not enough people have seen it it's beautiful and Satoshi Kon was a visionary and this movie made me cry like a baby not kidding) Read Note
(Story: Loosely based on the lives of actresses Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine, it tells the story of two documentary filmmakers investigating the life of a retired acting legend. As she tells them the story of her life, the borderline between cinema and reality gradually becomes blurred.)
(Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Action, Romance, Award Winning, Adventure, Historical)
(Released 2001; 1 hr 26 min movie, PG-13)
(Notes: This one isnt exactly super underrated i think? , i just wanna draw more attention to it since it doesn't get talked about as much and it just feels underrated and like not enough people have seen it it's beautiful and Satoshi Kon was a visionary and this movie made me cry like a baby not kidding) Read Note