8 anime series from the Sengoku Period that are unmissable

Disclaimer: Spoiler alert 

Japan experienced the Sengoku Period, also known as the Warring States Period, when states were constantly at odds with one another. Some of the most well-known anime stories in history have the most iconic backgrounds thanks to this medieval setting. The writers of these shows have done a fantastic job of capturing the essence of medieval Japan.

Here’s a list of the 8 animes, whose storylines were set in the Sengoku Period.

1. Dororo 

The story of Dororo centers on the lives of Hyakkimaru, a young outlaw, and Dororo, a younger friend. That is precisely what Hyakkimaru went through when his father offered him up as a sacrifice to twelve demons in return for prosperity in his land. Not only did he not have any organs or limbs at birth, but killing the 12 Demons was the only way he could get them back. A war-torn Japan is depicted through Hyakkimaru’s quest for vengeance, which is incredibly compelling.

2. Princess Mononoke

The late Muromachi era of Japan is the setting for Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli special. It focuses on the threats posed by natural forces as a result of industrialization and largely overlaps with the Warring States period (the 14th–16th century). Not only was it the highest-grossing movie in the island nation in 1997, but it also helped make Studio Ghibli more well-known outside of Japan. The narrative centers on Ashitaka, who finds himself embroiled in a war between the forest gods and mankind. Princess Mononoke is renowned for its beautiful background music and animation.

3. Asura 

The harsh reality of life during the Sengoku period is portrayed in this anime. Under the direction of Keiichi Sato, the film chronicles the life of a troubled youngster who, in order to survive in the war-torn period, turns to cannibalism and murder. When the young child encounters a Buddhist monk, his entire world transforms. George Akiyama’s manga of the same name served as the inspiration for Asura.

4. Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings 

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings is a video game series from Capcom that is set in a time when a man’s strength is determined by how many kills he has with his katana. The portrayals of feudal lords such as Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura in the anime were exaggerated. The story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from a peasant to a Samurai, is told in the second season of the television show. Be aware that this show does not accurately represent all of the feudal lords.

5. Brave 10

The fabled Sanafa Ten Braves, a group of ninjas who supported warlord Sanada Yukimura during the Sengoku era, are the inspiration for Brave 10. To appeal to its audience, the anime incorporates fictional elements in addition to historical details. If you enjoy anime set in the Sengoku era, you should definitely watch the series because of its diverse cast of characters, each of whom has special abilities. The series also had a radio program, BRAVE10, in addition to manga and anime adaptations.

6. Nobunaga Concerto

Saburo, a high school student who time travels to Japan’s Sengoku Period, is the main character of the series. He assists renowned warlord Oda Nobunaga in uniting Japan there. The franchise includes a live-action movie and a television drama in addition to manga and anime series. Nobunaga Concerto is a humorous anime that takes a humorous look at the Sengoku period and features a modern high school teen helping a warlord change historical events.

7. Sword of the Stranger 

The story of Sword of the Stranger, which was produced by Studio Bones and was Japan’s submission for Best Animated Feature at the 81st Academy Awards, centers on Kotaro, a young orphan who is hunted by Ming Swordsmen and finds unexpected protection from Nanashi, a troubled ronin. Set against the backdrop of the Sengoku Period, the film features some incredible fight sequences that will have you on the edge of your seat.

8. Inuyasha 

Nobunaga Concerto centers on Kagome Higurashi, a girl who falls into her family shrine’s well by accident and is subsequently transported to the Sengoku period. She meets the half-dog, half-human demon named Inuyasha there. Prior to it falling into the hands of the evil half-demon Naraku, they must work together to locate jewel fragments strewn throughout Japan. The manga that served as the inspiration for the show has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling books ever.