The swords of the samurai and Japanese culture play an important role in many manga and anime. Our top 5 classics that everyone must have seen.
One Piece
One Piece is the longest-running manga series and has been running since 1997! It is of course also known for the anime TV series and the film adaptation on Netflix.
In the adventures centred around Captain Monkey D. Ruffy, all kinds of curious weapons are used.
The main character Roronoa Zorro has a permanent place in the series. His goal of becoming the best swordsman and his devotion to his swords reflect the samurai culture well.
In the film, he owns several famous swords, some of whose names are based on famous swordsmiths in Japanese history. He is particularly well known for owning the swords Wado Ichimonji, Sandai Kitetsu, Yubashiri, Shusui and Enma.
Bleach
The story about the student Ichigo Kurosaki from the manga Bleach has cult status and also serves as the basis for anime series and films.
The series has a plot that is absolutely worth seeing. Swords (Zanpakuto) appear constantly in the series and the main characters all have their own sword.
Naruto
Naruto is a manga series that has been around since 1999 and is without question one of the most commercially successful series in the field. The famous TV series, films and computer games are based on the manga.
Ninja techniques are used for combat in the adventures centred on Naruto and the village of Konoha. The main weapon in Naruto is the ninja weapon kunai. But swords also have a firm place in the series. These often have a reference to real swords. Sasuke's sword, for example, is called Kusanagi. The real Kusanagi sword is one of the regalia of the Japanese imperial family. The sword Samehada (in the German version "Fischhaut") has also been given a real name from the world of katana.
Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is a lesser-known manga and anime series that is well worth watching. It was created at the beginning of the 21st century and comprises 26 episodes.
The main characters Fuu, Mugen and Jin are a colourful trio. Consisting of a girl looking for her father on a mission of revenge, an outlaw good-for-nothing and a ronin.
Afro Samurai
Even though Afro Samurai differs significantly in style from the aforementioned series, it is absolutely worth mentioning. In the series, the main character searches for his father's murderer. The series is particularly well known for the voice role of Samuel L. Jackson and the soundtrack by RZA.
