Anime is a great art form for showcasing different aspects of Japanese culture, from the modern to the traditional. So, we've compiled a list of the best anime about Japanese traditions and culture below.
Many anime shows delve into Japanese culture in different ways, such as by showing historical events or by reflecting on the daily life of folks in Japan.
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Barakamon
Barakamon is a lighthearted comedy anime that introduces fans to beautiful Japanese calligraphy. It revolves around a promising calligrapher named Seishuu Handa.
However, when he punches a renowned curator in the face for harshly criticizing his work, Seishuu is sent to Goto Island to reflect on his actions.
He visits the countryside to find inspiration for improving his calligraphy. This slice-of-life anime takes Seishuu from the bustling city to leading a quiet country life.
Barakamon is a wholesome anime that will bring you closer to life in the Japanese countryside.
Moreover, the anime also beautifully showcases the struggles of a Japanese calligrapher.
Joshiraku
Another slice-of-life anime offering on our list, Joshiraku follows Kigurumi, Marii, Kukuru, Gankyo, and Tetora who are working as apprentices at a rakugo theater.
Rakugo is a traditional Japanese comedic storytelling art form where a performer sits on a stage and narrates a tale using only a hand towel and a fan as props.
When the five apprentices are not on stage, the anime shows them engaging with each other about everyday life.
Joshiraku is hilarious and brilliantly showcases the comedic traditions of rakugo.
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
Set in the 1970s, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is another show about rakugo. However, it is more of a historical anime around the art form.
A prisoner named Kyoji is mesmerized when he sees rakugo champion Yakumo perform at a show in the prison.
After completing his term, Kyoji reaches out to Yakumo and begs him to take him in as his apprentice. Yakumo decides to give him a chance.
If you would really like to enjoy a rakugo performance, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju offers plenty of it.
The tone of the series is quite traditional, and the rakugo performances are incredibly authentic.
Inuyasha
A classic in every sense, Inuyasha has taken some creative liberty in showcasing the feudal era of Japan.
However, the demons shown in the anime are quite close to the demons mentioned in Japanese folklore.
Inuyasha is a fictional anime series that blends supernatural, romance, and fantasy genres with elements of feudal Japan.
While it may be fictional, the depiction of traditional clothing and weaponry is close to the Japanese historical era.
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Hanasaku Iroha
Hanasaku Iroha is an earnest attempt to show peaceful country life in Japan. In it, Ohana Matsumae is forced to leave her Tokyo life after her mother runs away with her boyfriend.
Now, Ohana has no choice but to live with her grandmother who she has never spoken to or met in all these years.
Upon reaching, she learns that she will be working at her grandmother’s Taisho-era hot springs inn.
Interestingly, Ohana is ready to learn the ways of working with her grandmother.
This coming-of-age anime gorgeously depicts the beauty of traditional Japanese hospitality and traditions.
The series also delves into themes of finding oneself, family, and the true meaning of perseverance.
The visually stunning scenes of the historical hot springs inn are a delight to watch.
Choyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi
Choyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi is a historical romance anime based on a poetry anthology named Hyakunin Isshu. This collection of Japanese poems is from the Heian period.
Each episode of Choyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi showcases the story behind a poem from the anthology.
The anime is mostly about the romantic stories of the poets who penned the poems in the collection.
Choyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi gives an interesting insight into the lives of the commoners and aristocrats from that era.
The anime also talks about the societal norms and politics of the Heian period.
You will get a great glimpse into the rich Japanese culture and history after watching Choyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi.
The delicate amalgamation of poetry and romance with the historical backdrop is marvelous.
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Golden Kamuy
Another historical anime set in the early 20th century, Golden Kamuy focuses on the gold rush period on the frontier of Hokkaido.
The protagonist is a war veteran named Saichi Sugimoto who now works in a mine to make ends meet.
Saichi learns about a hidden treasure that was looted from a group of Ainu, who are the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
Saichi teams up with an Ainu girl named Asirpa and sets out to find the fortune.
Golden Kamuy has a thrilling plot with cliffhangers that are to die for! This is a brilliant military anime with great character plots.
The anime also showcases the politics of that time, which includes the conflict between the Ainu people and the Japanese.
Moreover, the anime offers insight into the influence of Russia on that region.
Kabukibu!
As the name suggests, this anime is all about kabuki, which is a traditional form of Japanese theater.
Kabukibu! revolves around a high school student Kurogo Kurusu who is obsessed with kabuki. He is desperate to perform it as a part of a club, but his school doesn’t have any kabuki clubs.
He takes matters into his own hands and decides to run his own kabuki club. Later, he sets out to find passionate kabuki lovers for his club.
In the series, the characters are shown going to great lengths to explore and learn the techniques of kabuki.
What stands out is Kurogo’s passion for kabuki and his desire to share the art form with others.
Those Snow White Notes
Also known as Mashiro no Oto, this anime is all about shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument.
The story revolves around Setsu Sawamura, who is a young shamisen player. He inherited the skill of playing the shamisen from his grandfather, a master of this traditional instrument.
However, after his grandfather’s demise, Setsu struggles to pick up the shamisen. Moreover, he is unable to find his artistic voice.
Setsu decides to move to Tokyo in an attempt to discover his sound and honor his grandfather’s legacy.
Those Snow White Notes shines in showing the intricate details of how a shamisen player performs.
Moreover, the music of the series is spot-on, and the performances of the player are magical.
Hanayamata
Naru is almost an underachiever and has very few interests in life. However, things take a turn for good when she runs into Hana, an energetic American girl.
Hana wants to start a club for yosakoi, which is a Japanese dance style usually performed at festivals.
Hana convinces Naru to start the club with her as they start recruiting girls from their school.
Hanayamata is a heartwarming tale about friendship and the joy of learning about yosakoi. The characters are also energetic and lovable.
Chihayafuru
Chihayafuru follows a girl named Chihaya who is drawn to the world of karuta, a card-based game on Japanese poetry.
She is introduced to karuta by her elementary school classmate, Arata Wataya. The two became friends and kept playing karuta.
Later, they are joined by Taichi Mashima and they start playing the obscure game as a group.
Karuta is an extremely challenging game that tests the players physically as well as intellectually.
Chihayafuru does a great job in animating the unique game of karuta. The series has a compelling pace and the characters look engrossed while playing a bout of karuta.
Mitsuwano
Mitsuwano is an OVA that revolves around three young girls who dream of becoming maiko.
In Japanese culture, maiko are apprentice geisha who train in traditional Japanese arts like music, tea ceremony, and dance to entertain their guests.
Mai, Riko, and Midori are the young girls training for an upcoming festival and they are excited. Now, they must start practicing to give their best.
Blue Eye Samurai
Blue Eye Samurai is a Netflix anime featuring a unique style of animation.
In 17th-century Japan, Mizu embarks on a quest for revenge at a time when the country is closed off to the world.
Facing the challenge of being a woman seeking vengeance, Mizu conceals her gender and striking blue eyes.
Joined by a diverse group including Ringo, an ambitious soba maker; Taigen, a proud samurai; and Princess Akemi, Mizu's journey unfolds against the backdrop of Edo-era Japan.
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Nitaboh
This anime movie is about a shamisen player named Nitaro who lost his eyesight due to an illness.
The movie follows his journey as he struggles to become a skilled musician amid various challenges and difficulties.
As he grows up, he faces challenges such as poverty and discrimination. However, he never gives up and continues to master the shamisen.
The movie has a great plot and beautifully shows the journey of Nitaro mastering his unique style of playing the shamisen.
Rowdy Sumo Wrestler Matsutaro!!
Matsutaro Sakaguchi is a man with brute force and he is an immensely powerful giant.
Rowdy Sumo Wrestler Matsutaro!! follows Matsutaro as he becomes a great sumo wrestler. His form and attack moves are impeccable, but his only weakness is his carefree attitude.
The anime explores Matsutaro growing from a carefree person to someone who takes sumo seriously.
The comedy and sports anime features over-the-top fight scenes with hilarious characters.
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