August 23rd marks “Byakkotai no Hi” (Byakkotai Day).

This is the day when the young Byakkotai warriors tragically lost their lives during the Boshin Sensou. Their unwavering determination during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period continues to be remembered and honored by many even today.

As a genre that evokes such a rich sense of history, anime in the Jidaigeki category enjoys enduring popularity. The depicted worlds are incredibly diverse, ranging from works based on real historical figures and events to those interwoven with bold fiction. The dynamic action, like grand battles and one-on-one duels, is also a unique thrill of Jidaigeki anime.

To celebrate this, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “What are your favorite ‘Jidaigeki’ Anime?” We received 404 responses during the survey period from August 1st to August 8th. The gender ratio was approximately 45 percent male and 55 percent female, with a slight majority of female respondents. Regarding age groups, roughly 30 percent were under 19, and both 30s and 40s each accounted for about 20 percent.

■ The Fiery Passion of the Battling Characters Also Captivates!

1st Place

First place goes to Gintama. Its support rate was approximately 21 percent.

Gintama is based on the manga of the same name serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump”. It’s an SF Jidaigeki that depicts the exploits of Sakata Gintoki, who runs an odd-jobs business in Edo, a city that was opened to aliens. Readers commented, “Even though it’s sci-fi, many characters are modeled after historical figures, which sparked my interest in the Edo period and Bakumatsu. Anything goes, like Okita Sougo fighting with a bazooka, but the sheer craziness of it makes it so entertaining,” and “While it’s primarily a gag anime, in serious episodes, Gintoki-san’s samurai spirit shines through and makes me cry. It’s a free-spirited Jidaigeki that reminds you of the importance of humor.” This popular work, famously an “SF human-interest pseudo-Jidaigeki comedy,” took the top spot. Its spin-off, 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei, is scheduled to air in October, and the release of Shin Gekijouban Gintama – Yoshiwara Daienjou – in 2026 has also been announced, making its ranking a testament to its ongoing momentum.

2nd Place

Second place is Rurou ni Kenshin – Meiji Kenkaku Romantan –. Its support rate was approximately 17 percent.

This is also based on a manga serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump”. Set in the early Meiji period, it tells the story of Himura Kenshin, a wanderer who vowed never to kill again, fighting to protect his companions. Comments included, “Kenshin’s unwavering resolve not to kill and his battles against powerful, quirky enemies are fascinating. I often imitated flashy special moves like Saitou Hajime-san’s Gatotsu when I was a kid,” and “Real historical events and figures, like the Battle of Toba-Fushimi between the new government forces and the former shogunate army, are incorporated, which is unique to Jidaigeki. Kenshin’s Sakabato, a sword with a reversed blade, was also incredibly cool.” A new anime project that began in 2023 is currently underway, and the production of a third season has also been decided.

3rd Place

Third place is Hakuouki. Its support rate was approximately 9 percent.

This is a popular series based on the game “Hakuouki ~Shinsengumi Kitan~”. Set in the Bakumatsu period, it depicts interactions with the Shinsengumi members, along with fantasy elements such as vampires. “The Shinsengumi, tossed about by a turbulent era, fighting to uphold their beliefs, is both powerful and tragic. Their fleeting fate brought tears to my eyes,” and “Its charm lies in portraying history carefully, not just romance. Hakuouki inspired me to visit historical sites and read history books,” were some of the comments, indicating that it broadened people’s hobbies.

■ Other Comments!

Regarding Nintama Rantaro: “Even though it’s a gag anime, I was surprised by how thoroughly researched the historical details were, like buildings, clothing, and ninja tools. The cruelty of war is also depicted softly yet firmly, suitable for children.”

For Hyouge Mono: “In works set in the Sengoku period, the valor of warlords tends to be central, but this work is rare in focusing on cultural aspects like tea ceremony utensils and architecture. You can learn about the Sengoku period from a different perspective.”

As for Samurai Champloo: “It’s unconventional, with a hip-hop opening and even a baseball episode for some reason, but the captivating characters and intense action always drew me in.”

Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi also received votes, with comments like: “There aren’t many anime set in the late Kamakura to Nanboku-cho Jidai. With Houjou Tokiyuki as the protagonist, it’s based on historical facts but also features plenty of comical dialogue. You can enjoy learning history at the same time.” The second season of this title has also been announced.

This survey revealed a strong presence of works set from the Edo period to the Bakumatsu. While these titles sparked interest in real historical figures, many also creatively incorporated gags and fantasy elements, making them more accessible. It’s clear that many fans were captivated by the unique expressions only possible in anime.

Don’t miss the Top 20 ranking on the next page!

■ Top 10 Ranking

[“What are your favorite ‘Jidaigeki’ Anime?”]

1st Gintama
2nd Rurou ni Kenshin – Meiji Kenkaku Romantan –
3rd Hakuouki
4th Kimetsu no Yaiba
5th Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi
6th Ao no Miburo
7th Onihei
8th Samurai Champloo
9th Nintama Rantaro
10th SAMURAI 7

(Response period: August 1st, 2025 – August 8th, 2025)

Next page: Top 20 Ranking revealed

Click here for other ongoing survey themes! We’d love to hear your thoughts.＞＞https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/