How Significant is Historical Fiction in Anime?

Key Takeaways

Historical fiction in anime and manga drives narratives that explore modern themes and engage with complex ideas using the past as a backdrop.
Some iconic titles like The Rose of Versailles and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure have influenced the medium’s growth and commercial success.
From gritty and violent stories like Vinland Saga to light-hearted and humorous tales like Gintama, historical fiction in anime showcases a diverse range of vibrant and beautiful narratives.

As a connoisseur of all things animated and drawn, I must say that these historical fiction masterpieces have truly captivated my heart and mind. Having grown up with the timeless tales of yesteryears, I find myself deeply moved by the way these works seamlessly blend history with imagination, creating stories that resonate not just in the present but also echo through the annals of time.

Anime and manga often explore historical periods through their narrative, either by reinterpreting historical characters or presenting novel perspectives on historical events. This demonstrates a strong fascination with the past, as these forms of entertainment draw inspiration from multiple sources, similar to other media.

To what extent has the genre of historical fiction significantly influenced the evolution of anime as a whole?

What Exactly Is “Historical Fiction?”

There Are Levels to the Concept

How Significant is Historical Fiction in Anime?

In our discussion, “historical fiction” encompasses two main categories: regular historical fiction and alternative or speculative histories. The first category features stories set against actual historical events, while the second category presents scenarios where these events unfold differently, allowing us to explore possibilities using the question “what if…” and also counterfactual history, which delves into understanding what didn’t happen or might have happened in order to gain a deeper insight into what truly transpired.

Historical fiction may faithfully reflect the times depicted or intentionally include elements out of place, such as anachronisms or speculative aspects. This literary genre, which has a long history, gained popularity in various regions at varying times. For instance, Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West from the 16th century focuses on the pilgrimage of the 7th-century Buddhist scholar Xuanzang; whereas Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji from the 11th century, recognized as history’s first novel and the world’s first novel written by a woman to gain global recognition, is a fictional portrayal of life in the Japanese court. This genre can be highly adaptable, with stories that either strictly follow historical context or only loosely draw inspiration from it.

Historical Fiction That Had A Major Impact on Anime and Manga

Some of the Most Influential Titles

Among numerous historical fiction novels, several stand out as legendary tales that have left an indelible mark in the annals of storytelling.

The Rose of Versailles (1972)

Riyoko Ikeda’s “The Rose of Versailles,” initially published in Margaret manga magazine from 1972 to 1973, then again from 2013 to 2018, has a significant place in anime and manga history. Originally airing as an anime in 1979, it’s a historical drama that blended real-life characters like Queen Marie Antoinette with original ones such as Oscar François de Jarjayes, the commander of the Royal Guard. The story unfolds amidst the tumultuous era of the French Revolution. This groundbreaking series played a crucial role in evolving shōjo manga from a genre primarily catering to children towards one that could engage mature audiences. Complex narratives focusing on realism and themes like politics and sexuality became increasingly prevalent, leading to a significant transformation within the shōjo demographic.

Because of these elements, Ikeda is recognized as belonging to the Year 24 Group, a name given informally to female mangaka who became prominent in the 1970s. The popularity of The Rose of Versailles significantly shaped the development of shōjo and manga, with its financial success encouraging publishers to release serialized manga in tankōbon (standalone book) format for the first time. Additionally, it demonstrated the commercial potential of the previously underestimated shōjo audience as a whole. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the manga’s serialization, MAPPA is remaking the anime.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (1987)

Hirohiko Araki’s renowned series, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” doesn’t require an introduction, given its significant influence on numerous other forms of media, such as video games, movies, and music. This franchise, a remarkable example of historical fiction, features each JoJo generation living in different time periods compared to the previous one, starting with Jonathan Joestar in the late 19th century. The world of “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” is reminiscent of our own, but incorporates supernatural occurrences and science-fiction elements within its narrative. A unique aspect of this universe is the Stand ability, a psycho-spiritual manifestation of each character’s powers, many of which were named after music from various periods throughout the 20th century. This naming convention further emphasizes how each JoJo’s story is heavily influenced by the era in which it takes place.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

One of the most powerful war films ever made, Studio Ghibli’s animated version of Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical short story, “Grave of the Fireflies,” follows the heartrending journey of two orphaned siblings trying to survive during the final months of World War II. Directed and written by Isao Takahata, who was inspired by his personal experiences of war, “Grave of the Fireflies” offers a raw portrayal of the devastating effects of war, as seen through the destruction that resulted from Japan’s involvement in WWII and other conflicts. This poignant work is considered one of the most significant contributions to Japanese animation history.

Fushigi Yūgi (1991)

Originating from the pen of Yū Watase, the captivating manga known as Fushigi Yugi stands among the best-selling comics ever published, with over 20 million copies circulated by 2015. The story follows the lives of two girls, Miaka and Yui, who find themselves transported into a novel depicting ancient China. As the tale unfolds, Miaka assumes the role of Suzaku’s Priestess, while Yui is inexplicably expunged from the book. Blending humor, romance, fantasy, and combat, Fushigi Yūgi was one of the pioneering works to introduce the “reverse harem” archetype, a staple in shōjo manga that has since gained widespread popularity.

Samurai Champloo (2004)

The masterpiece from Studio Manglobe, titled Samurai Champloo, helmed by Shinichiro Watanabe, stands out significantly when discussing historical fiction in anime. Its unique blend of heavy hip-hop influence, seemingly out of place in its Edo Period setting, marked by over 250 years of self-imposed isolation from the world, is captivating. The story revolves around fictional characters, Fuu, Jin, and Mugen, embarking on a quest to find a samurai whom Fu suspects to be her father. Along their journey, they encounter diverse individuals, reflecting the era’s culture, yet the creators made a conscious effort to incorporate various minority groups, subcultures, and niche characters that aren’t typically central in anime. The series tackled numerous themes, utilizing its episodic structure to present numerous side stories and characters that culminated in a dramatic three-part conclusion. Its ambient soundtrack, heavily influenced by boom bap music, is renowned for its exceptional composition and selection by artists such as Nujabes, Tsuchie, Fat Jon, and Force of Nature, and remains one of the best in anime history to this day.

Black Butler

Yana Toboso’s “Black Butler” series revolves around a 12-year-old orphan named Ciel, who inherits the Phantomhive Estate and is part of a distinguished lineage of covert investigators, reporting directly to Queen Victoria. Following the tragic demise of his parents, Ciel was abducted by a cult that slaughtered children, but at the brink of death, he struck a pact with a demon named Sebastian, who serves as his trusted butler. Despite being marketed primarily towards young male audiences, “Black Butler” has garnered an impressive following among females. With over 35 million copies in circulation, it is one of the most successful manga series ever published.

Golden Kamuy (2018)

Satoru Noda’s “Golden Kamuy” is a rare anime and manga series that portrays the Ainu people, Japan’s indigenous population, as part of its narrative. The story unfolds post the Russo-Japanese War (1904/05), focusing on Sugimoto, a former soldier, who seeks a rumored hidden treasure and a map to it, which can only be discovered by gathering the hides of ex-prisoners, each possessing part of the treasure map as tattoos. The series is set against an intriguing historical backdrop in Japan, when the country was undergoing Westernization. It offers a comedic, thrilling journey that seamlessly integrates its early 1900s setting, boasting memorable characters, and undeniably ranks among the top anime/manga productions of the 2010s. By March 2023, “Golden Kamuy” had sold over 24 million copies, placing it among the most successful manga series ever published.

Vinland Saga (2019)

“I have no enemies.”

As a dedicated fan, I’d say that Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga is my personal take on Thorfinn Karlsefni’s historical quest to discover Vinland. The narrative unfolds primarily in England during the year 1013, a time when the land was under Danish rule, with inspiration drawn from numerous authentic accounts. The series focuses on Thorfinn, a Viking youth transformed by war into a pacifist adult. Witnessing firsthand the destructive consequences of conflict, he evolves from a bloodthirsty warrior to a peacemaker amidst the tumultuous medieval European setting. Vinland Saga is renowned for its vivid and authentic portrayals of intense violence, as well as Thorfinn’s remarkable personal transformation throughout the storyline.

Verdict: Historical Fiction Is a Major Contributor to the Development of Anime and Manga

There Are Countless Historical Fiction Anime That Deserve Celebration

Historically, anime and manga have been significantly shaped by stories from the realm of historical fiction. Some of these narratives have steered the course of manga intended for specific age groups; others have utilized historical backdrops to delve into contemporary issues and tackle complex themes. Ranging from the outrageously funny Gintama to the grim and violent Drifters by Kouta Hirano, which transpose figures from different eras onto a harsh fantasy realm, or the Fate franchise that pits historical figures against each other in a war over a legendary artifact, the Holy Grail; or Oda Nobuna’s Ambition, which retells Nobunaga’s path to Japanese unification as an anime girl – these examples represent only a handful of the countless captivating, visually stunning tales that historical fiction in anime has produced. These stories, including those mentioned here, have left indelible marks on the evolution of anime as a storytelling medium, ultimately contributing to its current prominence.

2024-08-27 22:34