Just as the name implies it runs in the same fashion as our beloved Anime of the Week, except its all about samurai anime titles! Every Saturday Night between 8pm-11pm we review your favorite titles dealing with samurai warriors as well as other swordsmen of the like, so grab your blade and get ready for a slashing good time! 🙂

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Sanada Juu Yuushi the Animation

Here we are again on this lovely Saturday night filled with Toonami, Anime, and some D&A! Our samurai anime title tonight is Sanada Juu Yuushi the Animation (aka The Sanada Ten Braves). The story deals with the fifth year of the Keicho Era, where the Tokugawa clan sought to solidify their control over Japan. Hidetada Tokugawa made his way to the Ueda Castle in hopes that the Sanada clan would happily open their doors to him, however he soon realizes that that’s not the case. (At least not to the Sanada clan.) Now an all-out battle unfolds between the Sanada Braves and the Tokugawa clan, in hopes that the Sanada clan can relinquish the Tokugawa’s control over Feudal Japan. If you’re looking for some action in your samurai anime titles, then Sanada Juu Yuushi the Animation might be the title for you! 🙂

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday June, 10 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…The Hakkenden

Sorry for missing out on last weekend’s Samurai Anime of the Week, but now we’re back to continue bringing you the best titles that we can find on the internet! Tonight we’ve got a supernatural title known as The Hakkenden, where the setting takes place during the Sengoku Jidai in Awa. Fuse, who is the princess of the Awa-based Satomi clan, has given birth to eight warriors who are scattered across the land. Each warrior is known as a Hakkenshi and has three distinct features; a family name that starts with the word “inu”, a birthmark that’s shaped like a peony, and a bead containing a kanji character. The story itself is also broken up into three parts; the Prologue, the Search, and the Resolution. (The Prologue being episode 1. The Search being episodes 2-11. The Resolution being the final episode of the series.) So if you’re on the hunt for a samurai title that you haven’t seen in awhile, then perhaps give this title a shot! (Make sure your streaming legally,  and safely okay my friends? ^.^)

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday June, 3 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Laughing Under the Clouds

What if you lived during the Meiji Restoration of 1878, and found out that you are no longer allowed to be a samurai during that period? To many of us that would undoubtedly suck because you won’t be allowed to use your sword anymore, but in this samurai anime title, the ones who disobeyed this rule became criminals and were arrested because of it. However many of the inmates escaped prison and have rampaged across Japan, leaving the Kumo Brothers; Tenka and Soramaru, to transport them to the giant prison on Lake Biwa.

This samurai anime title is a supernatural title that is centered around the Meiji Restoration period. It has two follow up titles as well as an upcoming anime film trilogy adaption by Wit Studio. So if you’re looking for a samurai anime title with a great cast (josh Grelle, Jamie Marchi, and more) and a good story, then you’re gonna wanna check one out! 😉

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday May, 27 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Musashi Gundoh

A wise otaku once told me, that anime titles are like Saturday night comedy skits; some are good, some are bad, and some have plots that are indecently terrible, but scenes that somewhat makeup for it at the same time. However we’re not going to say that the samurai anime title that we’ve picked for tonight is bad, but instead it makes for a great show if you’re trying to kill a few hours before you have to do something important. Yes my anime friends and family, this title is known as Musashi Gundoh.

Although the series’ plot is a little bit less than sub par, I’ll try to make this review as painless as possible without sounding bias or dragging on for too long. Musashi is a young practitioner in the style of Gundoh; a special style of martial arts that uses guns along with his swordsmanship skills. The story follows him throughout his adventures as he faces against a group of monsters called the “Ayakashi”, while at the same time trying to win over the love and affection of a girl that he’s had his eye on. The series itself was made on a low budget and has become rather famous for its poor quality, out-of-sync sound effects with the animation, and has been dubbed the first and only series to be produced by ACC Production.

As I said before, this is a great title to check out if you’re looking for a time killer, but remember one thing anime fans; the greatest thing bigger than our success in life, are our failures! (And failures sometimes lead to even greater successes down this winding road we call life.)

3.9 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday May, 6 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Ryo

Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but we’re back with another samurai anime title for you all to enjoy on this Toonami-anticipated Saturday night! Tonight’s title is actually an anime movie called Ryo, and it’s about the son of a samurai who’s parents had died during the attack of some English ships that have invaded upon a Japanese town. That son is given the name Ryo and becomes the bodyguard of Ryoma Sakamoto, who has his own plan set in motion to fight for the country. If you’re looking for a good action-drama samurai anime title, then might we suggest checking this little number out.

4.4 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday April, 22 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Shura no Mon

When it comes to being a samurai warrior, one must first learn the basics before one is able to pick up a sword. Those basics being karate, or Kung Fu, or Martial Arts. Which brings us to our Saturday night pick for our Samurai Anime of the Week segment. Shura no Mon is a martial arts anime title that’s centered around a karate practitioner named Tsukumo Mutsu, who is the 40th master of the deadly art style known as the Mutsu Enmei Ryu Style. This type of fighting style allows its user to defeat an armed opponent with vast speed and incredible strength, thus deeming the Mutsu Enmei Ryu Style as one of the most powerful unarmed martial arts styles in the Edo Period. If you love a good anime title that focuses on the skills and styles of martial arts, then check out this little series known as Shura no Mon (and Shura no Toki)! 🙂

4.8 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday April, 15 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Brave 10

Welcome to another Slash Saturday night as we bring you another samurai anime title for your enjoyment! Tonight’s title is known as Brave 10, and tells the story about Kirigakure Saizou, a ninja from Iga searching for his life’s path before coming across Isanami (a shirne maiden) who is under attack by a group of assassins. Her mission of course is to find and seek sanctuary with Sanada Yukimura (the male version, not the Hyakka Ryoran version), but during this time he himself is putting together ten warriors of extraordinary valor, and calling themselves the Sanada Ten Braves. Unknown to Sanada, the Braves, and Saizou, Isanami has a hidden power within her that will soon awaken…

If you haven’t gotten the chance to check this samurai anime title out yet, head online and stream it on youtube or Crunchyroll!

4.8 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday April, 8 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Shigurui

You already know that the world of the samurai can be frightening, but at the same time it is filled with stories of hope, triumph, and tragedy. There are a good amount of samurai anime titles that follow this plot, and this title that we’ve got for you tonight is one of them. Shigurui is a full-blown samurai anime chanbara title that tells the story of 16th century Shizuoka, during the Tokugawa Tadanaga rule. The daimyo created a special tournament where the participants used actual katana swords (instead of the wooden ones), against the opposition of his vassals. The plot of this title is centered around two of the combatants in this tournament; Fujiki Gennosuke the one-armed swordsman, and the blind samurai known as Irako Seigen. If you’re on the lookout for a samurai title that has some serious chanbara action, then Shigurui is the title for you!

4.8 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday March, 25 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Ninja Scroll

When it comes to samurai films you can expect them to have stories that deal with vengeance, corruption of power by a government, and of course some of that good ol’ chanbara magic that makes a samurai film, a samurai film! This anime title (movie) shouldn’t come as a surprise based on its popularity. Yep, we’re talking about the 1993 classic samurai anime movie; Ninja Scroll!

This story is about a mercenary swordsman named Jubei Kibagami, who becomes a samurai-for-hire after killing Genma Himuro in order to avenge his dead friend after the lord of the Yamashiro clan lied about reporting the gold mine to the government. (Which took place five years before the start of the story.) Not long after that Genma, the man that Jubei killed has reincarnated himself to become the leader of a demon ninja group known as The Eight Devils of Kimon.

Their entire deadly mission involves overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate, as well as getting their hands on much of the gold in Feudal Japan. Luckily for Jubei he’s not alone in this fight against his reincarnated enemy, as Dakuan (an elderly/crafty spy) and Kagero (a Koga ninja that has deadly toxins infused all throughout his body) are there to lend this wandering samurai, a helping hand!

This samurai anime title is a widely popular film that not only sparked off its 2003 sequel (Ninja Scroll: The Series), but it also gave inspiration and influence to the Matrix franchise. This movie title is a must see if you’re looking for that hardcore samurai feeling that you can only get from Feudal Japan.

5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday March, 18 2017

Our Special (Non) Samurai Anime of the Week is…Samurai Jack

If you’re already aware of the news then you already know why we’ve selected this title. If not, don’t worry friend, you’re in for an awesome treat! In the early 2000’s on a little channel known as Cartoon Network, we were introduced to an action packed show that was going to change our lives forever. For thirteen years This legendary samurai has graced the airwaves with has battle against zombies, lava monsters, singing sirens, the Scotsman, the Minions of Set, and of course the shape-shifting Master of Darkness. Tonight is a special night on the blog as we celebrate the return of Samurai Jack!

Jack is a samurai warrior who is the son of the emperor, that once sealed away the shape-shifting demon of darkness known as Aku. Somewhere along the line the seal broke and Aku was free again to cause chaos and despair (like another girl we know). That’s when a samurai warrior (Jack) wielding a special katana forged from the gods, stepped forth to challenge Aku in all of his wickedness.

Seventeen strikes later (See the first episode) the samurai had Aku right where he wanted him, but before the killing blow could be dealt the shape-shifting demon had an ace of his sleeve. Aku tore open a portal in time and sent the samurai into the future; a future where Aku has the upper hand. 50 years later, the samurai is still in Aku’s future, but it will only be a matter of time before he’s able to return to the past and undue the damage that Aku has done.

The fifth and final season to the hit series is making is debut tonight on Toonami @ 11pm! How will the final battle between Jack and Aku turn out? You’ll have to wait and see! 😉

5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday March, 11 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Samurai 7

This samurai anime title is a true gem if you’re looking for a sci-fi twist on the classic story of the samurai. It tells a tale of a village known as Kanna that is set in a futuristic world that had just suffered a great war, and the samurai that have been gathered to save this great village. When you’ve got a group of Nobuseri Bandits who have altered themselves by integrating their own blood cells with machines, who better to answer the call then the Samurai 7? This is one samurai anime title you don’t wanna pass up, so if you haven’t gotten the chance to see it yet, check it out online! (Crunchyroll, Youtube, etc.)

5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday February, 25 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales

The Edo Period of Feudal Japan can be considered to many as an era filled with battles and bloodshed, but it was also filled with many ghost stories too. Ayakashi is a samurai anime title that is broken down into three different ghost stories based on the classic ghost stories told in Japan. The first deals with the classic “Yotsuya Ghost Story” as told by its playwright, Nanboku Tsuruya IV. The second is known as “Goddess of the Dark Tower”, which was based on Tenshu Monogatari written by Kyoka Izumi. The third and final ghost story is called “Bake Neko” which acts like a play. If you’re looking for a samurai anime title that has some ghost stories in it, then Ayakashi may be the way for you to go! 🙂

4.7 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday January, 28 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings

The Edo Period, aka The Sengoku Period. One of the must well-known, and possibly the bloodiest eras in all of Feudal Japan. The series is about two warlords; Yukimura Sanada (not the Hyakka Ryoran version) and Masamune Date, who become rivals but manage to put some of the heat aside to aid the other generals in taking down the dark lord Oda. Sengoku Basara has two anime seasons, one anime movie, a retelling adaptation, and several video games under its belt. If your a fan of martial arts action and samurai sword fighting, then check out this series!

4.7 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday January, 7 2017

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Gintama

This samurai anime title is a big deal in both Japan, and on U.S. soil! Gintama stared out as an OVA, and has now become a 201 episode anime series; plus a few movies to add to its franchise as well. In an alternate version of Edo-Period Japan a race of aliens known as Amanto, begin to attack the country forcing the samurai and its shogun to face the invaders. The only small draw back was the fact that the shogun realized the alien’s power, and defected from the samurai and surrendered.

Gintoki Sakata is known around Japan as “Odd Jobs Gin”, as he takes on various odd jobs with some of his allies (and or subordinates) in order to keep his office rent paid. A lot of things happen as a result of the Amanto invading the planet; such as rebellion against a new shogunate after the assassination of the old one, and plans on how to deal with the aliens without swords. This is a must-see anime title if you love sci-fi and samurai comedy, so if you haven’t seen it yet, stream it or buy it from your nearest anime store! (On or offline.)

5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday December, 17 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Sword of the Stranger

Our first samurai anime movie title! Sword of the Stranger follows the saga of Kotaro, a boy who has become a target by a group of swordsman from the Ming Dynasty. While on the run from his sword-wielding enemies Kotaro (and his dog, Tobimaru) crosses paths with a nameless ronin known as No Name; who’s past has prevented him from ever using his sword again in combat. Throughout the movie the trio fight against the Ming’s forces as well as their boss in an effort to prevent them from kidnapping Kotaro, after discovering that his blood is the key to gaining immortality. As with every samurai anime title, there’s great sword fighting scenes and a good plot line if you’re looking for a great samurai anime flick to check out. So on that note, if you haven’t gotten the chance to see this title yet, we encourage you to! 🙂

4.9 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday December, 10 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Intrigue in the Bakumatsu

Dark conspiracies and traveling theater group are only just some of the things that you’ll come across in this historic-supernatural samurai anime title. (Wow, what a mouthful!) A dark mercenary samurai by the name of Akizuki Yojiro finds himself on the hunt for something, after he gets a ‘feeling’ from the special ordainment at the end of the hilt of his blade. During his search of what caused this feeling he runs into a traveling theater group who may be in need of his protective services. It was then that Akizuki and this theater group joined forces with one another, in order to take on their enemies and find out what’s causing this mysterious feeling that he has. (Rumor has it that it has something to do with a supernatural object that only appeared during times of unrest.)

This samurai title takes place during the final years of the Edo Period, as you’ll be able to tell based on the background settings and mood of the story. If you’re looking for some supernatural mystery in your samurai anime, might we suggest checking out this title when you get the chance. As always with our reviews, we let you (the fans) have the final decision! 🙂

4.8 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday November, 26 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Katanagatari

Imagine finding out that there’s an anime title about two people who are looking for twelve dangerous blades in Edo-era Japan. Now imagine that we’re writing about it and telling you what you’re in for. Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s begin! this samurai title known as Katanagatari, is about a swordsman named Yasuri Shichika who fights without a sword. Wait a sec – fights without a sword?! What samurai in this day and age FIGHTS WITHOUT A SWORD?! Ahem, well let’s move along.

Togame has given Shichika an assignment in which he has to collect twelve different swords (katana) from the shogunate, however due to some past trust issues regarding loyalty, Shichika must fall in love. (With her we’re guessing…) This title carries the genres of action, romance, chanbara, tragedy, and comedy, making it one of the few multi-genre samurai anime titles out there. (Of course there’s so many more!) So if you’re looking for something a bit different in terms of samurai anime, then Katanagatari might be the answer that you’ve been looking for.

4.9 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday November, 19 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Blade of the Immortal

Here it is; another Saturday night, and another samurai anime title! Samurai warriors are already powerful enough as it is, but add the immortality factor to it and you’ve got a recipe for disaster (and possibly an unstoppable killing machine). Blade of the Immortal is a title filled with all the down-right bloody action that you would expect to find in a samurai anime title; plus the vendetta factor. Manji is a skilled samurai warrior who can’t die from any wound, but it’s stated that a rare poison is the only thing that can kill him.

He was granted immortality through an 800-year-old nun and has now been given a mission to make amends for his crimes; to kill 1,000 evil men. Sacred bloodworms are the only thing that’s keeping an immortal like Manji alive in order to fulfill his mission, of course during that process he meets a girl named Asano Rin, who wants revenge for the death of her parents. Both samurai warriors join forces with one another, in order to fulfill each others desires to get vengeance on the ones that murdered their loved ones. So if you’re a fan of chanbara-supernatural anime titles, then Blade of the Immortal is the show for you! 🙂

4.9 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday November, 12 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…House of Five Leaves

This drama-filled title is about a skilled samurai warrior named Akitsu Masanosuke, who for some reason is always being let go from this particular job. He then encounters a person by the name of Yaichi, who is the leader of a group known as the Five Leaves, and therefore takes a job as a bodyguard. (Although the reputation of the Five Leaves has been known to be a bit shady.) This samurai anime title appears to have a different tone than most of the other titles that are out there, so if you’re looking for something a bit different in your search for great samurai anime, then the House of Five Leaves will be a great place to start! 🙂

4.8 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday November, 5 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Hakuouki Sekkaroku

This samurai anime title is a multiple mix of Harem, Tragedy, Historic, Fantasy, and Samurai. Hakuouki (or Hakuoki) is a series about a girl named Chizuru Yukimura, who is looking for her father in Kyoto and gets attacked by mad men. They get cut down however by Shinsengumi members as Chizuru gets taken into custody for interrogation. Later on it’s discovered that she’s the daughter of a doctor that created an elixir that turns people into, well…blood thirsty killers. The Shinsengumi keep her as an aide while they look for her father as well as the elixir, of course, that’s when Chizuru develops a bond (and possibly falls in love) with one of the members known as Toshizo Hijikata. We would tell you more about this samurai title as well as some other details, but we’re not ones to give away the whole story, are we? So if you haven’t gotten the chance to see this anime title as of 2016, we recommend checking it out and  giving it a shot! 🙂

4.9 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday October, 15 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Mushibugyo

What do you do when there’s no bug spray in alternate Feudal Japan? Call upon a group of samurai warriors known as the “Mushi Magistrate! A rather cheerful samurai named Jinbei Tsukishima, has been asked by his father to help the ‘Mushibugyo City Patrol’, combat the ravenous giant insects that are terrorizing the great city of Japan. What the hell would you need a can of Raid to kill bugs for, when you’ve got the strongest team of warriors that Edo Period Japan can offer? Although this samurai anime title is subbed, it is still exciting to watch bugs being turned into Caesar Salads by a katana. If you haven’t had the chance to see this title yet, you definitely need to check it out! 🙂

4.8 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday October, 8 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Hyouge Mono

A historical anime title that takes place during the Sengoku Period. Furuta Sasuke is a man who has a deep appreciation for art and beauty, but lost his soul to the tea ceremony during the time that the shadow of Oda Nobunaga was cast over the land. Now Sasuke faces a dilemma that could decide his own fate; as he has to choose between his love for art, or his desire for a promotion. There are various Japanese historical elements that come into play during the series, and if you’re a fan of Japanese history, then Hyouge Mono is the title for you!

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday October, 1 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Peacemaker Kurogane

Who doesn’t love a good anime title with an historical background? Peacemaker Kurogane is another one of our samurai titles that’s filled with adventure, drama, chanbara, and historical context. Taking place in 19th century Japan before the Meiji Restoration, a boy named Tetsunosuke Ichimura joins the Shinsengumi while looking for revenge against his parent’s killer, who happened to be a Choshu rebel. This story centers around Tetsu’s life as he meets various members of the Shinsengumi and helps them with their struggles, while fighting against his own. If any fan of samurai anime loves a title about vengeance, redemption, family, and loyalty, then by all means take a shot at Peacemaker Kurogane! (If you haven’t already that is.)

4.8 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday September, 17 2016

Our Samurai Anime of the Week is…Samurai Champloo

That’s right! We’re kicking off our debut of our newest D&A segment; Slash Saturdays, with a critically acclaimed anime favorite from the creator of Cowboy Bebop. Samurai Champloo is a action/chanbara anime series about a samurai who smells like sunflowers, and the crew who is on the lookout for him.

Mugen; a vagrant swordsman who loves freedom, and Jin (a stoic ronin) arrive inside a tea shop after saving a woman named Fuu from a reckless band of samurai. Both Mugen and Jin battle one another while inadvertently causing the death of Shibui Tomonoshina, which in turn leads to their execution. To repay them for saving her life Fuu helps Mugen and Jin escape execution, in exchange for traveling with them to help her find a samurai who smells like sunflowers.

This show takes place in an alternate Edo-period version of Japan; where many of the historical figures and facts are present, but are also distorted. This title is a MUST WATCH for any anime fan who’s seen Cowboy Bebop, and if that’s not enough, Steve Blum is in both shows! (Why not, right?) So if you’re a post Cowboy Bebop fan who likes hyper quick samurai battles (Chanbara), then Samurai Champloo is the show. For. You! 🙂

5 out of 5 Stars

Reviewed by D.J. Lewis (Founder) on Saturday September, 10 2016