Anime With Real Historical Inaccuracies

As a huge anime fan, I’ve always been fascinated by historical anime. What I love is how these shows take real events and weave in amazing stories – often with a fresh, modern twist. Sometimes they’ll add things like supernatural powers or elements of today’s culture, even if the story is set way back in the Edo period or during the World Wars. Some shows really try to be accurate, but others aren’t afraid to play with history, changing character designs or even the timeline itself. Honestly, a lot of these anime are more about being entertaining than being a perfectly accurate history lesson, and that’s perfectly fine with me! This is a look at some of those titles that prioritize fun and storytelling.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004–2005)

‘Samurai Champloo’ deliberately mixes the historical setting of Edo-era Japan with modern hip hop and graffiti art. Characters dress and speak in ways that wouldn’t have been seen or heard during that time period, and you’ll often find beatboxing and breakdancing throughout the show. The series prioritizes its distinctive style over historical accuracy, offering a fresh and unique take on 19th-century Japan.

‘Gintama’ (2006–2018)

Gintama reimagines Japan’s Bakumatsu period with a twist: aliens have invaded instead of Western powers. These aliens, called the Amanto, have taken over the government, and samurai are no longer allowed to carry swords. The show blends futuristic technology with old-fashioned Japan, using this unique setting primarily for humor and to offer social commentary, rather than aiming for historical accuracy.

‘The Ambition of Oda Nobuna’ (2012)

Okay, so I just finished watching ‘The Ambition of Oda Nobuna,’ and it’s… a trip. The premise is that a guy gets flung back to Japan’s Warring States period, but with a seriously wild twist: all the famous warlords? They’re teenage girls. Yep, even Oda Nobunaga, who’s reimagined as a young woman named Nobuna. She’s still aiming to unite Japan, but instead of relying on strategy and power plays, the series throws in a lot of romantic fluff and focuses on the fun of seeing these historical figures reimagined. It’s definitely a unique take on the era, swapping out political maneuvering for some lighthearted drama and a whole lot of gender-bending.

‘Yasuke’ (2021)

“Yasuke” tells the story of a real African man who worked for the powerful Japanese leader Oda Nobunaga in the 1500s. Though the main character is based on a true historical figure, the show blends reality with fantasy, featuring magic and enormous robots. It uses elements like astral projection and futuristic technology to tell the story of the Oda clan’s fall, turning a true story into an exciting, fantastical adventure in a reimagined version of Japan.

‘Saga of Tanya the Evil’ (2017)

‘Saga of Tanya the Evil’ is set in a magical version of Europe during the early 1900s, similar to World War I. Instead of traditional warfare, it features soldiers who can fly and use magical weapons. While the countries and technology are different, with magical computers aiding spellcasting, the story follows a man reborn from our modern world who applies modern military strategies to this fantastical war.

‘Drifters’ (2016)

‘Drifters’ is a series where legendary warriors from history—including figures like Shimazu Toyohisa, Oda Nobunaga, Butch Cassidy, and Joan of Arc—are transported to a fantasy world to battle. While the characters keep their original personalities, they find themselves fighting alongside and against mythical creatures like elves and dragons. The show emphasizes the conflict between different approaches to warfare, rather than telling the true stories of these historical figures.

‘Nobunaga Concerto’ (2014)

‘Nobunaga Concerto’ tells the story of a high school student who unexpectedly finds himself transported back to Japan’s Sengoku period. There, he encounters Oda Nobunaga, a historical figure who is his identical twin but in frail health. The student steps in to take Nobunaga’s place, attempting to unite the country with the help of his knowledge from a history textbook. The show centers around a modern teen using his 21st-century perspective to deal with the tricky world of feudal Japan.

‘Bakumatsu Rock’ (2014)

‘Bakumatsu Rock’ imagines a late period of Japanese history where the government controls people using music – specifically, songs called Heaven’s Songs that keep everyone obedient. Historical rebels, like Sakamoto Ryoma, fight back by forming a rock band and using the power of loud music and modern songs to challenge the ruling government. The series takes place during this historical period but portrays a musical uprising that didn’t happen in reality.

‘Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru’ (2016–2018)

Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru follows legendary swords brought to life, each representing a famous historical blade. Their mission? To protect the timeline by traveling to key moments in the past and fighting an enemy force that wants to rewrite history. The show blends historical details about the swords’ original owners with fantastical battles and focuses on the supernatural connections between these warrior spirits. Essentially, it’s a fictionalized take on Japanese history where the accuracy of the past is literally at stake.

‘Sengoku Night Blood’ (2017)

‘Sengoku Night Blood’ takes the legendary generals of Japan’s Sengoku period and gives them a supernatural twist, turning them into vampires and werewolves. These powerful clans battle for dominance over the land of Shinga, all while trying to win the affection of an enigmatic girl. The historical conflicts between famous families like the Takeda and Uesugi are re-imagined as a magical war. The series emphasizes fantasy romance and striking character art over strict historical accuracy.

‘Maria the Virgin Witch’ (2015)

‘Maria the Virgin Witch’ takes place in France during the Hundred Years’ War. The story centers around a young witch who dislikes fighting and uses her magic to interfere with battles between England and France. While the anime is known for its realistic portrayal of medieval armor and weapons, the magical elements and creatures like succubi are made up. The series explores the conflict between ancient pagan magic and the Catholic Church of the Middle Ages.

‘First Squad: The Moment of Truth’ (2009)

As a movie buff who loves a good blend of history and the supernatural, I recently came across ‘First Squad: The Moment of Truth,’ and it’s a really interesting concept. It’s set during the early days of World War II on the Eastern Front, but it’s not your typical war story. It focuses on a group of Soviet teens who have psychic powers and are trained to fight a hidden war against the occult. Their mission? To stop a knight from the twelfth century – brought back to life – and his ghostly army from helping the Germans. It’s a cool mix of real WWII tanks and weapons with supernatural elements, espionage, and ancient spirits. Definitely a unique take on the war genre!

‘Izetta: The Last Witch’ (2016)

‘Izetta: The Last Witch’ reimagines World War II with a magical twist. It tells the story of a young witch who defends a small European nation by magically enhancing anti-tank rifles, allowing her to ride them through the air and fight. The anime features a modified European map with altered country names – for example, Germany is known as Eylstadt or Germania – and explores how magic could have impacted the battles of a mechanized war in the 20th century.

‘Record of Ragnarok’ (2021)

Record of Ragnarok is an anime about an epic tournament where legendary figures from history battle the gods. Fighters like Adam and Lu Bu are equipped with powerful weapons to compete against deities such as Thor and Zeus. The series takes historical characters and adds fantastical elements to their stories and reasons for fighting. It’s a fast-paced action show that draws its diverse cast from history and mythology.

‘Requiem of the Rose King’ (2022)

‘Requiem of the Rose King’ is inspired by Shakespeare’s plays about the Wars of the Roses, but offers a unique take on the story. It reimagines Richard III as someone grappling with their identity and the pursuit of power within a fantastical, gothic world. While drawing from history, the series emphasizes dramatic emotional storytelling, striking visuals, and supernatural elements over a strictly accurate depiction of the conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster.

‘Nobunagun’ (2014)

Nobunagun is a sci-fi action show where high school students have the spirits of historical icons inside them, giving them unique powers to battle aliens. The main character, for example, channels Oda Nobunaga, turning her arm into a powerful machine gun. Other students draw on the abilities of figures like Jack the Ripper and Isaac Newton to fight. Essentially, the show reimagines historical personalities as the source of superpowers in a futuristic setting.

‘Inuyasha’ (2000–2004)

‘Inuyasha’ tells the story of a girl from the present day who travels back in time to Japan’s feudal era after falling down a well. She discovers a world filled with demons, magic, and traditional villages. The main storyline focuses on a quest to collect pieces of a powerful, shattered jewel. It’s a classic fantasy adventure that uses the historical setting to bring its supernatural tales to life.

‘Dororo’ (2019)

Set during Japan’s Sengoku period, ‘Dororo’ tells the story of a young man born missing body parts because his father made a deal with demons. He uses artificial limbs equipped with hidden blades to track down these demons and try to regain what was lost. The world is overrun with supernatural creatures that impact the power struggles between local lords. This dark fantasy explores the devastating effects of war, viewed through a supernatural and often grim perspective.

‘Zipang’ (2004–2005)

Zipang tells the story of a modern Japanese warship and its crew suddenly thrown back in time to the middle of World War II. They face a difficult choice: stay out of the conflict, or use their advanced technology to try and change history. But their very presence starts to alter the course of the war, creating unforeseen consequences. The series explores the challenging ethical and strategic decisions the crew faces when possessing such powerful military capabilities in the past.

‘Baccano!’ (2007)

‘Baccano!’ takes place in America during the 1930s Prohibition era. The story follows several connected plots involving gangsters and thieves, but centers around a mysterious immortality elixir. The series features characters like alchemists who’ve lived for centuries, secretly operating within the criminal world. It tells the story in a non-traditional, fragmented way, mixing classic crime stories with supernatural elements.

‘Black Butler’ (2008–2014)

Set in Victorian London, ‘Black Butler’ centers on a young nobleman who acts as a royal bodyguard. He’s aided by his loyal butler, who is secretly a demon and performs tasks in exchange for the earl’s soul. The series blends historical events, like the Jack the Ripper case, with fantastical elements such as reapers and advanced supernatural technology, all presented within a visually striking, gothic-inspired version of 19th-century England.

‘The Rose of Versailles’ (1979–1980)

“The Rose of Versailles” takes place before and during the French Revolution. Although it includes historical figures like Marie Antoinette, the story centers around Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, a made-up character who was raised as a boy. Oscar leads the Royal Guard and becomes a key player amidst the changing political landscape. The series combines careful historical detail with fictional storytelling to examine the social injustices present in France at the time.

‘Le Chevalier D’Eon’ (2006–2007)

‘Le Chevalier D’Eon’ is a fantasy series set in 18th-century France, during the time of King Louis XV. It centers on D’Eon de Beaumont as he investigates his sister’s death and discovers a plot connected to old poems and zombies. The show mixes the true story of the historical D’Eon with magic, supernatural fights, and a mysterious side of French politics before the revolution.

‘Bungo Stray Dogs’ (2016–2023)

‘Bungo Stray Dogs’ centers around characters inspired by well-known writers from Japan and around the world. Although based on real historical authors, these characters are reimagined as contemporary people with unique supernatural abilities linked to their literary works. Set in a fantastical version of Yokohama, they operate as detectives or members of the criminal underworld. The series creatively blends literary history with an action-packed urban fantasy narrative.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019)

Set in early twentieth-century Japan during the Taisho period, ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ follows a hidden group of skilled swordsmen battling demons. The characters utilize unique breathing techniques that manifest as stunning visual effects—like fire and water—during fights. Though rooted in the Taisho period’s aesthetic, the series is ultimately a fantasy story that builds a supernatural world with historical inspiration.

‘Mars Red’ (2021)

Set in 1923 Tokyo, ‘Mars Red’ presents a world where vampires have lived for centuries. The government forms a special team of vampires to eliminate rogue members of their species and control the impact of a newly developed artificial blood. The story weaves in real historical events, like the Great Kanto Earthquake, as it follows the struggles for survival among these creatures. The series is presented in a visually striking, theatrical style, blending modern technology with classic vampire myths.

‘Moeyo Ken’ (2003)

“Moeyo Ken” is a fun, fictional story set in the Meiji era, starring the daughters of the famous Shinsengumi warriors. These women have magical powers and weapons, and they work together to defend Kyoto from danger. The series playfully reimagines the historical Shinsengumi by portraying their descendants as magical girls, focusing on humor and exciting action rather than the serious events of the time.

‘Basilisk’ (2005)

I just finished watching ‘Basilisk,’ and it’s a wild ride! Set way back in 1614, the film throws you right into a brutal competition between two ninja clans. But these aren’t your average ninjas – we’re talking seriously strange powers, like poisonous breath and the ability to literally become part of the walls! The whole thing is sparked by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who’s trying to figure out which of his grandsons is worthy of becoming the next shogun. While the political backdrop feels rooted in history, the fights and the powers on display are totally fantastical – think more supernatural than realistic. It’s a cool blend of historical setting and over-the-top action.

‘The Heroic Legend of Arslan’ (2015–2016)

Based on the classic Persian story of Amir Arsalan, ‘The Heroic Legend of Arslan’ is set in a fantasy world inspired by ancient Persia. The story centers on a young prince attempting to win back his kingdom after being betrayed. It’s filled with epic medieval battles and complex political schemes, all unfolding in the fictional land of Pars, which draws heavily on historical Persian culture to create a rich and expansive fantasy setting.

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ (1996–1998)

Set in the early years of the Meiji period, ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ tells the story of a once-deadly assassin who promises to never take another life. Though the series incorporates real historical events and people, the sword fighting is incredibly over-the-top, with characters displaying unbelievable skills like blurring speed and generating powerful air currents with their swords. Ultimately, the show is a character-driven story about the protagonist’s personal growth, set against a dramatic and somewhat fictionalized backdrop of Japan’s past.

‘Kingdom’ (2012–2024)

Kingdom is a historical drama set during ancient China’s Warring States period. It tells the story of a young man with ambitions to become a legendary general and aid the King of Qin in uniting the country. The series is known for its large-scale battles, powerful generals, and heightened, dramatic storytelling, though it’s inspired by actual historical records.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–2023)

‘Vinland Saga’ tells the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking, in the 11th century. The show is well-regarded for its accurate depiction of Viking life and the Viking invasions of England, though it does take some creative freedoms. For example, characters sometimes display superhuman feats in battle. The series combines real historical figures, like King Canute, with a made-up story of revenge.

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018–2023)

Set in post-Russo-Japanese War Hokkaido, ‘Golden Kamuy’ centers around a quest for a legendary stash of Ainu gold. The series is praised for its authentic portrayal of Ainu culture and the military history of the time. While the story features a thrilling treasure hunt, it also includes unique and sometimes unbelievable characters. It blends a realistic historical setting with a fast-paced, funny, and adventurous narrative.

‘Arte’ (2020)

“Arte” takes place in Florence during the Renaissance, in the 1500s. It tells the story of a young woman from a noble family who longs to be a professional artist, even though society at the time didn’t allow it. While the story is set in the past, the challenges she faces feel relevant today, focusing on her desire to control her own destiny. The series explores her journey of self-discovery and the creation of art, all set against the backdrop of a stunning historical period.

‘Hyouge Mono’ (2011–2012)

‘Hyouge Mono’ tells the story of a loyal follower of Oda Nobunaga who is deeply passionate about tea ceremonies and beautiful things. The show uses this passion to explore the politics and culture of Japan’s Sengoku period. Although based on real people, the series uses dramatic expressions and a unique style to show how strongly these characters felt about their interests. It’s a fresh take on history, focusing on art and culture instead of just battles and wars.

‘Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion’ (2018)

‘Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion’ tells the story of the 1274 Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island. The series centers on a band of exiled samurai who bravely defend their home against overwhelming odds. While it’s inspired by real events, the show reimagines the roles of these samurai and the strategies they used. It’s a raw and action-packed portrayal of a crucial battle in Japan’s past.

‘D.Gray-man’ (2006–2008)

‘D.Gray-man’ is set in a fictional late 1800s world where exorcists battle the powerful Millennium Earl. The series blends Victorian-era fashion and buildings with supernatural weapons called Innocence. The villains create monsters named Akuma by using the souls of the dead. It’s a dark fantasy story that uses historical elements to create a strong gothic mood.

‘The Empire of Corpses’ (2015)

“The Empire of Corpses” takes place in a reimagined 19th century where scientists have mastered the ability to bring the dead back to life. These reanimated corpses are now used as a workforce and in armies around the world. The story follows characters like John Watson and Frederick Burnaby on a worldwide journey, and it raises questions about the morality of this technology within a familiar historical setting.

‘Brave 10’ (2012)

Okay, so “Brave 10” takes a really cool spin on Japanese history, specifically the legendary Sanada Ten Braves – think elite ninja warriors serving a famous lord during a chaotic period. What makes it fun is that each of these ten warriors isn’t just skilled, they’ve got some serious superpowers, like controlling elements or having incredible strength. The story centers around them protecting a priestess amidst all the political drama, and honestly, it’s packed with exciting action sequences that really showcase what these unique characters can do. It’s a visually engaging ride focused on the spectacle of these enhanced abilities.

Share which of these historical reinterpretations surprised you the most in the comments.

2026-01-04 20:20