Sazae-San and More Japanese Anime to Watch!

Since the 60s, anime has become one of the world’s most popular forms of animation. From the earliest days of Sazae-san to today’s biggest shows, anime has brought joy and excitement to fans of all ages.

Discovering classic anime series can be overwhelming for newer fans. This guide highlights some undisputed anime staples that have shaped the medium’s history. These timeless works offer insights into anime’s rich cultural and artistic evolution.

Sazae-san

A slice-of-life anime in the purest sense and the current Guinness World Record holder for the longest-running animated TV series, Sazae-san has become a Japanese institution.

The series, which stars the main character, Sazae Fuguta, focuses on the simplicity and joys of everyday life. What began as a yonkoma (four-panel) manga quickly became an anime series that has been aired at the same time, 6:30–7:00 p.m., every Sunday since its debut. 

Sazae-san is a beloved anime series that captures everyday Japanese life. It celebrates ordinary moments with humor and warmth. The show deliberately avoids modern technology like smartphones, presenting a nostalgic view of traditional family dynamics. By focusing on simple, relatable experiences, Sazae-san serves as a charming snapshot of Japanese cultural history.

YuYu Hakusho

When Yusuke Urameshi saved a child from an oncoming car, he unexpectedly died in the process. His selfless act surprised the Spirit World, as no one anticipated a delinquent teenager would make such a heroic sacrifice. After passing a series of tests in the afterlife, the head of the spirit world, Koenma granted him the title of “Underworld Detective”. With such a title, Yusuke would embark on wild and action-packed adventures involving demons, spirits, and plenty of mystery. 

YuYu Hakusho began as a supernatural story but gradually transformed into a martial arts action series. The manga, created by Yoshihiro Togashi, transitioned from occult detective fiction to tournament-focused narratives. Since its 1990 debut, it has become a highly successful franchise spanning manga, anime, and video games.

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Speed Racer

One of the oldest anime series to date and one that has become synonymous with classic anime, Speed Racer tells the story of Go Mifune, a young man with an impossibly fast car. Originally entitled Mach GoGoGo! in Japan, Speed Racer was one of the earliest anime series localized for Western audiences. Of course, a great deal of editing and localizing were done to the series before it arrived in the West. As a result, many names and plots are altered, and a very limited voice cast for the localization. 

Speed Racer became a gag in the West, as the nearly nonsensical plots and silly voice acting made the series difficult for Western audiences to take seriously. Still, though, it’s undeniable how influential Speed Racer is. With the series finally receiving a dedicated home release with the original Japanese voice work, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the series as it was meant to be.

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is set in a cyberpunk world where the boundary between humans and machines is blurred. Cybernetic enhancements have become commonplace, leading to specialized government divisions focused on cybercrime.

Public Security Section 9, led by Major Motoko Kusanagi, tackles high-stakes national security threats. The series combines thrilling action with deep philosophical questions about human nature.

With its compelling storytelling, Ghost in the Shell has become a highly acclaimed sci-fi franchise. It spans multiple films, anime series, video games, and manga, cementing its status as one of the most respected anime series in the genre.

Case Closed

Shinichi Kudo was a prolific high school detective who was talented and often lent his services to the local police department. However, when Shinichi crossed paths with the evil Black Organization, they attempted to murder him by force-feeding him an experimental drug. Instead of facing an untimely end, Shinichi was reverted to being a young boy! 

Now, as Conan Edogawa, the young detective partners up with his friend Ran and her father Kogoro to solve mysteries worldwide. Case Closed has become one of Japan’s most successful anime series, with over 1,100 episodes. While the subject matter can become grim, it’s still a fantastic entry-level mystery series perfect for introducing the genre to younger viewers.

Why should I check out retro anime like Sazae-san?

It’s worth checking out these older anime series because they, indeed, are the best of the best. While modern anime is undoubtedly good and has plenty of merits, it’s important to remember what came before. Without these classics setting down the foundations for shows today, there wouldn’t be anime to enjoy. 

It’s also important to step away from modern tropes and trends and dive into something that isn’t just trying to be the next big thing. Instead, whether it’s a chill slice of life or gritty cyberpunk action, these classic anime are considered classics for a reason. These are a great place to start if you’ve ever wondered what you should watch next.

Have you watched any of these shows before? If so, do you have a favorite (Ghost in the Shell is a personal favorite here.) Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about your favorite classic anime!