Bakimatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

[mujushin]

The end of the Edo era marked the last time men would live as samurai and fight entrusting their lives and beliefs to the sword. The peace of the Tokugawa Shogunate begins to crumble with the arrival of Western influence. Amidst this upheaval, the youth of the nation seek a new era, but something else will bring turmoil and chaos. It is called Hasha no Kubi; the Head of the Conqueror. It is said that he who can obtain the Head shall rule over the whole country. However, another shadow being called “Eternal Assassin” is destined to oppose Hasha no Kubi. These two beings have been in eternal conflict, affecting the course of history from the shadows, influencing those who craved power. Some want it for their own, some want it for revenge, and some want it to fulfill their own ideals…
The wills of men intersect over the Hasha no Kubi. They combine and move together like complicated gear wheels of an engine pushing events towards the future.

Thought I'd put this one up as it's not mentioned I'd be interested to see if anyone else has watched this.

Not for the easily confused this is a complicated story that would be better understood by a good understanding of Japanese History and many of it's key players or simply watching it through twice. However its lack of suitability for an audience outside of Japan should not be a reason to overlook this. With a good variety of characters and a couple of recognizable seiyu. The story follows a long passage of time and yet maintains a good pace. The animation can be faulted at points as it seems to struggle with the scale of sword to character in certain postures, this is only a minor detraction from it's impreeivley structured story.

[Thousand Eyes]

This is an excellent series. A lot of people found it to be too slow-paced and boring, but I found it just right. Akidzuki is a cool character. As far as Japanese history is concerned, another series that plays off that is Otogizoushi.