Mumbai: The streaming platforms are flooded with a number of anime shows and films, mostly dubbed to make it more understandable for the audience. However, a true anime otaku (in Japan meaning having obsessive interest in something especially in anime & manga) would agree that there is absolutely no substitute to anime in the original Japanese language, for the true essence of anime and Manga-like pop culture remain instilled herein. In a good news for otakus, Animax has made a return to India, thanks to KC Global Media, and which brought a boxful of popular anime shows, characters and films in original Japanese language with English subtitles. If you are a true otaku, here’s what you must watch on Animax:
Gintama
The anime show is based on a Japanese Manga series that has been illustrated and written by Hideaki Sorachi which began in December 2003 and finally ended in June 2019. The story is set in Edo, a land that has been conquered by the Amanto who are aliens. The story follows Samurai Gintoki Sakata and his friends Shinpachi Shimaru and Kagura. The trio live together on rent and went on many adventures in life, and proved to be great friends to each other. With a generous dose of humor thrown in, the series is a must watch for anime lovers.
Golden Gumay
This action series has been the winner at 24th Japan Media Arts Festival, 2021 in the category- Social Impact Awards. It also won the grand prize in the 51st Cartoonists Association Awards in 2022 and is loved by children and adults alike for its fast- paced action.
Naruto
It would be surprising to find a millennial in India who wouldn’t know about Naruto, the teenage boy who wanted to become the Hokage or head of his village. The day Naruto was born, a huge nine tail fox attacked the village, and Naruto’s father, the Hokage of the village then sacrificed his life to save the village. Somehow the nine-tail fox got stuck in Naruto and now Naruto has to tame it too. The series won The Best Female Vocal Performance in an Anime Television Series and OVA in a Supporting Role for the BTVA Award in 2014.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man, a show that is currently accessible on JioTV in India, earned the Sugoi Japan Award and the Spanish Manga Barcelona Award in 2017. Saitama, the protagonist of One Punch Man, only needs one punch to defeat any villain. He battles the enemies well and is funny while being strong. He eventually grows weary of his simple successes, yearns for more life’s adventures, and teams up with his protege Genos to annihilate monsters. It has gained enormous popularity among young viewers because of its humorous elements.
Kuroko’s Basketball
While most think of anime as shows meant for children, there are innovative themes that grab the attention of adults as well. This show is based on a sports manga that has been written and illustrated by Tadatoshi and Fujimaki. The series won the Tokyo Anime Award in 2013. It traces the life of middle school basketball enthusiasts who go on to make their own teams in high school. The winner gets a place in the national tournament so all of them give their all to it.
Lupin The 3rd
This one is for all those who enjoy action, mystery, adventure and heist as a genre. It is set in the late 1960s and follows the life of a gentleman thief, Arsene Lupin III. His travels to Paris and Brazil with his crew to find a treasure that his grandfather was unable to find leads him on to a path where the end could mean glory or jail. Watch the story unfold and enjoy the roller coaster ride.
