Recommendations for Japanese Anime with Epic Stories but Less Known

Among the array of popular anime, there are many high-quality titles that often go unnoticed. In fact, these works contain profound stories and unique concepts.

Anime like Burn the Witch, Eden of the East, and Kino’s Journey offer a viewing experience that differs from mainstream anime.

If you are looking for something that is not only entertaining but also provides plenty of room for reflection, these three anime should be on your list. Let's delve deeper into the uniqueness of each story and why these anime are worth watching.

1. Burn the Witch

Burn the Witch is a spin-off from the world of Bleach, but it takes a very different approach in tone and story. Set in Reverse London, two witches named Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole become part of the western branch of the Soul Society. They are tasked with maintaining the balance between the human world and supernatural beings, especially dragons.

This anime features stunning visuals and a unique world system, where Reverse London is hidden behind ordinary London. Their duties involve not only assisting dragons but also eliminating threats to humans. One of its main attractions is how the story combines fast-paced action with emotional conflict.

There are many interesting aspects of Burn the Witch, such as its setting still being part of the Bleach universe while introducing fresh locations and new characters. The classification system of dragons in this anime also showcases the complexity of the magical world that has been built. Additionally, the dynamic between the calm Noel and the spirited Ninny adds a unique flavor to the story.

2. Eden of the East

Anime Poster Illustration (Image by myanimelist)

If you enjoy stories with elements of mystery, political intrigue, and a touch of science fiction, Eden of the East is the perfect choice. This anime begins with Saki, a Japanese college student, who meets Akira Takizawa in Washington D.C. after a mysterious missile attack in Japan. Akira, who has lost his memory, only has a gun and a phone containing 8.2 billion yen in digital money.

The story evolves into an intellectual adventure that unpacks themes of identity, responsibility, and the role of the younger generation in fixing the world. Akira becomes involved in a game known as Seleção, where 12 individuals are given digital money to save Japan in their own ways. Every step taken is risky, and the stakes are the fate of the nation.

This anime is highly relevant to contemporary social and political issues in Japan. The mystery that slowly unfolds in each episode keeps viewers curious about Akira's identity and the true purpose of the Seleção program. The technology in this anime is not just a backdrop, but also a tool for social change as well as a dangerous instrument of manipulation.

3. Kino's Journey

Anime Poster Illustration (Image by myanimelist)

Unlike the previous two anime filled with action and intrigue, Kino's Journey presents a slow yet meaningful narrative. Kino is a traveler accompanied by Hermes, a talking motorcycle. He explores a world made up of many countries, each with unique cultures and social systems.

Kino's principle is simple, to stay three days and two nights in each country. This philosophy is based on his view that this time is enough to understand the essence of a place without becoming too attached.

Each country visited by Kino presents a different story with a strong moral message. There are countries that seem utopian but hide cruelty, and there are places that appear chaotic yet contain beauty in the way their citizens survive. The themes that emerge are never simple, and the audience is invited to reflect on the values of humanity in its various forms.

(kpl/khs)