Seirei no Moribito

Alternate titles: Juuni Kokki, 12 Kingdoms

Yohko is nothing but ordinary. Throughout her life she has been considered an outcast, especially with a hair color not native to many in Japan, bright red. Things change for Yohko when a mysterious man named Keiki arrives and claims that she is his empress. Yohko and two friends are then taken through a vortex, and then abandoned.. in a world of demons and magic.

It isn't unusual for a person to feel that the world around them is strange and has unexpected secrets lying just beyond their sight. However, for most people this is just an occasional sensation that greets them upon awakening or chases them into sleep. For the mushi researcher Ginko, it isn't a feeling at all; it is a knowledge which guides his travels and motivates his life. Found in the cracks between what is conceivable and what is not, are the varied life forms collectively known as mushi. They surround us and affect us, but their intensely different nature makes them unrecognizable to most. Ginko brings these life forms into perspective for the lives of those most affected and most in need of an explanation.

Alternate titles: Blade of the Stranger

Kotarou is a brash young orphan in war-torn Japan, on the run from mysterious pursuers with Tobimaru, his faithful canine companion. Clueless as to why anyone would want him, much less imperial warriors from mainland China, a chance encounter with a strange wandering swordsman could not be more unwelcome in Kotarou's skeptical eyes – especially when the stranger has a secret past that has caused him to seal his blade. Forced by circumstance to work together for survival, the unlikely duo forge a tenuous friendship that is threatened all too soon when Kotarou's pursuers thrust the two into a dizzying whorl of clashing ambitions between men both big and small. Will the stranger manage to overcome his past and save them both from peril with his blade?

Alternate titles: Mononoke Hime

With the rise of the Iron Age in feudal Japan, man and nature grow increasingly at odds. As mankind infringes more and more into the kingdom of the beasts, many of the elder animal gods begin to succumb to their rage, cursing themselves as they lash out at rural and urban settlements alike. When a young Ashitaka, hero of his village, is imparted with one of these curses after slaying a crazed god, he forces himself into exile to prevent further harm to his village. As he ventures out into the world, however, he discovers just how dire the straights have become - with man and beast ready to break into all out war, his curse becomes the least of his problems. As both sides teeter dangerously on the side of outright slaughter of one another, Ashitaka sets his own problems aside and, using his charisma and honor, seeks to quell the hatred before it gets beyond repair - but will he be in time or is he simply delaying the inevitable?

Samurai Champloo is all about style, from the dj-style scratching scene changes to the hip-hop-inspired soundtrack to the eclectic character design. Mugen's fighting style is a funky meld of capoeira and limb-cutting, and Jin is the dramatic foil; he is all steel and old-school samurai style. What binds them together is the desire to test each other's abilities, and a promise to a girl named Fuu: to find the samurai that smells of sunflowers, who plays a pivotal role in her past. Together they travel through edo-era Japan, finding battle and comedy wherever they stop.

Alternate titles: Tales from Earthsea

In the lush fantasy world of Earthsea, dragons and humans no longer live together as one due to the greed of humanity. It is in this world that the young Prince Arren lives – a young man who is dejected, tormented, and afraid of the ultimate goal of life: death. After killing his father and stealing an heirloom sword forged by magic, Arren sets forth with his trusty steed into the unknown countryside, experiencing the joys and darkness of mankind. Along with the powerful mage Sparrowhawk, an unlikely friend and his own personal angst, Arren must rediscover his desire to live while evil forces threaten his precious life's existence.

In an age when samurai enhanced their bodies mechanically, a great war broke out. After the war's end, these "Bandits" (having become mere robbers) have lost their samurai code and now rob villages for their rice and women. The peasants of Kanna Village are filled with despair and agree to hire some samurai to retaliate, but with only rice in their food stores and no money to offer, it seems that time is running out. Now, the villagers must set out to look for samurai willing to accept such a deal -- but are there still such men that abide by the samurai code, and protect the weak?

A man awakens in an unfamiliar room, with no recollection of who he is or where he came from. His wounds have been bandaged, and his face is covered with a mask that he cannot remove. With nowhere to go, he decides to stay with his rescuers and help them when needed, waiting for his memory to return. Though his courage, skill, and wisdom quickly gain him the villagers’ respect, the same traits soon land him in hot water with the local feudal lord. Not one to back away from injustice, the path he must follow will lead him to confront his enemies, and his hidden past.

In a post-apocalyptic future, where the world has turned into a desert and the remains of humanity live under the rule of the Third – beings with a third eye on their foreheads. Accompanied only by her tank's AI, Bogie, Honoka tries to make a living as a handyman on the edge of civilization, and she tries to avoid resorting to violence as much as possible; but when situations demand it, she and her sword become a force to be reckoned with. When Honoka is hired by the mysterious young man named Ikus, the Third suddenly take great interest in them; and thus, Honoka’s story truly begins…

Alternate titles: Story of the Land of Many-Colored Clouds

In an ancient and mythological land called Saiunkoku, the people have begun to recover from a period of war and famine; thus, when an official from the imperial court offers the impoverished and beautiful Shuurei more money than she could ever dream of in return for a favor, she jumps at the chance. What she doesn’t count on, however, is being asked to become a concubine to the recluse Emperor and help him transform into a better leader. What’s more, the Emperor shows little intelligence, seems to have no interest in ruling, and is rumored to prefer men. One thing’s for certain: Shuurei has her work cut out for her!

In times of olde, humans live in constant fear of demons known as yoma. These vicious creatures can take the appearance and memories of humans they have devoured, thus blending into society as they freely feast on human flesh. The key to stopping the yoma lies with the tolerated yet feared Claymores - women who are half-demon, half-human, and fully fated to become the demons that they hunt. Meanwhile, in a village, the young Raki has been banished; his only crime was losing his family to the yoma. Raki is drawn to a Claymore named Clare, and together their journey begins. While Clare fights the yoma plaguing the land, can Raki help her in her struggle to retain her humanity?

To make money, high school student Shinkurou Kurenai works for the secretive Benika as a "dispute mediator," acting to intervene in the disputes of clients – often violently. One day, Benika gives him a much different assignment: to protect Murasaki Kuhoin, a seven-year-old girl from the wealthy Kuhoin family. This turns out to be a more troublesome task than he expects, as Murasaki is spoiled, naive, and completely unaware of what life is like outside of the luxurious one she had previously. He also has no idea why Murasaki needs his protection, though he is slowly obtaining details from a well-informed classmate. Adding to his problems, Shinkurou still must continue to do his previous work for Benika and take care of his social relationships in school while protecting Murasaki, complicating his entire life. Nonetheless, as time passes, he and Murasaki grow close; however, trouble brews in the shadows as everyone - including Shinkurou - seems to be harboring secrets...

Hana is a nine-year-old girl who lives in constant fear of her abusive family; Michiko is a sexy woman who has just done the unthinkable: broken out of the impenetrable Diamandra Penitentiary. After Hana is whisked away by Michiko, who claims to be her mother, the duo sets forth on a high octane ride towards freedom. In the streets of Brazil and aboard Michiko's motorcycle, Hana and Michiko will look for Hana's long lost father, try to learn to co-exist and get along together, and stay one step ahead of the police and afro-clad Atsuko.

Alternate titles: Kenshin

In the revolutionary Meiji period, Japan is undergoing enormous political change. It is a time when vagabonds and terrorists will use any method to prevent the modernization of their country, even if it means trampling on the innocent in the process. In such a time, Himura Kenshin, a wandering samurai, has dedicated his life to protecting the weak and desperate peasants from those who would oppress them. However, Kenshin has a dark past which threatens to destroy the values he is fighting for. When he meets his new friends Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Yahiko, and tries to build a peaceful life with them, events conspire against him. Can Kenshin overcome the demons within and without, and finally ensure the peaceful future that Japan deserves?

“Vash, the Stampede” - worth 60 billion dollars to the one who can turn him in. Bounty hunters everywhere are on the lookout for this legendary gunman, not to mention insurance agents Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, who are tasked with preventing any potential damage that this Vash can cause. But with 60 billion on his head, Vash is not an easy man to find.

As the island of Lodoss braces against a new assault by the Marmo and their new allies, the fate of the land falls into the hands of Spark, an inexperienced young knight. As aging legends Ashram, Kashew, Parn and Deedlit begin to fade, a new generation of heroes will have to arise to keep Lodoss from being torn apart by conflict.

Alternate titles: Seikai no Monshou

In the distant future, mankind has mastered space and spread empires across the galaxy. While many choose to colonize distant planets, others choose to remain amidst the stars, ultimately giving rise to a new brand of humanity known as the Abh. Both genetically and culturally different from their Earth-dwelling peers, the Abh soon find themselves engaged in a bloody war that rages across hundreds of planets and set out to restore peace by means of conquest. Enter Jinto, a nobleman and ambassador of the recently acquired Hyde system whose duty is to represent his peoples' interests and rule on the Abh's behalf. In order to be officially coronated to this position, a cold-but-beautiful Abh princess named Lafiel arrives at Hyde to escort him back to the empire's capital. When they are suddenly attacked by an anti-Abh liberation front, however, the festivities are cut short, and the two must flee for their lives against all odds.

The god Mauser delivered unto a world of magic a prophecy: if the Scrapped Princess is allowed to live, she will destroy the entire world. But the knight who was to kill her could not end the life of a newborn child, and so she lived. Fifteen years later, her adopted brother and sister have sworn to protect her, and together they travel from town to town, searching for a life she can't have.

In ancient medieval Japan, the people are oppressed by a brutal emperor and his four children, with no hope for the future… until the prophet Nagi proclaimed that a child born on a day would be their savior. Twins were born that day, a boy, Tatara, raised from birth to be Japan’s savior, and a girl, Sarasa. This is her story: a story of great personal loss, tragic romance, and a resilient unbreakable will.

It is the year 2029, and as many rush to embrace thechanges that cybernetic technology bring to mankind,the seedier side of humanity is even quicker to takeadvantage of it. This series follows Public PeaceSection 9, a government organization that plays behindthe scenes to stop the worst of these criminals. JoinMajor Motoko Kusanagi and her team as they take youthrough an incredibly vivid world filled with plots ofsuch depth and intrigue as is seldom seen.

In the Heian period, political instability within the capital is beginning to manifest amidst widespread famine and disease. In order to stem the growing chaos, the Emperor orders Minamoto no Raikou -- a man known for his archery skills -- to reclaim the magatama, a mysterious jewel said to contain the power to save the world. But when Raikou himself becomes ill, it falls to his younger sister, Hikaru, to disguise herself and take her brother's place. In her quest for the magatama, Hikaru finds herself and her companions drawn deeper into a struggle she cannot comprehend...

Oboro, a naive, love-struck girl, is pledged to Gennosuke, an idealist. Bothare successors to opposing ninja clans with a long history of hatred kept barely in check by a covenant of peace. Just as the two vow to reconcile the clans with their marriage, the shogun orders the feud to resume in order toresolve an internal struggle that threatens to tear the Tokugawa shogunate apart. Even worse, Oboro and Gennosuke themselves are forced to lead their clans in battle. Can the star-crossed lovers resist the brutal circumstances and remain true to their love as the death toll rises?

Humanity is on the brink of extinction due to a mysterious disease that kills without warning. Living amongst the humans are vampires; one of whom is Duo, a so-called traitor to his race. Having revealed a secret that would allow humans to save their lives, Duo inadvertently turned humans against the vampires, and thus was deemed an enemy of his own people. Zieg is a vampire with close ties to Duo and will stop at nothing to defeat him for his transgression, but is he strong enough to take revenge on the one who is closest to him?

D'Eon is a French nobleman bent on serving his Divine Majesty Louis the XIV to the best of his abilities, following in the footsteps of his beloved sister Lia de Beaumont. However, his straight-forward role with the secret police is interrupted by the sudden death of his sister while on a diplomatic mission in foreign lands. In his desire to find the truth of her murder, he comes before the King and becomes closely entwined in the mysterious organization known as Le Secret du Roi. He quickly finds himself embroiled in a realm of spiritual energy where death is a gate to greater powers and the Psalm of the King brings destruction in its wake. D'Eon must ask himself what is the price of truth and who will pay it, as the French Revolution looms inevitably nearer.

The responsible orphan Sophie led a relatively normal life, safe within the walls of the hat shop in which she works; for outside, it is rumored, the evil wizard Howl roams the land in his mobile black castle. After a chance and mystical encounter, poor Sophie finds herself transformed by a spell which makes her appear to be an old woman, and thus embarks on an adventure to find Howl’s castle and put an end to her curse. A mystical world of talking flames, sentient scarecrows and magic aplenty awaits those who seek the legendary Howl...

It is the era of Bakumatsu – the last years of the shogunate. In the general turmoil caused by warring groups with different political interests, a curious theatrical group known as the Yuyama Troupe is set out for revenge. They come across a mysterious young swordsman, Akizuki Youjirou, who seems to be burdened with a dark past. Thrown around by currents of history, powerful people from different factions and personal relations, Akizuki tries to fulfill his mission to destroy an ancient, cursed relic, the Lord’s Head, which has caused chaos and bloodshed for thousands of years.

Six years ago, a catastrophic event ravaged Tokyo. Amaha Masune was found at ground zero, physically unscathed, but without memories and with a child in her arms. Returning to Tokyo for the first time since the disaster, the slightly clumsy but cheerful Masune just wants make a new life and to raise her daughter without interference from the Child Welfare Agency. But unsolved murders are being committed all over Tokyo and a near-miss reveals her identity as the bearer of the Witchblade, a mysterious weapon linked to the disaster 6 years before, that seems to have a mind of its own. Giving in to the Witchblade seems dangerous, but when the powerful Dohji Corporation agrees to guarantee her a life together with her daughter if she works for them, can Masune pass up the chance?

Alternate titles: Shinreigari Ghost Hound

Tarou has dreams - distressing dreams, related to the trauma he suffered as a child. His dreams and visions disturb his ease of mind, constantly reminding him of the darkness of his fear at the time he lost his sister all those years ago. He relives the fear, but can't recall any of the details of the time. Now, a new transfer student, Masayuki, takes an interest in Tarou's troubled past, as well as their school mate Makoto's connection to the dark incident. Under his persistence, the three boys end up visiting the site where Tarou was held hostage as a child: a decrepit hospital beyond the dam. The three venture forward to face their pasts and fears, unsuspecting of the bizarre world they are about to enter...

When Tokidoki Rikugou donned a pair of virtual reality glasses and entered a Bakumatsu-era exhibit at a museum, he had no idea that his life would drastically change. While walking across a bridge in the fabricated reality, Tokidoki ran across a small being and a monster called a nue - and he was promptly attacked. His eye was damaged, but more importantly, Tokidoki discovered that he was now stuck inside the "virtual reality" filled with samurai and spirits. Now, with the help of Kuchiha, a warrior woman possessed by a dog spirit; and Shinonome, a fellow student who has been stuck, just like Tokidoki, for the past two years, Tokidoki must search for the truth behind the nue and try to find a way home.