The Ambition of Oda Nobuna: Azuchi Nikki (Light Novel) - Recommendations

• TV (12 eps)
• 2022

The Muromachi Shogunate is weakening due to an extended war and the country has entered the tumultuous time known as the Warring States Period where blood is washed away by more blood. In the depths of the deep forests in the unexplored Kinokuni area, the Saika Ikki mercenaries are armed with guns and waving the Yatagarasu flag. Their leader is a foreigner named Magoichi. Meanwhile, a man named Saburou struggles to protect Hinomoto from European invasion. The fate of thes two will lead them both to cross swords with invaders.

• TV (12 eps)
• 2005

In the turmoil of the Sengoku Period, the armies led by Ieyasu Tokugawa are advancing across Japan in a show of unrivalled military might. Only the Sanada family dares to stand up against them, a move which is both brave and fraught with untold peril. Amidst the cold conspiracies and fiery battles, an exceptional ninja called Sarutobi Sasuke must employ his powers to weaken the invaders and, most importantly, protect the Sanada family he loves. However, as the drums of war toll throughout the land, everyone, including Sarutobi, must prepare themselves for a war which will not just change their lives, but determine the fate of all Japan.

• TV Special (1 ep)
• 2005

When a meteor plummets to Earth one day in medieval Japan, a lone villager stumbles upon the site of impact and discovers at the center of the crater a baby boy. Brought up to serve the powerful Sanada family, the boy, now named Sarutobi Sasuke, becomes a ninja of great and mystical ability. However, as dark forces gather on the horizon in the form of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Sanada family finds itself irreparably split between those who would join the invaders and those who would maintain the old order. Eventually, only Genjiro Sanada and his father remain to defend their home, Ueda castle. In these turbulent times, will Sarutobi’s unique strengths be enough to safeguard Japan from the ferocious ambitions of the Tokugawa?

• Movie (1 ep)
• 2018

• DVD Special (1 ep)

• Web (26 eps)
• 2006 - 2007

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.

• Movie (1 ep)
• 2018

Though the Shinsengumi took a huge blow following the Incident at Aburano Koji, they prepare themselves to carry out their devotion to the Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu. Meanwhile, the Imperial Court proclaims the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, and Yoshinobu withdraws to Osaka. The Shinsengumi prepares for battle as well, relocating their station to the Fushimi magistrate's office.

• OVA (2 eps)
• 1989

• TV (52 eps)
• 1972 - 1973

• TV Special (1 ep)
• 2014

The story of the special revolves around the Sanada brothers in their youth. Nobuyuki and Yukimura swear to each other to protect the influential Sanada clan. However, thinking of how to best continue the Sanada clan, Yukimura makes a decision, and meets with Mitsunari Ishida and Naoe Kanetsugu at the location he arrived at. On the other hand, his elder brother Nobuyuki must worry about the selfish demands made by the Tokugawa clan.