On This Day in Anime
Premieres, finales and forgotten gems tied to today — plus what fans are watching right now.
Premiered on this day
Season rewind
Samurai 7 Premieres 22 Years Ago, Blending Mecha and Edo Japan
- 22
- years ago
- 2004
- aired
- ★7.4
- Score
On this day in 2004, Samurai 7 began its broadcast, offering a unique blend of historical samurai drama and giant robot action. Set in a future where farmers are oppressed by bandits and their mechanical enforcers, the story follows a group of wandering samurai hired to protect a village. It’s a high-concept premise that dares to ask if the spirit of the warrior can survive even when transplanted into a world of advanced technology and giant mechs.
What makes Samurai 7 worth revisiting is its compelling fusion of classic samurai tropes with science fiction elements. The show grapples with themes of honor, sacrifice, and the human cost of war, all while delivering thrilling mecha battles. It’s a series that proved mecha anime could explore historical settings with depth and style.
Bleach: 13 Court Guard Squads Omake
Twenty-one years ago, fans got a special treat with the release of Bleach: 13 Court Guard Squads Omake. This standalone short offered a lighter, comedic look at the world of Soul Society.