Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (based on the 1990s)
Anime, a cultural treasure Japan has long been proud of and beloved for many years.
It’s not unusual for massive hits to emerge every year, and sometimes we see booms that come to symbolize an era.
Perhaps some of you even started something new because you were inspired by anime.
In this article, we’re highlighting classic anime that people in their 30s will likely find nostalgic!
Our focus spans the 1990s, with picks from the late ’80s through the mid-2000s.
Some of these titles are available on YouTube, so take your time and enjoy watching them.
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (1990s-based) (1–10)
SLAM DUNK
The SLAM DUNK series made waves again when the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK was released in 2022.
Originally a manga by Takehiko Inoue serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, the anime adaptation began airing on TV in 1993.
Of course the story is great, but the theme songs are all absolute classics too—like “I Want to Shout ‘I Love You,’” “Only You I’m Watching,” and “Until the World Ends.
.
.”! Rewatching it might just make you want to add that left hand again.
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story is a work that portrays how a swordsman said to be the strongest at the end of the Edo period lived on in the Meiji era.
It depicts the protagonist, Kenshin Himura—once feared as the manslayer Battōsai—taking a vow never to kill and helping those in need.
The story is compelling, from Kenshin’s past and inner turmoil to his interactions with a cast of fascinating allies and his ferocious battles with arch-enemies.
The intense action set in a world like a period drama stirred the hearts of viewers.
It is a long‑loved series that helped support Shonen Jump’s golden age.
Detective Conan
Detective Conan is a mystery anime about Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective who is forced into a child’s body by a mysterious organization and solves numerous difficult cases as elementary schooler Conan Edogawa.
Since its debut in 1996, it has been loved by audiences of all ages as a nationally beloved series.
In addition to its authentic mystery elements with intricate tricks, its distinctive characters are a major draw, and the story’s shifts from comedic to serious keep viewers engrossed.
Not only the TV anime but also the feature films attract attention, giving the impression of a franchise whose momentum shows no sign of slowing.
Chibi Maruko-chan
Based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, this work has continued to be loved by people of all ages since it began airing in 1990, to the point that it can be called a national anime.
Through the perspective of the protagonist, Maruko, nostalgic Showa-era scenery and the small happenings common in childhood are depicted with humor.
A key point is that the main character reflects the author, Momoko Sakura, and together with her distinctive friends, the everyday lives of children at the time are conveyed with a comedic yet realistic touch.
It’s a series that reminds us of the important things in daily life—family bonds, friendships, and the small joys of everyday moments.
Inuyasha
Inuyasha is known as a landmark in yokai-themed anime.
It’s a long-running series based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, and many theatrical films were produced as well—so plenty of people likely remember going to see them.
The story follows Kagome, a high school girl who time-slips to the Sengoku period and deepens her connections with the people and yokai she meets there.
One of the series’ charms is its cast of distinctive characters.
Incidentally, the story is split into two parts, with the conclusion airing under the title Inuyasha: The Final Act.
Ojamajo Doremi
Ojamajo Doremi is an anime series that began airing in 1991.
The story follows Doremi Harukaze, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch, as she faces various challenges as a witch apprentice.
It was a pioneering work in the magical girl genre, and the contrast between the traditionally scary image of witches and the cute character designs became a hot topic.
I should also add that the opening theme, Ojamajo Carnival!!, has become a karaoke staple.
Cardcaptor Sakura
The definitive magical-girl anime from NHK! Based on the manga by CLAMP, the anime Cardcaptor Sakura began airing in 1998.
It tells the story of Sakura, who unexpectedly becomes a Cardcaptor and strives to collect all the magical cards.
It had battles, coming-of-age moments, romance—packed with all kinds of charm.
While it’s a girls’ anime, there were actually quite a few male fans who watched it in real time back then.