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.
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Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (based on the 1990s) (11–20)
Hell Teacher Nūbē
The anime Hell Teacher Nūbē is a horror-comedy set in an elementary school that aired in 1996.
The protagonist, Meisuke Nueno, is a clumsy, easygoing teacher on the surface, but in reality he’s the most powerful psychic, endowed with the power of an oni.
He exorcises the yokai and evil spirits that attack his students using the “Oni Hand” in his left arm.
It’s compelling to see the distinctive characters deepen their bonds through the troubles caused by these yokai and spirits.
The depictions that convey the terror of the supernatural, combined with moments of humor and tears, create a dynamic rhythm in the story that captivated viewers’ hearts.
Pocket Monsters
It feels like the Pokémon franchise, which began as a Nintendo game, became a social phenomenon in large part thanks to the anime that started airing in 1997.
The story of the protagonist, Satoshi (Ash), journeying with his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master sparked a spirit of adventure in many children.
The encounters with unique Pokémon, the heated battles, and the bonds with friends are the kind of elements that stir the heart no matter the era.
With each new game release, the anime weaves in fresh elements, and at times looks back on the past—storytelling made possible by its long-running history, which is a big part of its appeal.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
The 1998 anime often considered the origin of the series, Yu-Gi-Oh!, is a work whose appeal lies in its horror-tinged atmosphere from the early manga and its thrilling developments.
After the protagonist, Yugi Mutou, solves the ancient Egyptian Millennium Puzzle, a second persona emerges, who judges evil through Shadow Games and resolves incidents.
Not only Yugi’s friends but also the villains are strikingly unique, and their relationships further heighten the drama.
The in-story card game, Magic and Wizards, became the basis for Duel Monsters, which then expanded and led to everything that followed—making this a work that can truly be called the beginning of a legend.
ONE PIECE
Speaking of One Piece, it’s famous as a masterpiece that Japan’s comic culture can proudly present to the world.
It’s such a hugely popular series that there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of it.
I feel nostalgic for those days when, as soon as the anime aired, I would sit glued to the TV and practically forget to breathe until the words “TO BE CONTINUED” appeared on the screen.
And of course, the first opening theme, “We Are!,” is an indispensable song for that grand adventure.
I bet many people can still sing it even without looking at the lyrics.
Hell Teacher Nūbē
Hell Teacher Nūbē is a yokai battle anime that began airing in 1996.
It follows a one-episode, self-contained format where Meisuke Nueno, a teacher with the “Oni Hand” capable of defeating yokai, protects his students.
The show balances its somewhat intense scenes with comedic elements.
Another appeal is that some episodes are real tearjerkers.
Incidentally, a spin-off manga has been running since 2007.
You could watch the anime to refresh the story and then enjoy the spin-off afterward.
Magical Taluluto (Magical Taruruuto-kun)
An anime based on a manga by Tatsuya Egawa, it was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and began airing in 1990.
It’s a gag-style work depicting the slapstick daily life of Honmaru Edojou and the wizard Taruruto.
The cute appearance of Taruruto and the various magical items with different effects drew attention.
Due to Honmaru Edojou’s personality and other factors, the show also incorporated a lot of risqué humor and featured many black jokes, which is why it’s often spoken of as a legendary anime that can’t be rebroadcast.
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic Anime Memories (1990s-based) (21–30)
Ojarumaru
As an anime featuring cute characters, I also recommend Ojarumaru.
The story follows Ojarumaru, the son of a noble who comes from the fairy world, and his friendship with a young boy.
It currently airs on NHK five times a week.
By the way, two of those are reruns, so it’s easy for new viewers to follow the story.
However, since the show has been airing since 1998, it might be hard to catch the specific episodes you want.
In that case, try using the subscription service Hulu.