Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about

Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist MOBILE - Teaser Trailer 1

Set in a world where alchemy exists, the story follows the exploits of the alchemist Edward and Alphonse, whose body is a suit of armor.

It features magical-feeling depictions of alchemy that transforms objects before your eyes into different substances, and it draws you in as the truth of the world is gradually revealed.

A key point is that there are two anime adaptations: one aired in 2003 and another in 2009.

The 2009 version follows the original manga, while the 2003 version, produced when the manga’s ending had not yet been determined, develops into an original storyline.

Both have their own distinct charms and each has a devoted fanbase.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Iconic Scene – Shinji Ikari, Eva Unit-01 Awakens | Neon Genesis Evangelion | Netflix Japan

This work depicts the battles between the boys and girls who become pilots of the General-Purpose Humanoid Decisive Battle Weapons known as “Evangelions” and the mysterious enemies called “Angels.” Created and directed by Hideaki Anno, it is said to have sparked the anime boom of the 1990s and has had a tremendous influence on subsequent Japanese animation.

Its portrayal, contrasting a world-saving conflict with the inner turmoil of the protagonist, Shinji Ikari, was considered groundbreaking.

The final episode of the TV series is remembered as legendary.

Its content, which seemed to delve into the protagonist’s mental world, and the sudden congratulatory conclusion that ended the story, was shocking.

Later, the Rebuild of Evangelion film series was produced with new settings and storylines, and the franchise continues to be beloved throughout Japan for many years.

Ojamajo Doremi

[Official] Ojamajo Doremi Episode 1: "I’m Doremi! I’m Going to Be a Witch Apprentice!!"

This work portrays a girl who admires witches, Doremi Harukaze, as she trains as a witch apprentice and grows over time.

From 1999 to 2003, four seasons of the anime were broadcast.

While the protagonists are magical girls and the world of magic and witches is depicted, the story primarily unfolds as a human drama centered on the characters.

Magic is emphasized as a means to move forward, not a tool that solves everything.

Across the series, it strongly conveys the protagonists’ emotional growth, making it a moving and heartfelt work.

Dragon Ball Z

[Official] Dragon Ball Z Episode 1: “Mini Goku Is a Young Master! I'm Gohan.”

This is an anime based on Akira Toriyama’s manga Dragon Ball.

It was broadcast as a sequel to the anime Dragon Ball and depicts the story after the King Piccolo arc from the original manga.

The protagonist, Son Goku, grows from a boy into a young man, and his son, Son Gohan, also appears.

With the introduction of Goku’s brother Raditz and the revelation that Goku is a Saiyan, a warrior race, the story developed far beyond the flow of the previous series.

Unlike the previous work, which focused mainly on adventure, this series centers on battles, including fights against aliens such as the Saiyans.

Powerful enemies appear one after another, and Goku, who attains strength surpassing them, defeats these foes—a portrayal that fired up the hearts of children at the time.

It is a representative Japanese anime beloved not only in Japan but around the world.

Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin (Kyoto Inferno)

This work portrays the path of atonement and way of life in a new era for Himura Kenshin, the swordsman feared in the late Edo period as the “Manslayer Battōsai.” A key point is how it lets you experience the shift from the Edo to the Meiji era—and the lives of the people within it—through Kenshin’s way of living.

It depicts his encounters and battles with friends and formidable foes, featuring distinctive characters and a variety of memorable techniques.

The appearance of real historical figures who were active at the end of the shogunate is also striking, and the way it prompts reflection on life after surviving such a tumultuous era is one of its appeals.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Quote – “The only ones who may shoot are those prepared to be shot.” | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion | Netflix Japan

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a series that gained popularity for its serious story.

While the animation wasn’t exceptional at the beginning, the quality improved with each episode, earning high praise even from creators who are hardcore fans themselves.

And above all, the real charm of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is undoubtedly C.

C.

She’s calm and composed, yet never cold.

I’m sure many men were captivated by the allure of her character.

FAIRY TAIL

Alexander rybak – fairy tale (lyrics) trending song

The manga FAIRY TAIL, serialized from 2006 to 2017, is an extremely popular work—not only the manga but the anime as well.

For those born in the Heisei era, it’s a very familiar and nostalgic series, isn’t it? Interestingly, FAIRY TAIL is actually more popular overseas than in Japan.

Its popularity in France is especially remarkable, with 7.

7 million copies of the manga sold there alone.

With its straightforward characters, exciting storyline, and occasional fanservice scenes, it’s a wonderful work that carries the flavor of classic Showa-era anime.