Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about
Japan’s great culture: anime.
Over the years, many masterpieces have emerged, but the Heisei era was a golden age for anime, with numerous works still talked about today.
This time, we’ve picked out anime from that very Heisei era.
What’s more, we’ve focused on titles that people born in the Heisei era will find nostalgic.
As a result, you’ll see a steady stream of classics from the early to mid-Heisei period!
From mainstream Jump series to Kyoto Animation works, and even bishoujo-style titles, we’ve selected from all kinds of genres—sure to bring back memories of those days.
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- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
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Classic Anime That Millennials Find Nostalgic (21–30)
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena, which aired in 1997, is a work that depicts the struggles of a girl named Utena Tenjou, who admires princes and wishes to become one herself.
Beyond its experimental direction and avant-garde visual expression, it drew attention for exploring universal and profound themes such as adolescent turmoil, sexuality, and questioning established values.
Perhaps the greatest appeal of the series lies in the human drama woven by its distinctive characters, including the protagonist Utena and Anthy.
Even those who found it hard to understand at the time may discover new insights when they revisit it as adults.
Digimon Adventure
The anime Digimon Adventure, which aired in 1999, is a story about children who get lost in another world and embark on an adventure.
Their encounters with Digimon in the Digital World, and the way each of them grows and deepens their bonds throughout their journey, resonated with viewers.
The unique personalities and action of the Digimon are part of the appeal, and the emotion and intensity come through especially strongly in the evolution scenes.
The children each struggle with their own issues, and many viewers likely related to watching them move forward while grappling with their worries.
D·N·A² ~That Someone’s Something I Lost Somewhere~
The anime “D·N·A²: Dokoka de Nakushita Aitsu no Aitsu” is based on Masakazu Katsura’s manga and aired in 1994.
It has a strong sci-fi storyline in which Karin Aoi, a DNA operator, travels from the future to modify the DNA of the protagonist, Junta Momonari.
Despite its sci-fi elements, it also unfolds as a romantic comedy, and that contrast drew attention.
It’s also remembered for detailed tidbits, such as having theme songs performed by L’Arc~en~Ciel and Sharan Q just before their big break.
Fushigi Yûgi
The anime Fushigi Yûgi tells the story of Miaka Yūki, the protagonist who is drawn into a book set in ancient China called The Universe of the Four Gods, where she carves out her destiny as the Priestess of Suzaku.
Its unique world, reminiscent of ancient China, and the plot that sweeps her up in the duties of a priestess are especially compelling.
The interactions with a cast of distinctive characters are another highlight, and viewers are drawn in by the romances that unfold.
While featuring themes like the Four Symbols and the Twenty-Eight Mansions of ancient China, it also incorporates elements of the Five Phases theory and Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, so many people may have learned these terms through the series.
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.
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.