Why Inuyasha Season 1 Still Slaps (Even 20+ Years Later)

Let’s cut to the chase: If you think old anime can’t hold up for Gen Z, you haven’t watched Inuyasha Season 1. This 167-episode run (2000-2004, by Sunrise—yes, the Gundam people) is a chaotic mix of feudal Japan fantasy, slow-burn romance, and demon-slaying action that still feels fresh AF. Whether you’re into modern shonen like Demon Slayer or just love a good friend group adventure, here’s why this classic deserves a spot on your watchlist—straight from the fans and my own binging session.

First, the setup: Kagome Higurashi, a 15-year-old Tokyo girl, falls down her family’s shrine well and lands in medieval Japan. There, she meets Inuyasha—a grumpy half-demon with dog ears and a chip on his shoulder—who’s been pinned to a tree for 50 years by a priestess named Kikyo. Turns out Kagome is Kikyo’s reincarnation, and she’s got the Shikon Jewel (a powerful relic) inside her. When the jewel breaks into shards, they team up to hunt them down before demons use the shards to take over the world. Simple enough, right? But the real magic is in the characters and their messy, relatable dynamics.

Let’s talk about Miroku—oh, Miroku. Mid-season (around episode 16), this lecherous monk waltzes in with a wind tunnel in his hand (a curse from Naraku) and a pink bicycle (yes, you read that right). Fans on MyAnimeList lost it over that bike scene: one user called it “hilarious XD” and another said it was “the best slice of chaos.” His wind tunnel power is no joke—able to suck in even strong demons—but his habit of hitting on every girl (including Kagome) split the fanbase. Some loved his charm (“a likeable pervert,” as one fan put it), while others side-eyed his groping scene with Kagome: “I hated him at first for that,” said a viewer, “but he grows on you once you see his good side.” And don’t get me started on Inuyasha’s jealousy—when Miroku flirts with Kagome, our half-demon buddy gets all huffy, and fans ate that up: “Cute to see Inuyasha get jealous,” one comment read, “he definitely sees Miroku as a threat.”

Then there’s the big plot twist: Naraku, the shape-shifting demon who tricked Inuyasha and Kikyo into turning against each other. Fans were shocked when this mastermind was revealed early on—“Thought we’d wait longer to find out who messed with Inuyasha and Kikyo,” said one user. Naraku’s entrance adds a dark layer to the story, moving it beyond just “monster of the week” to a revenge quest that keeps you hooked. You start to wonder: Will Inuyasha ever get closure? Can Kagome and Inuyasha stop fighting long enough to take Naraku down?

What makes Season 1 stand out for Gen Z is how relatable the characters are, even in a fantasy world. Kagome isn’t a damsel—she’s a modern girl who uses her phone (yes, in feudal Japan!) to navigate and stands up for herself when demons (or Miroku) cross the line. Inuyasha is the ultimate tsundere: he acts tough but cries when Kagome is hurt, and he’d do anything to protect her (even if he won’t admit it). The friend group that forms (later adding Sango and Shippo) feels like your own squad—chaotic, supportive, and always getting into trouble.

Fans have a lot to say about the show’s humor too. The “cat and dog play” between Inuyasha and Kagome (as one fan called their bickering) is pure gold—like when Kagome yells “Sit!” and Inuyasha face-plants into the dirt. Or Miroku’s pink bicycle ride—“Where did he learn to ride that?” a fan joked, and honestly, no one knows, but it’s hilarious anyway.

Of course, not everything is perfect. Some fans didn’t love Miroku’s pervy moments (fair), and others thought the monster-of-the-week episodes dragged a bit. But those small flaws don’t overshadow the good parts. The slow-burn romance between Inuyasha and Kagome is worth the wait—every small moment (like Inuyasha giving Kagome a flower or Kagome patching up his wounds) feels earned, unlike the instant love stories you see in some modern anime.

At the end of the day, Inuyasha Season 1 is a classic because it’s got heart. It’s about finding your place in the world, dealing with past mistakes, and the power of friendship. Even 20 years later, fans are still talking about it—“This show is surprisingly good… and funny,” one user said, and they’re right. Whether you’re binging it for the first time or rewatching it for nostalgia, this season will keep you glued to your screen.

So grab your popcorn, turn off your notifications (except maybe to text your friend about how cool Inuyasha’s sword is), and dive into the world of Inuyasha Season 1. Trust me—you won’t regret it. It’s the kind of show that stays with you long after the final episode ends, and that’s the mark of a true classic.

P.S. If you end up loving Miroku’s bicycle scene as much as I did, you’re not alone. It’s a mood. 😉
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