Kaitouranma THE ANIMATION [Episode 1]

Alright, let’s dive into Kaitouranma THE ANIMATION Episode 1—a 1999 OVA that’s equal parts old-school charm and slow-burn setup. First off, the basics: this two-episode OVA (each 30 minutes) dropped on November 26, 1999, and was released by Starchild. It’s set in the late Edo period, where the Tokugawa shogunate is on shaky ground, and our protagonist, Shinjuro Tateoka, is the young, unassuming leader of a swordsmanship dojo.

The first episode feels like a gentle introduction. We meet Shinjuro, who’s clearly out of his depth as a dojo master—his dad’s off on some secret mission, so he’s stuck holding the fort. The plot hints at big trouble: a rogue samurai named Mikage is gunning for the Tokugawa government, and Shinjuro’s dojo is caught in the crossfire. But honestly? Not much actually happens in this episode. It’s more about setting the stage than throwing us into action.

Fans on MyAnimeList have mixed vibes. One user called it “fun though not much happened,” which sums it up. The main girl (we don’t get her name yet, but she’s got that classic 90s anime cuteness) is a highlight—she’s sweet, a little shy, and adds a soft touch to the otherwise serious samurai stuff. There’s also a running joke about expecting more “sexiness” because AIC (a studio known for racier titles back then) was involved, but this episode plays it pretty tame. No fan service here—just a lot of Shinjuro looking confused and the girl smiling awkwardly.

Visually, it’s pure late-90s nostalgia. The art style is clean, with muted Edo-era colors and fluid (if not groundbreaking) animation. The dojo scenes feel cozy, like you’re hanging out in a real Japanese training hall, and the few action snippets (a quick sword practice here, a tense standoff there) are well-choreographed, even if they’re short.

The pacing is definitely slow. If you’re used to modern anime that hits you with plot twists every five minutes, this might feel like a crawl. But that’s part of its charm—it’s taking time to let us get to know Shinjuro and his world. He’s not a badass yet; he’s just a kid trying not to mess up his dad’s legacy. The tension builds quietly: you can feel Mikage’s threat looming, even if we only see him in a quick, menacing shot.

Who’s this for? If you love old-school OVAs—think Rurouni Kenshin but with less action and more slice-of-life—you’ll dig it. It’s not for everyone, though. If you need nonstop excitement, skip ahead to Episode 2 (or maybe watch something else). But if you’re into character-driven setups and 90s anime aesthetics, this is a hidden gem.

In short, Episode 1 is a warm-up. It’s cute, it’s calm, and it leaves you curious about what’s next. The main girl is adorable, Shinjuro is relatable (who hasn’t felt over their head?), and the Edo-period setting is rich. Just don’t go in expecting fireworks—this is a show that takes its time, and that’s okay.

Final thought: If you’re a fan of classic samurai stories or just want to vibe with some 90s anime, give it a shot. It’s not perfect, but it’s got heart—and sometimes, that’s all you need.

P.S. The second episode is where the action picks up, so stick around if you’re hooked! 🗡️✨