
The science-fiction genre is known for its extravagant world-building. From Vulcan in Star Trek to the Shire in Lord of the Rings, the science-fiction genre is rich with creativity and imagination. But there’s one science-fiction sub-genre that doesn’t get nearly as much credit; that’s Japanese sci-fi anime. For decades, Japan has enriched its history with anime, an art form composed of hand-drawn and predominantly computer-generated animation. Japan’s first anime was released in 1917, and the art form has since developed to cater to several genres, including science fiction.
Top 4 Japanese Sci-Fi Anime Shows
Trigun
If you’re new to science-fiction anime, you should start with Trigun. It’s one of Japan’s oldest shows in this genre, and mixes elements of steampunk with science-fiction. The show follows Vash the Stampede, a fugitive on the run from bounty hunters. The anime series is illustrated and written by Yasuhiro Nightow, and English networks such as G4techTV and Adult Swim both air the show.
Steins;Gate
The science-fiction genre has many common themes, including contact with aliens, the end of humanity, and artificial intelligence takeovers. Time travel is another popular topic, and it is one that Steins;Gate embraces wholeheartedly. Steins;Gate is a Japanese anime TV show created by White Fox. it follows Rintaro Okabe, a mad scientist who creates a time machine from a microwave. As off-beat as it sounds, the story works, and you never know what to expect as you watch the chain of events that follow.
Cowboy Bebop
Like Trigun, Cowboy Bebop is one of the oldest and most famous science-fiction animes, and it follows a group of bounty hunters. If you are starting to explore this genre, you have to watch this series that blends the sci-fi genre with Western themes. One interesting thing about this show is that each episode tells stories from different characters’ perspectives.
Code Geass
If you like Death Note, you will like Code Geass. The two anime shows are similar, but Code Geass incorporates sci-fi elements. Many anime fans consider Code Geass a classic because of its impressive character development and social commentary.
Good News: Anime Shows Are Expanding
The good thing about Japanese anime is that you can find it in various entertainment industries, including iGaming. That means there are active ways to get into Japanese anime rather than passively watching it on television or Netflix. For example, Moon Princess is an anime-themed slot game offered by Casino Friday and Casino Days. The game provides creative visuals, and you can read more info here about what these casinos have to offer in terms of games and bonuses. There are also anime-themed board games, such as the Dragon Ball Super Card Game, and anime-focused eSports is a growing sector of the popular eSports industry.
Japan is famous for its anime, but many focus on dramas, tragedies, action, and romantic shows. What deserves more recognition is the Japanese science-fiction anime genre. This genre blends and takes inspiration from other genres, like Westerns, to create enticing storylines and loveable characters. The popularity of anime has expanded into other entertainment industries, such as iGaming, which means there’s an opportunity for everyone to get into Japanese anime if they want to.
Somebody made an AMV where Spike and the Bebop crew try to collect Vash’s bounty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9e_WIoJJnI&t=161s