Katanagatari (2010)
A visually striking Japanese anime series following a swordsman and a strategist on a perilous quest to collect twelve legendary blades.
Katanagatari - Series Information
- Original Title: 刀語
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 25, 2010 (United States - TV-PG), January 25, 2010 (Australia - PG), January 25, 2010 (Brazil - 16)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Katanagatari (JP)
- Production Companies: White Fox, Aniplex, Kodansha, Fuji Television Network, Lantis, movic
- Production Countries: Japan
Katanagatari - Plot
The legendary swordsmith Kiki Shikizaki created 1,000 swords in his career. The more of the swords a country owns, the higher its chances are at winning a war. When the shogun emerged victorious, he collected 988 swords, but these were merely the "practice pieces". The last twelve swords were the crowning achievements of Kiki's career. Each one of them is so powerful that a single man could defeat an army with it. Togame, the shogun's strategist, gets the order to collect these swords. At first she hired a ninja, but each of the swords' value is so high that the entire ninja clan went rogue once they got hold of one. She then put her trust in another warrior, but he kept the sword for himself. Her final hope now is Shichika, the seventh and last student of the Kyotoryuu School.
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Katanagatari - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yukari Tamura
- Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Mai Nakahara
- Chihiro Suzuki
- Mitsuru Miyamoto
- Hikaru Midorikawa
- Haruka Tomatsu
- Ryotaro Okiayu
- Toru Okawa
- Emi Shinohara
Writers
- Makoto Uezu
- Touko Machida
- Haruko Nagatsu
Executive Producers
- Kouichirou Natsume
- Yatsuho Tomikawa
- Naohiro Tafu
- Shunji Inoue
- Yoshio Irie
Katanagatari - FAQs
Is Katanagatari based on a novel or manga?
Katanagatari is adapted from a series of light novels written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Take, published between 2007 and 2008. The twelve-volume series maps directly onto the anime's twelve episodes, with each novel corresponding to one sword-hunting chapter of the story.
What makes Katanagatari's animation style unique?
Produced by White Fox, Katanagatari features a bold, flat art style inspired by traditional Japanese woodblock prints and the original novel's illustrations by Take. Characters are rendered with minimal shading and thick outlines, giving the series a visually distinctive look that sets it apart from most anime of its era.
Where can you stream Katanagatari online?
Streaming availability for Katanagatari varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date information on which platforms currently carry the series in your country, including subscription, rental, and purchase options.
Who are the main voice actors in Katanagatari?
The two leads are voiced by Yukari Tamura as the sharp-tongued strategist Togame and Yoshimasa Hosoya as the stoic swordsman Shichika Yasuri. The supporting cast includes Mai Nakahara, Haruka Tomatsu, Hikaru Midorikawa, and Rikiya Koyama, all delivering memorable performances throughout the series.
Is Katanagatari worth watching for anime fans?
Absolutely. Katanagatari is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding anime of 2010, praised for its witty, dialogue-heavy storytelling, emotionally resonant character arcs, and a finale that genuinely surprises. Fans of Nisio Isin's Monogatari series or character-driven action anime will find it especially compelling.
How long is each episode of Katanagatari?
Each of Katanagatari's twelve episodes runs approximately 50 minutes — roughly double the length of a standard anime episode. This extended runtime allowed the series to adapt one full novel per episode, giving each sword-hunting encounter and its characters substantial room to breathe and develop.
What genre best describes Katanagatari?
Katanagatari blends action, adventure, and drama within a stylized historical Japanese setting. At its core it is a road-trip quest story, but it leans heavily on sharp dialogue, philosophical themes about war and purpose, and a slow-burn romance between its two leads that gives the series genuine emotional weight.
What are some anime similar to Katanagatari?
If Katanagatari's blend of swordplay, wit, and emotional depth appeals to you, consider Chivalry of a Failed Knight for its character-driven combat, Re:Creators for Nisio Isin-style meta-narrative flair, Baki Hanma for intense martial arts action, or Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles for fantasy adventure with strong character focus.
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