Aoi Bungaku Series (2009)
A visually arresting anime anthology adapting six masterworks of classical Japanese literature for a modern audience.
Aoi Bungaku Series - Series Information
- Original Title: 青い文学シリーズ
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Mystery
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 10, 2009 (Australia - MA 15+)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: Blue Literature Series (CH), Youth Litterature (FR), Blue Literature Series (US), 青色文學系列 (CN), Aoi Bungaku Series (JP), Aoi Bungaku – Literatura em Azul (PT)
- Production Companies: Studio Amo, Threelight Holdings, Aoi Bungaku Series Committee, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, Happinet Pictures, McRAY, movic, MTI Co., Ltd., Visionare, Nippon Animation, Madhouse
- Production Countries: Japan
Aoi Bungaku Series - Plot
An animated adaptation of six classical Japanese literature pieces, including No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) and Run, Melos (Hashire, Melos) by Osamu Dazai, Kokoro by Natsume Souseki, Hell Screen (Jigoku Hen) and The Spider's Thread (Kumo no Ito) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa and In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita) by Ango Sakaguchi.
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Aoi Bungaku Series - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Masato Sakai
- Atsuko Tanaka
- Wataru Takagi
- Mamiko Noto
- Romi Park
- Miho Miyagawa
- Aya Hisakawa
- Ai Horanai
- Tomoko Kotani
- Yasushi Miyabayashi
Writers
- Ken Iizuka
- Atsuko Ishizuka
- Yuji Kobayashi
- Satoshi Suzuki
Aoi Bungaku Series - FAQs
What classic works does Aoi Bungaku Series adapt?
The series brings six revered works of Japanese literature to life: No Longer Human and Run, Melos by Osamu Dazai, Kokoro by Natsume Souseki, Hell Screen and The Spider's Thread by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, and In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom by Ango Sakaguchi.
Is Aoi Bungaku Series worth watching for anime fans?
Absolutely. Produced by Madhouse with visually striking direction from multiple acclaimed anime directors, Aoi Bungaku Series is praised for its artistic ambition and emotional depth. It's a rare anime that treats literary source material with genuine reverence, making it essential viewing for fans of mature, story-driven animation.
Is Aoi Bungaku Series based on true stories or real literature?
The series adapts real, canonical works of Japanese literature. Authors like Osamu Dazai and Ryunosuke Akutagawa are among Japan's most celebrated writers. No Longer Human, for instance, is widely considered semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily from Dazai's own turbulent life experiences.
Who are the main voice actors in Aoi Bungaku Series?
The series features a distinguished Japanese voice cast. Masato Sakai leads as Ōba Yōzō, joined by Atsuko Tanaka as Madam, Mamiko Noto as Yoshiko, Romi Park as Tsuneko, Aya Hisakawa as Shizuko, and Wataru Takagi as Horiki, among other talented performers.
Where can you watch Aoi Bungaku Series online?
Streaming availability for Aoi Bungaku Series varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, including any streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
How is Aoi Bungaku Series structured across its episodes?
The series runs for 12 episodes across a single season, with each literary adaptation receiving a dedicated multi-episode arc. No Longer Human takes the largest share with four episodes, while shorter works like The Spider's Thread are covered in a single episode, allowing each story its appropriate breathing room.
Which animation studios produced Aoi Bungaku Series?
Madhouse and Nippon Animation served as the primary animation studios behind the series, with production support from a consortium including Studio Amo and Aoi Bungaku Series Committee. Madhouse's reputation for high-quality dramatic animation is very much on display throughout the anthology.
What are similar anime series to Aoi Bungaku Series?
Fans of Aoi Bungaku Series often enjoy other psychologically rich or emotionally layered anime such as Wonder Egg Priority, True Tears, Ef: A Tale of Memories, and The Tatami Time Machine Blues. Spice and Wolf also shares a thoughtful, literary sensibility that admirers of the series tend to appreciate.
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