Bamboo Blade (2007)
A charming anime comedy about kendo, unlikely friendships, and one very desperate coach trying to build a champion girls' team.
Bamboo Blade - Series Information
- Original Title: バンブーブレード
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese
- First Air Date: October 2, 2007 (United States - TV-PG), October 2, 2007 (Canada - 14+), October 2, 2007 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: TV Tokyo
- Alternative Titles: BAMBOO BLADE (US), Banbû brêdo (JP)
- Production Companies: AIC A.S.T.A.
- Production Countries: Japan
Bamboo Blade - Plot
Tamaki's reflexes catch the eye of Toraji, an awful Kendo instructor. His only hope for redemption: sign Tamaki as his star pupil. If Toraji can make her feel like part of the team, he might turn his girls into a fearsome sisterhood of the bamboo blade!
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Bamboo Blade - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Ryo Hirohashi
- Katsuyuki Konishi
- Megumi Toyoguchi
- Houko Kuwashima
- Sachiko Kojima
- Rina Sato
- Daisuke Sakaguchi
- Akira Ishida
- Mai Nakahara
- Maaya Sakamoto
Writers
- Hideyuki Kurata
Bamboo Blade - FAQs
Is Bamboo Blade based on a manga?
Bamboo Blade is adapted from a manga series written by Masahiro Totsuka and illustrated by Aguri Igarashi. The manga was serialized in Square Enix's Young Gangan magazine starting in 2004, and the anime adaptation by AIC A.S.T.A. aired in 2007, faithfully capturing the manga's blend of sports action and comedy.
What is Bamboo Blade about?
Bamboo Blade follows Toraji, a down-on-his-luck kendo coach who spots extraordinary natural talent in a quiet high school girl named Tamaki. Desperate to rebuild his struggling team, he recruits Tamaki and a colorful group of teammates, forging them into a surprisingly fierce kendo squad through equal parts chaos and heart.
Where can you stream Bamboo Blade?
Bamboo Blade is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own the series, episodes are also available to purchase on Amazon Video. Availability may vary by region, so check your local options for the most current information.
Who voices Tamaki in Bamboo Blade?
Tamaki Kawazoe, the quietly intense kendo prodigy at the heart of the series, is voiced by Ryo Hirohashi. Her understated delivery perfectly captures Tamaki's deadpan personality and surprising emotional depth, making the character one of the most memorable leads in sports anime from that era.
How many episodes does Bamboo Blade have?
Bamboo Blade ran for 26 episodes across a single season, airing on TV Tokyo from October 2007 through March 2008. There are also 2 bonus special episodes available, bringing the total content to 28 episodes for fans who want the complete experience.
Is Bamboo Blade worth watching for non-kendo fans?
Absolutely. While kendo is central to the story, Bamboo Blade succeeds as a character-driven comedy and coming-of-age tale. The quirky ensemble cast, warm humor, and genuine emotional moments make it an easy watch even for viewers with no prior interest in martial arts or sports anime.
What are shows similar to Bamboo Blade?
Fans of Bamboo Blade tend to enjoy other sports and slice-of-life anime such as HANEBADO!, Teasing Master Takagi-san, School Rumble, and When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Each shares a similar blend of lighthearted comedy, high school settings, and genuine warmth that makes Bamboo Blade so endearing.
Who composed the music for Bamboo Blade?
The score for Bamboo Blade was composed by Kiyohiko Senba, whose music complements the series' energetic kendo sequences and quieter character moments alike. The soundtrack blends upbeat, playful themes with more contemplative pieces, reinforcing the show's balance between sports excitement and everyday high school life.
More About Bamboo Blade
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