Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
A wandering spearwoman takes on the most dangerous assignment of her life: protecting a prince from the emperor who wants him dead.
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit - Series Information
- Original Title: 精霊の守り人
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Created by: Nahoko Uehashi
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 7, 2007 (United States - TV-PG), April 7, 2007 (Australia - PG), April 7, 2007 (Brazil - 10)
- Networks: NHK BS2
- Alternative Titles: Seirei no Moribito (JP), Guardian of the Sacred Spirit (US)
- Production Companies: Production I.G, dentsu, Geneon Entertainment, NHK Enterprises
- Production Countries: Japan
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit - Plot
Balsa the spearwoman is a wandering warrior, who takes on the task of saving lives, in atonement for a past sin. On her journey, she happens to save a prince, and is tasked with becoming his bodyguard. And he is going to need one, for his own father, the emperor, wants him dead. Throughout the story, Balsa's past will come to light and they will uncover mysteries about Chagum's condition while developing a family-like relationship with each other and others.
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit - Trailer
See the world of Balsa and Prince Chagum come to life in the official trailer:
Where to Watch Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Looking for where to watch Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Nahoko Uehashi
Main Cast
- Mabuki Ando
- Naoto Adachi
- Koji Tsujitani
- Ako Mayama
- Mayumi Asano
- Yoshinari Kobayashi
- Takkô Ishimori
- Hirofumi Nojima
- Hiroshi Naka
- Atsushi Ono
Writers
- Kenji Kamiyama
- Shoutarou Suga
- Shunpei Okada
- Taiki Sakurai
- Ryo Higaki
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit - FAQs
Is Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit based on a book?
The series is adapted from Nahoko Uehashi's acclaimed fantasy novel of the same name, the first in her Moribito book series. Uehashi's original story won the Sankei Children's Publishing Culture Award in Japan, and the anime adaptation faithfully brings her richly imagined world to life.
Who voices Balsa in Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit?
Balsa is voiced by Mabuki Ando in the original Japanese version. Her performance captures the warrior's quiet strength and emotional depth beautifully. The supporting cast includes Naoto Adachi as Prince Chagum, Koji Tsujitani as the healer Tanda, and Ako Mayama as the shamanist Torogai.
Where can you stream Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit?
The series is available to stream on HiDive and through the Hidive Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, individual episodes and seasons can be purchased on Amazon Video. HiDive is generally the most accessible option for anime fans looking to watch the full 26-episode run.
Is Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. Praised for its stunning Production I.G animation, nuanced storytelling, and one of anime's most compelling female protagonists, Moribito stands apart from typical action series. Its blend of political intrigue, folklore, and genuine emotional warmth makes it a standout title that holds up remarkably well today.
Why does the emperor want Prince Chagum dead?
The emperor believes Chagum has been possessed by a water spirit — an omen he fears will bring catastrophe to the kingdom. Rather than risk the realm, he orders his own son's death. The series gradually reveals that the truth behind Chagum's condition is far more complex and wondrous than the emperor suspects.
How many episodes does Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit have?
The series runs for 26 episodes across a single season, which aired in Japan on NHK BS2 in 2007. The complete season adapts Nahoko Uehashi's first Moribito novel in full, giving the story room to breathe and develop its characters at a thoughtful, unhurried pace.
Who animated Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit?
Production I.G, the acclaimed studio behind Ghost in the Shell and numerous other landmark anime titles, handled the animation. Their work on Moribito is widely celebrated — the fight choreography in particular is breathtaking, with Balsa's spear combat rendered with a fluidity and physicality rarely seen in the medium.
What anime series are similar to Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit?
Fans of Moribito often enjoy The Heroic Legend of Arslan for its epic fantasy politics, and Rage of Bahamut for its rich world-building and action. If the surrogate-parent dynamic resonated with you, Reincarnated as a Sword offers a similarly warm bond between a warrior and a young charge navigating a dangerous world.
More About Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Explore further resources and official databases for this series.