Barakamon (2014)
A city calligrapher finds unexpected inspiration — and himself — among the spirited residents of a remote Japanese island.
Barakamon - Series Information
- Original Title: ばらかもん
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 5, 2014 (United States - TV-PG), July 5, 2014 (Canada - 14+), July 5, 2014 (France - 12), July 5, 2014 (Australia - PG), July 5, 2014 (Brazil - L), July 5, 2014 (Mexico - C)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: 바라카몬 (KR), Barakamon (JP), Barakamon (CH)
- Production Companies: Nippon Television Network Corporation, Kinema Citrus, VAP
- Production Countries: Japan
Barakamon - Plot
After punching a famous curator in the face for criticizing his work as "textbook and lifeless," Handa Seishuu is sent to Gotō Island to calm his nerves and find new inspiration for his calligraphy. Growing up in the city all his life, though, Handa must adapt to country life while meeting an assortment of quirky people during his tenure.
Barakamon - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Handa's island adventure:
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Barakamon - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Daisuke Ono
- Suzuko Hara
- Nozomi Furuki
- Rina Endou
- Rumi Okubo
- Koki Uchiyama
- Seiya Kimura
- Junichi Suwabe
- Megumi Han
- Tanuki Sugino
Writers
- Pierre Sugiura
Executive Producers
- Manabu Tamura
- Mutsumi Fukushi
- Koji Taguchi
Barakamon - FAQs
Is Barakamon based on a manga?
Barakamon is adapted from the manga series of the same name by Satsuki Yoshino, serialized in Square Enix's Monthly GFantasy magazine starting in 2009. The anime closely follows the manga's warm, comedic tone and its beloved cast of rural island characters.
Where can you stream Barakamon?
Barakamon is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, the series can be purchased digitally on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
What makes Barakamon an iyashikei anime?
Barakamon belongs to the iyashikei genre — a style of anime designed to soothe and heal. Its slow-paced rural setting, gentle humor, and heartfelt bonds between Handa and the island children create a deeply comforting atmosphere that leaves viewers feeling warm and refreshed.
Who voices the main character in Barakamon?
Daisuke Ono voices Sei 'Seishu' Handa, the calligrapher at the heart of the story. Suzuko Hara brings the irrepressible young Naru Kotoishi to life, and their dynamic forms the emotional core of the entire series.
How many episodes does Barakamon have?
The main series runs for 12 episodes across a single season, which aired in 2014. There are also 13 additional special episodes collected in Season 0, making for a generous amount of content to enjoy beyond the core story.
Is Barakamon worth watching for non-anime fans?
Absolutely. Barakamon's charm lies in its universal themes — self-discovery, community, and the joy of slowing down. Its humor is gentle, its characters are instantly lovable, and it requires no prior anime knowledge. Critics and audiences alike praised it as one of the most heartwarming series of 2014.
What is Barakamon about?
After punching a famous curator who called his calligraphy 'textbook and lifeless,' young artist Handa Seishuu is sent to remote Gotō Island to reflect and find new inspiration. Far from city life, he stumbles into a community of eccentric, warm-hearted locals who reshape his perspective on art and living.
What are shows similar to Barakamon?
Fans of Barakamon often enjoy My Dress-Up Darling, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, and Aharen-san wa Hakarenai for their similarly cozy, character-driven warmth. The Dangers in My Heart and Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie are also popular picks among viewers who love heartfelt slice-of-life storytelling.
More About Barakamon
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