Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East (2013)
A supernatural anime quest rooted in classic Japanese legend, following cursed survivors hunting eight mystical gems across a world of demons and intrigue.
Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East - Series Information
- Original Title: 八犬伝 ―東方八犬異聞―
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 5, 2013 (United States - TV-14), January 5, 2013 (Australia - M)
- Networks: BS11, Tokyo MX
- Alternative Titles: はっけんでん とうほうはっけんいぶん (JP), 팔견전 -동방팔견이문- (KR), Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East (US), 八犬传：东方八犬异闻 (CN)
- Production Companies: Studio Deen
- Production Countries: Japan
Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East - Plot
When their village was wiped out five years ago, only Shino Inuzuka, Sosuke Inukawa, and the girl Hamaji, who was raised as if she were their sister, survived. And both men inexplicably have the same peony-shaped birthmark. Genpachi Inukai and Kobungo Inuta were raised hundreds of miles away as foster brothers, but they too share the same birthmark. When they went north as part of the army three years ago, they went to confront demons and came back forever transformed. Now the Imperial Church has come for Shino and Sosuke and they must find eight mystical gems and their owners or face a fate worse than death at the hands of the Church.
Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the supernatural world of Hakkenden.
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Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tetsuya Kakihara
- Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Satoshi Hino
- Ayahi Takagaki
- Tomoaki Maeno
- Takuma Terashima
- Hiroshi Kamiya
- Daisuke Namikawa
- Satomi Akesaka
- Junichi Miyake
Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East - FAQs
Where can you stream Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East?
Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East is available to stream on HiDive, including through the Hidive Amazon Channel for subscribers. If you prefer to own it, the series can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video. HiDive is the primary streaming home for this anime.
Is Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East based on a true story?
Not a true story, but it draws from a celebrated piece of Japanese literary history. The series is a modern reimagining of Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, a classic 19th-century epic novel by Kyokutei Bakin, widely considered one of the greatest works of Edo-period Japanese fiction.
What is Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East about?
After their village is destroyed, survivors Shino Inuzuka and Sosuke Inukawa bear mysterious peony birthmarks linking them to a prophecy. Hunted by the Imperial Church, they must track down eight mystical gems and their bearers before a fate worse than death catches up with them.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
The series ran for two seasons, each containing 13 episodes, bringing the complete episode count to 26. Both seasons aired in 2013, with Season 1 launching in January and Season 2 continuing the story later that same year.
Who voices the main characters in Hakkenden?
The voice cast features Tetsuya Kakihara as Shino Inuzuka, Nobuhiko Okamoto as Murasame, Satoshi Hino as Sosuke Inukawa, Ayahi Takagaki as Hamaji, Tomoaki Maeno as Genpachi Inukai, Takuma Terashima as Kobungo Inuta, and Hiroshi Kamiya as Rio Satomi, among others.
What is the content rating for Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East?
The series carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, meaning it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. Expect moderate fantasy violence, supernatural themes, and some intense dramatic moments — typical for action-oriented anime of this style.
What anime series are similar to Hakkenden?
Fans of Hakkenden may enjoy Gachiakuta, The Faraway Paladin, Onimusha, Tower of God, and The Unwanted Undead Adventurer — all series that blend action, fantasy, and supernatural elements in compelling ways. The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse is another strong pick.
Is Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East worth watching?
For fans of supernatural anime with rich mythological roots, it's a rewarding watch. The series blends youkai lore, urban fantasy, and character-driven drama with a distinctive visual style from Studio Deen. Its 26-episode run keeps the pacing tight, making it an easy binge for genre enthusiasts.
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