Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors (1990)
A dark feudal fantasy anime OVA following eight reincarnated warriors bound by fate, Bushido, and the blood of their fallen clan.
Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors - Series Information
- Original Title: THE八犬伝
- First Air Year: 1990
- Last Air Year: 1995
- Created by: Bakin Kyokutei
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 25, 1990 (Germany - 16), October 25, 1990 (Australia - M)
- Alternative Titles: Legend of the Dog Warriors (BR), The Hakkenden: A New Saga (JP), Hakkenden la légende des 8 Guerriers Chien (FR)
- Production Companies: Artland, ARTMIC, Anime International Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors - Plot
During the war-torn feudal wars in Japan, the Awa clan faced certain extinction from a rival clan backed by demonic forces. However, a careless promise by their lord leads to both salvation and disgrace when their family dog brings back the head of the enemy warlord and insists on marrying the lord's daughter. Their unnatural union bears fruit but when both are killed, the eight unborn pups are reincarnated as the eight Dog Warriors - The Hakkenden. As they slowly find each other and come together as a group, these eight warriors, who represent the eight separate aspects of Bushido, engage in bloody battles with demonic entities and evil samurai in a final attempt to redeem their clan!
Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the eight warriors' legend come to life:
Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bakin Kyokutei
Main Cast
- Toshihiko Seki
- Koichi Yamadera
- Tomohiro Nishimura
- Tessyo Genda
- Minami Takayama
- Noriko Hidaka
- Akio Otsuka
- Kappei Yamaguchi
- Aya Hisakawa
- Hirotaka Suzuoki
Writers
- Sho Aikawa
- Hidemi Kamata
- Takeshi Narumi
Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors - FAQs
Is Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors based on a true story?
No, it is not based on a true story. The series is an anime adaptation of Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, a classic 19th-century Japanese novel by Bakin Kyokutei. While set against a feudal Japanese backdrop, the story involves supernatural and fantastical elements, including demonic forces and reincarnated warriors.
What is Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors about?
Set in war-torn feudal Japan, the series follows eight warriors — the Hakkenden — reincarnated from the unborn pups of a lord's dog. Each warrior embodies one of the eight virtues of Bushido and must unite to battle demonic entities and evil samurai to redeem their fallen clan.
Who are the main voice actors in Hakkenden?
The principal voice cast includes Toshihiko Seki as Shino Inuzuka, Koichi Yamadera as Dousetsu Inuyama, Tomohiro Nishimura as Genpachi Inugai, Tessyo Genda as Kobungo Inuda, Minami Takayama as Keno Inusaka, Noriko Hidaka as Shinbei Inue, Akio Otsuka as Daikaku Inumura, and Kappei Yamaguchi as Sosuke Inukawa.
How many episodes does Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors have?
The series consists of 13 episodes across one main season, released as an original video animation (OVA) between 1990 and 1995. There is also one additional special episode included in Season 0, bringing the total episode count to 14 across all releases.
When did Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors first air?
The first episode of Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors was released on October 25, 1990. The OVA series continued through 1995, spanning several years of episodic releases, which was a common distribution format for anime original video animations during that era.
What classic novel is Hakkenden the anime based on?
The anime adapts Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, a monumental Japanese novel written by Bakin Kyokutei between 1814 and 1842. Considered one of the longest novels in Japanese literary history, it blends samurai adventure, Confucian morality, and supernatural fantasy across 106 volumes.
What genre is Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors?
Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors is an animated drama blending fantasy and action. It draws on samurai history, supernatural mythology, and literary tradition, making it a distinctive entry in the OVA anime genre that appeals to fans of dark fantasy, feudal Japanese settings, and classic literary adaptations.
Are there similar anime series to Hakkenden?
Fans of Hakkenden may enjoy Blue Submarine No. 6, Blood Blockade Battlefront, Tales of Eternia The Animation, and Embracing Love. These series share elements of action-driven storytelling, fantasy world-building, or classic anime OVA aesthetics that complement the tone and style of Hakkenden.
More About Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors
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