Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama (2004)
A historical fantasy anime set in ancient Kyoto, where a young woman embarks on a perilous quest to recover a legendary gem and save her crumbling city.
Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama - Series Information
- Original Title: お伽草子
- First Air Year: 2004
- Last Air Year: 2005
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (26 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 6, 2004 (United States - NR), July 6, 2004 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: Fairytale Book (US), 御伽草子 (TW), Древняя легенда (RU), Otogizoushi (JP)
- Production Companies: VAP, Nippon Television Network Corporation, Production I.G
- Production Countries: Japan
Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama - Plot
The time is 972 A.D. in Kyoto, the capital of ancient Japan. Kyoto is becoming a corrupt and run-down city; selfish samurai and onmyoji, who care only about gaining political power are everywhere. To make matters worse the city is suffering from famine and widespread disease. Unable to ignore the condition of the city any longer, the Imperial Court decides to send Minamoto no Raiko, a famous samurai well-known for his archery skills, to recover a legendary gem said to hold mysterious power to save the world. However Raiko also falls ill to disease. Instead his youngest sister, Hikaru, decides secretely to make the journey in his place. Hikaru meets many people, and has many adventures while on her trip for the legendary gem.
Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Shin-ichiro Miki
- Kumi Sakuma
- Kan Tokumaru
- Kenta Miyake
- Wasabi Mizuta
- Otoya Kawano
- Kohsei Hirota
- Kaho Kouda
- Tetsuo Komura
- Fumie Mizusawa
Writers
- Taiki Sakurai
- Midori Goto
- Yutaka Omatsu
- Junichi Fujisaku
- Hidetoshi Kezuka
Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama - FAQs
What is Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama about?
Set in 972 A.D. Kyoto, the series follows Hikaru, who secretly takes her ill brother's place on a dangerous quest to recover a legendary gem. The city is plagued by famine, disease, and political corruption, and only this mysterious gem is said to hold the power to save it.
Who are the main voice actors in this series?
The principal cast includes Fumie Mizusawa as Hikaru, Shin-ichiro Miki as Minamoto no Raikou, Kan Tokumaru as Abe no Seimei, Kenta Miyake as Watanabe no Tsuna, Wasabi Mizuta as Kintarou, and Yasunori Matsumoto as Shuten Doji, among others.
How many episodes does Otogi Zoshi have?
The series runs for 26 episodes across a single season, with each episode averaging around 26 minutes. There are also 2 special episodes available as part of a bonus season, bringing the total episode count even higher for dedicated fans.
Is Otogi Zoshi based on a true story or legend?
The series draws heavily from Japanese folklore and historical legend. Characters like Minamoto no Raikou and Abe no Seimei are rooted in real Heian-era history and mythology, while the central quest for the Magatama gem weaves in elements of traditional Japanese spiritual belief and folk storytelling.
What studio produced Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama?
The series was produced by Production I.G, the acclaimed Japanese animation studio behind Ghost in the Shell and Blood: The Last Vampire. It aired on Nippon TV and was co-produced with VAP and Nippon Television Network Corporation.
When did Otogi Zoshi first air?
Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama first aired on July 6, 2004, in both the United States and Australia. The series concluded in 2005, spanning a single season of 26 episodes broadcast on Nippon TV in Japan.
What genre is Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama?
The series blends animation, action, adventure, drama, and fantasy. It's a historical fantasy anime rooted in Heian-era Japan, combining samurai lore, supernatural mythology, and political intrigue into a richly layered narrative aimed at fans of mature animated storytelling.
Are there similar anime series to Otogi Zoshi?
Fans of Otogi Zoshi may enjoy other action and fantasy anime such as My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Dragon Ball DAIMA, and FAIRY TAIL 100 YEARS QUEST. For something tonally similar in its blend of mythology and adventure, these series offer comparable thrills and world-building.
More About Otogi Zoshi: The Legend of Magatama
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