Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about

Chibi Maruko-chan

Chibi Maruko-chan The Movie: The Boy from Italy | Chibi Maruko-chan: The Boy from Italy (2015) | Chibi Maruko-chan: A Boy from Italy

Based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, this work has continued to be loved by people of all ages since it began airing in 1990, to the point that it can be called a national anime.

Through the perspective of the protagonist, Maruko, nostalgic Showa-era scenery and the small happenings common in childhood are depicted with humor.

A key point is that the main character reflects the author, Momoko Sakura, and together with her distinctive friends, the everyday lives of children at the time are conveyed with a comedic yet realistic touch.

It’s a series that reminds us of the important things in daily life—family bonds, friendships, and the small joys of everyday moments.

Fushigi Yûgi

For My Beloved (TV SIZE)

The anime Fushigi Yûgi tells the story of Miaka Yūki, the protagonist who is drawn into a book set in ancient China called The Universe of the Four Gods, where she carves out her destiny as the Priestess of Suzaku.

Its unique world, reminiscent of ancient China, and the plot that sweeps her up in the duties of a priestess are especially compelling.

The interactions with a cast of distinctive characters are another highlight, and viewers are drawn in by the romances that unfold.

While featuring themes like the Four Symbols and the Twenty-Eight Mansions of ancient China, it also incorporates elements of the Five Phases theory and Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, so many people may have learned these terms through the series.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story

TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - First Teaser PV

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story is a work that portrays how a swordsman said to be the strongest at the end of the Edo period lived on in the Meiji era.

It depicts the protagonist, Kenshin Himura—once feared as the manslayer Battōsai—taking a vow never to kill and helping those in need.

The story is compelling, from Kenshin’s past and inner turmoil to his interactions with a cast of fascinating allies and his ferocious battles with arch-enemies.

The intense action set in a world like a period drama stirred the hearts of viewers.

It is a long‑loved series that helped support Shonen Jump’s golden age.

Dragon Ball GT

[Official] Dragon Ball GT Episode 1: "Mysterious DB Appears!! Goku Turns Into a Child!?"

Dragon Ball GT, which began airing in 1996, is the sequel to the anime Dragon Ball Z that had been broadcast up to that point.

Since the original manga’s story ends with Dragon Ball Z, people were also interested in what new developments would unfold from there.

The series follows Son Goku, who has been turned back into a child, as he embarks on a space-traveling adventure with his granddaughter Pan and Trunks.

This adventure-centric storyline evokes the early days of the original series.

With encounters with unique characters on various planets, the show offers appeal beyond just the battles.

Yu-Gi-Oh!

[Yu-Gi-Oh!] The results of opening 50 discontinued packs and sending them for grading are insane. [Early Premium Pack 1 / ARS Grading]

The 1998 anime often considered the origin of the series, Yu-Gi-Oh!, is a work whose appeal lies in its horror-tinged atmosphere from the early manga and its thrilling developments.

After the protagonist, Yugi Mutou, solves the ancient Egyptian Millennium Puzzle, a second persona emerges, who judges evil through Shadow Games and resolves incidents.

Not only Yugi’s friends but also the villains are strikingly unique, and their relationships further heighten the drama.

The in-story card game, Magic and Wizards, became the basis for Duel Monsters, which then expanded and led to everything that followed—making this a work that can truly be called the beginning of a legend.