Shinichiro Watanabe is a name that resonates profoundly within the anime community, with a distinctive style that leaves an indelible imprint on both Japanese and international audiences. Despite having crafted only a select number of titles, his influence is unmistakable. Watanabe is not merely a director; he is a curator of immersive experiences, skillfully weaving together elements of music, culture, philosophy, and emotional nuance in each of his works.
The narratives he creates transcend conventional plotlines, often eschewing dramatic twists and flashy superpowers. Instead, they delve into the emotional journeys of characters seeking to understand their past, forge connections, or simply survive, all while accompanied by extraordinary soundtracks that enhance the storytelling.
Below, we present a carefully curated list of some of Watanabe’s most celebrated anime, each showcasing his unique storytelling approach.
6. Kids on the Slope
Jazz Notes on a High School Rooftop
Released in 2012, Kids on the Slope (Sakamichi no Apollon) marked a notable reunion between Watanabe and composer Yoko Kanno, rekindling the creative chemistry they had cultivated during Cowboy Bebop. However, this time, the soundtrack traded interstellar jazz-funk for authentic 1960s Japanese jazz.
The story centers on Kaoru Nishimi, an introverted honor student whose constant relocations have left him isolated. At his new school, he encounters Sentarou Kawabuchi, a vibrant and rebellious drummer. Their friendship blossoms as they connect over jazz music, practicing in the basement of a record shop owned by a mutual friend.
Unlike Watanabe’s previous works, this series is unembellished by fantastical elements. Instead, it reflects the tumultuous emotions of adolescence, addressing themes of romantic entanglements and familial struggles, ultimately showcasing how individuals can drift apart and later reconnect.
Animators at MAPPA brought the series to life, employing rotoscoping techniques to ensure the authenticity of the jam sessions. In just 12 episodes, Kids on the Slope encapsulates the essence of a complete coming-of-age narrative, concluding not with a grand flourish, but with the soft resolution of reconvening friendships.
5. Carole & Tuesday
A Song Can’t Start a Revolution, But It Can Start a Spark
Set 50 years post-colonization of Mars, Carole & Tuesday, which premiered in 2019 and was crafted by Studio Bones, delves into a future dominated by AI in the creative arts. The series follows two teenage girls—Carole, an Earth-born orphan, and Tuesday, a runaway politician’s daughter—who strive to make their mark in the music industry with nothing but their passion and a guitar.
Unlike Watanabe’s earlier works where music often underscores themes of isolation, here it serves as an act of defiance. Their heartfelt, acoustic performances stand in stark contrast to the sterile output of mainstream, AI-produced stars, showcasing their struggle for authenticity in a commodified world.
Available on Netflix with both subtitled and dubbed versions, the anime’s music composition process was notably reversed, as the English songs were created first before being adapted for the Japanese release.
Amidst discussions of social inequalities and impending homogenization, what resonates most are the characters themselves—frail yet tenacious, caught in a web of failures yet radiating warmth. The concluding episode employs a documentary-style montage, characteristic of Watanabe’s works, showcasing the profound impact of their music.
4. Space Dandy
He’s a Dandy Guy… in Space
Premiering in 2014, Space Dandy emphasized exuberance and unpredictability rather than linear storytelling. This vibrant series pushed Watanabe’s creative boundaries, showcasing anime in an unprecedented light, with each episode brimming with eccentric energy.
The storyline follows Dandy, a quirky alien hunter with grandiose aspirations but a short attention span, alongside his unusual crewmates: QT, a robot vacuum, and Meow, a laid-back cat alien. Their escapades across the galaxy are filled with misadventures—often leading to chaotic explosions or comical disasters, only to reset in the next installment.
Each episode stands alone, helmed by various directors and creative teams, embracing an array of genres from noir to musicals. This break from traditional continuity allowed Watanabe to experiment freely, incorporating diverse guest animators and a soundtrack that spans eclectic genres.
Despite its chaotic humor, Space Dandy artfully embeds moody and reflective moments, providing layers of complexity within the silliness.
3. Terror in Resonance
The Sound of Two Boys Against the World
Differently composed and deeply impactful, Terror in Resonance (Zankyou no Terror), released in 2014, offers a stark departure from nostalgia. This original series, penned and directed by Watanabe, tackles profound issues surrounding trauma, terrorism, and societal breakdown.
The narrative kicks off with a dramatic terrorist incident in Tokyo perpetrated by two teenagers known as Nine and Twelve. As their circumstances unfold, it becomes evident that they seek not just chaos, but rather a deeper acknowledgment of the past that society aims to repress.
In collaboration with Yoko Kanno, the remarkable score integrates elements from Icelandic group Sigur Rós, crafting an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. The animation produced by MAPPA stands out for its realistic ambiance, utilizing urban settings and meticulously paced scenes to cultivate suspense.
Despite the subject’s weight, the series refrains from glorifying violence, instead focusing on the psychological turmoil stemming from systemic failures and personal trauma. Spanning just 11 episodes, each moment holds great significance, with Funimation’s simulcast ensuring it reached a wide audience as one of Watanabe’s most poignant achievements.
2. Samurai Champloo
Edo-Era Swordsmen With a Beat
Released in 2004 by studio Manglobe, Samurai Champloo boldly combined Edo-period Japan with hip-hop culture, resulting in an audacious and stylish narrative. The story tracks three protagonists: Mugen, a free-spirited fighter inspired by breakdancing; Jin, a stoic ronin; and Fuu, a girl on a quest for a unique samurai. Their contrasting personalities intertwine, propelling them on an absurd but deeply human journey.
Watanabe’s narrative structure mirrors a mixtape, with each episode offering its own unique story while contributing to a larger theme regarding identity and choices. The series is underscored by a soundtrack featuring cutting-edge Japanese underground hip-hop, eschewing traditional instruments for innovative beats and atmospheric sounds.
While it boasts playful episodes—zombie samurai and graffiti battles, for instance—the series also confronts real historical issues, such as class struggles and social inequities during the Tokugawa period. The English dub remains highly regarded and played a pivotal role in popularizing the series, especially among Western audiences.
To this day, Samurai Champloo is heralded as one of the most iconic anime series ever produced, reflecting Watanabe’s visionary storytelling.
1. Cowboy Bebop
The Space Western That Redefined Anime Forever
One cannot discuss anime without acknowledging Cowboy Bebop, a pivotal series released in 1998 by Sunrise. Its impact transformed the global landscape of anime, influencing countless creators and genres.
The series chronicles the adventures of the Bebop crew—a diverse group including Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Ed, and Ein. Each member grapples with personal demons while pursuing bounties against a richly woven backdrop of genre-blending elements such as noir, western, and jazz.
Watanabe’s seamless fusion of these genres, coupled with Yoko Kanno’s illustrious soundtrack featuring over 40 original compositions, delivers an unparalleled audiovisual experience that elevates every episode to a narrative masterpiece.
Throughout their journeys, characters face profound failures and moments of reflection. The past they carry becomes a poignant theme, often leading to moments of unexpected vulnerability.
Heralded for its exceptional English dub, led by Steve Blum as Spike, the series played a crucial role in catapulting anime’s popularity in the West, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.
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