10 Must-Watch Anime Series Influenced by Japanese Mythology

Looking at the most popular anime of all time, Spirited Away, and Netflix’s recent venture into folklore with Akuma-kun, we have compiled a list of the top 10 anime that draw inspiration from Japanese mythology. Anime draws from a variety of sources, including light novels and Hollywood films, but the rich folklore and mythology of Japan has always been a consistent source of inspiration for the genre.

The most popular anime draw inspiration from demons, gods, and urban legends (hello, Toilet Bound Hanako Kun), all based on well-known stories. Let's explore the top 10 anime that are rooted in Japanese mythology and folklore. Prepare to be surprised and thoroughly entertained.

Top 10 anime inspired by Japanese mythology

From Shinto religion to retellings of historical events, here are our 10 of our favorite anime inspire by Japanese mythology.

10. The Boy and the Beast

The 2015 fantasy film, "The Boy and the Beast," directed by the award-winning Mamoru Hosoda, has garnered international success as one of Japan's most beloved anime movies. The story is set in a world with two distinct realms, one for humans and one for bakemonos – a type of yokai in Japanese folklore, similar to phantoms or ghosts.

Watch the story of a young orphan boy, Kyuta, as he discovers a fantastical world of beasts and forms a bond with a lonely bakemono named Kumatetsu. Their makeshift family is put to the test when a deep darkness threatens their universe. Stream it on Crunchyroll and Apple TV+.

9. Inuyasha

Say goodbye to Tokyo and get ready for an epic adventure, as Inuyasha has the potential to be one of the greatest historical fantasy anime series of all time. Adapted from Rumiko Takahashi’s popular manga from the late 90s and early 00s, Inuyasha is set in feudal Japan and follows the journey of a time-traveling high school girl from Tokyo and a half-demon, half-human named Inuyasha, who is on a mission to steal the Sacred Jewel of Four Souls from a human village.

You can watch the series on Netflix and Hulu. It follows Kagome Higurashi, who is transported to Japan's Sengoku period after falling into a sacred well in her family shrine. There, she meets Inuyasha and together they work to recover the scattered fragments of a powerful jewel before they are claimed by the evil half-demon Naraku.

8. To the Forest of Firefly Lights

This short film is based on the award-winning manga by Yuki Midorikawa, telling the story of the unlikely friendship between a human girl and a not-quite-human boy. With stunning animation and influences from Shinto traditions, the film follows the journey of Hotaru, a six-year-old girl who becomes lost in a forest inhabited by creatures from Japanese folklore. It is here that she encounters Gin, a human-like boy who is unable to touch a human without risking disappearing forever.

Watch their love story unfold as she continues to visit Gin throughout the summer holidays, leading to a budding romance. Despite his limitation of not being able to touch a human, their love is put to the test. Catch this compelling tale on Prime Video.

7. Noragami

Noragami is an entertaining anime series that aired from 2014 to 2015. It is based on the manga by Adachitoka and was produced by Studio Bones. The story follows Hiyori Iki, a once normal middle school student whose soul slips out of her body after she protects a stranger from a bus accident. This stranger is no ordinary person, but a minor deity named Yato. Yato is a self-proclaimed "Delivery God" who dreams of having millions of worshippers, yet does not have a single shrine in his name.

After Hiyori saves Yato, they reluctantly team up and finally the minor deity’s luck begins to turn around.

Available to watch on: Prime Video and Apple TV+

6. Death Note

Considered one of the most successful anime series globally, Death Note is based on Tsugumi Ohba’s manga from 2003-2006. The storyline involves Death Gods and Japanese folklore mysteries. The plot follows Light Yagami, a remarkably intelligent student, as he stumbles upon the Death Note, a supernatural notebook that grants the user the ability to control when and how someone dies.

Watch on: Prime Video and Crunchyroll.

5. Mushi-Shi

Originating from Japanese mythology, this enduring anime series is a supernatural fantasy that follows Ginko, an expert on all things supernatural, as he travels around Japan to investigate the primeval life-form known as the Mushi.

Experience the charm of this episodic anthology series, with no overarching plot to tie you down. Watch the episodes in any order you please and get ready to catch some Mushi!

Stream on: Crunchyroll and Prime Video

4. Naruto

Moving on to one of the most iconic series on this list: Naruto. Although it may come as a surprise, this beloved franchise draws inspiration from Japanese Folklore for several of its characters, such as the Toads of Mount Myoboku (from The Edo Period’s Oghma Stories), Fujin and Raijin (Kishimoto’s comical brothers), and the mystical Kaguya Otsutsuki (based on the tale of the bamboo cutter).

For those unfamiliar with Naruto or in need of a quick plot summary, the story revolves around a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who aspires to become the Hokage (leader) of his village. Throughout numerous episodes, audiences witness his battles against formidable foes and his evolution into the legendary ninja we know and love today.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

The world was taken by storm when Demon Slayer debuted in 2019, and it continues to be a popular series. Drawing inspiration from the Shinto religion, Japanese mythology, and folklore, the series includes plenty of demons.

First, a brief summary of the plot: The story centers around Kamado Tanjiro, a young man who witnesses his family being killed by a demon and his sister, Nezuko, turning into one. As he seeks vengeance for his family and a cure for his sister, he undergoes training to become a Demon Hunter and encounters various creatures from Japanese mythology, including the powerful yokai Nuraruhyon, the first human turned demon Muzan Kibutsuji, and the tongue demon Akaname.

Available to watch on: Netflix

2. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories

The 2013 horror series, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories, draws inspiration, at least partially, from Japanese folklore and mythology.

Every week at 5pm, a mysterious old man wearing a yellow kamishibaiya mask appears at a playground to share stories based on Japanese myths and urban legends. The series is still thriving after a decade, showcasing the expansive world of Japanese folklore. Don't wait any longer, check it out today and delve into the history and culture that has inspired countless beloved anime series.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Prime Video

1. Spirited Away

The final entry on our list is the most popular Japanese anime of all time. That’s right! It’s Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.

Renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki utilizes Japanese legends and mythology in this beloved film, incorporating elements of Shinto and Buddhism. The story revolves around Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl, and her parents who inadvertently enter a deserted amusement park that serves as a passage to the spirit world. When her parents are transformed into enormous pigs as a representation of their greed, Chihiro must toil at the park in order to secure their freedom.

Available to watch on: Netflix (UK) and Disney+

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Editor's P/S

1. As an anime fan, I am always excited to see new and interesting anime series that are influenced by Japanese mythology. Japanese mythology is rich and complex, and it offers a lot of inspiration for anime creators. Some of my favorite anime series that are influenced by Japanese mythology include "Inuyasha", "Noragami", and "The Boy and the Beast". These series all offer unique and exciting takes on Japanese mythology, and they are all well worth watching.

2. Inuyasha is a classic anime series that follows the story of Kagome Higurashi, a high school girl who is transported to the Sengoku period of Japan. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon, half-human who is on a quest to steal the Sacred Jewel of Four Souls. The series is full of action, adventure, and romance, and it is a must-watch for any fan of anime or Japanese mythology.