Anime and manga have been around for decades, although they may not look like they do now. They are a big part of Japanese culture and almost everyone in Japan has seen anime at least once in their life.
The 1970s were a very formative era in the world of anime, and some incredibly famous series were created during that decade. However, there are also many series that aired during that period that are now lost to time, forgotten by the modern anime audience. Here are some 70s anime that shouldn’t have been forgotten so soon.
10 Rascal the raccoon
A young boy named Sterling North discovers an orphaned raccoon kit while out with his friend. He names the raccoon Rascal and takes him home to care for it as a pet. However, the raccoon turns out to be more of a handful than he expects.
Rascal the raccoon is not a very well-known show, but during its run it managed to convince many people in Japan to buy a raccoon as a pet. This resulted in a raccoon problem that plagues Japan to this day.
9 Nobody’s Boy: Remi
Remi lives happily in a very small village until his father reveals that he has been adopted and sells him to a traveling artist. Though saddened by his changed circumstances, he accepts his lease and begins touring the country.
Nobody’s Boy: Remi is one of many 1970s anime that were based on European stories. Remi’s adventures as he struggles to find a place where he belongs are heartbreaking and emotional. The series is dramatic and tragic, but there is a happy ending in the end.
8 Invincible Super Man Zambot 3
When the planet Beal is destroyed by the evil Gaizok, a few survivors hide on Earth and live as humans. However, the Jin family secretly worked on crafting machines to defeat Gaizok, eventually developing three vehicles that make up the all-powerful Zambot 3.
Invincible Super Man Zambot 3 is a classic example of a Super Robot anime, although it contains some realistic elements. It also has a rather dark tone, with a large number of main characters dying throughout the series.
7 UFO Robo Grendizer
Duke Fleed is the last survivor of the planet Fleed, which was destroyed by the ruthless King Vega in his quest for a new planet. Duke Fleed escapes to Earth and takes the identity of Daisuke Umon, living peacefully until Vega’s forces arrive to invade Earth.
UFO Robo Grendizer was part of the legendary super robot seriesMazinger, although it is now non-canon. Nevertheless, it is a fun show for fans of the series and also includes Mazinger‘s main character Koji Kabuto as a member of the main cast.
6 A dog of Flanders
A dog of Flanders is a famous European novel about a young orphan boy named Nello. A poor child with no family apart from his elderly grandfather, Nello’s only friend is his faithful dog Patrasche. With no prospects for being a poor kid, Nello tries to use his artistic talents to lift himself out of poverty.
A dog of Flanders is an incredibly tragic story that has undergone many different adaptations, including two anime adaptations. While the 1997 film adaptation may be more famous, it’s the original 1975 anime that brought this depressing tale to Japan.
5 Majokko Megu-chan
Megu is a witch who comes to Earth to learn about human relationships and emotions. Essentially adopted by a former witch, Megu lives her life slowly, learning to adapt to normal human society as she grows up from a spoiled little girl to a grown woman.
Majokko Megu-chan is not so well known now but the show is considered a very important part of magical girl anime development. The stories and storylines in the show influence the themes in many more well-known magical girl shows, such as: Sailor Moon and Wedding Peach.
4 Belladonna of sorrow
The newlywed Jeanne goes with her husband to make a sacrifice to the local lord, but instead she is violated by him. Shortly afterwards, a dark spirit appears to Jeanne, offering her immense wealth and power. However, the price of such power may be higher than Jeanne realizes.
Belladonna of sorrow is an adult animated film with an incredibly dark atmosphere and a very unique art style. While the themes and content may not be for the faint of heart, it’s an incredibly distinctive entry into the world of anime.
3 Heidi, Girl of the Alps
Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the Alps because her aunt can no longer care for her. Although her grandfather is misanthropic and leads a lonely life, Heidi brings warmth into his life, as do the people who live in the Alps.
Heidi, Girl of the Alps is another anime based on a European novel. Although the anime has lost its place in the mainstream, it is still loved in Japan and is occasionally referenced in anime.
2 Aim for the ace!
Hiromi Oka is a high school girl who is inspired by Reika Ryuzaki, the top player on her school team, to take up tennis. Although the beginning is a struggle, Hiromi’s efforts pay off and she slowly grows into a great tennis player.
Aim for the ace! is a popular sports series in Japan, although it has certainly faded from public view in recent years. The manga it is based on is one of the most popular shojo manga of all time and has sold millions of copies.
1 Future boy Conan
After several world disasters that have left the world in tatters, a young boy named Conan lives peacefully on Remnant Island with his grandfather. A young girl named Lana washes ashore and is the first human Conan has seen in ages. When invaders kill Conan’s grandfather and take Lana away, Conan leaves his island for the first time.
Future boy Conan was the directorial debut of Hayao Miyazaki and was based on the novel The Incredible Tide. The series is a sci-fi post-apocalyptic adventure that was unbelievably great for its time.
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