For anime fans familiar with Shinichiro Watanabe’s works will perhaps be able to list his renowned works very quickly: Cowboy Bebop, Eureka Seven, Star Driver, and of course, Samurai Champloo, an anime series aired in 2004.

Samurai Champloo blends hip-hop culture in the historical Edo period backdrops as three travelers, Mugen, Jin, and Fuu makes their journey across Japan. Mugen is a wild and vulgar vagabond from the Ryukyu Islands who fights with style which resembles breakdancing moves. (I believe this is no coincidence because, after all, the Ryukyu Islands are known as the Islands of performing arts and entertainment).

What attracts me to this anime is not only the beautifully illustrated story and characters, but definitely the music as well. In episode 14, Asazaki Ikue’s “Obokuri ~ Eeumi” was used as BGM. Asazaki hails from Amami Oshima, and she is one of the most influential singers of our time. Her voice is unique: full of sorrow, deep, yet soothing. Learn more about Asazaki Ikue on her website: http://www.asazakiikue.com/