Airing in 2004, Samurai Champloo revolutionized anime under the direction of Shinichirō Watanabe. Known for his work on Macross Plus and Cowboy Bebop. The series chronicled the intertwined journeys of three main characters. Fuu, a tea waitress; Mugen, a rebellious outlaw; and Jin, a wandering ronin. It masterfully fused the historical drama of Japan’s Edo period with hip-hop elements. It forges a unique musical and visual style that captivated audiences worldwide.
Following Watanabe’s successful integration of Jazz in Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo incorporated Hip-Hop and Jazz elements to create a sonically pleasing experience that enhanced the storytelling. The series’ innovative approach garnered international acclaim, solidifying its position as a groundbreaking anime.
Reissue Includes the Original Producers and Playlist of the Soundtrack
Director Watanabe, celebrated for his profound love of music, personally curated a dream team of hip-hop talent for the Samurai Champloo project:
- fat jon (Fat Jon The Ample Soul Physician): A rapper, producer, and member of Five Deez, known for his collaborations with Nujabes.
- Force of Nature: The dynamic duo of KZA and DJ KENT, renowned for their remixes and dominance in both local and global club scenes.
- Tsutchie: A pioneering Japanese hip-hop track maker for SHAKKAZOMBIE, a driving force in the scene since its inception.
- The late Nujabes (Jun Seba): An internationally acclaimed producer celebrated for his innovative fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and Japanese musical elements, often credited with influencing the rise of “lo-fi” music.
In 2004, this all-star team released four Samurai Champloo CDs, each showcasing the distinct styles of its producer(s). These albums, featuring hits like the main title opening theme “battlecry/Nujabes feat. Shing02” and ending theme “Shiki no Uta/MINMI,” were instant successes. However, the CDs soon vanished from the market, transforming into coveted collector’s items. Their 2022 vinyl reissue ignited a resurgence, with over 30,000 copies sold across the four titles. Now, in a momentous celebration of the anime’s 20th anniversary, the CDs are set to return in their original paper jacket format, a long-awaited treat for fans and collectors alike.
20th Anniversary Reissue Collaboration and Merchandise
Additionally, to commemorate the 20th anniversary, a collaboration event with the culture shop YEN TOWN MARKET. It is scheduled to be held as a popup store from June 15 at Shibuya PARCO 5 and YEN TOWN MARKET! Apparel items focusing on iconic scenes from the anime and special designs exclusive to this collaboration are also in the works.
Fans interested in or wanting to stream, listen, purchase, and download the soundtracks can do so below:
- “departure” / Nujabes, fat jon https://jvcmusic.lnk.to/samurai_departure
- “masta” / FORCE OF NATURE, Tsutchie https://jvcmusic.lnk.to/samurai_masta
- “impression” / Nujabes, FORCE OF NATURE, fat jon https://jvcmusic.lnk.to/samurai_impression
- “playlist” / Tsutchie https://jvcmusic.lnk.to/samurai_playlist
