Relive Your Childhood Memories With These Classic Anime Series From the ‘90s

Let's go back to those older but happier days when the only thing we worry about is how not to miss an episode of our favorite anime series. These Japanese-style TV shows were a remarkable thing during the 1990s when the majority of anime 'otakus' came from the Asian region.
Traveling back during those days might be a fantasy, but thanks to digital platforms and streaming services, we can now rekindle our childhood memories. To help you reminisce and bask in nostalgia, here’s a list of your favorite anime series in the ‘90s.
Chibi Maruko-Chan
This round-faced and bob-haired young girl named Maruko is one of the classic anime characters in the ‘90s. In Chinese translation, Chibi Maruko- Chan means “Ying Tao Xiao Wan Zi” or “Little Cherry Maruko”.
The animated series gained popularity among various regions including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China.
Millennials love the cartoon sitcom because of the quirky yet modest Japanese life of Maruko and her family. It is believed that the story was based on real-life and the characters were inspired by the author’s friends and relatives.
Cardcaptor Sakura
A classic anime series in the ‘90s, Cardcaptor Sakura was somehow inspired by Sailor Moon. The overall plot of the series features a 10-year-old girl named Sakura Kinomoto who discovers a magical book. She then becomes a "Cardcaptor" who is tasked to retrieve the spirits who escaped from their cards. Young girls during the ‘90s probably loved the cute guardian of the Clow Cards named Kero, as well as Sakura’s colorful costumes.
Crayon Shin-Chan
This funny-themed TV show became a hit among children. It features the five-year-old protagonist named Shin Chan Nohara, who is known as a troublemaker and loves to “fool around with his bare bottom.”
This classic anime series in the ‘90s is very relatable for showcasing humor and fun within the family.
The daily shenanigans of Shin-Chan, however, became a delicate subject for many viewers especially parents who find this anime series not very kid-oriented for including troublesome behavior and seductive costumes of other characters.
Detective Conan
An easy hit after its release in 1996, Detective Conan is a mystery/thriller anime led by high school protagonist named Shinichi Kudou. He possesses excellent detective skills in solving crimes and illegal activities, but he is forced to hide his real identity behind the body of a seven-year-old child as a result of poisoning.
To keep his secret from everyone, he uses Conan Edogawa as his alias and proves his crime-solving skills through covert investigation.
Doraemon
The out-of-this-world concept of Doraemon features the adventures of the robot cat together with Nobita and his friends. Throughout the years, Doraemon has become an icon as you can see the Japanese character on various merchandise.
Pokémon
Undeniably, Pokémon is a phenomenal anime from the ‘90s up until now. Most kids during the ‘90s era have their fair share of adoration for Pokémon fad featuring the adventures of Ash Ketchum and Pikachu.
Millions of kids including teenagers became glued to the show and looked forward to how the characters would complete the gym badges and battles against the villains including the Team Rocket who wanted to steal Pikachu.
Other highlights of the show are the friendships built throughout each episode and Ash's character development as he becomes a skilled Pokémon trainer.
As a result of the anime’s worldwide popularity, The Pokémon Company, Niantic, and Nintendo released augmented reality game Pokémon Go where gamers can catch and battle against these creatures that can be found within their vicinity.
Sailor Moon
Moon Prism Power!
This is the iconic catchphrase of protagonist Usagi Tsukino every time she transforms into Sailor Moon. The anime first aired in Hong Kong in 1993 on VHS and laserdisc by Aiko Animation. It was dubbed in Cantonese and traditional Chinese version with a title, Mei Siu Neoi Zin Si.
It is one of the most popular classic anime series in the ‘90s because it ushers new content, contrary to the demure princesses of Disney during those years.
Sailor Moon features magical characters of the Sailor Scouts. With tough women as the main characters, the show further highlights female empowerment and feminism.
From studies, terrible grades, and boy problems, the life of Usagi as the main character is relatable and realistic. More so, the show made an emphasis on the girls’ strong bond and healthy friendships despite disagreements and conflicts.
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