Aoi Bungaku Series

Blue Literature Series

Characters

Yoshihide

MAIN

K

MAIN

Kandata

MAIN

Takada

MAIN

Youzou Ooba

MAIN

Akiko

MAIN

Shigemaru

MAIN

Sensei

MAIN

Joshima

SUPPORTING

King

SUPPORTING

Big man

SUPPORTING

Melos

SUPPORTING

Yoshiko

SUPPORTING

Madam

SUPPORTING

Joshima's wife

SUPPORTING

Mitsuki

SUPPORTING

Shigeko

SUPPORTING

Ojousan

SUPPORTING

Melos' Sister

SUPPORTING

Sayo

SUPPORTING

Horiki

SUPPORTING

Widow

SUPPORTING

Shizuko

SUPPORTING

Dionysius II

SUPPORTING

Tsuneko

SUPPORTING

Blue Literature Season 1: A Masterful Anime Adaptation of Japanese Literary Classics

Blue Literature (Aoi Bungaku Series), a twelve-episode anime anthology produced by Madhouse and aired in 2009, stands as a unique and ambitious project that brings six classic works of Japanese literature to the screen. Each story, adapted from novels and short stories by renowned authors such as Osamu Dazai, Natsume Soseki, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, and Ango Sakaguchi, is a self-contained narrative with its own director, writer, and art style. This diversity, paired with the series’ focus on psychological depth, human struggle, and existential themes, makes Blue Literature a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Below, we delve into the series’ structure, themes, production, and reception, highlighting why it remains a hidden gem in anime.

Overview of the Series

Blue Literature adapts six works of modern Japanese literature, each exploring complex themes such as alienation, guilt, betrayal, and the search for meaning. The series is structured as follows:

1. No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) (Episodes 1–4) by Osamu Dazai
   Directed by Morio Asaka with character designs by Takeshi Obata (Death Note), this arc follows Ooba Youzou, a young man grappling with profound alienation and an inability to connect with others. The semi-autobiographical tale traces his descent into self-destruction through depression, substance abuse, and failed relationships. The story’s somber tone and introspective narrative set the stage for the series’ exploration of human fragility.
2. In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita) (Episodes 5–6) by Ango Sakaguchi
   Directed by Tetsuro Araki with character designs by Tite Kubo (Bleach), this arc tells a twisted love story set in 12th-century Japan. A mountain bandit, Shirimaru, kidnaps a beautiful woman, Akiko, only to fall under her manipulative spell. The story blends dark humor, violence, and surreal elements, creating a stark contrast to the introspective tone of the first arc.
3. Kokoro (Episodes 7–8) by Natsume Soseki
   Directed by Shigeyuki Miya with character designs by Takeshi Obata, this arc explores the relationship between a young student and an enigmatic older man, “Sensei,” during Japan’s Meiji era. Told from two perspectives—Sensei’s in “Summer” and the student K’s in “Winter”—the story delves into themes of isolation, egoism, and guilt, offering a poignant reflection on human connection.
4. Run, Melos! (Hashire, Melos!) (Episodes 9–10) by Osamu Dazai
   Directed by Ryosuke Nakamura with character designs by Takeshi Konomi (The Prince of Tennis), this adaptation reimagines the Greek tale of Damon and Pythias. A playwright, Takada, grapples with personal betrayal while adapting the story of Melos, whose unwavering friendship drives him to save his friend’s life. This arc is often praised for its emotional depth and framing device, which ties the literary adaptation to the protagonist’s personal struggles.
5. The Spider’s Thread (Kumo no Ito) (Episode 11) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
   Directed by Atsuko Ishizuka with character designs by Tite Kubo, this short story follows Kandata, a criminal in Hell who is offered a chance at redemption through a spider’s thread. The narrative examines greed, selfishness, and the faint hope of salvation.
6. Hell Screen (Jigoku Hen) (Episode 12) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
   Also directed by Atsuko Ishizuka with Tite Kubo’s character designs, this final arc depicts an artist’s descent into madness as he pursues perfection in his work for the emperor. The story explores obsession, sacrifice, and the destructive nature of art.

Production and Artistic Excellence

Blue Literature is a testament to Madhouse’s ability to blend high-quality animation with literary depth. Each arc features a distinct visual style, reflecting the unique tone of the source material and the vision of its respective director. The series’ character designs, crafted by prominent manga artists Takeshi Obata, Tite Kubo, and Takeshi Konomi, add a layer of visual appeal, with Obata’s realistic designs grounding No Longer Human and Kokoro, Kubo’s stylized aesthetic enhancing the surreal Cherry Blossoms and Hell Screen, and Konomi’s dynamic touch suiting Run, Melos!.

The animation is consistently praised for its realism and atmospheric quality, with each arc tailored to its historical or emotional context. For instance, No Longer Human uses muted colors to reflect Ooba’s despair, while In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom employs vibrant yet eerie visuals to capture its unsettling tone. The voice acting, featuring talents like Mamiko Noto, Mamoru Miyano, and Daisuke Namikawa, brings emotional authenticity to the characters, amplifying themes of pain, love, and loss.

Masato Sakai serves as both narrator and the voice of key characters, providing continuity across the anthology. His introductions before each episode offer valuable context about the stories and their authors, enriching the viewer’s experience. However, in some regions (e.g., Korea), these narrations were cut, which slightly altered the viewing experience.

Themes and Impact

The unifying thread of Blue Literature is its exploration of self-destruction and the complexities of the human psyche. Each story delves into universal struggles—alienation, obsession, guilt, and redemption—making the series resonate across cultures and time periods. The anthology format allows for a diverse range of tones, from the harrowing despair of No Longer Human to the darkly comedic Cherry Blossoms and the hopeful Run, Melos!. This variety, while a strength, contributes to the series’ uneven reception, as some arcs resonate more than others depending on viewers’ preferences.

The adaptations take liberties with the source material, occasionally diverging from the original plots to capture their essence in a visual medium. This approach has sparked mixed reactions: some praise the creative reinterpretations, while others feel the darker, more impoverished adaptations fail to match the depth of the literary originals. Despite this, the series is lauded for introducing classic Japanese literature to new audiences, particularly younger viewers, through Shueisha’s initiative to pair these stories with modern manga aesthetics.

Reception and Legacy

Blue Literature has a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb and a weighted mean of 7.772 on Anime News Network, reflecting a strong but niche appreciation. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise its psychological depth and production quality, with No Longer Human and Run, Melos! often cited as highlights. However, some viewers find arcs like Cherry Blossoms jarring due to tonal clashes, and the series’ heavy themes—depression, suicide, and abuse—make it a challenging watch for some.

Critics, such as Emmanuel Bahu-Leyser from Animeland, have called Blue Literature a “gold nugget” for its cultural and technical achievements, though they note the uneven quality across arcs. Its status as a lesser-known masterpiece stems from its failure to gain mainstream popularity, possibly due to its mature themes and departure from typical anime genres like shounen. Still, it remains a valuable entry point for those interested in Japanese literature or psychological anime.

Where to Watch

Blue Literature is available for streaming on platforms like HiAnime, with both subbed and dubbed options. The series aired on Nippon TV and was released in a single season, with no additional seasons planned. A feature film re-edit of No Longer Human premiered in Japan on December 12, 2009.

Conclusion

Blue Literature Season 1 is a bold and visually stunning anthology that brings Japan’s literary classics to life with creativity and reverence. While its uneven pacing and heavy themes may not appeal to all, its exploration of human struggles, coupled with Madhouse’s exceptional production, makes it a must-watch for fans of psychological drama and literary adaptations. Whether you’re drawn to the tragic depths of No Longer Human or the heartfelt friendship in Run, Melos!, Blue Literature offers a profound journey into the “blue” essence of human experience. For those interested in Japanese literature or seeking a thought-provoking anime, this series is well worth the watch.