Japanese animation is now at a turning point, mainly in the West, because of the dazzling consumption on streaming platforms. One of them, Netflix, enjoys an undeniable popularity and a catalog that is constantly enriched with new offers while offering timeless classics. Spotlight on its offer in japanimation with a selection of 5 cult animes available on the platform.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop was a runaway commercial success in Japan and around the world. Often considered the best Japanese animated series, the title is still today a safe bet and difficult to match. In 2071, the crew of the Bebop spacecraft travels through the solar system in search of bounties. In the slang of the time, these bounty hunters were called "cowboys". 
Cowboy Bebop is a unique cultural combination in a Space Opera universe. The personality of the anime imprints America of the 40s and 50s thanks to the breathtaking soundtrack of Jazz for example or thanks to the tribute to the Films Noirs; martial arts ( Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do practice); spaghetti westerns ; Or the Gun Fights movies! Each episode brings a perfectly mastered narrative and allows a thorough development of each character and theme. The band of mercenaries rather atypical, allows a better proximity and a greater distance in the perception of their feelings or their confidence. Spike Spiegel, with the appearance of a hipster, is an emblematic and charismatic character who has made an impression. The quality of the animation is such that it remains a real reference in this universe. Ultimately, the anime is a UFO building a bridge between East and West by its influences and offers us an explosive, mature show with artistic excellence. We must absolutely not miss this flagship work!
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Written and directed by Hideaki Anno, this monument of Japanese animation has not finished talking about him. Fifteen years ago, humanity overcame a dramatic event known as the "Second Impact" but mysterious giant creatures, the Angels, appeared fifteen years later and attempted to destroy Tokyo-3, Japan's new fortress capital. Ikari Shinji, a 14-year-old teenager, will have to board an "EVA" and fight these Angels in spite of himself. 
The story of this anime was designed for the otakus of Japanese society in the late 90s. Frustration and the main characters are their representatives. The goal was to show the perverse side of this industry and the excess of the public but by a sad irony of fate, he exploded all the records in his path, a bit like the Angels who came to destroy humanity. As for the characters, Shinji is the anti-hero par excellence. A character anchored in his fiction who must manage to find reality. He is by definition weak, introverted and frustrated. The other characters are other facets of this perversion. Many themes are addressed such as the transition to adolescence or the father/son relationship. The biblical and military references are endless. Neon Genesis Evangelion was ahead of its time and deboned the codes of Japanese animation. He has been able to tackle deep social problems. A classic not to be missed!
Samurai Champloo
The setting of the series focuses on the land of the rising sun and samurai who smell of sunflower! Samurai Champloo is the second series directed by Shinichiro Watanabe. The story takes place in a fictional version of the Edo period in Japan. A young girl named Fuu, searches for a samurai who smells of sunflower and is accompanied by two individuals, Mugen, an extravagant vagabond, and Jin an impassive samurai. 
A universe mixing hip-hop and medieval Japan, Samurai Champloo is an explosive cocktail. Watanabe takes an incisive look at the end of an era and the globalization of a country whose values are wavering and whose administration is blinded by corruption and order. He also speaks of these local lords, of Japan's relationship to foreigners; of the bond between man and woman who drowns in mutual respect and destruction. The fight scenes and action passages are virtuoso and original. The anime owes its richness to its graphic universe, its dynamic editing and the immediate charisma of its three protagonists. The late Nujabes along with Shing02 and Fat Jon are the centerpieces of the anime's soundtrack. Finally, Samurai Champloo is a representation of what samurai Japan could have been, a cruel period without falling into caricature. While keeping this jovial aspect through the fights, the music and the daredevil behavior of the protagonists!
Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby is a surprise. Based on the legendary manga by Go Nagai, Devilman Crybaby is a Netflix original series. Taking up the basics of the manga, the director Maasaki will give a second wind and a slightly ambiguous vision of the character of Go Nagaï. Young Akira Fudo is informed by his friend Ryō that the ancient demon race has returned to repossess humanity. At an assembly, he merges with Amun, the Demon Lord. Akira transforms into a Devilman, a human being possessing the powers of a demon while retaining his own heart and soul. 
This anime focuses onvices, deviance and impulsivity. They want to show us here the purest and dirtiest aspect of the human being. The very evidence of human nature. This unhealthy madness is fully justified by Devilman's themes: by exacerbating man's failings, it offers him a pessimistic look. Man contributes to his own destruction. Akira is the symbol of sacrifice for men in a Christic quest. The path to redemption exists, however. A virtue emerges through its vices: empathy. We can then ask ourselves whether we act mainly out of impulsivity or reason. If a person capable of so much harm can hide a hint of love in his heart. In short, we have a short anime (10 episodes) addressing themes on the vices of the present and also those existing since the dawn of time. The anime has a soundtrack that echoes these themes and makes us go through very powerful emotions. A must-see!
Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday is one of those animes where we do not necessarily expect a resounding success but which nevertheless offers a deep diversity and refreshment within the japanimation. At the realization, the famous Shinichiro Watanabe! In the near future, on Mars, music and culture are produced by artificial intelligences. It is the story of a meeting between two young girls passionate about music, who want to become real accomplished musicians. 
With a lot of humor, we follow their rise with the help of a fallen producer, Gus Goldman. The choice of two young teenage girls is quite interesting. Indeed, we can discern the naivety and maturity of these two characters. Obviously, one shows more sensitivity and seems more fragile while the other on the contrary seems to be more enterprising and self-confident. The theme of this anime, obviously, is music in its entirety. Whether it's the process from the creation to the release of an album or whether it's this journey through different musical styles (Rap, Pop, Funk, etc.). But that's not the only topic addressed within this story. We are offered a reflection on freedom of expression, immigration, deregulated capitalism and the adaptability that must be had during a musical career. In short, the music is sparkling and varied in its entirety. There is something for everyone! The narrative is simple and effective with deep themes that can make us question our current way of life.
