Michiko to Hatchin
Anime Like Samurai Champloo If You’re Looking for Something Similar
Masterminded by Samurai Champloo episode director Sayo Yamamoto, Michiko to Hatchin shares significant hip-hop and psychedelic inspirations. Set in the fictional South American country of Diamandra, the anime tells the story of escaped convict Michiko and her attempt to save her ex-lover’s daughter, Hatchin, from an abusive foster home. After helping her escape, they both travel through favelas and jungles to reunite with the Michiko’s ex and Hatchin’s father: Hiroshi.
The show blends Watanabe-inspired action with Yamamoto’s penchant for underground culture, leading to an anime that screams vibrancy. On paper, Michiko to Hatchin bears little similarity to Samurai Champloo, yet both anime share a large overlap in their undertones, stylistic nods, and over-arching stories. Similarities are strong between Hatchin’s search for her father and Fuu’s mission to find the Sunflower Samurai, which comes as no surprise due to Yamamoto’s involvement in Samurai Champloo’s final episodes.
