Watch Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East

Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East is an anime show that premiered back in 2013. It tells the story of a young man named Shino Inuzuka, who survived a tragic incident that took the lives of his family, and his friend Sosuke Inukawa, who also experienced loss in his past. These two young men are bonded by more than just their mutual tragedy, as they both share a supernatural power that allows them to transform into powerful warriors.

The show takes place in the medieval era of Japan, where supernatural beasts called 'Ayakashi' plague the land. These creatures are hunted by the Church's 'Ten Wolves' and guarded by the 'Eight Dogs of the East', who are individuals blessed with the power to wield a holy sword and fight against the Ayakashi.

One day, while Shino and Sosuke are out searching for a medicinal herb in the forest, they stumble upon a mysterious girl named Hamaji, who is being hunted by the Ten Wolves. After rescuing her, the trio embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind Shino's tragic past and Hamaji's connection to it.

As they travel through different regions of Japan, they encounter other individuals who possess the power of the Eight Dogs, each with their own stories and reasons for using their power. Among them are Genpachi Inukai, a former member of the Church's Ten Wolves who deserted after learning of their corruption; Kaname Osaki, a young boy with a gentle spirit and a tragic upbringing; and Shinobu Inue, a skilled warrior who harbors a deep hatred for the Church.

Throughout their journey, Shino, Sosuke, and their companions encounter various obstacles, including dangerous Ayakashi, battles against the Church's Ten Wolves, and revelations about their pasts that shake the foundations of their beliefs. They must learn to rely on each other and their bond to overcome these challenges and protect their loved ones.

The show's animation is top-notch, with stunning visuals that capture the beauty of Japan's landscapes and architecture. The character designs are also unique and memorable, with each character's appearance reflecting their personality and backstory.

The voice acting is another standout aspect of this anime, with an impressive cast that includes Hiroshi Kamiya as Shino, Tomoaki Maeno as Sosuke, Tetsuya Kakihara as Genpachi, Daisuke Namikawa as Kaname, and many more talented actors. The performances are heartfelt and convincing, bringing the characters to life in a way that makes you care about their struggles and triumphs.

Overall, Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East is a thrilling and emotional anime that explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity in a beautifully crafted world. Whether you're a fan of action, drama, or supernatural elements, this show has something for everyone.

Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East is a series that ran for 2 seasons (50 episodes) between January 10, 2013 and on Anime Network