Tubi, the free ad-supported streaming service, has announced that it is now streaming the classic 1969 anime adaptation of Sanpei Shirato’s The Legend of Ninja Kamui (also known as Ninpu Kamui Gaiden). The initial offering includes the first 15 episodes of the series, presented with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
Diving into the Legend of Ninja Kamui
The Legend of Ninja Kamui follows the heroic adventures of Kamui, a rogue ninja who travels across the country, constantly battling enemies intent on his destruction. The series, which originally premiered in 1969, is a seminal work in the ninja anime genre.
Tubi’s addition of this classic anime provides an opportunity for both long-time fans to revisit the series and for new viewers to discover a significant piece of anime history. The streamer describes the anime as chronicling Kamui’s valiant journey as he confronts various adversaries.
A Look at the Episodes Available on Tubi
The first 15 episodes now available on Tubi delve into Kamui’s perilous life as a rogue ninja. These episodes introduce key plot points and character encounters that define his journey:
- “Sparrow Drop” (S01:E01): Kamui, a renegade ninja, is rescued by siblings Nene and Ryuta, only to be pursued by assassins seeking vengeance.
- “Izuna Drop” (S01:E02): Kamui retreats into a forest where he employs a secret technique to confront the tree-dwelling Masira clan.
- “Moon Shadow” (S01:E03): Ryuta follows Kamui, but after an attack by Tsukikage, Kamui warns him about the dangerous life of a ninja and attempts to send him back to his sister.
- “Flying Squirrel” (S01:E04): Kamui engages in battle with ninja siblings Sanae and Shirou. After defeating Shirou, he faces Sanae’s quest for revenge using her secret technique, “Iizuna Gaeshi”.
- “The Five” (S01:E05): Kamui learns of Mitsu of Nabari, an undefeated ninja who manages to break Kamui’s Kiri Slash, prompting Kamui to uncover the secret behind Mitsu’s invincibility.
- “Wood Ear” (S01:E06): Kamui faces an assassin who possesses the mind-reading technique “Tashin Tsū,” forcing Kamui to resort to a life-threatening strategy to escape.
- “Common Wind” (S01:E07): Assassin Heima suspects Kamui is the “werewolf” terrorizing a village, but Heima himself is caught in a trap, leading to the werewolf saving his son, Taichi.
- “The Ninth” (S01:E08): Kamui joins the “Tozura Group” of woodcutters, protecting a mistreated girl named Tone while simultaneously uncovering a plot against him and developing a closer bond with her.
- “Dark Phantom” (S01:E09): Following a betrayal, Kamui becomes increasingly paranoid, killing strangers he believes to be assassins as a dark force takes control of him.
- “Cicada Shell” (S01:E10): Blinded in battle, Kamui is cared for by the hunter Senkichi, who later betrays him for money when an assassin seeks information about Kamui.
- “The Servant” (S01:E11): Kamui escapes to a farming village, finding temporary peace as a laborer, but his tranquil life is short-lived.
- “Mad Horse” (S01:E12): Assassin Konoma is uncertain if Kamui is truly blind.
These episodes showcase Kamui’s relentless struggle for survival against formidable foes and the harsh realities of his existence.
The Broader “Ninja Kamui” Landscape
It is important to note that The Legend of Ninja Kamui (1969) is distinct from the more recent Ninja Kamui anime series that premiered in 2024. The 2024 Ninja Kamui series, produced by E&H Production and Sola Entertainment, aired on Adult Swim’s Toonami block in the U.S. and later on Tokyo MX in Japan. This newer series, directed by Sunghoo Park, features a different plot involving a former ninja named Higan seeking revenge after his family is ambushed. It also has a video game prequel titled Ninja Kamui: Shinobi Origins. This newer iteration is available on streaming services like HBO Max.
Tubi’s acquisition highlights its commitment to offering a diverse library of anime, including foundational works from the genre’s history.
