In 1945, American troops land on the island of Okinawa. The Japanese fight a guerrilla war against the invaders, and little Ryuko is forced to leave her grandparents behind and flee with her mother and younger sister, who are eventually killed. Ryuko heads on alone across the war-torn island. Eventually she reaches safety in Japanese-occupied caves, only to witness the Japanese troops committing suicide with hand grenades. Based on a children's book by Akira Aratagawa and Hikuji Norima, itself inspired by real American footage of an Okinawan girl, Tomiko Higa, waving a white flag at the island's surrender.
Shirahata no Shoujo Ryuuko has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 白旗の少女 琉子, The Girl with the White Flag
Genres: Japan , World War II , Anti War , Disaster , Historical
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Top 5 Anime Like Shirahata no Shoujo Ryuuko [2026 List]
5. Himeyuri
The 30-minute film centers around a group of high school nurses called Himeyuri who served during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.
The Himeyuri Alumnae Incorporated Foundation, which runs the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Okinawa, produced the film with the aim to convey the experiences of those high school nurses, many of whom lost their lives during the battle, to children.
Himeyuri has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: ひめゆり, Himeyuri
4. Chocchan Monogatari
This feature length film is based on autobiography of Cho "Chocchan" Kuroyanagi, who is better known as the mother of an actress Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.
The story starts in pre-World War 2 Japan when Chocchan marries violinist despite the objection of both of their families. They live in poverty, have three children and are happy together. Any misfortune they face with a smile. But new obstacle for their happiness comes when the war breaks out and Chocchan's husband must leave for the front...
Chocchan Monogatari has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: チョッちゃん物語, Chocchan's Story
3. Hi no Ame ga Furu
An anti-war anime based on a book containing contemporary accounts of the fire-bombing of the city of Fukuoka on the evening of June 19, 1945.
Hi no Ame ga Furu has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 火の雨がふる, Fire Rain, Rain of Fire
2. Glass no Usagi
Toshiko Ei and her family are residents of Tokyo. Her father is a respected and skilled glass craftsmen so the family makes a good living. However, the Ei family soon finds itself having to suffer through many tragic hardships as a result of World War II.
Glass Rabbit has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: ガラスのうさぎ, Garasu no Usagi
1. Ushiro no Shoumen Daare
Kayoko is a young girl in 1940, just starting first grade. She's a bit of a crybaby, which is no secret to those around her. She loves playing with friends and singing cute schoolyard chants, and occasionally having fun with her three older brothers. Her mother is pregnant, and so she looks forward to being a big sister, only partially understanding the responsibility that might bring. Meanwhile, the war effort is growing, and it`s only the natural thing to do to be patriotic and support the country...
Kayoko goes so far as to contribute her favorite dolly, whose materials could help build explosives. Time passes, and as she grows older, Kayoko sees how the war has affected her life and those around her. Nothing can prepare her for 1945, however, and the bleak times that are soon to come. Based on original creator Kayoko Ebina's real life experience during World War 2 on Showa era.
Who's Left Behind? has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: うしろの正面だあれ, Kayoko's Diary, Ushiro no Shomen Daare, Ushiro no Shomen Dare
