Anime and manga have existed for decades, though they may not look anything like they do now. They are a massive part of Japanese culture, and almost everyone in Japan has watched anime at least once in their life.
The 1970s was a very formative era in the world of anime, and some incredibly famous series were created during that decade. However, there are also a lot of series that aired during that period that are now lost to time, forgotten by the modern anime audience. Here are some anime from the 1970s that shouldn't have been forgotten so quickly.
10 Rascal The Raccoon
A young boy named Sterling North discovers an orphaned raccoon kit while out with his friend. He names the raccoon Rascal, and takes him home to his house in order to care for it as a pet. However, the raccoon turns out to be more of a handful than he expects.
Rascal the Raccoon is not a very renowned show, but during its runtime, it managed to convince many people in Japan to buy a pet raccoon, This resulted in a raccoon problem that continues to plague Japan to this day.
9 Nobody's Boy: Remi
Remi lives happily in a quite little village until his father reveals that he is adopted and sells him off to a traveling artist. Though he is saddened by his change in circumstances, he accepts his lease on life and begins to travel the land.
Nobody's Boy: Remi is one of many anime from the 1970s that were based on European stories. Remi's adventures as he struggles to find a place to belong is heartwrenching and emotional. The series is dramatic and tragic, but there is ultimately a happy ending.
8 Invincible Super Man Zambot 3
When the planet Beal is destroyed by the villainous Gaizok, a few survivors hide away on earth and live as humans. However, the Jin family secretly worked to create machines to fight off Gaizok, ultimately developing three vehicles that combine to form the almighty Zambot 3.
Invincible Super Man Zambot 3 is a classic example of a Super Robot anime, though it has some realistic elements to it. It also has quite a dark tone, with a large number of major characters dying throughout the series.
7 UFO Robo Grendizer
Duke Fleed is the last survivor of the planet Fleed, which was destroyed by the ruthless King Vega in his search for a new planet. Duke Fleed escapes to Earth and takes the identity of Daisuke Umon, living quietly until Vega's forces arrive to invade Earth.
UFO Robo Grendizer was part of the legendary super robot seriesMazinger, although it is now non-canon. Nevertheless, it is a fun show for fans of the series and also features Mazinger's main character Koji Kabuto as a member of the main cast.
6 A Dog Of Flanders
A Dog of Flanders is a famous European novel about a young orphan boy named Nello. A poor child with no family aside from his elderly grandfather, Nello's only friend is his loyal dog Patrasche. With no prospects due to being a poor child, Nello tries to use his artistic talents to raise himself out of poverty.
A Dog of Flanders is an incredibly tragic tale that has had many different adaptations, including two anime adaptions. While the 1997 movie adaptation may be more well-known, it is the original 1975 anime that brought this depressing tale to Japan.
5 Majokko Megu-chan
Megu is a witch who comes to Earth in order to learn about human relationships and emotions. Essentially adopted by a former witch, Megu lives her life slowly learning how to adapt to normal human society as she grows from a spoiled little girl to a mature woman.
Majokko Megu-chan isn't all that well known now, but the show is considered a very important part of the development of magical girl anime. The stories and plotlines featured in the show influence the themes in many more well-known magical girl shows, such as Sailor Moon and Wedding Peach.
4 Belladonna Of Sadness
Newlywed Jeanne goes with her husband to give an offering to the local lord, but she is violated by him instead. Soon after, a dark spirit appears to Jeanne, offering her immense wealth and power. However, the price of such power may be more than Jeanne may realize.
Belladonna of Sadness is an adult animated film with an incredibly dark ambience and a very unique artstyle. While its themes and content may not be for the faint of heart, it is an incredibly distinctive entry in the world of anime.
3 Heidi, Girl Of The Alps
Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the Alps, as her aunt is no longer able to take care of her. Though her grandfather is misanthropic and lives a solitary life, Heidi brings a warmth to his life, as well as the people that live in the Alps.
Heidi, Girl of the Alps is another anime based on a European novel. Though the anime has lost its place in the mainstream, it is still beloved in Japan, and is occasionally referenced in anime.
2 Aim For The Ace!
Hiromi Oka is a high school girl who is inspired to start tennis by Reika Ryuzaki, the best player in her school's team. Though the beginning is a struggle, Hiromi's efforts bear fruit, and she slowly grows into a great tennis player in her own right.
Aim for the Ace! is a popular sport series in Japan, though it has certainly fallen out of the public view in recent years. The manga it is based on is one of the most popular shojo manga of all time, and has sold millions of copies.
1 Future Boy Conan
After several world-ending cataclysms that have left the world in tatters, a young boy named Conan lives quietly on Remnant Island with his grandfather. A young girl named Lana washes ashore, and is the first human Conan has seen in ages. When intruders kill Conan's grandfather and take Lana away, Conan leaves his island for the first time.
Future Boy Conan was Hayao Miyazaki's directorial debut, and was based on the novel The Incredible Tide. The series is a sci-fi post-apocalyptic adventure that was incredible in scope for the time.