From its explosive debut in 1987, the City Hunter TV anime series has defined a generation of anime culture, blending hard-boiled action, romance, urban drama, and hilarious comedy into one unforgettable narrative. Spanning four core seasons and several beloved TV specials, the adventures of Ryo Saeba and Kaori Makimura have captured the imagination of fans in Japan and across the world—in French-speaking Europe, throughout Asia, and far beyond. In this exhaustive guide crafted for international anime enthusiasts, we explore each series in depth—its broadcast timeline, global journey, plot highlights, animation achievements, and of course, legendary music that still echoes through Shinjuku’s neon nights.
Broadcast Details and International Reach
| Series Title | Japan Broadcast Period & Network | Episode Count | Key International Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Hunter (Season 1) | Apr 6, 1987 – Mar 28, 1988 Yomiuri TV / Nippon TV |
51 | France, USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Italy, Latin America |
| City Hunter 2 | Apr 2, 1988 – Jul 1, 1989 | 63 | France, Hong Kong, Korea, Southeast Asia |
| City Hunter 3 | Oct 15, 1989 – Jan 21, 1990 | 13 | France, Italy, Asia |
| City Hunter '91 | Apr 28, 1991 – Oct 10, 1991 | 13 | France, Europe, Asia Pacific |
In Japan, the series was broadcast nationwide during prime-time slots, becoming a household fixture. Internationally, City Hunter has been lauded particularly in France (where it aired as “Nicky Larson” and became a pop culture phenomenon), as well as extensively dubbed/subtitled across Asia and parts of the Americas. Streaming and new dubs have ensured a new generation of fans worldwide.
City Hunter (Season 1): The Iconic Origin (1987-1988)
Plot Overview
The first season propels us into the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo's vibrant and treacherous district, where the “sweeper” Ryo Saeba takes on jobs that range from bodyguard missions to battling ruthless crime syndicates. Alongside him is Kaori Makimura, the sister of his late partner. The chemistry and comic tension between the womanizing, sharp-shooting Ryo and the blunt, fiercely loyal Kaori form the emotional backbone of the series.
Every episode unveils a new client—often a beautiful woman with a desperate request—forcing Ryo and Kaori into pulsating urban chases, close-quarter gunfights, and moments of heartfelt human drama. The show’s trademark humor, such as Ryo’s “mokkori” lechery being met by Kaori’s 100-ton hammer, ensures the action never grows too dark, balancing suspense with laugh-out-loud moments. Yet, underlying it all is a core of loneliness, camaraderie, and empathy—which is why City Hunter’s narrative has universal appeal.
Animation and Artistic Direction
Animated by Sunrise, the art direction of City Hunter achieves a keen sense of 1980s Tokyo: neon-reflected puddles, endless high-rises, and smoky alleyways provide the backdrop to Ryo’s story. Iconic character designer Sachiko Kamimura’s bold lines and expressive features allow for both comedic exaggeration and genuine pathos, while action sequences deliver a fierce kinetic energy rare for the time.
Unique to this season was the influence of Tsukasa Hojo, the manga's creator, who closely supervised story adaptation and original anime episodes. The result is a series that feels both loyal to the manga and vividly alive as animation.
Theme Music
- Opening: "City Hunter ~Ai yo Kienai de~" by Kahoru Kohiruimaki, later “Go Go Heaven” by Yoshiyuki Osawa
- Ending: The legendary "Get Wild" (TM NETWORK) – its seamless transition from cliffhanger episode close to ending theme became a genre-defining stylistic trademark
“Get Wild” remains one of the most celebrated anime songs globally—haunting, addictive, and cited as a pillar of anime music history.
City Hunter 2 (1988-1989): Expanding the Action and Heart
Broadcast & Impact
Airing from 1988 to 1989 with a staggering 63 episodes, City Hunter 2 cemented the franchise’s status as a must-watch action series. Notably, its reach spread even further internationally; in France, the “Nicky Larson” dub became so ingrained in French pop culture that it spawned live-action spinoffs and cross-media adaptations.
Story & Character Development
Building on the chemistry between Ryo and Kaori, this season introduces new antagonists and allies with each arc and explores Kaori’s budding independence and their deepening (yet often comically denied) bonds. The show also showcases more ambitious original plots—government conspiracies, underworld intrigue, and plenty of guest “heroines” in need of rescue.
Tonally, City Hunter 2 weaves deftly between pulse-quickening drama, slapstick, and poignancy—endearing itself to broad audiences worldwide.
Animation—Stylish Urban Realism
The animation team expands on the foundation: more detailed nightscapes, creative action choreography, and even city scenes that mirror Japan's late-bubble era. The show’s depiction of Tokyo as both alluring and dangerous is a key reason City Hunter resonates with so many fans, especially those who identify with the rhythm of modern city life.
Theme Songs
- Opening: "Angel Night ~Tenshi no iru Basho~" by PSY-S, later “SARA” by FENCE OF DEFENSE
- Ending: "Super Girl" by Yasuyuki Okamura, then the evocative "Still Love Her (Ushinawareta Fukei)" by TM NETWORK
"Still Love Her" in particular, paired with evocative nighttime city visuals, became an anthem for fans craving romantic drama within urbanity.
City Hunter 3 (1989-1990): Short but Unforgettable
Overview
Though much shorter at just 13 episodes, City Hunter 3 is often cited by fans for its sharpened focus on emotional complexity and high-octane action. The season delves into new dimensions of the Ryo-Kaori relationship—including Kaori’s inner dreams and doubts—while presenting some of the series’ most famous guest characters.
Visual Distinction
New animators and a fresh background design palette gave this season more nuance and variety, especially in nightscapes, interiors, and crowd scenes—each rendering Shinjuku with even more realism and grit.
Signature Tracks
- Opening: "Running to Horizon" by Tetsuya Komuro
- Ending: "Atsuku Naretara" by Seimi Suzuki with Rats & Star
Komuro’s energetic track is a reflection of late-’80s J-Pop, infusing the show with contemporary edge.
City Hunter '91 (1991): A Bittersweet Swan Song
Series Structure
The final TV series, airing in 1991 for 13 episodes, was a turning point. Directed by Hiroshi Kamishina, it presented a sharper character design and fresh color palette, echoing the stylistic shifts of early Heisei-era anime. The stories dig even deeper into the bittersweet, focusing on Ryo and Kaori’s relationship—and, at times, even contemplating what their life after the city might look like.
International Influence
"City Hunter '91" became especially celebrated among international fans, securing new broadcasts across Europe and Asia, and inspiring countless re-airings and pop culture references that continue in the present day.
Musical Motifs
- Opening: "Down Town Game" by GWINKO
- Ending: "Smile & Smile" by AURA
Special Features: TV Movies & Beyond
The main TV runs are accompanied by a trio of TV movie specials: “The Secret Service” (1996), “Goodbye My Sweetheart” (1997), and “Death of the Vicious Criminal Ryo Saeba” (1999). These address more adult themes and enter the hearts of City Hunter’s main characters—often focusing on Ryo’s solitude, Kaori’s struggles, and the painful ties of their found family. These TV specials were later aired in France, Hong Kong, Korea, and throughout Europe, solidifying City Hunter’s worldwide legacy.
A Worldwide Cultural Phenomenon
From its uniquely Japanese settings to its universal themes of love, redemption, and urban solitude, City Hunter’s appeal is unmistakable. In France, it inspired not only generations of anime fans but also live-action adaptations and pop music covers. In Asia, it helped define the “anime boom” of the late ’80s and ’90s. Its iconic music banners like "Get Wild" and "Still Love Her" are revered globally, with countless covers, remixes, and even orchestral arrangements celebrating their legacy to this day.
New generations continually discover City Hunter via streaming, DVD/BD restored releases, and anime event screenings—the adventures of Ryo, Kaori, their allies, and rivals remain as vibrant, exciting, and moving now as they were decades ago.
Conclusion: The Eternal Appeal of City Hunter
City Hunter stands not just as a classic anime, but as a universal symbol of stylish action, urban romance, and musical innovation. Its meticulous animation, sharp-witted dialogue, unforgettable soundtracks, and deep compassion for the modern city dweller continue to inspire viewers everywhere. Whether in the neon glow of Shinjuku or the hearts of fans from Paris to Hong Kong, City Hunter is an anime legend without equal.
