Hidamari no Ki
English title: Tree in the Sun
Japanese title: 陽だまりの樹
Type: TV
Episodes: 25
Premiered: spring 2000
Source: Manga
Genres: Action, Award Winning, Drama
Studios: Madhouse
Producers: VAP, Nippon Television Network
Duration: 23 min per ep
Rating: R+ - Mild Nudity

A story set in the mid-1800's about a young doctor who has been trained in Western-style medicine and a young samurai who is trying to live up to the old traditions of his class and culture. The story is actually based upon real people - the doctor, Ryo-an, was Tezuka's great grandfather.

During the Second Year of Ansei (1855) in Edo's Koishigawa are two young men, Manjiro Ibutani and Ryoan Tezuka. Ibutani is a low-ranking samurai who is a gifted swordsman and has a straightforward and strong sense of justice. Tezuka has a more carefree attitude. He has an eye for the ladies, but he is passionate about becoming a doctor. The two opposite characters come of age during the backdrop of the turbulent end of the Tokugawa Period (1600-1868 CE).

(Source: AnimeNfo)