Hi no Tori
English title: Phoenix
Japanese title: 火の鳥
Alternative titles: Hinotori, Bird of Fire
Type: TV
Source: Manga
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Mar 21, 2004 to Jun 27, 2004
Broadcast: Sundays at 19:30 (JST)
Duration: 25 min per ep
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Studios: Tezuka Productions
Producers: NHK, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, NHK Enterprises
Licensors: Media Blasters, NYAV Post
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
Themes: Historical

From prehistoric times to the distant future, Hi no Tori portrays how the legendary immortal bird Phoenix acts as a witness and chronicler for the history of mankind's endless struggle in search of power, justice, and freedom.

1. Reimei-hen (Dawn)
2. Fukkatsu-hen (Resurrection)
3. Igyou-hen (Transformation)
4. Taiyou-hen (The Sun)
5. Mirai-hen (Future)

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

The 2004 Hi no Tori TV series adapts five of Osamu Tezuka's manga chapters into thirteen episodes; in no particular order, they are the first, second, sixth, 11th, and 12th chapters. The animators did not try to copy Tezuka's drawing style and instead opted for a more generic style of TV animation—slick and polished. An English version of the TV series was released by Anime Works in October 2007. In addition to being broadcast in high-definition, the anime's soundtrack features some of Tezuka's favorite music, such as Beethoven as well as the inclusion and usage of ancient Chinese instruments.