Sakura Wars

The year is 1919, and armies of mechanized soldiers are advancing on the capital with the pride of Hell in their wake. However, the engineering geniuses of Kanzaki Heavy Industries have Developed a new weapon to balance the odds... if suitable pilots can be found in time. Chosen for their unique psychic skills, a group of courageous young women assembled from around the world will pilot steam-driven giant robots into single combat with the enemies of the Earth. But beneath the strain of rigouous practice and the onslaught of a faceless enemy, the Flower Brigade is soon in desperate need of leadership. Excitement builds as rumor of a new commander reaches the Extreme Capital Defenders. Can the handsome young officer lead his disorganized Flower Division into battle, or will he face the enemy alone?

Directed by Oji Hiroi, Sakura Wars leans on a strong ensemble — Chisa Yokoyama, Michie Tomizawa, Akio Suyama — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action & adventure titles of 1997.