is a Japanese anime television series, and the first to be produced by Bones. The series was first aired on NHK BS-2 and ran for twenty six episodes, from October 24, 2000, until May 1, 2001. Created by Shà  Aikawa and directed by Tetsurà  Amino, the series' character designer and chief animation director was the late Hiroshi à Âsaka.
The series was subsequently aired by the anime television network Animax, who also aired it across its English language networks in Southeast Asia and South Asia. For the 25th anniversary of the studio, it was made available worldwide (excluding Japan) on Crunchyroll on March 17, 2025.
The series is set within the Meiji period of Japan, following a small boy named Hiwou. The townspeople have lived simply, making "Clockwork Dolls" or "karakuri" for festivals. Hiwou's father left the family on a long trip, and their mother has since died. The children live with friends.
Their simple life vanishes when the "Wind Gang" appears, destroys the city with their own clockwork dolls, and captures its citizens. Hiwà  and his siblings and friends, Shishi, Machi, Tetsu, Mayu, Sai, and baby Jyobu (who are exploring a cave at the time), escape unharmed and embark on a quest to save the town. They take with them Homura, a huge clockwork doll that functions like a giant robot.
Along the way, they are forced to use their clockwork dolls as weapons - something they were never supposed to do, according to Hiwà Â's father. Early in the series, they meet Arashi, a member of the Wind Gang, and Hana and Yuki, two samurai daughters who ended up traveling with the group.
Hiwà  and his friends encounter a number of historical figures, before these people entered the history books during the Meiji Restoration.
Hiwou no Theme by Hiroshi Yamaguchi
CROSSROAD by Kumiko Endà Â