Cardcaptor Sakura

NHK · 1998–2000 · 3 Seasons · 70 Episodes · Ended
AnimeMagical GirlFantasyRomance
83
Fan Heat

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About Cardcaptor Sakura

Cardcaptor Sakura follows Sakura Kinomoto, a cheerful and athletic fourth-grader in the fictional town of Tomoeda, whose ordinary life is upended when she discovers a mysterious book in her father's study. Opening it, she accidentally releases the magical Clow Cards, scattering them across the city. The guardian beast Cerberus, who had been sleeping on the book's cover in a small plush-like form, awakens and names her the Cardcaptor, tasking her with recovering every loose card before their chaotic powers cause disaster.

Armed with the Sealing Wand and an ever-growing collection of handmade battle costumes sewn by her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji, Sakura tracks down each runaway Clow Card, learning to harness their elemental abilities as she captures them. Along the way she is joined by Syaoran Li, a stern descendant of the cards' original creator who arrives from Hong Kong as a rival before slowly becoming a trusted ally and friend. The series balances monster-of-the-week adventures with the gentle rhythms of school life, family, and first crushes.

Spanning three seasons and seventy episodes, the show gradually shifts from card-collecting escapades to a deeper test of Sakura's heart, as the Clow Cards must be transformed into Sakura Cards and her bonds with those around her are challenged. Praised for its warm characterization, inclusive depiction of many kinds of love, and lush Madhouse animation, Cardcaptor Sakura remains one of the most beloved all-ages magical-girl series ever produced.

Production Details & Legacy

Cardcaptor Sakura was created by CLAMP (manga) and originally aired on NHK, with streaming available on Crunchyroll. The series ran for 3 seasons and 70 episodes from 1998–2000, establishing itself as a landmark entry in the anime and magical girl and fantasy and romance genres. Since its conclusion, Cardcaptor Sakura has continued to attract new viewers through streaming platforms and remains a frequent subject of critical reappraisal and fan discussion.

The series features a rich ensemble of characters that have become iconic within television fandom. TVCeleb profiles 3 key characters from Cardcaptor Sakura, including Sakura Kinomoto (Sakura Tange), Syaoran Li (Motoko Kumai), Kero / Cerberus (Aya Hisakawa). Each character has inspired dedicated fan communities, extensive analysis, and passionate debate about their motivations, relationships, and story arcs throughout the series.

Cardcaptor Sakura holds a Fan Heat Score of 83 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting the intensity and passion of its fanbase. This strong score reflects sustained fan engagement and cultural relevance that extends well beyond its original air dates. The series is notable for its magical girl, CLAMP, Madhouse qualities, which have contributed to its enduring appeal and cross-generational viewership.

Characters (3)

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? Frequently Asked Questions

The original Cardcaptor Sakura anime, produced by Madhouse and aired on NHK from 1998 to 2000, runs for 70 episodes across three seasons. A sequel series, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, followed much later in 2018.

Yes. Cardcaptor Sakura is widely regarded as an all-ages, family-friendly magical-girl series. It emphasizes friendship, kindness, and gentle adventure, with very little violence, which is part of why it has endured as a classic.

Cardcaptor Sakura is available to stream on Crunchyroll, which carries the original Japanese-language version with subtitles. Availability can vary by region and over time, so check your local Crunchyroll catalog.