

The anime of our youth (ours, if you're a millennial, roughly) were Italian cartoons (rumor had it originals existed in Japanese somewhere, but we all heard only the Italian version), produced in the '70s and aired in the '90s due to discounted licenses. We remember the songs to this day - the Italians had an uncanny talent for turning every Japanese opening into catchy tunes that got stuck in our heads, with echoes of hits like “Gigi la trottola” or “Yatta man, yatta man” still resonating years later.


So, let's remind ourselves of the anime (even if we didn’t know it was called that back then) we had the pleasure to watch on the unforgettable Polonia 1.*
* According to my information, these are all 23 anime aired during the '90s on Polonia 1. No mainstream titles like Dragon Ball or Sailor Moon are here since they came later. The order isn't a "best to worst" ranking – because of nostalgia, these shows defy objective judgment. They are arranged according to their first airing date in Japan.
(click anime's title to go to the article or scroll to read in the order).
English title: Sally the Witch
Romaji title: Mahōtsukai Sarī
Kanji title: 魔法使いサリー
Creator: Mitsuteru Yokoyama
Airing (Japan, worldwide): 1966-1968
Airing (Polonia 1): '90s
Studio: Toei Animation
Short plot description: Sally, a young princess from the Magic Kingdom, arrives on Earth to unde

"Sally the Witch" was more than just another children's anime. It's a story about growing up, self-discovery, and friendship. About trying to understand what it means to be human and how to find one's place in this world. While its message might sound cliched and naive, it was refreshing in the times of Beavis & Butthead.
Original Title (Kanji): ひみつのアッコちゃん (Himitsu no Akko-chan)
English Title: The Secrets of Akko-chan
Romaji Title: Himitsu no Akko-chan
Creator: Fujio Akatsuki
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1969 - 1970
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation


Always surrounded by loyal friends and family, Akko taught her young viewers important lessons about friendship, honesty, and the value of truth.
Original Title (Kanji): タイガーマスク (Taigā Masuku)
English Title: Tiger Mask
Romaji Title: Taigā Masuku
Creator: Ikki Kajiwara
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1969-1971
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation

One might think that the wrestling ring is not a place for heroic deeds and moral values. But Tiger Mask proved otherwise. While most anime focused on magic and adventure, this cartoon brought a realistic and raw world of hand-to-hand combat.
On the surface, the story told of Naoto Date, a wrestling athlete, who donned a tiger mask. But it was not just a mask. It was symbolic of his fighting spirit, determination, and persistence in the face of challenges. Behind this mask lay a tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and a desire to prove that good always prevails. However, Tiger Mask did not fight for himself alone. His true aim was to support the orphanage from which he came, and to protect younger children from the brutality and injustice of the world.

English Name: Magical Emi, the Magic Star
Romaji Name: Mahou no Star Magical Emi
Kanji Name: 魔法のスターマジカルエミ
Creator: Studio Pierrot
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1985-1986
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Studio Pierrot

Her family ran a magic trick store, and she herself dreamed of becoming a real magician one day. When she received a magical mirror that allowed her to transform into "Magical Emi", her dream became a reality, but not without challenges. As "Magical Emi", Mai gained popularity through her impressive performances.

Name: Paul's Amazing Adventures
Romaji Name: Pōru no Bōken Sekai
Kanji Name: ポールの冒険世界
Creator: Hiroshi Saitō
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1981-1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Sunrise Studio

Paul's Fantastic World certainly captivated many young viewers in Poland when it was first broadcast on Polonia 1. With its help, children had the chance to travel to places they had never dreamed of and accompany the young protagonist on his remarkable journeys. Every world Paul encountered was unique, offering its own challenges.

For many Poles growing up in the 1990s, Paul's Fantastic World became a symbol of a carefree childhood, full of dreams and endless possibilities. The anime reminded them that the world is filled with amazing places and adventures waiting to be discovered.
English Title: Yatterman
Romaji Title: Yattāman
Kanji Title: ヤッターマン
Creator: Tatsuo Yoshida
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1977 - 1979
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production


Distinctive features of the series include the heroic duo's reliable battle machines and gadgets, as well as the comical and exaggerated behaviors of the antagonists. The series, filled with action and adventures, never forgot about humor, making it a top choice for both younger and older audiences.
English Title: Brave Leader Daimos
Romaji Title: Tōshō Daimos
Kanji Title: 闘将ダイモス
Creator: Tadao Nagahama
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1978 - 1979
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Sunrise
Brief Plot Summary: Earth faces a new threat as the Baam race, led by King Richter, decides to colonize our planet. At the heart of these conflicts is the powerful robot, Daimos, piloted by the young and courageous Kazuya Ryūzaki.




English Title: Hela Supergirl
Romaji Title: Sarutobi Ecchan
Kanji Title: さるとびエッちゃん
Creator: Shōtarō Ishinomori
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1971 - 1972
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation
Brief Plot Summary: Although Hela is small, her bravery and determination surpass her size. Raised in a ninja environment, she possesses skills that frequently come in handy in her daily life. School life is not easy for Hela, but with her ninja skills, she often manages to overcome the challenges she encounters.
Using her abilities, she not only helps herself but also defends the weaker ones and those in need. However, Hela isn't just a warrior; her everyday life is about fun, making new friends, and finding her place in the world. She learns that real strength comes not from combat abilities but from the heart and spirit.

English Title: Flower Angel
Romaji Title: Hana no Ko Lunlun
Kanji Title: 花の子ルンルン
Creators: Shiro Jinbo, Toei Animation
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1979 - 1980
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation

As she traverses different parts of the world, she faces numerous challenges. However, with the help of her loyal dog, a mysterious bird, and her indomitable spirit, she is determined to find the flower. Each country and city she visits brings a new adventure and new friends who join her in her mission. It's not just a story about finding a flower but also about friendship, courage, and determination.
"
English Name: Captain Hawk (originally: Captain Tsubasa)
Romaji Name: Captain Tsubasa
Kanji Name: キャプテン翼
Creator: Yōichi Takahashi
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1983 - 1986
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tsuchida Production

Tsubasa Ōzora, known in Poland as Captain Hawk, is a young boy with a passion for soccer that becomes the focal point of his life. Supported since childhood by his family and his mentor Roberto, Tsubasa dedicates every free moment to perfect his skills on the field. His exceptional talent quickly gets noticed, leading him to participate in the most important school soccer championships.

In Poland, "Captain Hawk" won the hearts of many young viewers, becoming an inspiration and motivation for them not only in sports but also in everyday life.
English Name: The Legend of Snow White
Romaji Name: Shirayuki-hime no Densetsu
Kanji Name: 白雪姫の伝説
Creator: The Brothers Grimm (based on their fairy tale)
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1994-1995
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production

The classic tale of Snow White comes to life in this Japanese anime adaptation. The story begins when the evil queen, jealous of Snow White's innocent beauty, decides to get rid of her. After a failed attempt to murder her by a huntsman, Snow White flees to the forest where she discovers the home of seven dwarfs.

The anime adds many new elements and characters to the classic story while retaining the spirit of the original fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. As a result, "The Legend of Snow White" is both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to both younger and older viewers. In Poland, the series gained significant recognition, becoming one of the favorite children's programs of the 90s.
English Name: Yattodetaman
Romaji Name: Yattodetaman
Kanji Name: ヤットデタマン
Creator: Hiroshi Sasagawa
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1981 - 1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production

She reveals that Beppe and Tiny are the founders of her family in the future. The princess asks them to help find the Cosmic Peacock - a legendary bird that symbolizes power and is the key to the throne in the Kingdom of the Calendar. But they are not the only ones searching for this creature.

"In the Kingdom of the Calendar" is an action-packed tale of good versus evil, where traditional fairy tale motifs blend with science fiction elements to create unforgettable experiences for both young and older viewers.
English Name: Dash Kappei
Romaji Name: Dashu Kappei
Kanji Name: ダッシュ勝平
Creator: Noboru Rokuda
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1981 - 1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production

However, thanks to his determination, amazing skills, and unique playing style, he quickly gains recognition and becomes a key player on his team. His adventures don't end with basketball. Gigi, always in search of new challenges, tries his hand in various sports disciplines, such as swimming or table tennis, surprising everyone with his talent and unconventional approach.

English Name: Lucy of the Southern Rainbow
Romaji Name: Minami no Niji no Lucy
Kanji Name: 南の虹のルーシー
Creator: Phyllis Piddington
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Nippon Animation

In Australia, the family faces challenges related to building a home, adapting to a new place, and the absence of their mother, who died a few years earlier. Lucy, being the oldest sibling, often takes on motherly duties, caring for the younger ones and helping her father with daily tasks.

English Name: Ganbare, Kickers!
Romaji Name: Ganbare, Kikkāzu!
Kanji Name: がんばれ!キッカーズ
Creator: Noriaki Nagai
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1986-1987
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Studio Pierrot


Although initially underestimated by others, their perseverance, passion for the game, and strong bonds between team members garner them more and more supporters. "Ganbare, Kickers!" is an inspiring story about determination, goal-setting, and the power of a team. It shows that even in the face of adversity, with the right dose of passion and the support of friends, success can be achieved.
English name: Magic Tickle
Romaji name: Majokko chikkuru
Kanji name: 魔女っ子チックル
Creator: Gō Nagai
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1978 - 1979
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s Studio: Toei Animation

The two girls, although different in origin and abilities, start living together, attending the same school, and sharing everyday life. Their days are filled with various adventures, often a direct result of Tickle's magic and spells.

English Title: Jungle Book Shonen Mowgli
Romaji Name: Janguru Bukku Shōnen Moguri
Kanji Name: ジャングルブック 少年モーグリ
Creator: Rudyard Kipling (based on his book)
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1989-1990
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Nippon Animation

Mowgli earns the respect and friendship of many jungle animals but also faces several dangers, including the sinister Kaa the cobra, the wild Dhole dogs, and the man-hating tiger, Shere Khan.

English Title: Attacker YOU!
Romaji Name: Atakkā yū
Kanji Name: アタッカーYOU!
Creators: Jun Makimury, Shizuo Koizumi
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1984 - 1985
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Kōdansha

She moved to Tokyo to join a prestigious volleyball club and train under renowned coaches. In Tokyo, she meets various individuals that influence her life both positively and negatively. Her most significant rival and also a friend is Nami Hayase, with whom she often competes on and off the court.

English Name: Mako the Mermaid
Romaji Name: Mahō no Mako-chan
Kanji Name: 魔法のマコちゃん
Creator: Akio Chiba (based on the manga)
Broadcast (Japan/world): 1970-1971
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation


"Mako the Mermaid" is a touching tale of love, identity discovery, and the pursuit of dreams at great personal sacrifice.
English Name: Trapp Family Story
Romaji Name: Torappu Ikka Monogatari
Kanji Name: トラップ一家物語
Creator: Maria von Trapp (based on her memoirs)
Broadcast (Japan/world): 1991
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Nippon Animation
Plot Synopsis: The "Trapp Family Story" anime chronicles the life of Maria, a young woman who becomes a governess for the seven children of Captain von Trapp in pre-war Austria.


English Name: The Secret Garden
Romaji Name: Himitsu no Hanazono
Kanji Name: 秘密の花園
Creator: Frances Hodgson Burnett (based on her novel)
Broadcast (Japan/world): 1991-1992
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: TMS Entertainment

During one of her walks, Mary stumbles upon a mysterious garden locked away for years. This hidden gem becomes her escape from reality, a place teeming with magic and secrets.

English Name: Il fichissimo del Baseball (Italian, no English version)
Romaji Name: Ippatsu Kanta-kun
Kanji Name: 一発貫太くん
Creator: Tatsuo Yoshida
Airing (Japan, World): 1977
Airing (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production

Kanta Tobase (Japanese: 戸馳貫太) lives in the downtown with his mother, seven brothers and sisters, and the house dog. He is very enthusiastic about baseball. However, his mother never allows her children to even talk about baseball, not to speak of playing it since she believes that her husband died accidentally on account of baseball.
As for Kanta, however, he continues play baseball secretly from early morning. One day he is asked by his friend to play as a substitute on a team. As Kanta completes a big play, he sees his mother standing there with a grim look. She tells Kanta not to play baseball ever again.


Name: The Magnificent Zorro
Romaji Name: Kaiketsu Zorori
Kanji Name: 快傑ゾロ
Creator: Johnston McCulley (original creator of the Zorro character)
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1994
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Ashi Productions, Mondo TV
Short Plot Description: Diego Vega, a young aristocrat, returns to his hometown of Los Angeles after studying in Spain. He finds his beloved city plagued by tyranny and injustice. Residents live in fear, and the poor are oppressed by local rulers.


In the 1990s, Polonia 1 laid the groundwork, educating a new generation about what anime is. It did so using anime from the 70s and 80s, thus providing a history lesson. This provided a foundation for the further development of the anime fan scene. Would it exist without Polonia 1? Definitely, as anime is a powerful force in global entertainment and would undoubtedly have reached Poland. But would it look the same? Definitely not. Raising the first Polish “anime generation” on these series from the 70s and 80s that aired on Polonia 1 gave it a unique shape and direction. So when the Internet came along, opening the door to modern Japanese anime, we were already somewhat shaped as fans.

Nostalgia is beautiful yet deceiving. I can't and won't attempt to objectively evaluate the worth of these series. Perhaps we were simply young, innocent, and ready to fall in love with any animation on our TV screens. That's not the point, though. Memories are priceless, and the laughter evoked by reminiscing about those times is proof that it was worth it. Humming in Italian:
"Yattaman, Yattaman, al gran filone d'oro,
Yattaman, Yattaman, buona guardia fa, Yattaman,
Yattaman, divertente ma severo.
Coraggioso il battagliero Yattaman”.
未開 ソビエライ
An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)
"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)
未開 ソビエライ
An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)
"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)
___________________
Would you like to share your thoughts or feedback about our website or app? Leave us a message, and we’ll get back to you quickly. We value your perspective!