Created for Japanese television by Hiroyuki Takei, this half-hour anime series featured a 13-year-old schoolboy named Yoh Ashakura, who, unbeknownst to himself, was possessed by the spirit of Amidamaru, a 600-year-old Samurai warrior. Upon realizing that he had been anointed, Yoh embarked upon a globetrotting mission to fight evil and convince misguided Shamans to change their ways; the reward for these good works was the coveted title of Shaman King. Accompanying Yoh on his odyssey was his best friend Manta Oyamada (called Mortimer in the English-language version), who although he did not possess Shaman powers was able to "see" Yoh's inner self. In America,
Shaman King premiered over the FOX network on August 30, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide