A [[Japan]]ese period drama, generally set during the Heian (794–1185 CE), Sengoku (1467–1615 CE), Edo (1603–1868 CE), or Early Meiji eras of Japanese history.

Generally features [[samurai]] (or [[ronin]]) as main characters, with feudal lords, shoguns, ninjas, peasants, craftsmen and merchants also playing important parts. Often focuses on intense sword-fights between samurai and other sword-wielding characters.

Characters will usually dress in the period-appropriate attire in such works. Some characters (often the more 'regal' or 'authoritative' ones) will speak in a faux "antiquated stage Japanese", analogous to using "thees and thous" and other 'Shakespearisms' in an English work.

Drawn works set in a jidaigeki setting will often feature a [[sumi-e]] "ink wash" aesthetic or other elements of traditional Japanese art.

For tagging purposes, any post that depicts a visibly "Medieval Japanese" setting generally counts. Consider this the Japanese culture equivalent of the [[Medieval]] tag. Avoid tagging [[Touhou]] works with this tag, or other mixed fantastical/sci-fi settings, unless they have the distinct "jidaigeki" feel. 

(This may be hard to quantify, but generally, if it feels like a "samurai period piece film", then it counts, even if it's a mixed setting.)

h4. Tag usage notes
* Tag jidaigeki for posts that feature a visibly Japanese 'Medieval' theme.
** Especially if it focuses on samurai and feudal lords/shoguns, analogous to knights and lords for Western [[Medieval]] works.
* Avoid tagging jidaigeki for mixed settings unless one is  sure that it qualifies.
* Avoid tagging jidaigeki for settings that have a central focus on fantastical or 'magical' elements, even if set in the appropriate era.
** Generally these will focus on gods, magic, youkai and the like. 
** e.g. [[Ookami (game)|Ōkami]] (it is also set in prehistoric Japan instead of 'medieval' Japan.)
** The analogy is like [[medieval]] vs. [[fantasy]]. There is some overlap, and some posts may qualify for both. Likewise, some overtly fantastical or 'magical' settings may also [i]feel[/i] jidaigeki if there is significant focus on samurai characters (or feudal lords, or "the common people").
* [[Ninja]]s by themselves generally do not count for jidaigeki. 

h4. Notable series

* [[Kozure Ookami]] [tn]Edo period[/tn]
* [[Vagabond]] [tn]Edo period[/tn]
* [[Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice]] [tn]Sengoku period, with some fantastical and steampunk elements[/tn]
* [[Rurouni Kenshin]] [tn]Early Meiji period[/tn]

h4. External links

* "Wikipedia: Jidaigeki":[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jidaigeki]
時代劇