Samurai Champloo employs a blend of historical Edo period backdrops with modern styles and references. The show relies on factual events of Edo-era Japan, such as the Shimabara Rebellion, Dutch exclusivity in an era where edict restricted Japanese foreign relations, Ukiyo-e paintings , and fictionalized versions of real-life Edo personalities Mariya Enshirou and Miyamoto Musashi. Incorporated within this are signature elements of modernity, especially hip hop culture, such as rapping, bandits behaving like "gangstas" , censorship bleeps replaced with record scratching, and much of Mugen's character design. (Wikipedia)