Samurai Champloo employs a unique 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 , graffiti, bandits behaving like "gangstas" and much of Mugen's character design, including a fighting style influenced by breakdancing. Champloo's musical score predominantly features hip hop beats. Certain anachronistic references are not based upon hip-hop, however, such as baseball, the United States and references to the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.