Kanon (2006)
A haunting anime journey through forgotten memories, bittersweet promises, and the supernatural bonds that refuse to let go.
Kanon - Series Information
- Original Title: カノン
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 6, 2006 (United States - TV-14), October 6, 2006 (United Kingdom - 12), October 6, 2006 (Australia - M), October 6, 2006 (Mexico - B)
- Networks: TBS
- Production Companies: Kyoto Animation, Pony Canyon, movic, TBS
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 雪之少女 (CN), Kanon (UK), カノン (JP)
Kanon - Plot
Yuichi hasn't seen his cousin Nayuki in years. Now that he's back, all knowledge of ever visiting has vanished. He tries to adjust to the vaguely familiar surroundings, but the gaps in his memory haunt him as time grows short. The pieces of the puzzle have appeared – an eerily silent beauty with blazing tresses, the mysterious girl with the winged backpack, and the sword-wielding demon slayer – but it's up to Yuichi to discover how they fit together.
Kanon - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Kanon come to life.
Can the future exist without a past?
Where to Watch Kanon
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Kanon - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tomokazu Sugita
- Yui Horie
- Mariko Kouda
- Yukari Tamura
- Akemi Satou
- Mayumi Izuka
- Yuko Minaguchi
- Tomokazu Seki
- Miwa Yasuda
- Tomoko Kawakami
Writers
- Fumihiko Shimo
Kanon - FAQs
Is Kanon based on a visual novel or true story?
Kanon is adapted from a 1999 visual novel developed by Key, the same studio behind Clannad and Air. The story is entirely fictional, blending supernatural romance with emotional drama. Kyoto Animation's 2006 adaptation is widely regarded as the definitive version of the source material.
Why does Yuichi have no memory of the town?
Yuichi's amnesia is central to Kanon's mystery. His forgotten memories are tied to painful promises and supernatural events from his childhood visits. As each girl's story unfolds, the reasons behind his selective memory gradually surface, forming the emotional core of the series.
Where can you stream Kanon online?
Kanon is available to stream on Crunchyroll. Availability may vary depending on your region, so checking your local version of the platform is recommended for the most up-to-date access options.
Is Kanon worth watching for anime fans?
For fans of emotional, story-driven anime, Kanon is a rewarding watch. Kyoto Animation's lush visuals and careful pacing elevate a melancholic tale of memory and loss. Viewers who appreciated Clannad or Air will find much to love in its bittersweet, supernatural character arcs.
Who are the main voice actors in Kanon?
The principal cast includes Tomokazu Sugita as protagonist Yuuichi Aizawa, Yui Horie as the cheerful Ayu Tsukimiya, Yukari Tamura as the stoic Mai Kawasumi, Mariko Kouda as Nayuki Minase, and Mayumi Izuka as the mischievous Makoto Sawatari.
How many episodes does Kanon have?
Kanon consists of 24 episodes across a single season, which aired from October 2006 to March 2007 on TBS in Japan. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes, making the complete series a manageable yet emotionally dense viewing experience.
How was Kanon received by critics and audiences?
Kanon earned strong praise from anime critics for Kyoto Animation's exceptional production quality and its faithful, emotionally resonant adaptation of the source visual novel. Audiences particularly celebrated its ability to balance lighthearted comedy with deeply affecting dramatic moments across its five interconnected story arcs.
What anime series are similar to Kanon?
If Kanon resonated with you, Clannad and Air — both also adapted from Key visual novels by Kyoto Animation — are essential next watches. The Fruit of Grisaia and Ai Yori Aoshi offer similarly character-driven, emotionally layered narratives rooted in the bishoujo anime tradition.
More About Kanon
Explore further details about Kanon on these authoritative resources.