Canaan (2009)
A lethal assassin with extraordinary senses and a haunted photographer collide in Shanghai, drawn into a conspiracy born from biological terror.
Canaan - Series Information
- Original Title: CANAAN
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 4, 2009 (Germany - 16), July 4, 2009 (Australia - MA 15+), July 4, 2009 (Mexico - A)
- Networks: Tokyo MX
- Alternative Titles: カナン (JP), CANAAN迦南 (CN), 428 the animation (US)
- Production Companies: P.A.WORKS, Emotion
- Production Countries: Japan
Canaan - Plot
Two years ago, Shibuya was ravaged by a biological terrorist attack using the deadly Ua virus. Maria Osawa was saved when her father inoculated her against the virus, but is left with partial amnesia from the shock. She works as a cameraman when she reunites with a girl named Canaan in Shanghai, China. A gifted assassin with synesthesia, she is under orders from an unknown organization for a yet unspecified mission.
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Canaan - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Miyuki Sawashiro
- Maaya Sakamoto
- Yoshino Nanjo
- Kenji Hamada
- Akio Otsuka
- Hiroaki Hirata
- Rie Tanaka
- Haruka Tomatsu
- Junko Minagawa
- Mamiko Noto
Writers
- Mari Okada
Executive Producers
- Takaaki Kidani
- Masatsugu Yabe
- Kouji Morimoto
- Takanori Aki
- Yoshiyuki Ito
Canaan - FAQs
Is Canaan based on a visual novel or game?
Canaan is adapted from the scenario of 428: Shibuya Scramble, a visual novel developed by Chunsoft. The anime expands on a storyline and characters introduced in that game, particularly the mysterious assassin Canaan and the Ua virus conspiracy, giving them a fully animated narrative of their own.
What is Canaan about?
Set in Shanghai, Canaan follows a lethal assassin with synesthesia — a rare sensory ability that sharpens her combat instincts — as she reunites with Maria Osawa, a young photographer still haunted by a biological terrorist attack in Shibuya two years prior. A shadowy organization pulls both women into a deadly new conflict.
What is synesthesia and why does it matter in Canaan?
Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon where stimulation of one sense triggers another — for example, seeing sounds as colors. In the series, Canaan's synesthesia allows her to perceive threats, emotions, and intent as vivid color patterns, giving her a near-supernatural edge in combat and making her one of the most formidable assassins in the story.
Where can you stream Canaan?
Streaming availability for Canaan varies by region. For the most current and complete list of platforms where you can watch or rent the series, check JustWatch, which tracks real-time availability across all major streaming and digital rental services in your country.
Who are the main voice actors in Canaan?
The series features a stellar Japanese voice cast. Miyuki Sawashiro voices the titular Canaan, while Maaya Sakamoto brings Alphard Al Shua to life. Yoshino Nanjo plays Maria Oosawa, with Rie Tanaka as the menacing Liang Qi and Haruka Tomatsu voicing the lively Yunyun, among other notable performers.
How was Canaan received by critics and audiences?
Canaan earned a warm reception from anime fans, praised for its kinetic action sequences, striking visual style from P.A.WORKS, and the compelling dynamic between its lead characters. Critics noted Mari Okada's screenplay as a strong point, though some felt the plot's complexity occasionally outpaced its 13-episode runtime.
Who wrote the screenplay for Canaan?
The series was written by Mari Okada, one of the most prolific and celebrated screenwriters in the anime industry. Known for emotionally charged storytelling, Okada adapted the visual novel material into a fast-paced, character-driven narrative, weaving themes of identity, trauma, and loyalty throughout the 13-episode run.
What anime series are similar to Canaan?
If Canaan's blend of action, female leads, and dark conspiracies appeals to you, consider Noir (2001) for its assassin-duo dynamic, Aria the Scarlet Ammo (2011) for action-packed intrigue, Riddle Story of Devil (2014) for its all-female cast of killers, or The Executioner and Her Way of Life (2022) for stylish, high-stakes drama.
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