Aria the Scarlet Ammo (2011)
A high-octane action-comedy anime set at an elite academy for armed detectives, where an unlikely duo takes on Tokyo's most dangerous criminals.
Aria the Scarlet Ammo - Series Information
- Original Title: 緋弾のアリア
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 15, 2011 (United States - TV-14), April 15, 2011 (Canada - 14+), April 15, 2011 (Australia - M), April 15, 2011 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: TBS, CBC, MBS, BS-TBS, AT-X
- Production Companies: J.C.STAFF, movic, FlyingDog, Media Factory
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Hidan no Aria (JP), อาเรีย กระสุนแดงเดือด (TH), 绯弹的亚里亚 (CN)
Aria the Scarlet Ammo - Plot
In response to the worsening crime rate, Japan creates Tokyo Butei High, an elite academy where "Butei" or armed detectives hone their deadly skills in hopes of becoming mercenary-like agents of justice. One particular Butei is Kinji Tooyama, an anti-social and curt sophomore dropout who was once a student of the combat-centric Assault Division. Kinji now lives a life of leisure studying logistics in order to cover up his powerful but embarrassing special ability. However, his peaceful days soon come to an end when he becomes the target of the infamous "Butei Killer," and runs into an emotional hurricane and outspoken prodigy of the highest rank, Aria Holmes Kanzaki, who saves Kinji's life and demands that he become her partner after seeing what he is truly capable of.
Aria the Scarlet Ammo - Trailer
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Aria the Scarlet Ammo - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Rie Kugimiya
- Junji Majima
- Mariya Ise
- Ayako Kawasumi
- Kaori Ishihara
- Takuya Eguchi
- Mikako Takahashi
- Takayuki Kondo
- Kenji Nojima
Writers
- Sawako Hirabayashi
Aria the Scarlet Ammo - FAQs
Is Aria the Scarlet Ammo based on a light novel?
Yes, the anime is adapted from a light novel series written by Chugaku Akamatsu and illustrated by Kobuichi, originally published by Media Factory. The novels began in 2008 and spawned multiple manga adaptations alongside the anime, making it one of the more expansive light novel franchises of its era.
What is Aria the Scarlet Ammo about?
Set in a Japan where crime has spiraled out of control, the series follows Kinji Tooyama, a reluctant student at Tokyo Butei High — an academy training armed detectives. After a run-in with the deadly Butei Killer, he partners with the fierce and talented Aria Holmes Kanzaki, kicking off a wild mix of action, comedy, and supernatural intrigue.
Where can you stream Aria the Scarlet Ammo?
You can stream Aria the Scarlet Ammo on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to purchase on Apple TV. Availability may vary by region, so check your local options for the most current information.
Who voices Aria Holmes Kanzaki in the anime?
Aria Holmes Kanzaki is voiced by Rie Kugimiya, one of Japan's most celebrated voice actresses, widely known for her roles as tsundere characters in series like Zero no Tsukaima and Toradora!. Her signature high-pitched, fiery delivery is a perfect fit for the hot-tempered yet formidable Aria.
What is Kinji Tooyama's special ability in the series?
Kinji possesses a rare condition called Hysteria Mode, which activates when he becomes romantically aroused. In this state, his physical and cognitive abilities skyrocket, turning him into an almost superhuman combatant. The catch — and the comedy — is that triggering it requires embarrassing circumstances, something he desperately tries to avoid.
How was Aria the Scarlet Ammo received by critics?
Reception was mixed. Fans of action-comedy anime appreciated its fast pacing, energetic cast, and fun premise, while critics noted that the series leaned heavily on genre conventions without fully subverting them. It performed solidly as a seasonal anime in 2011 and built a dedicated fanbase, particularly among light novel readers.
Is there a sequel or continuation of Aria the Scarlet Ammo?
A spin-off anime titled Aria the Scarlet Ammo AA aired in 2015, focusing on a different protagonist, Akari Mamiya, who idolizes Aria. While it shares the same world and some characters, it has a lighter, more slice-of-life tone compared to the original series. The light novel series itself continued well beyond both anime adaptations.
What are some anime similar to Aria the Scarlet Ammo?
If you enjoyed Aria the Scarlet Ammo, you might also like Bungo Stray Dogs for its blend of action and detective work, or Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba for high-energy combat and compelling characters. Spice and Wolf offers a different but equally engaging dynamic duo, while Claymore delivers darker action-fantasy thrills.
More About Aria the Scarlet Ammo
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