Babylon (2019)
A dark psychological anime thriller where a Tokyo prosecutor uncovers a terrifying conspiracy lurking beneath a mayoral election.
Babylon - Series Information
- Original Title: バビロン
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 7, 2019 (United States - TV-MA), October 7, 2019 (Canada - 18+), October 7, 2019 (Australia - MA 15+), October 7, 2019 (Mexico - C), October 7, 2019 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Tokyo MX
- Production Companies: REVOROOT, Twin Engine
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Babylon (2019) (US), Babylon (DE)
Babylon - Plot
Zen Seizaki is a prosecutor with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors' Office. While investigating illegal acts by a certain pharmaceutical company, Seizaki stumbles upon a page stained with a mixture of blood, hair and skin, along with the letter "F" scribbled all across the sheet. As he investigates further, the case goes beyond Zen's imagination and becomes vastly complex, challenging his sense of justice and his knowledge of the truth. Digging deeper into the investigation, Zen begins to uncover a concealed plot behind the ongoing mayoral election and ties to many people of interest involved in the election and those closer than he thinks. The case grows more severe and propels Zen into an unforeseen hurricane of corruption and deceit behind the election, the establishment of the Shiniki district, and the mysterious woman associated with it all.
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Babylon - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yuichi Nakamura
- Satsuki Yukino
- Takahiro Sakurai
- Kensho Ono
- Mao Ichimichi
- Kenyu Horiuchi
- Kazuyuki Okitsu
- Katsuhisa Houki
- Ryotaro Okiayu
Writers
- Yutaka Yasunaga
- Minaka Sakamoto
- Naohiro Fukushima
Babylon - FAQs
Who is the mysterious woman at the center of Babylon?
The enigmatic figure is Magase Ai, voiced by Satsuki Yukino. She is a dangerous, psychologically manipulative woman linked to the Shiniki district and the mayoral election conspiracy. Her true nature and motives remain deliberately unsettling, making her one of the most memorable antagonists in recent anime.
Is Babylon based on a novel or book?
Babylon is adapted from a light novel series by Mado Nozaki, published under the Dengeki Bunko label. The novels explore themes of political corruption, justice, and moral philosophy, and the anime adaptation closely follows the source material's dark, cerebral tone across its 12-episode run.
Where can you stream Babylon (2019)?
Babylon is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and HiDive, including an ad-supported tier on Amazon Prime Video. If you prefer to own the series, individual episodes can be purchased through Amazon Video. Availability may vary depending on your region.
What themes does Babylon explore?
Babylon digs into political corruption, the nature of justice, and the psychology of evil. At its core, it asks whether law and morality can coexist when the system itself is compromised. The series also tackles suicide legislation as a political weapon, making it one of the more philosophically ambitious anime of its era.
How was Babylon received by critics and audiences?
Babylon earned praise for its tense atmosphere, complex plotting, and the chilling portrayal of Magase Ai. However, its later episodes divided viewers, with some finding the philosophical detours too abstract. Overall, it is regarded as a bold, unconventional thriller that rewards patient viewers willing to engage with its darker ideas.
Who voices the main cast in Babylon?
The principal cast features Yuichi Nakamura as prosecutor Zen Seizaki, Satsuki Yukino as the unsettling Magase Ai, and Takahiro Sakurai as Shinobu Kujiin. Kensho Ono, Mao Ichimichi, and Kenyu Horiuchi round out the ensemble, bringing a strong lineup of veteran voice actors to the series.
What anime are similar to Babylon?
If Babylon's dark political thriller tone appeals to you, consider Terror in Resonance for its tense conspiracy drama, Paranoia Agent for psychological unease, or ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. for political intrigue. Detective Conan and Kindaichi Case Files offer lighter but equally compelling mystery-driven storytelling.
Who composed the music for Babylon?
The score for Babylon was composed by Yutaka Yamada, known for his atmospheric and emotionally layered work on other acclaimed anime series. His music for Babylon amplifies the show's brooding tension and psychological weight, complementing the dark narrative with a distinctive, unsettling sonic palette throughout the series.
More About Babylon
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