Aria (2005)
A tranquil Japanese animated series set on a terraformed Mars, following a young gondolier discovering wonder in everyday life.
Aria - Series Information
- Original Title: ARIA
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 6, 2005 (United States - TV-G), October 6, 2005 (Australia - G), October 6, 2005 (Mexico - A)
- Networks: TV Tokyo
- Alternative Titles: ARIA The NATURAL (JP), Aria - The animation (MX), Aria the Origination (US), Ária, A Animação (PT), Áрия (RU), 水星领聴员 (TW)
- Production Companies: Hal Film Maker
- Production Countries: Japan
Aria - Plot
Set in the early 24th century against the backdrop of the city of Neo Venezia on the planet Mars. No longer the barren red planet, Mars has been flooded, inhabited and is something of a tourist hub for those looking for rest, relaxation and a gondola ride – the primary mode of travel in Neo Venezia. The Undines are professional gondoliers, tour guides for the people passing through. Akari Mizunashi is an Undine in training and this is a piece of her story.
Aria - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the serene world of Neo Venezia:
Where to Watch Aria
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Aria - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Ryo Hirohashi
- Chiwa Saito
- Erino Hazuki
- Sayaka Ohara
- Chinami Nishimura
- Kaori Mizuhashi
- Akeno Watanabe
- Tomoko Kawakami
- Junko Minagawa
- Hirofumi Nojima
Writers
- Junichi Sato
- Reiko Yoshida
- Ayuna Fujisaki
- Tatsuhiko Urahata
- Kenichi Takeshita
Aria - FAQs
Where can you stream Aria the Animation?
Aria is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, both offering the series under a flat-rate subscription. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch is recommended for the most current streaming options in your area.
Is Aria based on a manga?
Yes, Aria is adapted from the manga series by Kozue Amano, originally titled Aqua. Published in Monthly Comic Blade from 2002 to 2008, the manga was later renamed Aria and served as the direct source material for all three animated seasons produced by Hal Film Maker.
What is Aria the Animation about?
Aria is a gentle slice-of-life anime set on a terraformed Mars in the early 24th century. The story follows Akari Mizunashi, a trainee gondolier called an Undine, as she navigates the canals of Neo Venezia — a lovingly recreated version of Venice — and discovers beauty in everyday moments.
How many seasons does Aria have?
Aria has three main seasons: Aria the Animation (13 episodes, 2005), Aria the Natural (26 episodes, 2006), and Aria the Origination (13 episodes, 2008). A collection of specials is also available, bringing the total episode count to 52 across the main seasons.
What is the content rating for Aria?
Aria carries a TV-G content rating in the United States, making it suitable for all audiences. The series is known for its calm, peaceful tone with no violence, mature themes, or objectionable content — ideal for viewers of any age seeking a relaxing, wholesome anime experience.
What genre is Aria the anime?
Aria belongs to the Animation, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy genres, and is widely celebrated as a defining example of the iyashikei (healing) subgenre of anime. Its meditative pacing, utopian setting, and focus on small, meaningful moments set it apart from action-driven or plot-heavy series.
Who are the main voice actors in Aria?
The main voice cast includes Erino Hazuki as protagonist Akari Mizunashi, Sayaka Ohara as the graceful senior Undine Alicia Florence, Chiwa Saito as Aika S. Granzchesta, Ryo Hirohashi as Alice Carroll, and Tomoko Kawakami as Athena Glory, among others.
Is Aria worth watching for non-anime fans?
Aria is frequently recommended as an accessible entry point for those new to anime. Its slow, contemplative pace and focus on atmosphere over conflict make it uniquely approachable. Critics and fans praise it as one of the most genuinely relaxing and emotionally nourishing animated series ever produced.
More About Aria
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