Banana Fish (2018)
A raw and emotionally devastating anime thriller about crime, conspiracy, and an unlikely bond forged on the streets of New York City.
Banana Fish - Series Information
- Original Title: BANANA FISH
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 6, 2018 (United States - TV-MA), July 6, 2018 (Canada - 18+), July 6, 2018 (United Kingdom - 18), July 6, 2018 (Germany - 18), July 6, 2018 (France - 18), July 6, 2018 (Australia - MA 15+), July 6, 2018 (Mexico - B), July 6, 2018 (Spain - 18), July 6, 2018 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Fuji TV, Iwate Menkoi Television, Sakuranbo TV
- Alternative Titles: Рыбка-бананка (RU), Banana Fish (JP), Muz Balığı (TR), 香蕉鱼 (CN)
- Production Companies: MAPPA, Aniplex, Fuji Television Network, movic, dentsu
- Production Countries: Japan
Banana Fish - Plot
A teenaged gang leader in New York City faces his abuser and rival gangs alongside a photojournalist from Japan as they investigate a deadly new drug.
Banana Fish - Trailer
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Banana Fish - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yuma Uchida
- Kenji Nojima
- Unsho Ishizuka
- Hiroaki Hirata
- Jun Fukuyama
- Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Makoto Furukawa
- Soma Saito
- Shoya Chiba
- Toshiyuki Morikawa
Writers
- Hiroshi Seko
Executive Producers
- Nobumasa Sawabe
Banana Fish - FAQs
Is Banana Fish based on a manga?
Banana Fish is a direct adaptation of Akimi Yoshida's acclaimed manga of the same name, originally serialized in Bessatsu Shōjo Comic from 1985 to 1994. The anime updates the setting from the 1980s to a contemporary backdrop while preserving the manga's intense storyline and beloved characters.
What is Banana Fish about?
Banana Fish follows Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader in New York City, who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy surrounding a mysterious drug called 'Banana Fish.' Alongside Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photojournalist, Ash confronts powerful criminal organizations, his abusive past, and rival gangs in a race to uncover the truth.
Does Banana Fish have a tragic ending?
Banana Fish ends on a deeply emotional and bittersweet note that has moved countless viewers to tears. Without giving too much away, the finale stays true to the spirit of the original manga and delivers a conclusion that feels both inevitable and heartbreaking, cementing the series as one of anime's most emotionally resonant stories.
Who voices Ash Lynx in Banana Fish?
Ash Lynx, the fierce and complex protagonist of Banana Fish, is voiced by Yuma Uchida. His portrayal captures Ash's volatile intensity and hidden vulnerability with remarkable depth. Eiji Okumura, Ash's closest companion, is voiced by Kenji Nojima, whose warm performance beautifully complements Uchida's.
Is Banana Fish worth watching for non-anime fans?
Absolutely. Banana Fish transcends typical anime conventions with its gritty crime thriller narrative, complex characters, and emotionally charged storytelling. Fans of crime dramas and character-driven stories will find plenty to love. Its mature themes, tight pacing, and powerful emotional beats make it compelling viewing regardless of your anime experience.
How many episodes does Banana Fish have?
Banana Fish consists of 24 episodes across a single season, which aired from July to December 2018. Each episode runs approximately 23 minutes, making the complete series a focused and immersive viewing experience that covers the full arc of the original manga's story.
What are similar anime series to Banana Fish?
If Banana Fish resonated with you, Given (2019) and Bungo Stray Dogs (2016) are natural next watches. The Promised Neverland (2019) shares the same tense, high-stakes atmosphere, while Your Lie in April (2014) delivers comparable emotional depth. Yuri!!! on Ice (2016) and SK8 the Infinity (2021) are also popular fan recommendations.
What is the content rating for Banana Fish?
Banana Fish carries a TV-MA rating in the United States, reflecting its mature and unflinching content. The series deals with themes including drug conspiracy, organized crime, abuse, and violence. It is intended for adult audiences and is not suitable for younger viewers.
More About Banana Fish
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