Shin Kazama
main character
TV
6.5
My TrackerPLANNING
Episode: 0 / 12
My Score:
Anime DetailsFINISHED
Estimated watch time
5h
⚡ 3 days at 5 eps/day
Tags & Tropes
Military79%Aviation79%Foreign79%Shounen50%Male Protagonist20%Primarily Adult Cast20%Gyaru10%
overview details
Synopsis & Story
Deep in the sandy plains of the Middle Eastern kingdom of Asran, Japanese photojournalist Makoto Shinjou travels to the remote airbase Area 88 to document the activities of the mercenaries who destroy the country's enemies for a living. Among their ranks is Shin Kazama, a Japanese ace pilot who was tricked by his former best friend into signing a contract with the Asran's fighter squad. Because of this, he lost his career as an airline pilot and the chance to marry his fiancee Ryoko Tsugumo. Now, Shin has three choices in order to leave Area 88 and return to Japan: serve the mercenary group for three years, earn US$1.5 million, or desert the base, risking imminent death. (Source: Anime News Network)
Trailer
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Featured Cast & Voice Actors
Franchise Universe & Related Entries
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Aniphoria guide
Area 88 (TV): should you watch it?
At a glance
Area 88 (TV) has been met with mixed reactions, with an average AniList score of 65/100 — 35% of 1,029 ratings are 8/10 or higher.
It ranks #56 highest-rated anime of 2004, and #66 most popular anime of 2004, and #9 highest-rated anime of Winter 2004 on AniList.
Of the 1.8K AniList users who started it, 7.3% dropped it, so it is dropped at a typical rate; 1.4K have finished it.
At about 5 hours in total, it is a short commitment — a weekend binge.
Best for viewers who enjoy Action, Drama, Romance — especially military, aviation, foreign.
Where it fits in the series
- Optional extras: Area 88, Area 88 Movie
Episodes
12 episodes are listed.
Main cast & creators
- Original creator
- Kaoru Shintani
- Character design
- Hiroshi Koujina
- Music
- Kazunori Miyake
Area 88 (TV) FAQ
- How many episodes does Area 88 (TV) have?
- Area 88 (TV) has 12 episodes of about 25 minutes each, roughly 5 hours in total.
- How long does it take to watch Area 88 (TV)?
- About 5 hours back to back. At two episodes a day it takes 6 days; at one hour a day, about 5 days.
- Is Area 88 (TV) finished?
- Yes. Area 88 (TV) has finished airing — the final episode aired March 26, 2004.
- Is there a season 2 of Area 88 (TV)?
- No sequel is listed for Area 88 (TV) as of October 2026. You can continue the story in the original manga.
- Is Area 88 (TV) based on a manga?
- Yes. Area 88 (TV) adapts the manga by Kaoru Shintani.
- Who animated Area 88 (TV)?
- Area 88 (TV) was animated by Group TAC.