Yuuta
main character
TV
6.6
My TrackerPLANNING
Episode: 0 / 13
My Score:
Anime DetailsFINISHED
Estimated watch time
5h 12m
⚡ 3 days at 5 eps/day
Tags & Tropes
Mermaid80%Historical79%Rural79%Episodic79%Gore79%Body Horror79%Mythology79%Shounen60%Male Protagonist60%Female Protagonist60%
TVFINISHED2003 FALL6.6 / 10 AniList score
Mermaid Forest (TV)
高橋留美子劇場 人魚の森• Takahashi Rumiko Gekijou: Ningyo no Mori
Synopsis & Story
According to an ancient legend, mermaid's flesh can grant immortality if eaten. 500 years ago, Yuta unknowingly ate a piece of mermaid's flesh. For centuries, he travels across Japan, hoping to find a mermaid, thinking she may be able to make him a normal human again. When he finally finds one, he discovers that she and her companions have been raising a girl to be their food so they can eat her and take on her youthful looks. That is how mermaids stay young. Yuta kills the mermaids and rescues her, but she has already eaten some of the mermaid's flesh. Although he had to kill the mermaids, Yuta isn't too disappointed. Yuta's once lonely existence is now over, as he has found a companion in Mana. And Mana, who had been trapped in a small hut her whole life, finds delight in even the simplest of things. Together, Yuta and Mana attempt to seek out more mermaids, trying to become normal humans again. (Source: Anime News Network)
Trailer
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Featured Cast & Voice Actors
Franchise Universe & Related Entries
Fans Who Watched This Also Loved
Aniphoria guide
Mermaid Forest (TV): should you watch it?
At a glance
Mermaid Forest (TV) has been met with mixed reactions, with an average AniList score of 66/100 — 34% of 1,637 ratings are 8/10 or higher.
It ranks #36 highest-rated anime of 2003, and #42 most popular anime of 2003, and #16 highest-rated anime of Fall 2003 on AniList.
Of the 3K AniList users who started it, 7.9% dropped it, so it is dropped at a typical rate; 2.2K have finished it.
At about 5 h 12 min in total, it is a short commitment — a weekend binge.
Best for viewers who enjoy Drama, Horror, Mystery — especially mermaid, historical, rural, episodic.
Where it fits in the series
- Watch first: Takahashi Rumiko Anthology (2003)
- Optional extras: Mermaid Forest, Mermaid's Scar
Episodes
13 episodes are listed.
Main cast & creators
- Original creator
- Rumiko Takahashi
- Director
- Masaharu Okuwaki
- Music
- Chiaki Ishikawa
Opening & ending themes
Openings
Endings
- ED1“Mizutamari”
Theme data from AnimeThemes.moe.
Mermaid Forest (TV) FAQ
- How many episodes does Mermaid Forest (TV) have?
- Mermaid Forest (TV) has 13 episodes of about 24 minutes each, roughly 5 h 12 min in total.
- How long does it take to watch Mermaid Forest (TV)?
- About 5 h 12 min back to back. At two episodes a day it takes 7 days; at one hour a day, about 6 days.
- Is Mermaid Forest (TV) finished?
- Yes. Mermaid Forest (TV) has finished airing — the final episode aired December 21, 2003.
- Is there a season 2 of Mermaid Forest (TV)?
- No sequel is listed for Mermaid Forest (TV) as of October 2026. You can continue the story in the original manga.
- What should I watch before Mermaid Forest (TV)?
- Watch Takahashi Rumiko Anthology first — Mermaid Forest (TV) is a direct sequel.
- Is Mermaid Forest (TV) based on a manga?
- Yes. Mermaid Forest (TV) adapts the manga by Rumiko Takahashi.
- Who animated Mermaid Forest (TV)?
- Mermaid Forest (TV) was animated by TMS Entertainment and directed by Masaharu Okuwaki.
- Who sings the opening of Mermaid Forest (TV)?
- The opening, "Like an angel", is performed by an uncredited artist.