In this article, I’ll tell you everything that you need to know about Babylon, one of the best anime of the Fall 2019 season.
This article is spoiler-free!
What is Babylon?
Babylon is a Japanese novel series written by Mado Nozaki and illustrated by Zain. Revoroot is in charge of the anime television series adaptation which premiered on October 6, 2019.
The psychological thriller centers around Zen Seizaki, a public prosecutor in Tokyo.
While investigating a pharmaceutical company promoting an illegal drug, Seizaki finds a conspiracy over an election for an autonomous zone established in western Tokyo.
Babylon
Is it worth watching?
Do you like mysteries and psychological thrillers, or anime like Psycho Pass?
If so you need to stop everything you’re doing and watch Babylon.
The first two episodes introduce the background story, but the real thing starts from episode 3.
I’m watching this anime with my Japanese girlfriend and we love it.
Babylon is one of the most popular anime in Japan. It’s in the top 3 in one of the most prestigious anime rankings in Japan.
What is Shiniki?
Shiniki is a new “autonomous zone” in Western Tokyo formed by cities of Hachioji, Tama, Machida & Sagamihara. Itsuki Kaika is the first mayor.
Itsuki Kaika
The objective of Shinki is to do anything that is not allowed elsewhere in Japan. A special zone to test new things, like an experiment.
In Japanese, Shiniki is written as 新域.
Anime vs Real Life (Pilgrimage)
Babylon takes place in Tokyo, and you’ll see a lot of places that you can find in the capital of Japan. Here are some of the most relevant places that were featured in the anime.
Shiniki
The zone called Shiniki doesn’t exist in real-life Japan, but the cities that form Shiniki do. Here is a picture of them.
- Hachioji
- Tama
- Machida
- Sagamihara
ANA Intercontinental Hotel
In episode 1, Fumio was talking with Seizaki outside this hotel.
Address: 1-12-33 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Photo credit to @nmnkx
Sakuradamon crossing
Seizaki talking on the phone with Shinobu.
Photo credit to @animeseichi
St. Marianna Medical University Hospital
The hospital where Inaba worked is St. Marianna. In the anime, the hospital has a different name.
Address: 2 Chome-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
Photo credit to @animeseichi
One last thing…
The tallest skyscraper in the picture below, and probably the most relevant building in the show, doesn’t exist in real life.
But the buildings surrounding the skyscraper exist in real life and you can find them in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
When is the next episode?
The anime premiered on October 6, 2019.
New episodes come out every Monday in Japan.
Babylon will have a total of 12 episodes and 6 episodes are already available.
Where to watch?
You can watch it legally on:
If you know any other place where you can watch it legally, let me know in the comments below.
When is Blue Ray coming out?
According to Animate, the Blu-ray will go on sale on March 18th, 2020. You can buy it here.
Soundtrack
- Ending1 “Live and let die” (Episodes 1-3)
- Ending2 “Inochi Hamu Tamashii” (Episodes 4-)
Manga
The manga ended with 2 volumes on October 9. You can buy the manga or the light novel in almost any book store in Japan.
Are you watching Babylon? Do you like it? Who’s your favorite character?
Let me know in the comments below!