Banana Fish

Aired on Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block, Banana Fish is a mafia anime adaptation from the manga series of the same name. It was acclaimed by critics for the series' plot, dialogue, and action scenes. The anime tells about a fierce, brutal and tense battle of power, fame and the strange name “Banana Fish”.

Set primarily in New York City in the 1980s, the series follows street gang leader Aslan Jade Callenreese, known as Ash Lynx. He was formerly an enforcer and child sex slave to Dino Golzine, the infamous godfather of the mafia. When becoming the boss of his own gang at 17 years old, Ash begins investigating the mysterious "Banana Fish" which his older brother Griffin, a Vietnam War veteran, uttered. However, Ash’s inquiry is impeded in this endeavor by Golzine, leading him to turn on his member.

Through his investigation, Ash encounters multiple allies and enemies. One of them is Eiji Okumura, who is a Japanese photographer reporting on American street gangs, and with whom Ash forms a close bond. They gradually discover the mystery of “Banana Fish” but at the same time have to bear an extremely expensive price.

In conclusion, Banana Fish is attractive because of the way it portrays the dark side of society through heavy details and dialogue or fiery gunfight scenes as well as the warmth and hope of a love between people. Won award of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2018, this deserves to be one of the best mafia animes of all time.

Aired: Summer 2018
Produced by: MAPPA
Episodes: 24
Duration: 22 min/ep
MAL Rated: 8.48