Key Facts
The anime adaptation of Banana Fish has been removed from Netflix, where it was previously available with subtitles. Additionally, Prime Video has taken down the AI-generated English and Latin American Spanish dubs that were introduced in late November. The series originally aired in July 2018 on Netflix's Animeism block.
Details of the Removal
Netflix had been streaming Banana Fish with subtitles for some time, but the title quietly left the service recently. Meanwhile, Prime Video had added AI-generated dubs for English and Latin American Spanish in late November. Anime News Network (ANN) reached out to Prime Video on November 28 for comment but received no response. By December, the dubs were removed from the platform.
Background of the Anime
The anime premiered in July 2018 on Netflix's Animeism block. It adapts the entire manga series by Akimi Yoshida, but updates the setting to modern-day New York instead of the 1980s. The story follows Eiji Okamura, a young Japanese photographer, who becomes entangled with Ash Lynx, a street-smart teenager, in a violent conspiracy involving a mysterious code-named substance.
Viz Media, which publishes the manga in English, describes the plot: "It's exactly the wrong time for Eiji Okamura, a pure-hearted young photographer from Japan, to arrive in NYC and make Ash Lynx's acquaintance... and fall with him into the bloody whirlpool of pride, greed, lust and wrath unleashed by the enigma code-named ..."
Production Staff
The anime was directed by Hiroko Utsumi at MAPPA. Hiroshi Seko handled series scripts. Akemi Hayashi designed the characters. The music was composed by Shinichi Osawa. Yoshiaki Kawajiri, known for his work on Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, served as the "hard-boiled supervisor."
Impact and What Readers Should Know
The removal of Banana Fish from Netflix and Prime Video limits streaming options for fans. The AI dubs controversy also raises questions about the use of artificial intelligence in localization. As of now, the series is not available on major US streaming platforms, though it may return to other services in the future.
FAQ
Why did Banana Fish leave Netflix?
The streaming rights expired, leading to its removal from Netflix.
What happened to the AI dubs on Prime Video?
Prime Video removed the AI-generated English and Latin American Spanish dubs in December after they were introduced in late November.
Where can I watch Banana Fish now?
As of now, Banana Fish is not available on major streaming platforms in the US. It may return to other services in the future.