What is Tokyo Babylon?#
Tokyo Babylon is a supernatural drama set in the polluted cityscape of 1990s Tokyo. The story follows Subaru Sumeragi, a 16-year-old Onmyou medium and the head of the Sumeragi clan. Cheerful and deeply caring, Subaru spends his time confronting and helping ghosts and spirits alongside his twin sister, Hokuto, and his friend, Seishiro.
However, the series is more than just a “monster-of-the-week” supernatural tale. It captures a heavy atmosphere of desperation that threatens to drag Subaru’s optimistic spirit down. If you enjoy atmospheric dramas with supernatural elements, you can buy the Tokyo Babylon manga to experience the story’s roots.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
Whether the anime feels “finished” depends on how much of the expanded universe you wish to explore. There is a 1992 anime adaptation and a subsequent sequel, Tokyo Babylon 2 (1994). While these provide a televised experience of the narrative, the story originates from a manga serialized between 1990 and 1993.
For those seeking the most complete and satisfying conclusion, continuing with the source material is highly recommended. Furthermore, the world of Tokyo Babylon expands significantly into the X spinoff, which has its own complex web of adaptations. If you want to dive deep into this world, you might also want to pick up some Tokyo Babylon merchandise to commemorate the journey.
Audience and Appeal#
This series is best suited for viewers who appreciate slow-burn dramas and supernatural mysteries. Its primary appeal lies in the contrast between Subaru’s kindness and the oppressive, desperate environment of the city. It is a poignant look at spiritual duty and the emotional toll it takes on a young protagonist.
If you find our research helpful in deciding what to watch next, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi!
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Because of the various spinoffs and retellings, the order in which you consume this series can change your experience. Please refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual guide to these connections.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as it was originally released to the public:
- Tokyo Babylon (1992 Anime)
- Tokyo Babylon 2 (1994 Anime)
- X - X2 double X (1993 Anime compilation)
- X (1996 Anime)
- X OAV (2001 Anime)
- X (2001-2002 Anime retelling)
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every single piece of media, we recommend following the path from the original Tokyo Babylon anime and its sequel, then moving into the X universe. Start with the 1992 and 1994 Tokyo Babylon entries, then move to the X - X2 double X compilation, the 1996 X series, the X OAV, and finally the 2001-2002 alternate retelling of X. You can search for these titles to watch the anime on Prime Video.
The Source-Material Path#
For the most cohesive narrative experience, we suggest integrating the manga:
- Read the Tokyo Babylon manga (1990-1993).
- Watch the Tokyo Babylon anime and Tokyo Babylon 2.
- Read the X manga (1992).
- Explore the X anime adaptations based on your preference for the original 1996 version or the later 2001 retelling.
Useful Information for Fans#
If you are looking to collect the series, keep an eye on recent North American releases. Yen Press has previously revealed licenses for the Tokyo Babylon manga, with various release windows throughout 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Additionally, fans should be aware that a new TV anime by GoHands was announced in 2020 for a 2021 debut, adding another layer to the available adaptations of CLAMP’s original work.
Tokyo Babylon • manga • 1990 to 1993 (serialized in South, vol. 8 - Winter 1993)
└─(spinoff)→ X • manga • 1992
└─(compilation)→ X - X2 double X • anime • 1993-11-21
└─(adaptation)→ X • anime • 1996-08-03
└─(alternate retelling)→ X • anime • 2001-10-03 to 2002-03-27
└─(prequel)→ X OAV • anime • 2001-08-25
└─(adaptation)→ Tokyo Babylon • anime • 1992-10-21
└─(sequel)→ Tokyo Babylon 2 • anime • 1994-03-21
