Active Raid
| Company type | Animated television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 2016 |
| Founder | Production IMS |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Animated television series |
| Parent | Production IMS |
is a Japanese animated television series created by Production IMS, featuring 3D computer graphics produced by Orange and directed by chief director Gorō Taniguchi. It debuted in January 2016 and was broadcast in two separate segments: the initial season airing in January and the follow-up season released in July 2016.
Plot
Set in the near future, Active Raid revolves around cutting-edge technology, particularly the ACTIVE system (Armored Combined Tactical Intelligence Vanguard Elements), which is utilized to fight escalating global crime rates. The Japanese police employ powered armored suits known as Will Wears, with a primary focus on Unit 8, a specialized law enforcement squad.
Unit 8
This police division is authorized to operate Will Wears alongside the ACTIVE system. Due to significant damage caused to urban infrastructure during their missions, Unit 8 has garnered a negative reputation among both law enforcement peers and the media. Official documentation translates their designation as "Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit."
- A newly assigned member tasked with overseeing and enhancing Unit 8's operations. Serious and law-abiding like Sena, she pilots the Oscar VI Fine Familia. Following the Logos incident, she assumes leadership of the newly formed Unit 9, which quickly gains a better reputation than Unit 8. Frequently incorporates English expressions into her speech.
- A Lieutenant who operates the Oscar 2 Strike Interceptor Willwear. He maintains an easygoing attitude toward police protocols while fostering strong relationships with more serious colleagues. After the Logos incident, he befriends Mythos and becomes disillusioned with Inagi upon discovering manipulation behind the Willwear-related crimes.
- A Lieutenant controlling Oscar 1 Elf Sigma. Known for his serious demeanor and self-description as someone who "separates trash." Although he initially contemplates leaving Unit 8, he remains with the team and later establishes a waste collection business while continuing to support Unit 8 as a civilian collaborator.
- Pilot of Oscar III Metistructure Ibuki, characterized by a cheerful disposition and a keen interest in trains.
- The leader of Unit 8, often mistaken for being younger due to her appearance. She manages the consequences of Unit 8's collateral damage and operates Oscar V Primavera Pantera. Previously engaged to Kotaro Inagi before they chose divergent career paths.
- The Section Chief overseeing Unit 8, known for his leniency regarding the unit’s actions and his active social engagement with team members. He pilots Oscar IV Kōtetsujin Nanakamado and enjoys singing during his leisure time.
- A reserved operator skilled in hacking, formerly recognized as the gambler 'Bloody Mary.' After the Logos incident, he departs from the police force to establish a detective agency but maintains connections with his former teammates.
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- The mechanic responsible for Willwear maintenance. Reveals his identity as Sado Namihei when Unit 8 faces potential disbandment.
- A Polish recruit who pilots Oscar VII Foundation Omega. Initially traumatized after being trapped inside her Wear for three days, she gradually improves with support from Takeru.
- The second new recruit suffers from scopophobia and uses specialized glasses that blur others’ eyes during conversations to cope with her condition.
Logos
- The enigmatic hacker leading the criminal organization Logos, supplying unstable individuals with Willwears to provoke chaos. His real name is , and he established Logos following a traumatic upbringing involving cult experiences and societal rejection. After months of detention amid increasing Willwear crimes, he is "adopted" by Takeru as his younger brother Jirou Kuroki.
- Another hacker allied with Mythos who turns rogue, drawing deadly attention from former associates. He is stopped by Unit 8 but ends up in a coma after an accident involving his own weapon. His real name is .
Unit 9
- The lead mechanic of Unit 9 and Asami’s deputy.
Others
- An AI mascot created by Mythos intended to commandeer computers across the nation. After surrendering, Liko is restored to normal operation.
- Rin’s younger sibling, a student at Kouki Academy with proficiency in Latin. She confronts Hachijō over his exploitation of her sister.
- The student council president covertly allied with Mythos under the alias Bird. He grants Mythos access to the Orochi system, later fakes his demise, and commandeers a satellite aiming to annihilate Tokyo as a form of amusement.
- A USDF Willwear pilot operating the prototype 'Senbukai' unit. Works alongside Sena on bomb disposal tasks and expresses a desire to reunite with Souichiro.
- A government official supportive of Rin’s reform efforts. Ascends to governor, promoting Unit 8’s independence, but eventually colludes with Hachijou and orders his assassination. His corruption is unveiled through evidence provided by Mythos.
- A pickpocket apprehended early in the story, later revealed as an associate of Hachijou.
- The foul-mouthed chief mechanic employed at Sena’s newly established waste management company.
Anime
Noriaki Akitaya directed the anime, with Goro Taniguchi serving as chief director and Naruhisa Arakawa handling the scriptwriting. Character designs were created by manga artist Shun Saeki and adapted for animation by Naoko Nishida. The soundtrack was composed by Kotaro Nakagawa. Production IMS managed the animation production, while Orange was responsible for the 3D CG elements. The series premiered in January 2016, followed by a second season airing in July 2016.