Kantai Collection (TV series)

Kantai Collection

Industry	Anime
Predecessor	Kadokawa Games (original game)
Founded	2015
Headquarters	Japan
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Anime television series, animated feature film
Owner	Kadokawa Games (original game)
Parent	Diomedéa (first anime), ENGI (second anime)

, commonly abbreviated as , is a 2015 Japanese anime television series produced by Diomedéa, adapted from Kadokawa Games' game of the same title. The project was announced in September 2013 and broadcast from January through March 2015. Following this, an animated feature film titled KanColle: The Movie premiered on November 26, 2016.

A subsequent series produced by ENGI aired between November 2022 and March 2023. These two anime productions are independent of each other, featuring unique narratives, environments, and timelines.

Plot

In a setting where the seas are dominated by the Abyssal Fleet, humanity’s sole protectors are special girls known as , who don weaponized attire and personify historic naval warships. These kanmusu reside at a naval base where they undergo rigorous combat training.

First anime

The storyline follows the destroyer Fubuki from her viewpoint. Upon arrival at the base, Fubuki encounters fellow kanmusu. Despite her limited battle experience, she is assigned to the Third Torpedo Squadron under the admiral's command. After a perilous situation in which Akagi rescues her, Fubuki dedicates herself to training in order to fight alongside Akagi.

Film

The movie serves as a continuation of the first anime series, featuring returning characters along with new additions. Kisaragi assumes a more significant role, and the plot introduces the "Dark Portal" concept originating from the game.

Second anime

This installment centers on Shiratsuyu-class destroyer Shigure, loosely drawing from events during the final two years of the Pacific War. As the Abyssal Fleet advances toward Leyte Gulf, Shigure and other kanmusu form part of the First Striking Force, Third Section—a diversionary fleet. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Shigure remains resolute in safeguarding her comrades.

Destroyers (First anime)

Fubuki, a newcomer assigned to the , is the primary protagonist. Initially inexperienced and physically fragile, she takes part in critical missions like Operation MO and FS, gradually earning recognition as her squadron's Flagship. She holds great admiration for Akagi and ultimately becomes her escort following remodeling.

Mutsuki is an upbeat and dependable member of the Third Torpedo Squadron who later transfers to the during Operation FS alongside Mogami.

A relaxed member of the Third Torpedo Squadron known for frequently ending sentences with "poi." She moves between fleets during Operation FS and undergoes a second remodeling before joining the First Carrier Task Force.

During the Battle of Wake Island, Kisaragi serves with maturity but is ultimately sunk in combat.

,

Mochizuki and Yayoi meet during a briefing for the Wake Island raid; Mochizuki is characterized by sleepiness while Yayoi displays an emotionless demeanor. Both participate in battles as part of the Fourth Torpedo Squadron.

, , ,

These four destroyers belong to the , deployed across both the Second Support Fleet and First Carrier Task Force during major engagements. Akatsuki exhibits maturity; Hibiki often speaks Russian; Ikazuchi is nurturing and self-assured; Inazuma tends to be shy. Akatsuki and Ikazuchi frequently clash over incidents that disrupt their cooperation.

A highly energetic destroyer who claims to be the fleet’s fastest, assigned to the Southwest Area Fleet during combat operations. She demonstrates lively behavior while awaiting orders.

Aircraft carriers (1st anime)

An aircraft carrier assigned to the First Carrier Task Force, Akagi engages enemy vessels by launching arrows that transform into aircraft piloted by fairies. Her distinguished combat record earns her great respect at the base. She is known for her enormous appetite, rivaled only by the Yamato-class battleships.

Serving within the First Carrier Division and First Carrier Task Force during the Battle of the Sea in Front of the Naval Base, this aircraft carrier often operates alongside Akagi. She harbors a dislike for Shōkaku and Zuikaku of the , lacks confidence in commanding kanmusu outside her class, and refuses to follow orders from Zuikaku despite acknowledging their diligence. Though she maintains a reserved demeanor, she shows a particular fondness for Akagi. Subsequently, she is reassigned to the Fifth Mobile Fleet for Operations MO and FS.

,

These two carriers belong to the Second Carrier Division and are part of the First Carrier Task Force during the Battle of the Sea in Front of the Naval Base.

An aircraft carrier within the Fifth Carrier Division attached to the Fourth Fleet during the Battle of the Sea in Front of the Naval Base. She counsels her sister Zuikaku to avoid confrontation with Kaga but also mocks Kaga and the First Carrier Division as potential escort vessels.

Part of the Fifth Carrier Division assigned to the Fifth Mobile Fleet during Operations MO and FS, this aircraft carrier shares Kaga's disdain for the First Carrier Division. However, Fubuki later plays a role in improving her relationship with Kaga.

Making her initial appearance as an observer during Operation MI and later fully participating as reinforcement in its concluding phase by eliminating Abyssal ships, this aircraft carrier uniquely employs a repeating crossbow mechanism to launch planes.

Light aircraft carriers (1st anime)

A light aircraft carrier from a different naval base, deployed with the during Operation MO, alongside cruisers Aoba, Furutaka, Kako, and Kinugasa. She was part of a task force including Tenryū and Tatsuta, but sustained heavy damage due to enemy carrier air strikes.

,

Two seaplane carriers make brief appearances conducting reconnaissance during Operation MI.

Battleships/Battlecruisers (1st anime)

, , ,

These four battlecruisers, voiced by Nao Tōyama and others, participated in significant fleets throughout major battles: Kongō and Hiei served in the Second Support Fleet; Haruna and Kirishima were part of the Fourth Fleet during the Battle of the Sea in Front of the Naval Base. Later, they operated within the Second Fleet at the Battle of W Island and under the Southwest Area Fleet during the Battle of Southwest Area. Kongō was transferred to the Fifth Mobile Fleet for Operations MO and FS.

Each ship exhibits unique characteristics: Kongō is upbeat and incorporates English phrases reflecting her British heritage; Hiei demonstrates an elder sister complex toward Kongō; Haruna speaks modestly using third-person references; Kirishima is known for frequently testing microphones.

,

These two battleships, voiced by Ayane Sakura and others, function as command centers inside the naval base communications room, responsible for transmitting orders. Nagato projects authority while hiding a gentle nature, whereas Mutsu is quiet and supportive.

Voiced by Ayana Taketatsu, Yamato represents the navy’s ultimate secret weapon—the most powerful battleship ever constructed—operating from a forward base in Chuuk Lagoon. Despite her formidable strength, she has limited experience at sea due to extensive supply demands. Historically nicknamed "Hotel Yamato" because of her luxurious accommodations, she dislikes this moniker.

Heavy cruisers (1st anime)

A heavy cruiser serving as a strict instructor at the naval base school, nicknamed "The Hungry Wolf." Though disciplined, she finds romantic relationships challenging.

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Heavy cruiser educators at the naval base academy; Nachi is earnest, whereas Haguro is more reserved.

A heavy cruiser encountered during the preparations for the W Island assault, exhibiting responsibility and maturity comparable to Atago.

A Fourth Fleet heavy cruiser present during the Battle of the Sea near the Naval Base. She mistakenly permitted Fubuki to use the dormitory hot springs under the assumption of severe injury.

An aviation cruiser assigned to the Second Support Fleet in the Battle of the Sea near the Naval Base, later joining the Fourth Fleet during Operation FS.

,

Heavy cruisers who also serve as instructors at the naval base school. Tone oversees running drills for destroyer classes; both supervise Fubuki’s training regimen.

,

Heavy cruisers appearing in the film; Furutaka is characterized by pride and seriousness, while Kako adopts a more relaxed demeanor.

A heavy cruiser featured in the movie, last observed watching Kitakami and Ōi at the Naval Base park.

Light cruisers (1st anime)

,

Light cruisers deployed with the Fourth Fleet during significant battles. Kuma frequently ends sentences with "kuma," while Tama adds "nya."

,

Two Kuma-class cruisers converted into torpedo cruisers, part of the Fifth Mobile Fleet during Operations MO and FS. Ōi shows obsessive protectiveness toward Kitakami and suffers from ophidiophobia.

A light cruiser who acted as flagship for various squadrons throughout major campaigns including MO and W Island operations, aiding in fleet coordination.

A light cruiser responsible for intelligence collection and distributing equipment to kanmusu prior to sorties.

, ,

Three light cruisers from the Third Torpedo Squadron tasked with specialized training for Fubuki—balancing skills (Sendai), precision (Jintsū), and confidence (Naka). Jintsū serves as flagship. Naka was later reassigned alongside Yūdachi during Operation FS.

Others (1st anime)

A supply vessel functioning as chef at the naval base’s dining facility and confectionery expert, specializing in sweets such as parfaits for kanmusu.

The admiral commanding all kanmusu, depicted only through silhouette or first-person perspective to represent the player as commander. The admiral’s gender remains ambiguous; Crunchyroll subtitles identify this character as male.

Characters (2nd anime)

This section catalogs ships appearing in the second anime series, preserving personalities consistent with both the game and first anime while providing enhanced development of principal characters. The Admiral is now portrayed as a defined individual, voiced by Ken Narita.

[The table continues similarly for supporting and secondary characters, highlighting their roles and episode appearances, focusing on main and supporting cast development.] ... (The table comprehensively details character involvement throughout episodes, emphasizing main, supporting, secondary, background, and allied fleet roles with voice actors and notable forms such as Kai Ni.)

Broadcast and distribution

The series was helmed by director Keizō Kusakawa with scripts crafted by Jukki Hanada, and it featured the original voice actors from the game. Its initial screening took place at Shinjuku Piccadilly on December 27, 2014. The 12-episode anime was broadcast in Japan between January 8 and March 26, 2015, with Crunchyroll providing a simulcast. The first Blu-ray and DVD editions became available on March 27, 2015. For North American home video release, distribution was managed by Funimation, while Madman Entertainment secured licensing rights for Australia and New Zealand. The opening song, Miiro ("Ocean Color"), is performed by Akino of bless4, and the ending theme, Fubuki ("Blizzard"), is sung by Shiena Nishizawa.

On January 4, 2019, production of a new anime was announced, created by studios ENGI and Ultra Super Pictures. This series, titled , is directed by Kazuya Miura with scripts written by Kensuke Tanaka, the original game's writer. Character designs were developed by Chika Nomi, while Kaori Ohkoshi composed the music. The eight-episode series aired from November 4, 2022, through March 25, 2023.

Reception

During its debut week, the anime’s first volume achieved second place on Oricon’s weekly Blu-ray sales chart for anime, moving 16,789 copies and trailing only behind the limited edition Blu-ray boxset of Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. It also ranked third on the anime DVD sales chart with sales totaling 3,184 units.

Jonathan Gad from Vice criticized the series for its revisionist approach to history, especially regarding its depiction of Japanese forces triumphing in the Battle of Midway. Conversely, Timothy Blake Donohoo of Comic Book Resources pointed out that despite this historical reimagining, the World War II backdrop continues to be a significant draw for the audience.

External links

Type	Character	Seiyuu	Role	Episodes										Notes
				OP	ED	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
DD	Shigure Kai Ni	Tanibe Yumi	Lead	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	Kai Ni Kai San at Ep7 finale
BB	Yamashiro Kai Ni	Fujita Saki	Principal	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	❌	✔️	✔️	Kai Ni form, BB not BBV
BB	Fusou Kai Ni		Principal	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	❌	✔️	✔️
CA	Mogami Kai Ni	Suzaki Aya	Principal	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️
CL	Yahagi Kai Ni	Yamada Yuki	Principal	✔️	✔️	❌	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
DD	Yukikaze Kai	Fujita Saki	Principal	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	Kai Tan Yang Ep8 Ending
DD	Isokaze B Kai	Kawasumi Ayako	Principal	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	B Kai
DD	Hamakaze B Kai	Komatsu Mana	Principal	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️ ;;	✔️ ;;	✔️ ;;	✔️ ;;	✔️ ;;	✔️ ;;	B Kai