Library War

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  • TV-14
  • 2008
  • 1 Season
  • 7.2  (193)

Library War is a thrilling anime series that premiered on Fuji TV in 2008, based on Hiro Arikawa's light novel series of the same name. The show takes place in a futuristic Japan where government censorship and monitoring have become the social norm. The Media Betterment Committee (MBC), a government agency responsible for regulating and censoring media content, has taken it upon themselves to enforce strict standards on all books, CDs, and other forms of media.

The plot centers around the main character, Iku Kasahara, who dreams of becoming a librarian because of a book a young man imparted to her when she was rescued from bullies. However, she faces several obstacles in her journey to become a librarian, including discrimination due to her gender and the fact that the MBC has put strict regulations on what kind of books libraries can and cannot stock. Additionally, Kasahara's father was branded a "book terrorist" and arrested for violating censorship laws.

As the show progresses, Kasahara becomes a member of the Library Defense Force (LDF), a secretive organization that protects libraries and books from the MBC's censorship. Kasahara and the other members of the LDF risk their lives to protect the right to read and defend the freedom of expression, going to great lengths to ensure that no book is lost to censorship.

Over the course of the series, Kasahara becomes very fond of her squad leader, Atsushi Dojo, but their initially rocky relationship is tested as their duties become more dangerous. The show also explores the motivations of both the LDF and the MBC, as well as the larger political landscape in which they operate. The series features a unique blend of futuristic technology and weaponry alongside themes of love, friendship, and the importance of knowledge and free expression.

Library War boasts an impressive voice cast, including Marina Inoue as Iku Kasahara, Miyuki Sawashiro as Asako Shibasaki, and Tatsuhisa Suzuki as Atsushi Dojo. Nicely animated, the show has a colorful palette and a beautiful, smooth animation style. The characters are complex and relatable, and the show provides plenty of moments for action and romance.

Library War offers a unique perspective on censorship, privacy, and government control that is as relevant now as it was in 2008. Despite being set in the future, the themes of the show are deeply ingrained in contemporary issues surrounding data privacy and freedom of expression. The show poses a critical question, what would happen to the world if the government had the power to decide what people can and cannot read?

In conclusion, Library War is an empowering and thought-provoking anime that offers viewers strong messages about the importance of knowledge, free speech, and reading. It is an engaging series that combines action, drama, romance, and technology with a blend of themes that resonate with viewers of different backgrounds. If you are someone who enjoys a blend of sci-fi with romance and action with thought-provoking themes, then Library War is one show you won't regret watching.

Library War is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on April 10, 2008.

Library War
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Seasons
Romance Impairment
13. Romance Impairment
May 19, 2016
Komaki is arrested for violating the human rights of a disabled minor, but the charges are trumped up by the Betterment Forces. It'll take the feelings of Marie, the young deaf-mute girl in love with Komaki, to save him.
The Library is for Everyone
12. The Library is for Everyone
June 26, 2008
Public criticism on the LDF due to the massive MBA casualties begins to grow against the LDF until Kasahara is ambushed by a reporter. Kasahara tells the reporter that the people should not be oppressed due to the MBA and their pro-censorship activities. Due to this, public criticism against the LDF dies down and instead, support grows thanks to pro-LDF media and Tezuka's older brother works in the background to eliminate anti-LDF bias. Dojo is diagnosed with agnosia due to his injuries in the Ibaraki shootout, but later recovers. Inamine decides to step down due to the discovery of radical elements in the MBA that were responsible for undermining the Mito Library Base. Genda has been promoted by the LDF's Administrative Faction as the Kantō LDF base's second commanding officer.
Shitou!? Jou ken ten keibi
11. Shitou!? Jou ken ten keibi
June 19, 2008
Tezuka gets information from his brother that the Media Betterment Act agents will only fight at the art exhibition for a single day, which helps the Library Corps prepare for the assault. Three hours before the exhibition opens, MBA task force units comes crashing in and the defense force holds them back even after the MBA agents try to storm the barricade with full force. Their aggression forces LDF soldiers and officers to kill them as they would be killed. Shortly after MBA personnel retreat after Kasahara angrily fires at them, a single agent shoots Genda as he stands in front of the piece of art work the Library Corps was defending before unarmed LDF soldiers apprehend the renegade MBA agent. At the same time, the head of the Ibaraki library Commander Sugawara tries to destroy some implicating evidence against her. When Dojo attempts to interfere, he gets shot in the arm and caught in the resulting fire as Kasahara looks on after detaining the head librarian.
Satokiri, boppatsu
10. Satokiri, boppatsu
June 12, 2008
The library task force is sent out to train a peace loving library in Ibaraki Prefecture where there will be a prefectural art exhibition. There, being the first woman in the task force, Kasahara is constantly bullied by others during the mission. They even go as far as calling up Kasahara's mother and informing her of Kasahara's activities. Kasahara and her mother eventually reach an understanding and it is revealed that the reason why Kasahara's mother is so protective is because of an accident when Kasahara fell as a child and hit her head. Kasahara strikes back at the members of the Affairs Department and inspires Defense members to stand up to them as well.
Shounin shiken, raitaru
9. Shounin shiken, raitaru
June 5, 2008
Kasahara, Shibasaki, and Tezuka participate in the required promotion tests for librarians. During her time spent on studying, Kasahara panics when she thinks about how the one who saved her during her time as a high school student was Dojo himself. This revelation cripples her concentration to study until Dojo assists her by helping her prepare for the test. In the end, she passes the exams with Shibasaki and Tezuka as well. Kasahara gives Dojo some Chamomile essence oil as a means of showing her gratitude before Dojo asks her to take her to the shop where she obtained the oil so as to try some Chamomile tea.
Sakudou seshi ha Tezuka toshi
8. Sakudou seshi ha Tezuka toshi
May 29, 2008
Kasahara gets interrogated by officials of the LDF's Administration Faction due to Sunagawa's claims. Hikaru thinks that his brother, Satoshi, is influencing the Administrative Faction officials to put pressure on Kasahara and the entire LDF in order for Hikaru to defect to his Library Planning Committee. When Satoshi invites Kasahara for dinner and tells her that the LDF must surrender and disband, she tells him that she would not support his idea, even though he tells her that he would use her as a tool to pressure Hikaru even more. In the end, Dojo comes to see Kasahara despite getting wet in the rain. Due to Dojo's presence and his actions, Satoshi decides to end his interference with the Administration Faction's plans to grill Kasahara further.
Information Search of Love (Reference)
7. Information Search of Love (Reference)
May 22, 2008
Shibasaki is courted by a man who calls himself a government researcher, who is looking in to the history of book burning. Meanwhile, Tezuka's brother Satoshi attempts to recruit him for the 'Library Futures Project.' Can these two incidents be related somehow?
Tosho tai ha happou sezu
6. Tosho tai ha happou sezu
May 15, 2008
While transporting a rare book Kasahara and Komaki are attacked by Media Enhancement Troops.
Parental Disturbance Strategy
5. Parental Disturbance Strategy
May 8, 2008
Kasahara tries to keep her real job as a Defense member a secret from her parents to avoid being sent.
Book Command Rescue
4. Book Command Rescue
May 1, 2008
Despite being given the "safe" job, extremists take Commander Inamine hostage, and Iku places herself on the line as well.
Odawara Battle
3. Odawara Battle
April 24, 2008
The Kanto Library is set to receive important historical documents that the Betterment Committee would rather see censored. It's going to be an all-out battle to defend the books, and yet Iku's being left out of it.
Library Special Task Force
2. Library Special Task Force
April 17, 2008
Iku made it into the elite "Task Force" group, but she wasn't the only new recruit. Fellow rookie Tezuka's got it out for her even worse than Instructor Dojo; where Dojo wants Iku to grow, Tezuka sees only disappointment.
My Prince is the Book Defense Force's Niari
1. My Prince is the Book Defense Force's Niari
April 10, 2008
Iku Kasahara joined the Kanto Library Defense Force because she wanted to protect books. How's she supposed to do that when her instructor, Atsushi Dojo, has it out for her? Though she wants to be like her "prince," who gallantly protected her favorite children's book from censorship, Iku's got a long way to go before she catches up to him!
Description
Where to Watch Library War
Library War is available for streaming on the Fuji TV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Library War on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    April 10, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (193)