View source for Tokyo Babylon

{{short description|Japanese manga series}}
{{good article}}
{{use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
|name            = 
|image           = Tbabylon volume1 cover.jpg
|caption         = First ''[[tankōbon]]'' volume cover, featuring [[Subaru Sumeragi]]
|ja_kanji        = 東京BABYLON
|ja_romaji       = 
|genre           = {{ubl|[[Dark fantasy]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Salzmann|first=Irene|title=Comic-Besprechung - Tokyo Babylon 1|url=http://www.splashcomics.de/php/rezensionen/rezension/2414|website=Splash Comics|access-date=December 9, 2019|language=de|date=May 11, 2004|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201224102508/https://www.splashcomics.de/php/rezensionen/rezension/2414|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Occult detective fiction|Occult detective]]<ref name="them"/>}}<!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
|type            = manga
|author          = [[Clamp (manga artists)|Clamp]]
|publisher       = [[Shinshokan]]
|publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher|NA=[[Yen Press]]}}
|demographic     = ''[[Shōjo manga|Shōjo]]''
|magazine        = {{ubl|South|[[Wings (manga magazine)|Wings]]}}
|first           = 1990
|last            = 1993
|volumes         = 7
|volume_list     = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
|type            = ova
|director        = [[Koichi Chigira]]
|producer        = 
|writer          = Tatsuhiko Urahata
|music           = [[Toshiyuki Honda]]
|studio          = [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]]
|licensee        = {{English anime licensee|[[Australasia|AUS]] / [[United Kingdom|UK]] <br>[[Northern America|NA]]|[[Manga Entertainment]] (expired)<br>[[Central Park Media|U.S. Manga Corp]] (expired) }}
|first           = October 21, 1992
|last            = March 21, 1994
|runtime         = 
|episodes        = 2
|episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
|type            = live film
|title           = Tokyo Babylon/1999 - The Movie
|director        = [[Jôji Iida|George Iida]]
|producer        = 
|music           = [[Kuniaki Haishima]]
|studio          = PDS
|licensee        = 
|released        = August 21, 1993
|runtime         = 100 minutes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

{{nihongo|'''''Tokyo Babylon'''''|東京BABYLON}}, also known as '''''Tokyo Babylon: A Save Tokyo City Story''''', is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Clamp (manga artists)|Clamp]]. It follows [[Subaru Sumeragi]], the head of the Sumeragi clan, and his sister Hokuto, as they work to protect Tokyo from a myriad of supernatural perils while living with a man named [[Seishiro Sakurazuka]]. [[Shinshokan]] serialized it in ''South'' and ''[[Wings (Japanese magazine)|Wings]]'' magazines from 1990 to 1993, and was collected in 7 ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes.

[[Tokyopop]] first distributed the English-language version of the manga; this is now handled by [[Yen Press]]. The series is based on a self-written work, ''[[dōjinshi]]'', writer [[Nanase Ohkawa]] created. Clamp decided to add dark social themes to the serialization because of the chapters' lengths. Clamp found it difficult to write the manga because it was being serialized alongside their first work, ''[[RG Veda]]''. Between 1992 and 1994, [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]] studio adapted ''Tokyo Babylon'' into a two-part [[original video animation]] series focused on the original storylines. PDS also produced a [[live-action]] feature film sequel, ''Tokyo Babylon 1999'', which was released in August 1993, which is set after the events of the manga. A full [[anime]] television series adaptation, ''Tokyo Babylon 2021'', was announced in 2020, but was cancelled in the wake of accusations of plagiarism.

The series has been well received for its focus on occultism and social themes. It is also famous in the West for including a homosexual relationship, explored through the characters of Subaru and Seishiro. The writers' heavy focus on Subaru's character development stood out alongside the art produced by Clamp. The manga is notorious for its open and tragic ending which is followed in Clamp's next work, ''[[X (manga)|X]]''.

==Plot==
Sixteen-year-old [[Subaru Sumeragi]] is a very powerful Japanese magician, often referred as a modern ''[[onmyōji]]''. He is the thirteenth head of the foremost family of ''onmyōji'' in Japan, which has served the Emperor for centuries. As a result, he is called upon to solve various occult mysteries. He sometimes stumbles on people his kind nature compels him to help. He lives in Tokyo with his twin sister Hokuto, an exuberant girl, whose chief occupations are designing eccentric clothing for herself and her brother, and their mutual friend [[Seishiro Sakurazuka]], a kindly, 25-year-old veterinarian, who often declares his love for Subaru. There are early hints of Seishiro's true nature. Hokuto jokes about him being a member of the family of ''Sakurazukamori'', a clan of assassins who use onmyōjitsu to kill and are said to be the Sumeragis' opposite. Seishiro met Subaru as a kid and was impressed with the child's purity. Rather than killing him, Seishiro made a bet with him instead: He would meet Subaru again, and would spend one year with him, protecting him and trying to love him. If, at the end of that year, he felt something for Subaru which distinguished him from a thing he could easily destroy (as he could not with any other person), then he would not kill him. To recognize him, he marked him with inverted pentagrams on both hands, the sign of the Sakurazukamori's prey.

When Seishiro loses an eye protecting Subaru, the teenager realizes he is in love with him. As the year is over, Seishiro declares himself the winner of the bet. He breaks Subaru's arm and tortures him, but fails to kill him, as Subaru's grandmother breaks his spell - an action which leaves her crippled. Subaru's shock leaves him in a [[catatonia|catatonic]] state. Hokuto feels guilty for promoting Seishiro, whom she knew to be dangerous, but believed to be the only one who might touch Subaru's heart. As a result, Hokuto asks Seishiro to kill her instead to protect her brother. Seeing her in a dream, Subaru is shocked out of his catatonia by her action. He vows to find Seishiro and take revenge for his sister's death, abandoning his present life. The manga ends with an adult and distant Subaru still searching for Seishiro.

==Characters==
[[File:Main characters (Tokyo Babylon).jpg|thumb|left|Seishiro Sakurazuka, Hokuto Sumeragi, and Subaru Sumeragi]]
;{{nihongo|[[Subaru Sumeragi]]|皇昴流|Sumeragi Subaru}}
:{{animevoices|[[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (OVA)|Ben Fairman}}
:The 13th Head of the Sumeragi clan, a family of ''[[onmyōji]]''. He tends to be rather shy, but is extremely kindhearted. He constantly wears gloves over his hands for reasons known only to his grandmother.<ref name="characters"/>

;{{nihongo|[[List of X characters#Hokuto Sumeragi|{{visible anchor|Hokuto Sumeragi}}]]|皇北都|Sumeragi Hokuto}}
:{{animevoices|[[Miki Itō]] (OVA)|Jenny Baker}}
:Subaru's eccentric twin sister. She is quick-witted, bold and impulsive, the polar opposite of Subaru. While she lacks most of Subaru's strong spiritual abilities, she is still able to cast unique spells. She always means well and acts in Subaru's best interests. Hokuto designs the outrageous outfits she and Subaru often don.<ref name="characters"/>

;{{nihongo|[[Seishiro Sakurazuka]]|桜塚星史郎|Sakurazuka Seishirō}}
:{{animevoices|[[Takehito Koyasu]] (OVA)|Dean Fenton}}
:A veterinarian who claims to be romantically interested in Subaru. He is secretly the ''Sakurazukamori'', a murderous ''[[onmyōji]]'' who first met him seven years ago.<ref name="characters">{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 3|page=17|publisher=[[Tokyopop]]|author=Clamp}}</ref>

==Production==
{{multiple image
|footer   = The series was written by Clamp based on their experience with Tokyo
|image1   = Clamp at Anime Expo 2006 (cropped).jpg
|alt1     = 
|caption1 =
|image2   = Skyscrapers of Shinjuku 2009 January.jpg
|alt2     = 
|caption2 =
|perrow = 2
|total_width = 480
}}
''Tokyo Babylon'' is based on a one-shot that Clamp head writer [[Nanase Ohkawa]] wrote for a magazine that featured ''[[dōjinshi]]''. After Clamp got to illustrate the cover of the same magazine, ''Wings'', with Subaru and Hokuto, the magazine proposed Clamp turn it into a series for their special edition ''South''. Initially, the series was going to be called "Tokyo" but Clamp wanted to change it to give a more modern tone with the inclusion of Babylon according to them; the series was titled ''Tokyo Babylon'' reflecting how the city of [[Babylon (New Testament)|Babylon]] resembled Tokyo, according to Clamp. The one-shot's characters, most notably Seishiro, were changed slightly when the series began.<ref name="clampkiseki">{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 3|pages=5–7|publisher=Tokyopop|author=Clamp}}</ref>

Subaru and his twin sister Hokuto, and Seishiro, were conceived by the series' creator Ohkawa for a ''dōjinshi'' novel about an ''onmyōji'' who hunts [[elves]]. Only its beginning remains. The characters were drawn twice for covers, and when ''South'' asked Clamp to create a new series for them, these characters were used. Originally, the twins were conceived more as mascots, with Subaru being a penguin called Leone, named after the [[Subaru Leone]] car. Both Subaru and Hokuto were modified from the original art, whereas Seishiro was completely redesigned. Ohkawa remembers having trouble writing Subaru as she was not used to writing kind-hearted characters. Like Kero from their other manga ''[[Cardcaptor Sakura]]'', the staff thought about drawing a pet, with Subaru and Hokuto originally being considered as one. Since Subaru and Hokuto were the protagonists, whenever the magazines required an image for ''Tokyo Babylon'', both Subaru and Hokuto were used together.<ref name = "Kiseki3">"Interview with Clamp: Tokyo Babylon" in ''[[Clamp no Kiseki]]'', Volume 3. [[Egmont Manga & Anime]], 2005. {{ISBN|3-7704-2953-2}}.</ref>

When ''Tokyo Babylon''{{'}}s serialization began, Clamp was also writing ''[[RG Veda]]'' for the monthly magazine ''Wings''. While the authors found this complicated, the series' quarterly publication of sixty pages resulted in the authors making several changes. The length of each chapter led the authors to write a darker story rather than a soft one as originally planned. Based on their experience in Tokyo, Clamp incorporated dark social themes, making the series realistic despite its focus on occultism. This also gave each chapter its own theme. Ohkawa believes their young age when writing the manga also influenced most of the series' negative messages. Although when the series began, the ending was already planned, it was not until the [[Tokyo Tower]] chapter that Clamp set the general atmosphere, with the pilot being perceived as a comedy. The next chapter involving Subaru's past meeting with a man, later revealed to be Seishiro, then sets the stage for the series' future. Since his introduction, Seishiro was written with the idea of him having a different agenda in contrast to his actions and dialog with the other leads. Seishiro was the easiest cast member to write while Subaru was the most challenging based on his good nature. In retrospect, Ohkawa believes that while ''RG Veda'' was their first series, ''Tokyo Babylon'' was their most original first work as they did not use other people's materials for this manga and it was influenced by their way of living. Though a 1990s manga, the narrative was influenced by the 1980s.<ref name="clampkiseki"/>

In creating the art, colored weft and light colors were used for the main illustrations. This proved to be difficult for the authors. Ohkawa believes the art was influenced by the years when the manga was published. This is reflected in how Clamp's artwork changed, particularly the clothing and, most notably, Hokuto's dresses.<ref name="clampkiseki"/> Mokona's works have been drawn with increasingly thicker lines across the serialzation of the manga. The character's faces have much thicker lines in the third volume of ''Tokyo Babylon'' compared to when the story first got serialized in South. This was made because the story had a serious, heavy theme, fine lines simply cannot bring out enough power to convince readers of the gravitas, so we make thicker lines when it fits the work. Such work caused Mokona to rely more on her stamina to properly draw the series.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clamp News 9|date=February 1992}}</ref>

==Themes==
The series focuses on several social themes, such as faith, organ donation and the treatment of middle-aged men. However, the main philosophy seen across the storyline is [[individualism]], the stance that emphasizes the moral worth of an individual. Subaru and Hokuto believe that nobody can fully understand another person's suffering. Despite his belief in this philosophy, Subaru is a resigned individual who worries more about others than himself.<ref name="clampkiseki23">{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 3|page=23|publisher=[[Tokyopop]]|author=Clamp}}</ref> Subaru believes he can hurt others because he will never understand them. The same problem comes from Subaru and Hokuto being twins and trying to see each other as different people.<ref name="analysis"/> Across the plot, Subaru develops as an individual. Seishiro deems his actions as arrogant for assuming the guilt.<ref name="analysis"/> In addition, Subaru begins to take actions he believes are immoral, despite his good intentions, such as lying to a mother about her daughter's wish to stop her from taking revenge.<ref name="clampkiseki23"/> ''Zona Negativa'' stated that despite the series is serialized in a ''[[shōjo]]'' magazine for young women, Subaru's [[hero journey]] felt more like that of a manga serialized in a ''[[shōnen]]'' magazine for young men, due to the many types of enemies he faces while finding his foes' deep nature.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zonanegativa.com/tokyo-babylon/|language=Spanish|title=Tokyo Babylon|website=ZonaNegativa|date=January 5, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2021}}</ref>

Due to the dark nature Seishiro hides from Subaru, the two can be regarded as the [[yin and yang]] as the former contrasts his the latter's kind self even when interacting about his job. Subaru's hidden romantic feelings towards Seishiro become obvious as the manga progresses as he becomes astonished when Seishiro keep professing his love towards him.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 3|page=11|publisher=[[Tokyopop]]|author=Clamp|date=January 31, 2005 |isbn=3-7704-2953-2}}</ref> The character's relationship with Seishiro led novelist [[Yoshiki Tanaka]] to call it tragic and striking, despite his early thoughts that it was a use of a relationship to appeal to female readers.<ref name="tanaka">{{cite book|title=Tokyo Babylon|author=Clamp|isbn=978-4403500268|publisher=[[Shinshokan]]|year=2000}}</ref> When Subaru realizes his feelings towards him, his state can be compared to that the one of a [[bird egg|hatched bird egg]] as a result of the maturity he shows in the process.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 3|page=14|publisher=[[Tokyopop]]|author=Clamp|date=January 31, 2005 |isbn=3-7704-2953-2}}</ref> ''Anime Feminist'' claims that while Subaru's characterization heavily relies on empathy, Clamp appears to send a message to the readers using Subaru as an [[audience surrogate]] that it is important for everybody to value themselves too although empathy on itself does not qualify as a negative trait.<ref name="animefeminist">{{cite web|last=Seifert|first=Celeste|url=https://www.animefeminist.com/feature-subaru-sumeragi-and-the-dark-side-of-total-empathy-in-tokyo-babylon/|title=Subaru Sumeragi and the dark side of total empathy in Tokyo Babylon|website=Anime Feminist|date=June 12, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2021}}</ref> ''Manga Bookshelf'' focused more on how Subaru lost part of his identity as he saw Hokuto as another part of him leading to his lonely finale persona.<ref name="analysis">{{cite web|url=http://mangabookshelf.com/29788/off-the-shelf-tokyo-babylon/|title=Off the Shelf: Tokyo Babylon|publisher=Manga Bookshelf|access-date=October 26, 2013|author1=Melinda Beasi|author2=Michelle Smith|author3=Danielle Leigh|date=July 25, 2012|archive-date=December 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221113744/http://mangabookshelf.com/29788/off-the-shelf-tokyo-babylon/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="JasonTohmospon">{{cite book|title=Manga: The Complete Guide|year=2008|isbn=978-0-345-48590-8|author=Thompson, Jason|publisher=[[Viz Media]]}}</ref>

==Media==
===Manga===
The ''Tokyo Babylon'' manga was published by [[Shinshokan]] in ''South'' and ''[[Wings (Japanese magazine)|Wings]]'' magazines from 1990 to 1993 on a quarterly basis.<ref name="ANN-anime"/> Its chapters were collected in a total of seven ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes. The series has been re-released in two different formats; five volumes in ''[[Tankōbon#bunkoban|bunkoban]]'' format by Shinshokan and three volumes in ''[[Tankōbon#aizōban|aizōban]]'' format by [[Kadokawa Shoten]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clamp-net.com/book/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%ACbabylon|title=東京BABYLON|publisher=Clamp|language=ja|access-date=November 2, 2013|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103220932/http://clamp-net.com/book/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%ACbabylon|url-status=live}}</ref> A Clamp Premium Collection release was released in 2022 by Kadokawa Shoten.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kiya|first=Andrew|url=https://www.siliconera.com/clamp-premium-collection-tokyo-babylon/|title=Tokyo Babylon Re-Release Joins the CLAMP Premium Collection|website=[[Siliconera]]|date=August 7, 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021}}</ref> A manga artbook entitled ''Tokyo Babylon Photographs'' was released on April 25, 1995. ([[Shinshokan]]: {{ISBN|978-4403650086}}).<ref>{{cite book|title=Tokyo Babylon Photographs|isbn=4403650082|author1=Clamp|year=1996|publisher=Shinshokan }}</ref>

[[Tokyopop]] announced they had licensed the series for a North American release in September 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/3514.html|title=New Clamp Title to Be Released in U.S.|publisher=ICv2|date=September 16, 2003|access-date=November 3, 2013|archive-date=November 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104065503/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/3514.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They published the series in North America between May&nbsp;11, 2004 and May&nbsp;10, 2005. The manga was re-released in omnibus format by [[Dark Horse Comics]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last=Manry|first=Gia|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-07/dark-horse-adds-angelic-layer-tokyo-babylon-omnibuses|title=Dark Horse Adds Angelic Layer, Tokyo Babylon Omnibuses|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 7, 2011|access-date=October 10, 2023|archive-date=March 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309203723/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-07/dark-horse-adds-angelic-layer-tokyo-babylon-omnibuses|url-status=live}}</ref>

During their [[Sakura-Con]] 2023 panel, [[Yen Press]] announced that they licensed the Clamp Premium Edition of the manga.<ref name="license">{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Yen Press Reveals 28 New Licenses Including Bocchi the Rock!, Tokyo Babylon Manga; The Deer King Novels|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-04-07/yen-press-reveals-28-new-licenses-including-bocchi-the-rock-tokyo-babylon-manga-the-deer-king-novels/.196859|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=April 8, 2023|date=April 8, 2023}}</ref>

{{Graphic novel list/header
|Language       = Japanese
|SecondLanguage = North American
|Width          = 80%
}}
{{Graphic novel list
|VolumeNumber    = 1
|OriginalRelDate = April 10, 1991<ref name="Clamp-net"/> 
|OriginalISBN    = 4-403-61250-4
|LicensedRelDate = May 11, 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=13375|title=Tokyo Babylon (GN 1 of 7)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107163659/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=13375|archive-date=January 7, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
|LicensedISBN    = 978-1-59182-871-6
|ChapterList     = 
* Vol 0: "T·Y·O"
* Vol 1: "Babel"
* Vol 1.5: "Destiny"
}}
{{Graphic novel list
|VolumeNumber    = 2
|OriginalRelDate = November 10, 1991<ref name="Clamp-net"/>
|OriginalISBN    = 4-403-61268-7
|LicensedRelDate = July 6, 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=18288|title=Tokyo Babylon (GN 2 of 7)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809115418/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=18288|archive-date=August 9, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
|LicensedISBN    = 978-1-59182-872-3
|ChapterList     = 
* Vol 2: "Dream"
* Annex: "Smile"
}}
{{Graphic novel list
|VolumeNumber    = 3
|OriginalRelDate = January 25, 1992<ref name="Clamp-net"/>
|OriginalISBN    = 4-403-61274-1
|LicensedRelDate = September 7, 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=18289|title=Tokyo Babylon (GN 3 of 7)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216135820/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=18289|archive-date=December 16, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
|LicensedISBN    = 978-1-59182-873-0
|ChapterList     = 
* Vol 3: "Call.A"
* Vol 3: "Call.B"
}}
{{Graphic novel list
|VolumeNumber    = 4
|OriginalRelDate = July 10, 1992<ref name="Clamp-net"/> 
|OriginalISBN    = 4-403-61282-2
|LicensedRelDate = November 1, 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=10701|title=Tokyo Babylon (GN 4 of 7)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813004053/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=10701|archive-date=August 13, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
|LicensedISBN    = 978-1-59182-874-7
|ChapterList     = 
* Vol 4: "Crime"
* Vol 5: "Save.A"
* Vol 5: "Save.B"
}}
{{Graphic novel list
|VolumeNumber    = 5
|OriginalRelDate = April 5, 1993<ref name="Clamp-net"/>
|OriginalISBN    = 4-403-61304-7
|LicensedRelDate = January 11, 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=3530|title=Tokyo Babylon (GN 5 of 7)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813143244/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=3530|archive-date=August 13, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
|LicensedISBN    = 978-1-59532-049-0
|ChapterList     = 
* Vol 6: "Old"
* Vol 7: "Box"
* Vol 8: "Rebirth"
}}
{{Graphic novel list
|VolumeNumber    = 6
|OriginalRelDate = August 25, 1993<ref name="Clamp-net"/>
|OriginalISBN    = 4-403-61319-5
|LicensedRelDate = March 8, 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=3529|title=Tokyo Babylon (GN 6 of 7)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808212927/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=3529|archive-date=August 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
|LicensedISBN    = 978-1-59532-050-6
|ChapterList     = 
* Vol 9: "News"
* Vol 10: "Pair"
}}
{{Graphic novel list
|VolumeNumber    = 7
|OriginalRelDate = March 25, 1994<ref name="Clamp-net">{{cite web|url=http://www.clamp-net.com/manga/babylon|title=CLAMP公式ウェブサイト|publisher=[[Clamp (manga artists)|Clamp]]|language=ja|access-date=24 August 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813174225/http://www.clamp-net.com/manga/babylon|archive-date=13 August 2009}}</ref>
|OriginalISBN    = 4-403-61339-X
|LicensedRelDate = May 10, 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=3827|title=Tokyo Babylon (GN 7 of 7)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808210113/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=3827|archive-date=August 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
|LicensedISBN    = 978-1-59532-051-3
|ChapterList     = 
* Vol 11: "End"
* Annex: "Secret"
* Annex: "Start"
}}
{{Graphic novel list/footer}}

===Anime===
====Original video animation====
[[File:Kappei Yamaguchi by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|Kappei Yamaguchi voiced Subaru in the original video animations.]]
The [[original video animation]]s (OVA) series are two episodes with original stories animated by [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]]. They are written by Tatsuhiko Urahata and directed by [[Koichi Chigira]], with characters designed by [[Kumiko Takahashi (animator)|Kumiko Takahashi]]. The first episode has Subaru investigating the meaning behind several accidents in the construction of a building, while in the second he meets another ''onmyōji'' who is helping the police find a serial killer. Producer Yumiko Masujima remembers how difficult it was to recreate the manga's atmosphere in the OVAs.<ref name="clampkiseki11">{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 11|page=31|publisher=[[Tokyopop]]|author=Clamp}}</ref>
While originally released on VHS, the OVAs were re-released in Japan in DVD format on June&nbsp;21, 2000.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 3|page=18|publisher=[[Tokyopop]]|author=Clamp}}</ref> [[Central Park Media]] distributed the OVAs in Australia, the UK and France.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dong|first=Bamboo|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/shelf-life/2003-04-06|title=Shelf Life|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 6, 2003|access-date=November 11, 2021}}</ref> US Manga Corps released the two OVA episodes on April&nbsp;4 and July&nbsp;11, 1995.<ref>{{cite journal|title=[[Animerica]]|journal=Animerica: Anime & Manga Monthly|volume=3|issue=4|date=1995|page=18|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|issn=1067-0831}}</ref>

====TV series====
On October&nbsp;25, 2020 at 15:00 UTC (October&nbsp;26, 2020, at midnight Japan Standard Time), a trailer was released for a new anime adaptation of ''Tokyo Babylon''. The series, titled ''Tokyo Babylon 2021'', was to have been produced by [[GoHands]], and was originally scheduled to premiere in April 2021.<ref name="ANN-anime">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-25/clamp-tokyo-babylon-manga-gets-tv-anime-in-2021-by-gohands/.165573|title=CLAMP's Tokyo Babylon Manga Gets TV Anime in 2021 by GoHands|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 25, 2020|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028210210/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-25/clamp-tokyo-babylon-manga-gets-tv-anime-in-2021-by-gohands/.165573|url-status=live}}</ref> On November&nbsp;19, it was confirmed that Shingo Suzuki and Susumu Kudo would have directed the series, Jun Kumagai would have overseen the series' scripts, Makoto Furuta would have designed the characters while serving as chief animation director with Keiji Tani, and [[Noriyuki Asakura]] would have composed the series' music at [[King Records (Japan)|King Records]]. [[Shouta Aoi]] would have performed the series' opening theme song, while [[Nana Mizuki]] would have performed the series' closing theme song.<ref name="Staff">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-19/clamp-tokyo-babylon-2021-tv-anime-unveils-cast-staff-new-video-april-debut/.166505|title=CLAMP's Tokyo Babylon 2021 TV Anime Unveils Cast, Staff, New Video, April Debut|date=November 19, 2020|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125131408/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-19/clamp-tokyo-babylon-2021-tv-anime-unveils-cast-staff-new-video-april-debut/.166505|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, however, the anime production was accused of plagiarizing outfit designs for Subaru and Hokuto.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lynzee|last=Loveridge|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-11-23/tokyo-babylon-2021-character-designs-appear-to-reference-k-pop-group-volks-doll/.166629|title=Tokyo Babylon 2021 Character Designs Appear to Reference K-Pop Group, Volks Doll|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=October 10, 2023|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202065754/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-11-23/tokyo-babylon-2021-character-designs-appear-to-reference-k-pop-group-volks-doll/.166629|url-status=live}}</ref> After an investigation, on December&nbsp;4, 2020, the anime producer apologized on their official website and announced that they would be changing the designs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tokyobabylon2021.jp/news/201204-1/|script-title=ja:TVアニメ「東京BABYLON 2021」に関するお詫びとご報告|language=ja|work=Tokyo Babylon 2021|date=December 4, 2020|access-date=October 10, 2023|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205180517/http://tokyobabylon2021.jp/news/201204-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the necessary changes to be made, on December&nbsp;24, 2020, the anime production committee announced that the series was delayed to an unspecified date.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Tokyo Babylon 2021 Anime Delayed From April 2021 Due to Plagiarism Incident|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-12-24/tokyo-babylon-2021-anime-delayed-from-april-2021-due-to-plagiarism-incident/.167817|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=December 24, 2020|date=December 24, 2020}}</ref> After more cases of plagiarism surfaced through an internal investigation, on March&nbsp;29, 2021, the production committee announced that the current TV series would be canceled, while a new anime production would be produced by a different studio.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-03-28/tokyo-babylon-2021-anime-canceled-with-restart-planned-after-more-plagiarism-uncovered/.171243|title= Tokyo Babylon 2021 Anime Canceled with Restart Planned, After More Plagiarism Uncovered|website= [[Anime News Network]]|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date= March 29, 2021|access-date= March 29, 2021}}</ref>

On August&nbsp;3, 2021, it was reported that GoHands was suing [[King Records (Japan)|King Records]] for {{yen|450 million}} for failing to pay the expenses they previously agreed to pay. In the lawsuit, it was revealed the GoHands series was planned to have run for 21 episodes. According to the same lawsuit, the first 13 episodes were completed by November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tokyo Babylon 2021 Studio GoHands Sues King Records for 450 Million Yen Over Canceled Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-05/tokyo-babylon-2021-studio-gohands-sues-king-records-for-450-million-yen-over-canceled-anime/.175913|website=[[Anime News Network]]|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=August 5, 2021|access-date=August 5, 2021}}</ref>

===Live-action film===
A [[live-action]] film called ''Tokyo Babylon/1999'' was based on the series. It takes place five years after the end of the manga and its plot is based on the ''Tokyo Babylon'' story "Call.A" in volume three.<ref name="clampkiseki"/> Director [[Jôji Iida|George Iida]] requested the help of the OVA producer Yumiko Masujima in casting the main characters.<ref name="clampkiseki11"/> The film is famous for being the first live-action production based on a Clamp series and the film's director, [[George Iida]], expressed his satisfaction with the positive fan response.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 6|page=32|publisher=Tokyopop|author=Clamp}}</ref> Following the end of the production of ''Tokyo Babylon'', Iida asked Clamp to help with a sequel movie. The main idea was for Subaru and Seishiro to clash again. For this live-action sequel, ''Tokyo Babylon/1999'', Toshihide Tonesaku played Subaru, his first role as a leading man.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20181030-OHT1T50272.html|title=「半分、青い。」のマスター・東根作寿英、名脇役が芸歴３０周年で初主演舞台|website=Hochi News|date=October 31, 2018|language=ja|access-date=November 12, 2020}}</ref>

The plot has Subaru investigating the death of a former enemy of the Sumeragi clan, Kaneyama. Before his death, Kaneyama had undertaken a new project: teaching seven girls how to use dark magic to take revenge on those they deem "guilty," beginning with an abusive teacher. One of the girls, Kurumi, starts to feel remorse; however, she is convinced by the others to continue with their plans. When Subaru attempts to stop them, they declare him to be their enemy and attack him. Subaru learns that his former friend-turned-enemy, assassin Seishiro, was the one who killed Kaneyama, and he has now turned his sights on the girls. The girls grow increasingly sick as a result of using the spells, and Subaru tries once more to save them. Seishiro appears, claiming that none of the girls can be saved. Subaru and Seishiro fight, only to be stopped by the appearance of the ghost of Hokuto, who asks them to stop for her sake. Seishiro leaves, and the fight is unresolved.

===Other media===
Subaru and Seishirō return in Clamp's apocalyptic manga series ''[[X (manga)|X]]''. The story, set nine years following the end of ''Tokyo Babylon'', has the two ''onmyōji'' on opposite sides during the final battle for humanity's future.<ref>{{cite book|author=Oshiguchi, Takashi|title=In Anime Interviews: The First Five Years of Animerica, Anime & Manga Monthly (1992-97)|isbn=1-56931-220-6|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|year=1997}}</ref> Despite having no relation to ''Tokyo Babylon'', Clamp's manga ''[[xxxHolic]]'' is also focused on social pathologies but with a different approach.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 10|publisher=Tokyopop|page=5|year=2005|author=Clamp}}</ref> Alternative versions of Subaru and Seishiro also appear in the crossover manga ''[[Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle]]'', with Subaru appearing as a [[vampire]] and Seishiro as a [[vampire hunter]] pursuing him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2019/06/03/tsubasa-vol-17-manga-review/|title=Tsubasa Vol. #17 Manga Review|date=June 3, 2019|access-date=June 3, 2019|author=Eries, Sakura|website=The Fandom Post}}</ref>

==Reception==
[[File:Tamamonomae_Onmyoji.jpg|right|thumb|300x300px|Subaru's job as an onmyōji was praised for being one of the earliest ones depicted in manga.]]
The ''Tokyo Babylon'' manga series has been popular, with its English releases often appearing on [[Diamond Comic Distributors]]' lists of best-selling comics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6906.html|title=Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--April 2005|publisher=ICv2|access-date=November 3, 2013|date=May 19, 2005|archive-date=January 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118013900/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6906.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/26457.html|title=Top 300 Graphic Novels Actual--July 2013|publisher=ICv2|access-date=November 3, 2013|date=August 12, 2013|archive-date=November 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104064739/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/26457.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/5133.html|title=Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--May 2004|publisher=ICv2|access-date=November 3, 2013|date=June 21, 2004|archive-date=November 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119075500/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/5133.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The series is credited for being one of the first ''[[onmyoji]]'' manga.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/onmyoji0/news/?id=31|publisher=Warner Bros|title=4/19～入場特典配布決定！CLAMPさんが描く"若き晴明"がイラストカードとして降臨！盟友・佐藤嗣麻子監督、加門七海さんからもコメントが到着|language=Japanese|access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref> It received generally positive critical response with the writers from ''Manga Bookshelf'' and ''Mania Entertainment'' referring to it as one of Clamp's best works based on the social themes reflected in the main cast whose traits, are developed across the story.<ref name="analysis"/><ref name="maniasecond">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502220759/http://www.mania.com/tokyo-babylon-vol-02_article_81906.html|url=http://www.mania.com/tokyo-babylon-vol-02_article_81906.html|title=Tokyo Babylon Vol. #02|website=Mania Entertainment|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=May 2, 2011}}</ref><ref name="publisher"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Begley|first=Josh|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2013/05/31/tokyo-babylon-ominbus-vol-01-manga-review/|title=Tokyo Babylon Ominbus Vol. #01 Manga Review|website=The Fandom Post|date=May 31, 2013|access-date=November 25, 2020}}</ref><ref name="manganews"/> In "Subaru Sumeragi and the dark side of total empathy in Tokyo Babylon", ''Anime Feminist'' claims that while Subaru's characterization heavily relies on empathy, Clamp appears to send a message to the readers using Subaru as an [[audience surrogate]] that it is important for everybody to value themselves too although empathy on itself does not qualify as negative trait.<ref name="animefeminist"/>

Besides its focus on supernatural events, the series is famous for exploring young homosexual romance, ''[[shonen ai]]'', seen in the interactions between Subaru and Seishiro.<ref name="art">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2013-05-07|title=RIGHT TURN ONLY!! Rivers of Babylon|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=May 7, 2013|access-date=November 3, 2013|author=Santos, Carlo|archive-date=November 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110085047/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2013-05-07|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="maniaentertainment"/> In ''[[Manga: The Complete Guide]]'', [[Jason Thompson (writer)|Jason Thompson]] commented that the manga is well known in the West for being one of the most famous and first portrayals of a homosexual relationship.<ref name="JasonTohmospon"/> ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' regarded ''Tokyo Babylon'' as one of Clamp's most famous works despite lacking an anime. They also cited the tragic relationship between Subaru and Seishiro as one of its biggest strengths.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wu|first=Xianwei|url=https://www.cbr.com/clamp-fans-concerned-new-tokyo-babylon-anime/|title=Why CLAMP Fans Are Concerned About the New Tokyo Babylon Anime|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=October 27, 2020|access-date=November 11, 2021}}</ref>

When the series was reaching its climax, ''Wings'' editor Miki Ishikawa remembers receiving several letters from fans asking for a happy ending. Once the series ended, more letters expressed sadness and shock over the tragic ending; fans wanted more explanations of Hokuto's fate. Regarding this character, Ishikawa considered her popularity an exception, considering most readers tend to be more attracted to the series' male characters.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clamp no Kiseki, Vol. 6|page=30|publisher=[[Tokyopop]]|author=Clamp}}</ref> The writers from ''Manga Book Shelf'' noted that the series' open ending has also been a subject of controversie with fans, but Seishiro's dark revelation, despite how it seems, had a major impact on the reader.<ref name="analysis"/> The tragic ending portrayed in the final volume made ''[[Anime News Network]]'' comment that Subaru is, "treated like absolute crap despite being one of the purest boys in anime and manga".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2017-09-30/.102489|title=The List 7 Excellent Exorcists|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 30, 2017|access-date=September 30, 2017|author=Loveridge, Lynzee|archive-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001030842/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2017-09-30/.102489|url-status=live}}</ref> Regarding Subaru's darker characterization in the finale, Rebecca Silverman from ''Anime News Network'' says he "became" Seishiro. Silverman commented that this change is paralleled in their next work, ''[[xxxHolic]]'', where its lead character [[Kimihiro Watanuki]], began to act like his former boss [[Yuko Ichihara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/xxxholic/gn-17|title=xxxHOLIC GN 17|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 29, 2011|author=Silverman, Rebecca|access-date=October 29, 2013|archive-date=August 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825072952/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/xxxholic/gn-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

The artwork was praised for its appeal despite ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' reviewing it nearly twenty years after its original release.<ref name="publisher">{{cite web|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-61655-116-2|title=Tokyo Babylon Book One|website=Manga Book Shelf|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205180506/https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-61655-116-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Most of the reviewer's compliments referred to the landscapes and the atmosphere, while ''Mania Entertainment'' also praised its simple state created by [[Mokona]].<ref name="maniasecond"/><ref name="maniaentertainment">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/tokyo-babylon-vol-01_article_81588.html|title=Tokyo Babylon Vol. #01|publisher=Mania Entertainment|date=May 25, 2004|author=Dungan, Mike|access-date=October 19, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152655/http://www.mania.com/tokyo-babylon-vol-01_article_81588.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Comicsworthreading">{{cite web|url=http://comicsworthreading.com/2013/03/05/tokyo-babylon-book-1/|title=Tokyo Babylon Book 1 Posted in Manga Reviews|publisher=Comics Worth Reading|date=March 5, 2013|author=Johanna|access-date=November 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131104095653/http://comicsworthreading.com/2013/03/05/tokyo-babylon-book-1/|archive-date=November 4, 2013}}</ref> ''Anime News Network'' liked the clothing the cast wears.<ref name="art"/> Jason Thompson enjoyed the background details. The city of Tokyo is well illustrated, giving it a realistic look.<ref name="JasonTohmospon"/> ''Manga News'', felt the artwork had the appeal of other Clamp series, most notably ''[[RG Veda]]'', even though both series were published at the same time. Furthermore, the characters designs were praised for their uniqueness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Tokyo-Babylon-Nouvelle-edition/vol-1|title=Tokyo Babylon - Poche Vol.1|website=Manga News|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=May 2, 2021|language=fr}}</ref> In another overview of the series, ''Manga News'' felt that the artwork had a charm in the way it was executed through the storyline's style such as how different the secondary characters are from the main characters.<ref name="manganews">{{cite web|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/serie/critique/Tokyo-Babylon|title=Tokyo Babylon|website=Manga News|date=September 28, 2009|access-date=May 2, 2021|language=fr}}</ref>

The OVAs were the subject of positive response thanks to its animation, which has been called "stunning". Furthermore, reviewers had positive opinions with its dark images.<ref name="annreview">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/shelf-life/2003-04-06|title=Shelf Life Bringing out the goods|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 4, 2013|date=April 6, 2003|author=Dong, Bamboo|archive-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901184318/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/shelf-life/2003-04-06|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="them">{{cite web|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=680|title=Tokyo Babylon|website=[[THEM Anime Reviews]]|access-date=October 26, 2013|author=Hogset, Stig|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192300/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=680|url-status=live}}</ref> They have been recommended to ''[[X (manga)|X]]'' fans for Subaru's appearances as well as to female viewers.<ref name="maniaova">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/tokyo-babylon_article_75090.html|title=Tokyo Babylon|publisher=Mania Entertainment|date=April 15, 2003|author=Beveridge, Chris|access-date=November 4, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020101311/http://www.mania.com/tokyo-babylon_article_75090.html|archive-date=October 20, 2013}}</ref> The story of the OVAs were described as "complex", and has been praised for its focus on horror even though the violent imagery may bother viewers.<ref name="annreview"/><ref name="them"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|https://tokyobabylon2021.jp/|''Tokyo Babylon 2021'' official anime website}} (in Japanese)
*{{IMDb title|0190837}}
*{{Anime News Network|manga|2348}}

{{X/1999}}
{{Clamp}}
{{Wings manga}}
{{Madhouse OVAs}}

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