Kaiba
2008 • MADHOUSE
- Format
- TV
- Aired
- 2008
- Episodes
- 12
- Status
- Finished
- Studio
- MADHOUSE · Discotek
- Genres
- Adventure · Mystery · Psychological · Romance
It is now possible to store memory data, so that the death of your body is not actually "death". As memories are stored in databanks, they can be "transferred" to new bodies. Because so-called "memory trading" now occurs, it is now possible to steal memories and illegally alter them.
Society has fallen apart as authority has become lost and stagnant.
One day, a man awakens in a ruined room. His name is Kaiba. He has no memories, but he does have a pendant with a picture of an unknown woman inside.
In the skies are roiling clouds and electrical storms, impossible to pass without losing one's memories; above them lies the elusive realm of the rich and powerful, who barter others' bodies and memories for their own enjoyment and longevity. Below lies a troubled and dangerous world where good bodies are hard to come by and real money is scarce.
After suddenly being attacked, Kaiba escapes into space, and during his travels meets all sorts of people and regains his memories. Throughout it, he continues to be troubled by the world's problems, as well as his own existence. And what of the woman in the pendant, Neiro?
Synopsis from AniList
Where to find one
Search for Kaiba on the marketplaces collectors use.
Listings from external marketplaces. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Where it came from
Kaiba was created by director Masaaki Yuasa and produced by the studio Madhouse, debuting in 2008 as a twelve-episode television series. The narrative emerges from a surreal, high-concept science fiction landscape where memories can be digitized and transferred between bodies, exploring profound themes of identity, social stratification, and the ethics of consciousness. The project stands out as a quintessential example of Yuasa’s experimental approach to animation, utilizing a deceptively simple, rounded aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the series' dark and melancholic philosophical inquiries.
The visual design of Kaiba was intentionally crafted to evoke the classic style of Osamu Tezuka, specifically drawing inspiration from works like Astro Boy, which Yuasa utilized to create a jarring juxtaposition against the series' mature and often disturbing themes. Upon its release, it was lauded by critics for its artistic audacity and emotional depth, though its unconventional visual style and non-linear storytelling limited its initial mainstream reach. It has since gained a reputation as a landmark of avant-garde anime, celebrated for its unique narrative construction and its evocative, dreamlike atmosphere.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real anime collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Kaiba
Kaiba is a anime in the Anime catalog on collecto.rs. 2008 • MADHOUSE. Catalog data is sourced from AniList. No collectors on collecto.rs publicly track this anime yet — adding yours would make you the first.
How many collectors track Kaiba on collecto.rs?
Kaiba doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Kaiba?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your anime, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other anime collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Kaiba catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Kaiba is sourced from AniList. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is tracking anime free on collecto.rs?
Yes. Tracking your anime is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every anime you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
)