MOONLIGHT MILE 1st Season -Lift off-

Moonlight Mile 1st Season -Lift off- was produced by Studio Hibari and released in 2007 as a television anime adaptation of the long-running seinen manga series by Yasuo Ohtagaki. The story centers on the competitive and often perilous quest for lunar resources, capturing the geopolitical tensions of the early 21st century through the lens of a space race. It emerged during a period of renewed interest in hard science fiction within the anime medium, aiming to deliver a grounded, gritty exploration of humanity's expansion into the solar system.

The series design is noted for its attempt to maintain the visceral, cinematic style of Ohtagaki's original manga illustrations, which emphasize technical detail and the harsh realities of space travel. The production team focused on balancing character-driven drama with realistic depictions of space hardware. Upon release, it received attention for its mature tone and willingness to engage with complex themes of international cooperation and conflict, positioning itself as a stark departure from more fantastical space-themed anime of the era.