Season
Episode
Player server
Full Metal Panic!

Full Metal Panic!

20027
AnimationSci-Fi & Fantasy
Released
Jan 08, 2002
Country
Japan
Productions
GONZOGONZO DigimationKyoto AnimationFuji Television Network
Kaname Chidori’s one of the most popular girls at her high school – unfortunately, it’s her growing popularity off campus she should be worrying about. Unbeknownst to Kaname, terrorists are plotting her abduction, believing she possesses the rare and coveted abilities of “the Whispered.” That’s where Sousuke Sagara enters the picture. He’s a hotshot soldier from the clandestine counter-terrorist organization known as Mithril – and he’s going undercover at Kaname’s school to try and keep her safe. He may be an ace in the cockpit of an Arm Slave mech, but there’s no training in the world that could prepare him for the warzone of high school.

About

Quick guide

Full Metal Panic! (2002) blends military action with high‑school drama in a 24‑episode anime series.

Set on an alternate Earth where advanced mecha called Arm Slaves are common, the series follows Sousuke Sagara, a covert soldier from the organization Mithril, who is tasked with protecting Kaname Chidori, a high‑school student with hidden powers. While Sousuke battles terrorist threats, he struggles to adapt to normal teenage life, creating a contrast between duty and personal connection.

What to know

  • Season 1 contains 24 episodes; later seasons expand the story.
  • Fumoffu is a comedic spin‑off and optional for the core plot.
  • Kaname is believed to be a Whispered, a rare individual with deep tech knowledge.
  • Mithril operates covertly, using advanced mecha called Arm Slaves.
  • The series mixes intense combat with everyday school scenes.
  • Dialogue is heavy with tactical discussions and character development.
  • Political intrigue and the cost of secrecy are central themes.
  • Romantic tension develops between Sousuke and Kaname over time.

Watch if

Watch if you enjoy tactical combat, mecha battles, and the challenges of protecting a civilian amid threats, alongside light‑hearted school moments that gradually deepen into complex relationships.

Skip if

Skip if you prefer pure high‑school slice‑of‑life anime or dislike intense, military‑themed action and the recurring threat of terrorist attacks.

mature themespolitical themeswar themesintense actiondark tonepsychological elementsromance elementssome gorefast paceddialogue heavy
Setting & Premise
Full Metal Panic! unfolds on a world where the Cold War never ended and Arm Slaves—giant mecha—are a staple of modern conflict. The story follows Sousuke Sagara, a skilled soldier from the covert organization Mithril, who is assigned to protect Kaname Chidori, a high‑school student with mysterious powers. The series balances intense combat with everyday school life.
Main Characters
Sousuke is a disciplined, battle‑ready teenager who struggles to fit into normal life, while Kaname is a confident, athletic student unaware of her own abilities. Their interactions create a dynamic contrast: Sousuke’s protective instincts collide with Kaname’s growing independence, and both characters gradually learn to rely on each other in the face of danger.
Mithril vs. Terrorists
Mithril operates covertly, providing advanced technology and manpower to counter threats like Amalgam, the terrorist faction targeting Whispered individuals. The series follows their missions, often involving high‑stakes battles, negotiations, and covert operations. The tension between protecting civilians and fulfilling strategic objectives drives much of the plot’s conflict.
Mecha & Technology
Arm Slaves are remotely piloted mecha capable of incredible firepower and versatility. Sousuke’s expertise allows him to command these machines, often using them to neutralize threats. The technology also includes Black Tech, which grants unique abilities to the Whispered, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the mecha battles.
School Life Dynamics
Kaname attends Jindai Municipal High School, where her popularity and athleticism draw attention. The series juxtaposes her everyday student life—classroom scenes, friendships, and school events—with the constant threat of attack. This contrast highlights the absurdity of a soldier’s life intersecting with typical teen experiences.
Plot Arcs Overview
The first season introduces the main conflict as Gauron hijacks a school trip to kidnap Kaname. Subsequent arcs see Sousuke and Mithril confronting Amalgam’s plans, rescuing captured Whispered, and dealing with political fallout. Each episode escalates stakes while deepening the bond between Sousuke and Kaname.
Tone & Themes
The show blends war themes with light humor, creating a fast‑paced narrative that balances action with emotional growth. Political intrigue, the cost of secrecy, and the tension between duty and personal life give the series depth. Dialogue is often heavy, reflecting the seriousness of the stakes while still allowing character development.

FAQ

20 Q&A
What is Full Metal Panic! about?
It follows Sousuke Sagara, a covert soldier tasked with protecting Kaname Chidori, a high‑school student with hidden powers, as terrorist threats emerge.
Who is Sousuke Sagara?
Sousuke is a disciplined, former child soldier from the covert organization Mithril, trained to fight with advanced mecha.
Why is Kaname Chidori targeted?
She is believed to be a Whispered, a rare individual with deep knowledge of technology, making her valuable to terrorist groups.
What are the Whispered?
Whispered are people with innate ability to manipulate and understand technology beyond ordinary limits, making them prized by various factions.
What is Mithril?
Mithril is a covert paramilitary organization that employs soldiers like Sousuke to carry out covert missions worldwide.
What are Arm Slaves?
Arm Slaves are giant, remotely controlled mecha used in combat, capable of heavy firepower and versatility.
Do I need to watch Fumoffu?
Fumoffu is a comedy spin‑off that is optional and not required to understand the main storyline.
What is the recommended watch order?
Start with the 2002 season, then the 2005 The Second Raid, followed by later adaptations.
Is the series action‑heavy?
Yes, it features frequent mecha battles, close‑quarters combat, and high‑stakes missions.
Are there any romance moments?
Romantic tension develops gradually between Sousuke and Kaname, but the show remains focused on action and protection.
Does the anime have a good ending?
The 2002 season concludes its core narrative, leaving room for future stories without major spoilers.
How long is the series?
The original season has 24 episodes, each running about 23 minutes.
Does it contain violence?
Yes, there is combat, some injury, and intense scenes, though not extremely graphic.
Is it suitable for younger viewers?
It is rated PG‑13 and contains mature themes, so parents may wish to preview.
Are there any filler episodes?
The 2002 season includes a few light episodes that provide comic relief without major plot impact.
Is the anime faithful to the light novels?
The season adapts the first three light novels, staying close to the main plot while adding original scenes.
How does the main conflict resolve?
Sousuke protects Kaname from terrorist attacks and the series ends with their bond strengthened, though future challenges remain.
What is the main theme of the show?
The series explores duty, protection, and the clash between military responsibilities and personal relationships.
Are there any notable mecha battles?
Several large‑scale Arm Slave engagements occur, especially during Gauron’s hijacking and other missions.
Where can I stream the series?
It is available on major streaming platforms that offer anime libraries; check your local service for licensing.

Actors

Tomokazu Seki
Tomokazu Seki
Sousuke Sagara (voice)
Satsuki Yukino
Satsuki Yukino
Kaname Chidori (voice)
Michiko Neya
Michiko Neya
Melissa Mao (voice)
Rio Natsuki
Rio Natsuki
(voice)
Shin-ichiro Miki
Shin-ichiro Miki
Kurz Weber (voice)
Mamiko Noto
Mamiko Noto
Shinji Kazama (voice)
Ikue Kimura
Ikue Kimura
Kyoko Tokiwa (voice)
Yukana
Yukana
Teletha "Tessa" Testarossa (voice)
Tomomichi Nishimura
Tomomichi Nishimura
Cmdr. Richard Mardukas (voice)