Series synopsis
Ai no Kusabi, also known as 間の楔 is a Japanese drama animation sci-fi & fantasy television series that premiered on January 18, 2012. It ended on April 18, 2012. It was created by Rieko Yoshihara. It stars Shin-ichiro Miki, Kentaro Ito, Toru Okawa and Kohsuke Toriumi.
This futuristic tale is set in a world where men are assigned various social classes based on their hair color. Iason Mink, a high-class Blondie, runs into Riki, a black-haired Mongrel, and makes him his "Pet." As Riki learns of the dangers Iason faces by keeping him, he finds himself developing feelings for his master.
This is a remake of the 1992 OVA of the same name.
Premise
This futuristic tale is set in a world where men are assigned various social classes based on their hair color. Iason Mink, a high-class Blondie, runs into Riki, a black-haired Mongrel, and makes him his "Pet." As Riki learns of the dangers Iason faces by keeping him, he finds himself developing feelings for his master.
This is a remake of the 1992 OVA of the same name.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Shin-ichiro Miki as Katze (voice)
- Kentaro Ito as Riki (voice)
- Toru Okawa as Isaon Mink (voice)
- Kohsuke Toriumi as Gai (voice)
- Showtaro Morikubo as Kirie (voice)
- Takaya Kuroda as Raoul (voice)
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | January 18, 2012 | April 18, 2012 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Petere: Caged Beast In the central city of Tanagra, which is ruled by the enormous computer Jupiter, Riki was held captive in the Eos Tower, the residential area of the privileged class. He was kept as a pet by one of the most elite artificial beings, a blonde individual known as Iason Mink. Despite having his freedom and dignity stripped away and undergoing inappropriate training, Riki refused to be tamed and resisted those around him. Then, one day, while Riki stood in front of the heavily guarded entrance gate of Eos, a door that should never have opened suddenly did. In this unprecedented escape event initiated by Riki, Iason was faced with a dilemma... |
January 18, 2012 |
| 2 |
Pardo: Broken Wings In the outskirts of the pleasure city, Midas, lies the special autonomous district of Keres. Within the harsh class-based society, this area, situated at the lowest rung, is commonly referred to as the Slums. Riki, who had been returned to his old stomping grounds in the Slums by Iason after three years, reunites with his former comrades. Among them is Guy, the only partner Riki ever opened up to. Riki, who once led the delinquent group "Bison" and exuded an overwhelming presence, returns to the Slums, accompanied by unpleasant rumors spreading throughout the area. Despite not offering any explanations, Riki occasionally displays a troubled expression. Guy senses a subtle transformation in Riki's demeanor. |
February 15, 2012 |
| 3 |
Congressus: Encounter Kirie, the new addition to Guy's group, harbored a sense of rivalry towards Riki, who had returned to the Slums. Riki, coerced by Kirie, agrees to go to a pet auction where humanoid pleasure toys are being offered for sale. Unable to forget his past humiliations, Riki becomes increasingly frustrated by Kirie's behavior and his expressed desire to "rise to the top." On the other hand, Iason, who had released Riki and refrained from having a pet, was also headed to the auction venue upon the recommendation of a fellow Blondie, Raoul. In a city adorned with extravagance and desire, Riki and Iason once again cross paths... |
March 21, 2012 |
Production
Release
| First aired | January 18, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Last aired | April 18, 2012 |
| Runtime | 26 minutes |
| Status | ended |