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{{Short description|Japanese anime television series}}
{{multiple issues|
{{original research|date=June 2009}}
{{inline|date=March 2015}}
{{unreferenced|date=March 2015}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name = Stratos 4
| name = Stratos 4
| image = [[File:Stratos4 OP Title.jpg|230px]]
| image = Startos_4,_DVD_Cover.jpg
| caption = Title screen
| caption = Cover art of the DVD
| ja_kanji = ストラトス・フォー
| ja_kanji = ストラトス・フォー
| ja_romaji = Stratos4
| ja_romaji = Stratos4
| genre = [[Action fiction|Action]], [[comedy]], [[science fiction]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Stratos 4 - Stratos 4: The Complete Box |url=http://www.bandai-ent.com/products/product_details.cfm?id=542 |publisher=[[Bandai Entertainment]] |accessdate=June 21, 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060321114114/http://www.bandai-ent.com/products/product_details.cfm?id=542 |archivedate=March 21, 2006}}</ref><!-- 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]]. -->
| genre = [[Science fiction]], [[Slice of life story|Slice of life]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| type = tv series
| title =
| director = [[Takeshi Mori (director)|Takeshi Mori]]
| director = [[Takeshi Mori (director)|Takeshi Mori]]
| producer =
| producer = {{ubl|Masashi Tsukino|Kiyoshi Sugiyama|Hitoshi Yagi}}
| writer =
| writer = Katsuhiko Takayama
| music =
| music = [[Masamichi Amano]]
| studio = [[Studio Fantasia]]
| studio = [[Studio Fantasia]]
| licensee = [[Bandai Entertainment]]
| licensee = [[Bandai Entertainment]] {{small|(expired)}}
| network = [[Television Saitama|TVS]], [[Chiba Television Broadcasting|CTC]], [[Kids Station]], [[Television Kanagawa|tvk]], [[Sun Television|SUN]]
| network = [[TV Saitama]], [[Chiba Television Broadcasting|CTC]], [[Kids Station]], [[Television Kanagawa|tvk]], [[Sun Television|Sun TV]]
| network_en = {{English anime network|SEA = [[Animax Asia]]}}
| network_en = {{English anime network|SEA = [[Animax Asia]]}}
| first = January 5, 2003
| first = January 5, 2003
| last = March 30, 2003
| last = March 30, 2003
| episodes = 13
| episodes = 13
| episode_list = #Stratos 4 (2003-2004)
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = ova
| type = ova
| title =
| director = Takeshi Mori
| producer = {{ubl|Masashi Tsukino|Kiyoshi Sugiyama}}
| director = [[Takeshi Mori (director)|Takeshi Mori]]
| producer =
| writer = Katsuhiko Takayama
| writer =
| music = Masamichi Amano
| music =
| studio = Studio Fantasia
| licensee = Bandai Entertainment {{small|(expired)}}
| studio = [[Studio Fantasia]]
| licensee = [[Bandai Entertainment]]
| first = May 25, 2004
| first = May 28, 2004
| last = August 1, 2004
| last = August 27, 2004
| runtime = 29 minutes (each)
| runtime =
| episodes = 2
| episodes = 2
| episode_list = #Stratos 4 (2003-2004)
}}
}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = ova
| type = ova
| title = Stratos 4 Advance
| title = Stratos 4 Advance
| director = [[Takeshi Mori (director)|Takeshi Mori]]
| director = Takeshi Mori
| producer = {{ubl|Masashi Tsukino|Kiyoshi Sugiyama}}
| studio = [[Studio Fantasia]]
| writer = {{ubl|Takeshi Mori {{small|(#1, 6)}}|Katsuhiko Takayama{{small|(#2, 5)}}|[[Atsuhiro Tomioka]] {{small|(#3-4)}}}}
| licensee =
| first = March 25, 2005
| music = Masamichi Amano
| last = January 27, 2006
| studio = Studio Fantasia
| runtime =
| licensee =
| episodes = 6
| first = March 25, 2005
| episode_list = #Stratos 4 Advance (2005-2006)
| last = January 27, 2006
| runtime = 25–28 minutes (each)
| episodes = 6
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = ova
| type = ova
| title = Stratos 4 Advance Final
| title = Stratos 4 Advance: Final
| director = [[Takeshi Mori (director)|Takeshi Mori]]
| director = Takeshi Mori
| studio = [[Studio Fantasia]]
| producer = {{ubl|Masashi Tsukino|Kiyoshi Sugiyama}}
| writer = Takeshi Mori
| music = Masamichi Amano
| studio = Studio Fantasia
| licensee =
| licensee =
| first = September 9, 2006
| first = September 22, 2006
| last = October 27, 2006
| last = October 22, 2006
| runtime =
| runtime = 27 minutes (each)
| episodes = 2
| episodes = 2
| episode_list = #Stratos 4 Advance Final (2006)
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}


{{Nihongo|'''''Stratos 4'''''|ストラトス・フォー|Sutoratosu Fō}} is an [[anime]] series by [[Studio Fantasia]] and [[Bandai Visual]], and directed by [[Takeshi Mori (director)|Takeshi Mori]]. Originally spanning a 13-episode anime [[TV series]], which premiered across Japan between January 5, 2003 to March 30, 2003, the series was continued onto three [[Original Video Animation|OVA]]-series sequels, the first of which was released on 28 May 2004 and spanned 2-episodes, followed by ''Stratos 4: Advance'', which spanned 6 episodes and was released on 25 March 2005, and ''Stratos 4: Advance Final'', which was released on 22 September 2006 and spanned 2-episodes, respectively.
{{Nihongo|'''''Stratos 4'''''|ストラトス・フォー|Sutoratosu Fō}} is a Japanese [[anime]] television series by [[Studio Fantasia]] and [[Bandai Visual]], and directed by [[Takeshi Mori (director)|Takeshi Mori]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-11-14/new-anime-in-japan|title=New Anime in Japan|website=Anime News Network|language=en|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref>

The series has been broadcast by the anime [[satellite television]] network, [[Animax]], across its respective networks worldwide, including [[East Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]], [[South Asia]], [[Latin America]], and other regions. The original 13-episode television series and its first subsequent two-episode OVA series were licensed for [[North America]]n distribution by Bandai's distributive unit across the region, [[Bandai Entertainment]].


==Story==
==Story==
{{see also|List of Stratos 4 characters}}
{{See also|List of Stratos 4 characters}}
Fifty years before the series begins, scientists learn that a group of [[comet]]s will enter the [[Solar System]] on a collision course with Earth. The [[United Nations]] set up a two-tiered global defense system against the threat: the primary one being a space-based Comet Blaster group and the secondary being a ground-based Meteor Sweeper group. Most of the series takes place on an [[airbase]] on [[Shimoji, Okinawa|Shimoji Island]] in 2024, where Mikaze and her friends are tasked to defend the [[Earth]] from large fragments left over after a failed attempt by the Comet Blasters, who are based on one of seven [[space stations]], to annihilate a comet. All is going well until a large meteorite crashes into a lightly populated island leading the girls on a run to find out the truth about the comets.


Fifty years before the series begins, scientists learn that a group of [[comet]]s will enter the [[Solar System]] on a collision course with Earth. The [[United Nations]] set up a two-tiered global defense system against the threat: the primary one being a space-based Comet Blaster group and the secondary being a ground-based Meteor Sweeper group. Most of the series takes place on an [[airbase]] on [[Shimoji, Okinawa|Shimoji Island]] in 2024, where Mikaze and her friends are tasked with defending the [[Earth]] from large fragments left over after a failed attempt by the Comet Blasters, who are based on one of seven [[space stations]], to annihilate a comet. All is going well until a large meteorite crashes into a lightly populated island leading the girls on a run to find out the truth about the comets.
==Flight profile==
[[File:Stratos4 TSR-2MS flight profile.png|thumb|240px|left|Flight profile of the TSR-2MS]]
In the event a comet approaches the Earth with a high collision probability, all Meteor Sweeper (MS) bases are put on Standby. In the case where the Comet Blasters fail to shatter completely the comet, allowing one or more fragments to fall into the Earth's atmosphere, the Meteor Sweepers in the expected impact zones are dispatched to intercept those fragments.


==Release==
Stratos 4 focuses on one such MS team, located on the island of Shimoji in Japan. The Shimoji MS squadron operates a fleet of TSR-2MS interceptors, each armed with one Trident anti-meteor hi-explosive missile, and equipped with an internal booster (named "Third Engine") and two booster packs ([[JATO|RATOs]]).
Originally spanning a 13-episode anime TV series, which premiered across Japan between January 5, 2003 to March 30, 2003, the series was continued onto three OVA-series sequels, the first of which was released on 28 May 2004 and spanned 2-episodes. The series was then followed by ''Stratos 4: Advance'', which spanned 6 episodes and was released on 25 March 2005, and ''Stratos 4: Advance Final'', which was released on 22 September 2006 and spanned 2-episodes, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stratos4.jp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211032957/http://www.stratos4.jp/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2005-02-11|title=STRATOS4 OFFICIAL WEB SITE|date=2005-02-11|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref>


The series has been broadcast by the anime satellite television network, Animax, across its respective networks worldwide, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and other regions. The original 13-episode television series and its first subsequent two-episode OVA series were licensed for North American distribution by [[Bandai Visual#Bandai Entertainment|Bandai Entertainment USA]]. However, when Bandai Entertainment USA shut down, the series became unlicensed.
The aircraft take off in a rocket-like manner where it is launched at an angle from a truck-mounted railed launchpad rather than taking off conventionally by runway (except in episode 10 and OVA 5 of ''Advance''). For redundancy reasons, always two aircraft are launched together per dispatch. The pilots fly the aircraft in a [[prone position]]. This is never explained; it is assumed to be used to counteract [[G-force]]. At mid altitude (30,000-40,000&nbsp;ft), the boosters burn out and are dropped.

The TSR-2MSs rise swiftly into the [[stratosphere]], where they fly in an inverted position like the [[space shuttle]] before delivering their payload. The "Third Engine" is ignited while inverted. At high altitude (80,000-100,000&nbsp;ft), jet throttle is reduced, then, at very high altitude (120,000-150,000&nbsp;ft), "Third Engine" throttle is also reduced. Both aircraft return to an upright attitude, lock onto the target and fire the Trident missile one after another (within approximately 5 seconds apart).

The TSR-2MS is depicted in episode ''CODE 103: Decision Height'' as being able to fly high enough to reach [[low Earth orbit]] before it runs out of fuel and stalls. The TSR-2MS has no braking chute, but has an arresting hook for emergency landings. The aircraft that "gets the kill" is later painted with a red comet icon on the fuselage side.

With the meteor destroyed, the base returns to Standby.

==Release==


The series is one of the "main JSDF collaborative anime works", as noted by scholar Takayoshi Yamamura. The show's producer, Sugiyama Kiyoshi, is said to have conducted "extensive research about JSDF" with Yamamura saying that Kiyoshi is considered an "industry expert regarding collaboration between anime and JSDF."<ref name="Yamamura">{{cite journal |last1=Yamamura |first1=Takayoshi |date=2017 |title=Cooperation Between Anime Producers and the Japan Self-Defense Force: Creating Fantasy and/or Propaganda? |journal=Journal of War & Culture Studies |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=8–23 |doi=10.1080/17526272.2017.1396077 |hdl=2115/74922 |s2cid=165803736 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>
{{empty section|date=March 2015}}


== Episode listing ==
==Episode listing==
===Stratos 4 (2003-2004)===
===Stratos 4 (2003-2004)===
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 98%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 75%;"
|-
|-
! style="width: 5%;" | CODE
! style="width: 5%;" | CODE
Line 104: Line 87:
! style="width: 15%;" | Original air date
! style="width: 15%;" | Original air date
|-
|-
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 101
| EpisodeNumber = 101
| EnglishTitle = Initial Point
| Title = Initial Point
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|1|5}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = January 5, 2003
| ShortSummary = The pros show the rookies how it's done.
| ShortSummary = The pros show the rookies how it's done.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 102
| EpisodeNumber = 102
| EnglishTitle = Fox One
| Title = Fox One
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|1|12}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = January 12, 2003
| ShortSummary = The rookies have a chance to show off.
| ShortSummary = The rookies have a chance to show off.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 103
| EpisodeNumber = 103
| EnglishTitle = Decision Height
| Title = Decision Height
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|1|19}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = January 19, 2003
| ShortSummary = Mikaze breaks previous height record, but is short on fuel on the return trip so she ends up landing in Guam.
| ShortSummary = Mikaze breaks previous height record, but is short on fuel on the return trip so she ends up landing in Guam.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 104
| EpisodeNumber = 104
| EnglishTitle = Tally Ho!
| Title = Tally Ho!
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|1|26}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = January 26, 2003
| ShortSummary = The comet fragment that Mikaze's team is intercepting suddenly changes course inexplicably, resulting in a small disaster.
| ShortSummary = The comet fragment that Mikaze's team is intercepting suddenly changes course inexplicably, resulting in a small disaster.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 105
| EpisodeNumber = 105
| EnglishTitle = Go Around
| Title = Go Around
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|2|2}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = February 2, 2003
| ShortSummary = Mikaze, and later Shizuha and Ayamo are summoned to the mainland for an inquiry into the previous incident by some shady politicians with ulterior motives.
| ShortSummary = Mikaze, and later Shizuha and Ayamo are summoned to the mainland for an inquiry into the previous incident by some shady politicians with ulterior motives.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 106
| EpisodeNumber = 106
| EnglishTitle = Checking Six
| Title = Checking Six
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|2|9}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = February 9, 2003
| ShortSummary = The cat Admiral sneaks into the base, and hilarity ensues.
| ShortSummary = The cat Admiral sneaks into the base, and hilarity ensues.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 107
| EpisodeNumber = 107
| EnglishTitle = High Speed
| Title = High Speed
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|2|16}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = February 16, 2003
| ShortSummary = Mikaze and the gang chip in to help Mr. Sako rebuild the vintage space vehicle Stratos 0.
| ShortSummary = Mikaze and the gang chip in to help Mr. Sako rebuild the vintage space vehicle Stratos 0.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 108
| EpisodeNumber = 108
| EnglishTitle = Go Gate
| Title = Go Gate
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|2|23}}
| RomajiTitle =
| ShortSummary = The Shimoji Island base holds its 38th festival. Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's families all come visit for a fun-filled day. However, since Karin's parents have died when she was younger, she has no family members to visit her. She feels lonely and stays away from the festivities but her friends find her and cheer her up.
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = February 23, 2003
| ShortSummary = The Shimoji Island base holds its 38th festival. Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's families all come visit for a fun-filled day. However, since Karin's parents have died when she was younger, she has no family members to visit her. She feels lonely and stays away from the festivities but her friends find her and cheer her up.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 109
| EpisodeNumber = 109
| EnglishTitle = Vapor Trail
| Title = Vapor Trail
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|3|2}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = March 2, 2003
| ShortSummary = It's time for a vacation to the hot springs resort, hence fanservice a-plenty.
| ShortSummary = It's time for a vacation to the hot springs resort, hence fanservice a-plenty.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 110
| EpisodeNumber = 110
| EnglishTitle = Mission Abort
| Title = Mission Abort
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|3|9}}
| RomajiTitle =
| ShortSummary = Communication with Orbital Station 7 has been cut off and an emergency has been declared on Shimoji Island base. Karin collapses just when a comet was destroyed, and she was taken away by the shady politician to an unknown destination.
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = March 9, 2003
| ShortSummary = Communication with Orbital Station 7 has been cut off and an emergency has been declared on Shimoji Island base. Karin collapses just when a comet was destroyed, and she was taken away by the shady politician to an unknown destination.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 111
| EpisodeNumber = 111
| EnglishTitle = Target Merge
| Title = Target Merge
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|3|16}}
| RomajiTitle =
| ShortSummary = Mikaze and Shizuha request time off from work in order to track down and help Karin, but their investigation reveals that mysterious alien lifeforms (referred to as "Star Seeds") have arrived on Earth via the comets. They can control human minds, and those under control have taken over most of Orbital Station 7, where Karin has been sent.
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = March 16, 2003
| ShortSummary = Mikaze and Shizuha request time off from work in order to track down and help Karin, but their investigation reveals that mysterious alien lifeforms (referred to as "Star Seeds") have arrived on Earth via the comets. They can control human minds, and those under control have taken over most of Orbital Station 7, where Karin has been sent.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 112
| EpisodeNumber = 112
| EnglishTitle = Engage!
| Title = Engage!
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|3|23}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = March 23, 2003
| ShortSummary = The Shimoji Island base comes under lockdown by some government military unit. Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's sneak onto a transport rocket bound for Orbital Station 7 in order to save Karin.
| ShortSummary = The Shimoji Island base comes under lockdown by some government military unit. Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's sneak onto a transport rocket bound for Orbital Station 7 in order to save Karin.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 113
| EpisodeNumber = 113
| EnglishTitle = Final Approach
| Title = Final Approach
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|3|30}}
| RomajiTitle =
| ShortSummary = With Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's help Orbital Station 7 is back under control. Together with Karin they pilot 2 comet blaster spacecraft (SAC-1B) and successfully intercept a giant comet heading for Earth.
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = March 30, 2003
| ShortSummary = With Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's help Orbital Station 7 is back under control. Together with Karin they pilot 2 comet blaster spacecraft (SAC-1B) and successfully intercept a giant comet heading for Earth.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = X-1
| EpisodeNumber = X-1
| EnglishTitle = Return To Base
| Title = Return To Base
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|5|25}}
| RomajiTitle =
| ShortSummary = Annette and Chizuru visit Shimoji Island base carrying video recordings of Miharu's deteriorating condition in the days and weeks after alien infection. In the meantime Orbital Station 7 is hit by space debris which sets it on a collision course with Earth.
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = May 28, 2004
| ShortSummary = Annette and Chizuru visit Shimoji Island base carrying video recordings of Miharu's deteriorating condition in the days and weeks after alien infection. In the meantime Orbital Station 7 is hit by space debris which sets it on a collision course with Earth.
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = X-2
| EpisodeNumber = X-2
| EnglishTitle = Dispersion
| Title = Dispersion
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|8|1}}
| RomajiTitle =
| ShortSummary = Annette and Chizuru return to Orbital Station 7 aboard a cargo vessel to rescue injured and stranded crewmembers as well as retrieve some secret data for the shady government bureaucrat. The station is then destroyed mid-air by Mikaze's team.
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = August 27, 2004
| ShortSummary = Annette and Chizuru return to Orbital Station 7 aboard a cargo vessel to rescue injured and stranded crewmembers as well as retrieve some secret data for the shady government bureaucrat. The station is then destroyed mid-air by Mikaze's team.
}}
}}
|}
|}
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! style="width: 15%;" | Original air date
! style="width: 15%;" | Original air date
|-
|-
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 201
| EpisodeNumber = 201
| EnglishTitle = Wave Off
| Title = Wave Off
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2005|3|25}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| ShortSummary =
| OriginalAirDate = March 25, 2005
| ShortSummary =
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 202
| EpisodeNumber = 202
| EnglishTitle = Roll Out
| Title = Roll Out
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2005|5|27}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| ShortSummary =
| OriginalAirDate = May 27, 2005
| ShortSummary =
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 203
| EpisodeNumber = 203
| EnglishTitle = Angle of Attack
| Title = Angle of Attack
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2005|7|22}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| ShortSummary =
| OriginalAirDate = July 22, 2005
| ShortSummary =
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 204
| EpisodeNumber = 204
| EnglishTitle = Clear Air Turbulence
| Title = Clear Air Turbulence
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2005|9|23}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| ShortSummary =
| OriginalAirDate = September 23, 2005
| ShortSummary =
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 205
| EpisodeNumber = 205
| EnglishTitle = Dash One
| Title = Dash One
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2005|11|25}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| ShortSummary =
| OriginalAirDate = November 25, 2005
| ShortSummary =
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 206
| EpisodeNumber = 206
| EnglishTitle = Lost Position
| Title = Lost Position
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|1|27}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| ShortSummary =
| OriginalAirDate = January 27, 2006
| ShortSummary =
}}
}}
|}
|}
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! style="width: 15%;" | Original air date
! style="width: 15%;" | Original air date
|-
|-
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 207
| EpisodeNumber = 207
| EnglishTitle = Cross-Wind Take Off
| Title = Cross-Wind Take Off
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|9|22}}
| RomajiTitle =
| KanjiTitle =
| ShortSummary =
| OriginalAirDate = September 09, 2006
| ShortSummary =
}}
}}
{{Japanese episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 208
| EpisodeNumber = 208
| EnglishTitle = Piper on the Target
| Title = Piper on the Target
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|10|22}}
| RomajiTitle =
| ShortSummary = As the three giant meteors descent, causing mass panic, the CEMA takes a stand against them. Commander Reynolds then secured permission to use Stratos 4 craft confiscated earlier, and summons Mikaze, Shizuha, Ayamo, and Karin to pilot them alongside other Comet Blasters and Meteor Sweeper pilots taking care of the last two meteors while Mikaze and the rest destroy the first due to a slight change in mission plan. The mission is completed and the extraterrestrial threat is eliminated. End credits shows the reunion between Sako and Miharu in an abandoned research facility and integration of Rei into the society, as well as fates for other main characters.
| KanjiTitle =
| OriginalAirDate = October 27, 2006
| ShortSummary = As the three giant meteors descent, causing mass panic, the CEMA takes a stand against them. Commander Reynolds then secured permission to use Stratos 4 craft confiscated earlier, and summons Mikaze, Shizuha, Ayamo, and Karin to pilot them alongside other Comet Blasters and Meteor Sweeper pilots taking care of the last two meteors while Mikaze and the rest destroy the first due to a slight change in misison plan. The mission is completed and the extraterrestrial threat is eliminated. End credits shows the reunion between Sako and Miharu in an abandoned research facility and integration of Rei into the society, as well as fates for other main characters.
}}
}}
|}
|}
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The music for ''Stratos 4'' was composed by [[Masamichi Amano]].
The music for ''Stratos 4'' was composed by [[Masamichi Amano]].


==Reception==
==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{empty section|date=March 2015}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* {{Cite web|author=Beveridge, Chris|url=http://www.mania.com/stratos-4-vol-3_article_76480.html|title=Stratos 4 Vol. #3|work=Mania|date=October 25, 2004|accessdate=October 18, 2013}}
* {{Cite web |author=Beveridge, Chris |url=http://www.mania.com/stratos-4-vol-3_article_76480.html |title=Stratos 4 Vol. #3 |work=Mania |publisher=[[Demand Media]] |date=October 25, 2004 |access-date=October 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017053607/http://www.mania.com/stratos-4-vol-3_article_76480.html |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
* {{Cite magazine|author=Johnston, Chris|title=Stratos 4: Return to Base|magazine=Newtype USA|volume=4|issue=8|page=p. 146|date=August 2005|issn=1541-4817}}
* {{Cite news |author=Johnston, Chris |title=Stratos 4: Return to Base |work=Newtype USA |volume=4 |issue=8 |page=146 |date=August 2005 |issn=1541-4817 }}

==References==

{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.stratos4.jp/ Official Stratos 4 website] {{jp icon}}
* [http://www.stratos4.jp/ Official Stratos 4 website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.b-ch.com/cgi-bin/contents/ttl/det.cgi?ttl_c=147 Bandai Channel's official homepage for ''Stratos 4''] {{jp icon}}
* [http://www.b-ch.com/cgi-bin/contents/ttl/det.cgi?ttl_c=147 Bandai Channel's official homepage for ''Stratos 4''] {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071011102859/http://bandai-ent.com/products/video.cfm?s=101 Bandai Entertainment page]
*{{ann|anime|1969}}
* {{ann|anime|1969}}


{{Studio Fantasia}}
{{Studio Fantasia}}


[[Category:2003 anime television series]]
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[[Category:Action anime and manga]]
[[Category:Anime with original screenplays]]
[[Category:Aviation television series]]
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[[Category:Bandai Entertainment anime titles]]
[[Category:Bandai Entertainment anime titles]]
[[Category:Bandai Visual]]
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[[Category:Comedy anime and manga]]
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[[Category:Ecchi anime and manga]]
[[Category:Studio Fantasia]]
[[Category:Anime with original screenplays]]

Latest revision as of 16:46, 27 March 2024

Stratos 4
Cover art of the DVD
ストラトス・フォー
(Stratos4)
GenreAction, comedy, science fiction[1]
Anime television series
Directed byTakeshi Mori
Produced by
  • Masashi Tsukino
  • Kiyoshi Sugiyama
  • Hitoshi Yagi
Written byKatsuhiko Takayama
Music byMasamichi Amano
StudioStudio Fantasia
Licensed byBandai Entertainment (expired)
Original networkTV Saitama, CTC, Kids Station, tvk, Sun TV
English network
Original run January 5, 2003 – March 30, 2003
Episodes13
Original video animation
Directed byTakeshi Mori
Produced by
  • Masashi Tsukino
  • Kiyoshi Sugiyama
Written byKatsuhiko Takayama
Music byMasamichi Amano
StudioStudio Fantasia
Licensed byBandai Entertainment (expired)
Released May 25, 2004 – August 1, 2004
Runtime29 minutes (each)
Episodes2
Original video animation
Stratos 4 Advance
Directed byTakeshi Mori
Produced by
  • Masashi Tsukino
  • Kiyoshi Sugiyama
Written by
Music byMasamichi Amano
StudioStudio Fantasia
Released March 25, 2005 – January 27, 2006
Runtime25–28 minutes (each)
Episodes6
Original video animation
Stratos 4 Advance: Final
Directed byTakeshi Mori
Produced by
  • Masashi Tsukino
  • Kiyoshi Sugiyama
Written byTakeshi Mori
Music byMasamichi Amano
StudioStudio Fantasia
Released September 22, 2006 – October 22, 2006
Runtime27 minutes (each)
Episodes2
icon Anime and manga portal

Stratos 4 (ストラトス・フォー, Sutoratosu Fō) is a Japanese anime television series by Studio Fantasia and Bandai Visual, and directed by Takeshi Mori.[2]

Story[edit]

See also: List of Stratos 4 characters

Fifty years before the series begins, scientists learn that a group of comets will enter the Solar System on a collision course with Earth. The United Nations set up a two-tiered global defense system against the threat: the primary one being a space-based Comet Blaster group and the secondary being a ground-based Meteor Sweeper group. Most of the series takes place on an airbase on Shimoji Island in 2024, where Mikaze and her friends are tasked with defending the Earth from large fragments left over after a failed attempt by the Comet Blasters, who are based on one of seven space stations, to annihilate a comet. All is going well until a large meteorite crashes into a lightly populated island leading the girls on a run to find out the truth about the comets.

Release[edit]

Originally spanning a 13-episode anime TV series, which premiered across Japan between January 5, 2003 to March 30, 2003, the series was continued onto three OVA-series sequels, the first of which was released on 28 May 2004 and spanned 2-episodes. The series was then followed by Stratos 4: Advance, which spanned 6 episodes and was released on 25 March 2005, and Stratos 4: Advance Final, which was released on 22 September 2006 and spanned 2-episodes, respectively.[3]

The series has been broadcast by the anime satellite television network, Animax, across its respective networks worldwide, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and other regions. The original 13-episode television series and its first subsequent two-episode OVA series were licensed for North American distribution by Bandai Entertainment USA. However, when Bandai Entertainment USA shut down, the series became unlicensed.

The series is one of the "main JSDF collaborative anime works", as noted by scholar Takayoshi Yamamura. The show's producer, Sugiyama Kiyoshi, is said to have conducted "extensive research about JSDF" with Yamamura saying that Kiyoshi is considered an "industry expert regarding collaboration between anime and JSDF."[4]

Episode listing[edit]

Stratos 4 (2003-2004)[edit]

CODE Title Original air date
101"Initial Point"January 5, 2003 (2003-01-05)
The pros show the rookies how it's done.
102"Fox One"January 12, 2003 (2003-01-12)
The rookies have a chance to show off.
103"Decision Height"January 19, 2003 (2003-01-19)
Mikaze breaks previous height record, but is short on fuel on the return trip so she ends up landing in Guam.
104"Tally Ho!"January 26, 2003 (2003-01-26)
The comet fragment that Mikaze's team is intercepting suddenly changes course inexplicably, resulting in a small disaster.
105"Go Around"February 2, 2003 (2003-02-02)
Mikaze, and later Shizuha and Ayamo are summoned to the mainland for an inquiry into the previous incident by some shady politicians with ulterior motives.
106"Checking Six"February 9, 2003 (2003-02-09)
The cat Admiral sneaks into the base, and hilarity ensues.
107"High Speed"February 16, 2003 (2003-02-16)
Mikaze and the gang chip in to help Mr. Sako rebuild the vintage space vehicle Stratos 0.
108"Go Gate"February 23, 2003 (2003-02-23)
The Shimoji Island base holds its 38th festival. Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's families all come visit for a fun-filled day. However, since Karin's parents have died when she was younger, she has no family members to visit her. She feels lonely and stays away from the festivities but her friends find her and cheer her up.
109"Vapor Trail"March 2, 2003 (2003-03-02)
It's time for a vacation to the hot springs resort, hence fanservice a-plenty.
110"Mission Abort"March 9, 2003 (2003-03-09)
Communication with Orbital Station 7 has been cut off and an emergency has been declared on Shimoji Island base. Karin collapses just when a comet was destroyed, and she was taken away by the shady politician to an unknown destination.
111"Target Merge"March 16, 2003 (2003-03-16)
Mikaze and Shizuha request time off from work in order to track down and help Karin, but their investigation reveals that mysterious alien lifeforms (referred to as "Star Seeds") have arrived on Earth via the comets. They can control human minds, and those under control have taken over most of Orbital Station 7, where Karin has been sent.
112"Engage!"March 23, 2003 (2003-03-23)
The Shimoji Island base comes under lockdown by some government military unit. Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's sneak onto a transport rocket bound for Orbital Station 7 in order to save Karin.
113"Final Approach"March 30, 2003 (2003-03-30)
With Mikaze, Shizuha, and Ayamo's help Orbital Station 7 is back under control. Together with Karin they pilot 2 comet blaster spacecraft (SAC-1B) and successfully intercept a giant comet heading for Earth.
X–1"Return To Base"May 25, 2004 (2004-05-25)
Annette and Chizuru visit Shimoji Island base carrying video recordings of Miharu's deteriorating condition in the days and weeks after alien infection. In the meantime Orbital Station 7 is hit by space debris which sets it on a collision course with Earth.
X–2"Dispersion"August 1, 2004 (2004-08-01)
Annette and Chizuru return to Orbital Station 7 aboard a cargo vessel to rescue injured and stranded crewmembers as well as retrieve some secret data for the shady government bureaucrat. The station is then destroyed mid-air by Mikaze's team.

Stratos 4 Advance (2005-2006)[edit]

CODE Title Original air date
201"Wave Off"March 25, 2005 (2005-03-25)
202"Roll Out"May 27, 2005 (2005-05-27)
203"Angle of Attack"July 22, 2005 (2005-07-22)
204"Clear Air Turbulence"September 23, 2005 (2005-09-23)
205"Dash One"November 25, 2005 (2005-11-25)
206"Lost Position"January 27, 2006 (2006-01-27)

Stratos 4 Advance Final (2006)[edit]

CODE Title Original air date
207"Cross-Wind Take Off"September 22, 2006 (2006-09-22)
208"Piper on the Target"October 22, 2006 (2006-10-22)
As the three giant meteors descent, causing mass panic, the CEMA takes a stand against them. Commander Reynolds then secured permission to use Stratos 4 craft confiscated earlier, and summons Mikaze, Shizuha, Ayamo, and Karin to pilot them alongside other Comet Blasters and Meteor Sweeper pilots taking care of the last two meteors while Mikaze and the rest destroy the first due to a slight change in mission plan. The mission is completed and the extraterrestrial threat is eliminated. End credits shows the reunion between Sako and Miharu in an abandoned research facility and integration of Rei into the society, as well as fates for other main characters.

Music[edit]

The music for Stratos 4 was composed by Masamichi Amano.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Stratos 4 - Stratos 4: The Complete Box". Bandai Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 21, 2006. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  2. ^ "New Anime in Japan". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2019-10-26.
  3. ^ "STRATOS4 OFFICIAL WEB SITE". 2005-02-11. Archived from the original on 2005-02-11. Retrieved 2019-10-26.
  4. ^ Yamamura, Takayoshi (2017). "Cooperation Between Anime Producers and the Japan Self-Defense Force: Creating Fantasy and/or Propaganda?". Journal of War & Culture Studies. 12 (1): 8–23. doi:10.1080/17526272.2017.1396077. hdl:2115/74922. S2CID 165803736.

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

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