Mousou Dairinin
English title: Paranoia Agent
Japanese title: 妄想代理人
Alternative titles: Mousou Dairinin
Type: TV
Source: Original
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Feb 3, 2004 to May 18, 2004
Broadcast: Saturdays at 00:00 (JST)
Duration: 24 min per ep
Rating: R+ - Mild Nudity
Studios: Madhouse
Producers: WOWOW, Asmik Ace, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation
Licensors: Funimation, Geneon Entertainment USA
Genres: Avant Garde, Award Winning, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense
Themes: Adult Cast, Detective, Psychological

The infamous Shounen Bat is terrorizing the residents of Musashino City. Flying around on his rollerblades and beating people down with a golden baseball bat, the assailant seems impossible to catch—much less understand. His first victim, the well-known yet timid character designer Tsukiko Sagi, is suspected of orchestrating the attacks. Believed only by her anthropomorphic pink stuffed animal, Maromi, Tsukiko is just one of Shounen Bat's many victims.

As Shounen Bat continues his relentless assault on the town, detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa begin to investigate the identity of the attacker. However, more and more people fall victim to the notorious golden bat, and news of the assailant begins circulating around the town. Paranoia starts to set in as chilling rumors spread amongst adults and children alike.

Will the two detectives be able to unravel the truth behind Shounen Bat, or will the paranoia get to them first?

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

The anime was awarded the Silver Prize in Animation Jury Award and Audience Award at Fantasia International Film Festival 2004 in Montreal, Canada.