Key the Metal Idol 1994
What is Key the Metal Idol?
Key the Metal Idol is a 1994 television series centered on a seventeen-year-old girl named Tokiko Mima, who is known by the nickname Key. Although she possesses a human-like appearance, Key is actually a robot living in the Japanese countryside.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1994
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 15
- Runtime
- 30 minutes
- First aired
- Dec 16, 1994
- Last aired
- Jun 18, 1997
- Original language
- JA
- Origin
- JP
- Genres
- Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Animation, Action & Adventure
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Crunchyroll
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Retrocrush
CineverseStream
Animation Digital Network
Anime Digital Network Amazon ChannelWith ads
Animation Digital NetworkStream
CrunchyrollCrunchyroll Amazon ChannelStream
CrunchyrollStream
Anime Times Amazon Channel
dAnime Amazon ChannelFree
Amazon Prime VideoStream
Koiplay Amazon ChannelStream
CrunchyrollCrunchyroll Amazon ChannelWith ads
RetrocrushCineverseStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 15 episodes and an average 30-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Key the Metal Idol is a 1994 television series centered on a seventeen-year-old girl named Tokiko Mima, who is known by the nickname Key. Although she possesses a human-like appearance, Key is actually a robot living in the Japanese countryside. Following the death of her grandfather, Dr. Murao Mima, Key receives a final message from him. He informs her that she has the potential to become a real girl if she can successfully make thirty thousand friends. Seeking to fulfill this goal, Key leaves the quiet environment of Mamio Valley and relocates to the busy streets of Tokyo. Upon her arrival in the city, she encounters her childhood friend, Sakura Kuriyagawa. As she navigates her new life, Key becomes enamored with the idol singer Miho Utsuse. She begins to wonder if pursuing a career as a singer will provide the necessary path to connect with enough people to reach her goal of making thirty thousand friends and ultimately transforming into a real human girl.
Should you watch it?
“A teenage robot girl seeks humanity by making thirty thousand friends.”
- Unique blend of sci‑fi and emotional drama
- Explores identity through a robot protagonist
- Classic 90s animation style
- Limited episode count typical of OVAs
- Animation may feel dated to modern viewers
Watch it if you enjoy heartfelt stories about self‑discovery wrapped in futuristic settings.
Rated PG, it’s suitable for teens but contains some emotional intensity.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 15 episodes
- E1 Startup Dec 16, 1994
- E2 Cursor I Feb 17, 1995
- E3 Cursor II Mar 1, 1995
- E4 Access Apr 5, 1995
- E5 Scroll I Jun 7, 1995
- E6 Scroll II Jul 5, 1995
- E7 Run Aug 2, 1995
- E8 Go to... Feb 7, 1996
- E9 Return Mar 6, 1996
- E10 Bug Apr 3, 1996
- E11 Save May 2, 1996
- E12 Virus I Jul 3, 1996
- E13 Virus II Aug 7, 1996
- E14 System Mar 21, 1997
- E15 Exit Jun 18, 1997
Frequently asked questions
When was Key the Metal Idol first released?
It debuted as an OVA series in December 1994.
Who is the main character?
The story follows Tokiko Mima, nicknamed “Key,” a 17‑year‑old robot girl.
What is Key’s goal in the series?
She aims to become a real girl by making thirty thousand friends.
What genres does the series belong to?
It is classified as drama, sci‑fi, fantasy, animation, and action‑adventure.
Is the series appropriate for younger viewers?
It carries a PG rating, making it generally suitable for teen audiences.