Infinite Stratos is an anime series adapted from the light novels of the same title written by author Izuru Yumizuru and illustrator Okiura published by Media Factory. The anime is produced by 8-Bit, directed by Yasuhito Kikuchi, series composition by Fumihiko Shimo, character design by Tomoyasu Kurashima, art directed by Shunichiro Yoshihara and sound directed by Masafumi Mima and Toshihiko Nakajima. Set in the near future, a powered exoskeleton called "Infinite Stratos" (IS), which possesses advanced technology and combat capabilities, changes the world including a major effect on society, as only women can pilot IS. The story focuses on Ichika Orimura, the younger brother of famed Japanese IS pilot Chifuyu Orimura who is discovered to be the first male to be able to pilot an IS. He is then sent to the prestigious Infinite Stratos Academy—an international academy where IS pilots from all over the world are trained—where he meets Houki Shinonono, his childhood friend and younger sister of the creator of the IS. Along with other IS students from different nations, Ichika and Houki's busy school life begins. The anime follows the first three volumes of the light novels, with minor changes in the plotline.
The first anime aired in Japan from January 7 to April 1, 2011 on TBS, with subsequent runs on Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting, Sun Television, Kyoto Broadcasting System and BS-i. The series is licensed in North America by Sentai Filmworks, with Anime Network simulcasting the series on their video website. Six DVD and Blu-ray volumes will be released by Media Factory between March 30 and September 21, 2011. An original video animation, entitled Infinite Stratos> Encore: A Sextet Yearning for Love (IS<インフィニット・ストラトス>アンコール 『恋に焦がれる六重奏』 IS <Infinitto Sutoratosu> Ankōru: Koi ni Kogareru Rokujūsō), was released in Japan on DVD and Blu-ray on December 7, 2011.