Series
Kingdom
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Quick Facts
| Format | TV |
| Status | Finished |
| Started | 2012-06 |
| Finished | 2013-02 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Episodes | 38 |
| Runtime | 25 min |
| Score | 7.4 / 10 |
| Popularity | #59,328 |
Synopsis
During China’s Warring States period, orphaned servants Xin and Piao train relentlessly in hopes of becoming Great Generals under the Heavens. Their lives diverge when Piao is recruited to serve at the royal palace, leaving Xin to pursue the dream they once shared.
Xin soon becomes involved in a struggle surrounding Ying Zheng, the young king of Qin, and a rebellion led by the king’s half-brother. After helping Zheng reclaim the capital, Xin enters the army and begins rising through Qin’s ranks. The season adapts the Royal Capital Rebellion, Keiyou Campaign, Escape from Zhao, and Battle of Bayou arcs, establishing both Xin’s military ambitions and Zheng’s goal of unifying China.
Highlights
- The first season was produced by Pierrot and directed by Jun Kamiya.
- It aired for 38 episodes on NHK BS Premium from June 4, 2012, through February 25, 2013.
- Naruhisa Arakawa supervised the series scripts, while Minako Seki composed the music.
- The production used extensive cel-shaded computer animation for soldiers and large battlefield formations.
- Its early reliance on conspicuous 3D character animation attracted criticism, although the scale and strategy of its later campaigns developed a dedicated following.
- Jun Fukuyama voiced Ying Zheng, Masakazu Morita voiced Xin, and Rie Kugimiya voiced He Liao Diao.
- Funimation licensed the series for an English-language release.
New Characters
MAINXin Li
KingdomThe hero of the story. A war orphan who aims to become the "World's Greatest General". He later meets Zheng Ying, the future first king that would rule all of China.
MAINZheng Ying
KingdomThe young king of Qin who bears a striking resemblance to Piao. Later becomes Qin Shi Huang.
MAINLiao Diao He
KingdomHe Liao Diao is the last known descendent of the Kyuumei Mountain Tribe, which was destroyed in the war with , king of the Qin mountains. As a result of this, she moved to Kokuhi v
SUPPORTINGPiao
KingdomHe grew up as a slave together with his best friend and fellow orphan, Xin. When Xin first arrives at the village head's home, Piao befriends him and gives him the dream of becomin
SUPPORTINGChang Wen Jun
KingdomChang Wen is the official who later worked his way up to Chancellor of the Left in the Qin state, and is extremely loyal to the king, Zheng Ying. He used to be a warrior of great f
SUPPORTINGTajifu
KingdomTajifu is a powerful mountain warrior and a member of the Duan He Yang Army.
SUPPORTINGTeng
KingdomTeng is Wang Qi's aide and seems to be an army man himself. He is the only one who actually has any idea what Wang Qi's plans are.
SUPPORTINGBiao Gong
KingdomBiao Gong is a Great General from the state of Qin who led an invading Qin army to besiege the Wei city of Keiyou. He is known for being an instinctive general for his use of crude
SUPPORTINGLiao
KingdomThe daughter of King Zhaoxiang, she was one of the Six Great Generals of Qin and Qi Wang's fiancee. Strength 94 Leadership 97 Knowledge 95
Filler Guide
38 episodesKingdom has no filler — all 38 episodes are canon.
Episodes38 ep
The Nameless Boy
An Encounter With Destiny
For a Friend
The King and the Sword
Unbroken Heart
The Path to Becoming a General
The Fearsome Folk of the Mountains
Everyone's Dream
On to Xianyang
Storming the Capital
A Fierce Battle Begins
The Ultimate Sword
Lan Kai Roars
The Strength of the Sword
The Qualities of a King
Lü Buwei
First Campaign
The Chariot Squadron's Menace
Raging Battle
Wang Yi Intrudes
The Meaning of a General
The Brave General vs. The Skilled General
An Evening Story
A New Trial
Commission
Pang Nuan, God of War
The Fei Xin Force is Born
Wang Yi's Flying Arrow
The Tides of War Suddenly Turn
An Act of God
The Power of Unity
The Fei Xin Force on the Run
Wang Yi Takes the Field
The Main Attraction
Commanding Generals Face to Face
Wang Yi and Liao
I Stand on the Verge of Death
Succession