Land of the Lustrous (2017)
A visually groundbreaking anime following crystalline beings called Gems as they battle mysterious lunar invaders in a haunting far-future world.
Land of the Lustrous - Series Information
- Original Title: 宝石の国
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 7, 2017 (United States - TV-14), October 7, 2017 (Canada - 14+), October 7, 2017 (France - 12), October 7, 2017 (Australia - M), October 7, 2017 (Mexico - B-15)
- Networks: AT-X
- Production Companies: Orange
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: ארץ אבני החן (IL), Hōseki no Kuni (JP), Край коштовних каменів (UA), Jewelry Kingdom (US), Das Land der Juwelen (CH), L'Ère des Cristaux (FR)
Land of the Lustrous - Plot
In the mysterious future, crystalline organisms called Gems inhabit a world that has been destroyed by six meteors. Each Gem is assigned a role in order to fight against the Lunarians, a species who attacks them in order to shatter their bodies and use them as decorations. Phosphophyllite, also known as Phos, is a young and fragile Gem who dreams of helping their friends in the war effort. Instead, they are told to compile an encyclopedia because of their delicate condition. After begrudgingly embarking on this task, Phos meets Cinnabar, an intelligent gem who has been relegated to patrolling the isolated island at night because of the corrosive poison their body creates. After seeing how unhappy Cinnabar is, Phos decides to find a role that both of the rejected Gems can enjoy. Can Phos's seemingly mundane assignment lead both Phos and Cinnabar to the fulfillment they desire?
Land of the Lustrous - Trailer
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Land of the Lustrous - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tomoyo Kurosawa
- Mikako Komatsu
- Ai Kayano
- Ayane Sakura
- Mutsumi Tamura
- Saori Hayami
- Yumi Uchiyama
- Ayahi Takagaki
- Maaya Uchida
- Mamiko Noto
Writers
- Toshiya Ohno
- Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
- Mio Inoue
Land of the Lustrous - FAQs
What is Land of the Lustrous about?
Set in a mysterious far future, the series follows crystalline beings called Gems who battle the Lunarians, an enemy that shatters them for decoration. At the center is Phosphophyllite, a fragile and restless Gem searching for a meaningful role while forging an unlikely bond with the isolated Cinnabar.
Is Land of the Lustrous based on a manga?
The anime adapts Haruko Ichikawa's manga Houseki no Kuni, serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine since 2012. The manga is celebrated for its philosophical depth and striking visual style, and the anime covers roughly the first four volumes of the source material.
Why is the animation in Land of the Lustrous so unique?
Studio Orange produced the entire series using full 3D CGI animation, a rare choice for anime at the time. The technique brilliantly captures the translucent, gem-like quality of the characters' bodies, with light refracting through them in ways traditional 2D animation simply could not replicate.
Does Land of the Lustrous have a second season?
As of now, no second season has been announced. The series ended after one season of 12 episodes in 2017, leaving the story unfinished relative to the manga. Fans have long hoped for a continuation, but Studio Orange has not confirmed any plans to return to the series.
Where can you watch Land of the Lustrous?
Land of the Lustrous is available to purchase digitally on Apple TV and Google Play Movies. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming and purchase options in your region, JustWatch is the most reliable place to check current availability.
How was Land of the Lustrous received by critics?
The series earned widespread acclaim from critics and anime enthusiasts alike. Reviewers praised its groundbreaking CGI animation, emotionally resonant storytelling, and philosophical undertones exploring identity, purpose, and loss. It is frequently cited as one of the finest anime series of 2017 and a landmark in CG animation.
What content rating does Land of the Lustrous have?
Land of the Lustrous carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains fantasy violence, existential themes, and emotionally intense scenes, though it avoids graphic gore or explicit content.
What are similar anime to Land of the Lustrous?
Viewers who enjoyed Land of the Lustrous often appreciate To Your Eternity, which shares its themes of identity, transformation, and emotional loss. Tengoku Daimakyo and Gachiakuta are also recommended for fans of atmospheric, thought-provoking anime with strong visual storytelling and unconventional worlds.
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