The Heike Story (2022)
A visually stunning anime adaptation of Japan's 800-year-old epic, seen through the eyes of a gifted orphan who foresees the fall of a dynasty.
The Heike Story - Series Information
- Original Title: 平家物語
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 13, 2022 (United States - TV-14), January 13, 2022 (Brazil - 14)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Heike Monogatari (FR), El cantar de Heike (ES), Heike Monogatari (JP), Повесть о доме Тайра (RU), 헤이케 이야기 (KR), The Tale of the Heike (US)
- Production Companies: Science SARU, Asmik Ace, Fuji Television Network, bilibili, Pony Canyon, dentsu, BS Fuji
- Production Countries: China, Japan
The Heike Story - Plot
A young orphan named Biwa is taken in by the powerful Taira Clan—also known as the Heike—after their leader witnesses her extraordinary psychic abilities. Unfortunately, what she predicts is a future of bloodshed, violence, and civil war. Inspired by the 12th-century epic tale Heike Monogatari.
The Heike Story - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of the Heike come to life:
A story of a prayer that transcends 800 years
Where to Watch The Heike Story
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The Heike Story - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kikuko Inoue
- Aoi Yuuki
- Takahiro Sakurai
- Saori Hayami
- Miyu Irino
- Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Natsuki Hanae
- Tessyo Genda
- Nobuyuki Hiyama
- Subaru Kimura
Writers
- Reiko Yoshida
Executive Producers
- Eunyoung Choi
- Yangfan Gao
- Atsushi Higashiyama
- Yasushi Ogawa
- Yasushi Kuwata
The Heike Story - FAQs
Where can you stream The Heike Story?
The Heike Story is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Crunchyroll is the primary platform for international audiences seeking subtitled or dubbed anime content.
Is The Heike Story based on a true story?
The Heike Story is inspired by the Heike Monogatari, a 13th-century Japanese epic chronicling the real Genpei War (1180–1185) between the Taira and Minamoto clans. While the central character Biwa is fictional, the historical figures and events depicted are rooted in actual Japanese history.
Who are the main voice actors in The Heike Story?
The Heike Story features an acclaimed Japanese voice cast including Aoi Yuuki as Biwa, Kikuko Inoue as Taira no Tokiko, Takahiro Sakurai as Taira no Shigemori, Saori Hayami as Taira no Tokuko, and Tessyo Genda as Taira no Kiyomori, among other notable performers.
What is The Heike Story about?
The Heike Story follows Biwa, a young orphan with psychic powers who is adopted by the Taira Clan. Her visions reveal an inevitable future of war and ruin. Adapted from the classical Japanese epic, the series blends historical drama with supernatural elements across 11 beautifully animated episodes.
How many episodes does The Heike Story have?
The Heike Story consists of 11 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 23 minutes. The series concluded in 2022 and is a complete, self-contained story with no additional seasons planned.
Who directed and animated The Heike Story?
The Heike Story was produced by Science SARU, the acclaimed studio co-founded by Masaaki Yuasa. The series was directed by Naoko Yamada, known for her emotionally nuanced visual storytelling. Reiko Yoshida handled the series composition and screenplay, with music composed by Kensuke Ushio.
What is the content rating for The Heike Story?
The Heike Story is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series depicts themes of war, death, and political violence drawn from its historical source material.
How was The Heike Story received by critics?
The Heike Story was praised by critics for its stunning watercolor-inspired animation, emotional depth, and faithful yet inventive adaptation of the classical epic. Reviewers highlighted director Naoko Yamada's distinctive visual style and the series' meditative tone as standout qualities that set it apart from conventional anime.
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