The Story of Saiunkoku (2006)
A sweeping shoujo anime set in an imperial court where ambition, romance, and political intrigue intertwine across 78 captivating episodes.
The Story of Saiunkoku - Series Information
- Original Title: 彩雲国物語
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 78
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 8, 2006 (Australia - M), April 8, 2006 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: NHK BS2
- Alternative Titles: 채운국 이야기 (KR), Saiunkoku Monogatari (JP), Colourcloud Palace (US)
- Production Companies: Madhouse, NHK, Sogo Vision
- Production Countries: Japan
The Story of Saiunkoku - Plot
Saiunkoku is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a different colour. The new Emperor, Shi Ryuuki, has gained for a reputation for being uninterested in courtly matters and for flaunting his love for men. Shuurei, although born of the important Kou family, has difficulty making ends meet. She easily accepts an invitation to be the Emperor's concubine in order to turn him into a good ruler. The mysterious Seiran, a young man who was adopted by her father, goes with her as Ryuuki's bodyguard. Entering the imperial palace revives Shuurei's dream of being a court official, and, together with the many companions she meets along the way, continues moving bravely forward while trying to fend off the Emperor's advances.
Where to Watch The Story of Saiunkoku
Looking for where to watch The Story of Saiunkoku?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Story of Saiunkoku - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Houko Kuwashima as Shurei Kou (voice)
- Tomokazu Seki as Ryuki Shi (voice)
- Hikaru Midorikawa as Seiran Shi (voice)
- Shuichi Ikeda as Shouka Kou (voice)
- Nobuyuki Hiyama as Kouyu Li (voice)
- Toshiyuki Morikawa as Shuei Ran (voice)
The Story of Saiunkoku - FAQs
Where can you stream The Story of Saiunkoku?
The Story of Saiunkoku is available to stream with ads on Retrocrush and Cineverse. Both platforms offer free, ad-supported viewing, making the series accessible without a paid subscription. Availability may vary by region, so checking each platform directly is recommended.
Is The Story of Saiunkoku based on a light novel?
Yes, The Story of Saiunkoku is adapted from a light novel series by Sai Yukino, illustrated by Kairi Yura. The novels were published in Japan and inspired both this anime adaptation and a manga series, making it one of the more beloved multi-format shoujo franchises of the mid-2000s.
Who voices the main characters in The Story of Saiunkoku?
The principal voice cast includes Houko Kuwashima as Shurei Kou, Tomokazu Seki as Emperor Ryuki Shi, Hikaru Midorikawa as Seiran Shi, Shuichi Ikeda as Shouka Kou, Nobuyuki Hiyama as Kouyu Li, and Toshiyuki Morikawa as Shuei Ran.
Does Shuurei eventually become a court official?
Yes, one of the series' most celebrated arcs follows Shuurei as she pursues and ultimately achieves her dream of passing the imperial examinations to become a court official — a groundbreaking feat for a woman in the fictional world of Saiunkoku, and a central triumph of the story.
How many episodes does The Story of Saiunkoku have?
The Story of Saiunkoku comprises 78 main episodes spread across two seasons, each containing 39 episodes. An additional collection of 9 special episodes is also available. Season 1 aired in 2006 and Season 2 followed in 2007, with the series concluding in 2008.
What genre is The Story of Saiunkoku?
The Story of Saiunkoku blends animation, action, adventure, drama, and fantasy. It is primarily classified as a shoujo anime with strong political intrigue and romance elements, set in a richly imagined imperial court inspired by ancient Chinese dynastic culture.
Is The Story of Saiunkoku worth watching for anime fans?
The series is well-regarded among shoujo and historical fantasy anime fans for its intelligent, politically driven narrative and a strong-willed female protagonist. Its blend of court intrigue, romance, and character development sets it apart from more action-focused anime of the same era.
What are shows similar to The Story of Saiunkoku?
Fans of The Story of Saiunkoku may enjoy The Romance of Hua Rong (2019) and Palace Shadows: Between Two Princes (2024) for their similar imperial court settings and romance. Death Note (2006) and Attack on Titan (2013) are also recommended for viewers drawn to complex, plot-driven anime narratives.
More About The Story of Saiunkoku
Explore further details about The Story of Saiunkoku on these authoritative resources.