The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
A classic isekai anime that transports an ordinary Japanese teenager into a dangerous world of rival kingdoms, ancient mythology, and self-discovery.
The Twelve Kingdoms - Series Information
- Original Title: 十二国記
- First Air Year: 2002
- Last Air Year: 2003
- Created by: Tsuneo Kobayashi, Sho Aikawa
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 45
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 9, 2002 (Canada - 14+), April 9, 2002 (Germany - 12), April 9, 2002 (Australia - PG), April 9, 2002 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: NHK BS1
- Alternative Titles: 12 Reinos (ES), 12국기 (KR), Juuni Kokuki (US), Jūni kokuki (JP), Doce reinos (MX), 12國記 (TW), Дванадцять королівство (UA)
- Production Companies: Pierrot, NHK Enterprise 21, Sogo Vision
- Production Countries: Japan
The Twelve Kingdoms - Plot
Nakajima Youko is your average somewhat timid high school student. One day, a strange man named Keiki appears before her, swearing allegiance. Before she could properly register what was happening, demon-like creatures attack Youko and her friends, after which they are pulled into a different world. A world unlike what she has ever known. Separated from Keiki, Youko and her friends must do whatever they can if they wish to survive in this new world.
The Twelve Kingdoms - Trailer
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The Twelve Kingdoms - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tsuneo Kobayashi
- Sho Aikawa
Main Cast
- Takehito Koyasu
- Kenichi Suzumura
- Masaki Aizawa
- Kappei Yamaguchi
- Aya Ishizu
- Yuji Ueda
- Rie Kugimiya
- Kousuke Okano
- Aya Hisakawa
- Naomi Wakabayashi
Writers
- Sho Aikawa
The Twelve Kingdoms - FAQs
Where can you stream The Twelve Kingdoms?
The Twelve Kingdoms is available to stream on Crunchyroll (subscription), the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, and for purchase on Amazon Video. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Retrocrush, AsianCrush, Cineverse, and The CW.
Is The Twelve Kingdoms based on a light novel?
Yes. The Twelve Kingdoms is adapted from the ongoing light novel series of the same name written by Fuyumi Ono and illustrated by Akihiro Yamada. The novels began publication in 1992 and draw heavily on Chinese mythology and classical East Asian cosmology to build their richly detailed world.
Who are the main voice actors in The Twelve Kingdoms?
The principal voice cast includes Aya Hisakawa as protagonist Yoko Nakajima, Takehito Koyasu as the kirin Keiki, Kenichi Suzumura as Rakushun, Naomi Wakabayashi as Suzu, Rie Kugimiya as Taiki, and Kappei Yamaguchi as Rokuta, among others.
What is The Twelve Kingdoms about?
The Twelve Kingdoms follows Yoko Nakajima, an ordinary Japanese high school student who is suddenly transported to a parallel world of twelve rival kingdoms inspired by Chinese mythology. Separated from her guide, she must survive hostile lands, uncover her mysterious origins, and ultimately claim her rightful place as a ruler.
How many seasons and episodes does The Twelve Kingdoms have?
The Twelve Kingdoms comprises 4 seasons and 45 episodes in total, plus 4 bonus specials. The arcs include Shadow of the Moon (14 episodes), The Sea of Wind (8 episodes), A Great Distance in the Wind (18 episodes), and The God of the Sea in the East (5 episodes).
When did The Twelve Kingdoms first air?
The Twelve Kingdoms premiered on April 9, 2002, on NHK BS1 in Japan. The series concluded in 2003, spanning a run of just over a year and leaving some novel story arcs unadapted due to the source material still being in progress at the time of production.
Is The Twelve Kingdoms worth watching for anime fans?
Absolutely. The Twelve Kingdoms is widely regarded as a standout isekai anime, praised for its mature storytelling, complex world-building rooted in Chinese mythology, and the compelling growth of its protagonist. Critics and fans highlight it as one of the most thoughtfully crafted fantasy anime of the early 2000s.
Why does The Twelve Kingdoms anime end abruptly?
The anime ends without adapting all of the source novels because author Fuyumi Ono had not completed the light novel series at the time of production. The final arc wraps up mid-story, leaving several narrative threads unresolved. No continuation of the anime has been announced since the series concluded in 2003.
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