Kingdom (manga)

キングダム (Kingudamu)
Kingdom
Cover of the first volume, released in Japan by Shueisha on May 19, 2006.
Genre	Action, Historical, Drama
Manga
Written by	Yasuhisa Hara
Published by	Shueisha
Demographic	Seinen
Magazine	Weekly Young Jump
Original run	2006 – present
Volumes	44
Anime television series
Directed by	Jun Kamiya (Season 1) Akira Iwanaga (Season 2)
Studio	Pierrot
Licensed by	^NA Funimation
Network	NHK BS Premium
Original run	June 4, 2012 – March 2, 2014
Episodes	77

Kingdom (キングダム, Kingudamu) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara (泰久原). The manga provides a fictionalized account of the Warring States period primarily through the experiences of the war orphan Xin and his comrades as he fights to become the greatest general under the heavens, and in doing so, unifying China for the first time in history. The series was adapted into a thirty-eight episode anime series by studio Pierrot that aired from June 4, 2012 to February 25, 2013. A second season was announced^[1] and aired from June 8, 2013 to March 1, 2014. An English language release of the anime was licensed by Funimation Entertainment.^[2]

Plot

Born in the Warring States period of ancient China, Xin and Piao are war-orphans in the kingdom of Qin who dream of becoming "Great Generals of the Heavens" to rise from their lowly stations in life. One day, however, Piao is taken to the palace by a minister to be used for an unknown purpose, leaving Xin alone as a household slave in a peasant village. A few months later, Piao returns to the village on the verge of death, urging Xin to travel to another village. There he meets a boy who looks nearly identical to Piao, Ying Zheng, the current King of Qin. Xin learns that Piao served as a body double for Ying Zheng, and was mortally wounded in a power struggle for the throne. Though initially furious at Ying Zheng for causing Piao's death, Xin decides to seize the opportunity and aid Ying Zheng in defeating his brother and reclaiming the Qin throne. Successful in this endeavor, Xin officially starts his life as a Qin commander on the battlefields of Warring States China with the goal of becoming the "Greatest General in the World", and to help King Zheng of Qin achieve his dream of total unification, ending the incessant warfare once and for all.

Characters

Main Characters

Xin (信, Shin): • Japanese: Shin; •Voiced by: Masakazu Morita; •The protagonist of the story, Xin aims to become the "World's Greatest General", even higher than the “Six Great Generals” and “Three Great Heavens”. He begins the story as a war orphan with dreams of becoming a Qin general in order to escape his lowly station in life. After helping Ying Zheng restore his position to the throne, Xin fights on a battlefield against a Wei army, and rises to the rank of a foot soldier to a 100-man commander (chapter 82). Subsequently, his unit is named the "Flying Xin Unit" (Hi Shin Tai/Fei Xin Dui/飛信隊) by Wang Qi (chapter 121). His unit would remain an independent unit that did not belong to any specific unit and would help as reinforcements in battles. The original 100 Flying Xin Unit reduced down to 83 by chapter 130 and 36 by chapter 149.; •Despite many cuts and scrapes and near death experiences, he slowly improves both mentally and physically as the series progresses. By chapter 174, he is promoted to a 300-man commander. As of chapter 179, he has just five years to become a general before Zheng’s coming of age ceremony. Despite being a commander of a 300-man unit, he killed a 1000-man commander because of unjust acts (chapter 193). He was temporarily promoted to a 1000-man commander after declaring he will take either three 1000-man commanders or one general (chapter 200). After getting one general’s head in chapter 231, he raised three ranks in the nobility and was awarded 500 units of gold and 5 units of treasure. Also he was officially promoted to the rank of 1000-man commander, as well as having soldiers from the Kakubi’s troops (chapter 243). But with the string of defeats in chapter 244, Shin was close to getting his rank stripped, since their strategist Kyoukai left for revenge, until Ten replaced her as the lead strategist. From there, his name and unit begins to strike fear in others. After slaying Mangoku in chapter 288 and many other deeds against the Coalition Army, Shin rises by one nobility rank. His current territory of residence “Fuuri” shall also be enlarged, as well as receiving 500 units of gold and 5 units of treasures. Furthermore, he is promoted to the rank of 3000-man commander, as well as having soldiers from the Duke Hyou’s troops (chapter 355). Along with Shin getting promoted to a 4000-man commander and Kyoukai to a 1000-man commander, the unit grew to 5000 in chapter 373. When Kyoukai returned to the Hi Shin Unit, they were able to create tactics that utilizes the 5000 soldiers (chapter 373). He defeats Reiou of Wei’s Fire Dragons in chapter 401. Shin is promoted to a 5000-man commander in chapter 407. Sei and Shin made a promise that with 15 years, he will become one of the new Six Great Generals (chapter 438). Shin slays Zhao commander Keisha in chapter 473.; •After success in multiple major military campaigns (chapter 129, 195, 206, 231, 250.1, 258, 288, 350, 401, 429, 472), Xin earns many accolades and rises to the rank of 5000-man commander, only a single rank away from his goal of becoming a general.; •After receiving countless hits from Rinko, Shin evolved to a level almost rivaling Rinko. He saved Duke Hyou, which awakened his instinct as an instinctual general (chapter 275).; •Ironically, throughout the beginning half of the series, the Hi Shin Unit is the only unit composed of militia not in full body armor. They do not care if they are composed of commoners. By chapter 244, they now wear full body armor.; •Shin received weapons from famous generals: Ouki’s glaive (chapter 172) and Duke Hyou’s shield (chapter 325). He was even there to receive their final words for him. He left them with Sei at the palace (chapter 356).; •Since the beginning, Shin always wears the sword behind his back, unlike many soldiers who wears them on their hips.; •Up to chapter 373, Shin used the sword left by Hyou. Then from chapter 373, he starts using a glaive in preparation to using Ouki's glaive. He even grew up to reach Heki’s height.; •At the beginning of the series, he is around 13 or 14 years old. By chapter 498, he is 23 years old.

Ying Zheng (嬴政, Ei Sei): • Japanese: Ei Sei; •Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama; •The young 31st king of Qin who bears a striking resemblance to Piao. He has just 5 years to repel Ryo’s attacks before his coming of age ceremony (chapter 179). Once he reaches 22, he will strip Ryo of his authority (chapter 47). While the Zhao army is quickly approaching Kanyou, Sei quickly sneaks to Sai to command an army of commoners (from chapter 327 to 352). He was heavily wounded by a Zhao soldier in chapter 341, the first in a long time since his escape from Zhao (chapter 76).; •Ying Zheng eventually becomes the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, the progenitor of imperial China as a unified political entity, and made infamous primarily through Sima Qian's magnum opus, the Records of the Grand Historian.; • He is 18 years old in chapter 342.; • He was crowned king at the age of 13 (chapter 47). Chapter 48 is his second year of reign. Chapter 108 is his third year of reign. Chapter 174 is his fourth year of reign and at the age of 17. Chapter 189 is his fifth year of reign. In his sixth year of reign, it was the start of a storm in all of China (chapter 261). Chapter 364 is his seventh year of reign. Chapter 369 is his eighth year of reign. Chapter 408 is his ninth year of reign and the decision for his coming of age ceremony. In ten days times is his coming of age ceremony (chapter 411).; •He was crowned king in You and nine years later in You, will be his coming of age ceremony (chapter 411). When the Queen Dowager realized Ryofui’s plans in chapter 413, the Ai’s soldiers are already on their way to Kanyou. While the rebels are coming to Kanyou, Sei finished his ceremony in chapter 419.; •Once the fight in Kanyou is over, Sei will strip Ryofui of his rank and punish him the worst crime. Now that Kanyou is safe and Sei is permanently crowned king of Qin, it is time to take on the whole of China (chapter 433). But they have only 15 years to conquer China (chapter 438), from changing policies to people, only 15 years.

Piao (漂, Hyō): • Japanese: Hyou; •Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama; •Xin's childhood best friend and fellow war orphan who also aims to become a general renowned throughout all of China. He is offered a position in the Qin palace as Zheng's body double, which he accepts, only to die at the hands of an assassin hired by the Cheng Jiao Faction. Piao is a fictional character created by the author and does not exist in history.

Heliao Diao (河了貂, Karyō Ten): • Japanese: Karyo Ten or Ka Ryo Ten; •Voiced by: Rie Kugimiya; •The last descendant of her Mountain Tribe, the Kyuumei. In order to survive, she disguised herself as a male until her real gender is revealed in chapter 47 of the manga. Some knew of her real gender, like Bi and Qiang Hui, but many, like Xin, don’t (until chapter 246).; •After playing a crucial part in the campaign to restore Ying Zheng to his throne, she seeks to improve her military worth by training as a strategist. Lacking the means or connections to do so, she seeks the aid of Qiang Hui (chapter 93). This results in her training as a strategist under Lord Changping, who is loyal to the opposing Lü Buwei faction (from chapter 101 to 245). After succeeding at the school, she joins the Hi Shin Unit as its chief strategist (chapter 249) since Kyoukai left for her journey of revenge. She is the first to receive early special strategist recognition from Shouheikun since Mouten.; •She nearly got taken hostage in chapter 338 but actually did in chapter 384. Kyoukai was able to use her priestess dance to capture an enemy commander. Ten was returned in chapter 387 after a prison exchange.; •She got groped by Shin in chapters 246 and 257. Funny enough, she got her first kiss from Shin in chapter 288. Heliao Diao is a fictional character created by the author and does not exist in history.

Changwen-jun (昌文君, Shōbunkun): • Japanese: Shoubunkun or Shou Bun Kun; Voiced by: Yutaka Nakano; •A formerly skilled warrior who worked his way up to “Chancellor of the Left” (chapter 256), a senior adviser of the king. He is shown to be extremely loyal to the Ying Zheng faction, aiding him in both reclaiming the throne and the current in political struggle against Lü Buwei.

Bi (壁, Heki): • Japanese: Heki; •Voiced by: Kōji Yusa; •Chang Wen Jun's loyal subordinate. At the series start, Heki was a 1000-man commander (chapter 51). By chapter 218, he commands a 1000-man army. Heki is the 3000-man commander in chapter 294. After fighting alongside Xin in many military campaigns, he rises to the rank of General (chapter 372) and is currently seeking greater heights to earn more influence for Ying Zheng (since chapter 51). He has a crush on Yōtanwa since chapter 22.

Qiang Hui (羌瘣, Kyō Kai): • Japanese: Kyoukai or Kyou Kai; •Voiced by: Yōko Hikasa; •The heir of the legendary assassin clan "Chi You", Qiang Hui initially meets Xin during the Battle of Dakan Plain (chapter 52), where she proves her value as both a soldier and a strategist and subsequently joins the Hi Shin Unit. She became a lieutenant of the “Hi Shin Unit”.; •She hid herself as a female until it was revealed in chapter 92. Even later, in chapter 233, the soldiers of the “Hi Shin Unit” found out as well. They accepted her gender, despite knowing her past. She rarely smiles and when she does, she is cute. Sometimes she will talk to her sword.; •Early in the series, Qiang Hui is obsessed with getting revenge on sister, "Xiang"'s, murderer. Despite bonding with Xin and the unit, Qiang Hui temporarily leaves in order to seek out her sister's killer (from chapter 242 to 364). Without her there in chapter 244, the “Hi Shin Unit” is just a group of brawn and no brain. After succeeding in her revenge (chapter 363), Qiang Hui returns to the Hi Shin Unit and rises to 1000-man commander (chapter 373) with the intention of one day becoming a General (chapter 364). She is promoted to a 3000-man commander (chapter 408). She kills a Zhao commander in chapter 473.

Qin

Qin Army

Wang Qi (王騎, Ō Ki)

• Japanese: Ouki or Ou Ki

•Voiced by: Rikiya Koyama

• Last of the Six Great Generals of Qin, a group which was given complete autonomy to wage war under Ying Zheng's father. He played a large role in making Qin the superpower state it currently is. He is killed at the Battle of Bayou by Hou Ken after being hit by the arrow of a dishonorable soldier (chapter 169). He passes on his glaive to Xin, having briefly served as Xin's mentor, and dies wishing to see Yin Zheng's dream of uniting China come true while reuniting with his love, Kyou, a fellow Great General who was killed by Hou Ken. (chapter 172).

Wang Bì (王賁, Ōhon)

• Japanese: Ou Hon or Ouhon

•Voiced by: Yoshimasa Hosoya

•He is the leader of the special 300-man unit, the “Gyoku Hou Unit” (Jade Phoenix Unit) (chapter 180). All the soldiers in his unit are skilled fighters in their own rights and all capable of performing high level coordinated combat without even the slightest hint of disorder. Skilled with his spear, he is the successor to the Ou main family, not like Ouki from the branch family. He is the son of Ousen, Mougou’s vice general. Since chapter 181, both the Gyoku Hou Unit and the Hi Xin Unit are competing for higher merits and becoming a “Great General of the Heavens”. He is temporarily promoted to a 1000-man commander in chapter 200 with Mouten. He is promoted to a 2000-man commander in chapter 261. He is temporarily promoted to a 5000-man commander in chapter 298 with Mouten. He is promoted to a 3000-man commander in chapter 356. He is promoted to a 4000-man commander in chapter 379. For killing Earl Shi in chapter 397, he is promoted to a 5000-man commander in chapter 407.

Meng Tian

• Japanese: Mou Ten or Mouten

•He is the leader of the special 300-man “Gaku Ka Unit” (Joyful Illustrious Unit) (chapter 183). He is the grandson of “Hakurou” Mougou and eldest son of Moubu. He has enough qualifications to be a 1000-man commander but his grandfather Mougou doesn’t, though he is temporarily promoted to a 1000-man commander in chapter 200 with Ouhon. He is competing with the Gyoku Hou Unit and the Hi Xin Unit for higher merits and becoming a “Great General of the Heavens” (chapter 189). He is temporarily promoted to a 5000-man commander in chapter 298 with Ouhon. He is nearly killed by Kanmei while trying to prevent a soldier from killing him from behind (chapter 314). He is promoted to a 2000-man commander in chapter 356.

Chengjiao Faction (“Seikyou Faction” in the manga)

Chengjiao (成蟜, Seikyō)

• Japanese: Seikyou

•Voiced by: Kōki Miyata

•The half-brother of Zheng. Initially self-centered and arrogant, Chengjiao usurps the Qin throne and crowns himself king early on in the manga, but was later defeated by Ying Zheng with the help of Xin and the mountain tribes (chapter 46). Ying Zheng decides to spare Chengjiao's life after stopping the coup, instead placing him in prison. When everything seems helpless as Lü Buwei went from “Chancellor of the Right” to “Chancellor of State”, a rank below the king, Ying Zheng released Chengjiao after three years in prison on the condition that he will aid him in his power struggle against Lü Buwei (chapter 256). He temporarily took over Sei’s seat as king when he went to Sai (from chapter 328 to 355). Chengjiao gradually starts to sympathize with his half-brother’s ideals and as a result matures as a person (chapter 368). He later dies in Lü Buwei's plot to turn him against his brother (chapter 377). He dies, telling Shin to make sure Sei’s dream of the unification of China comes true.

Lü Buwei Faction (“Ryo Faction” in the manga)

Lü Buwei (呂不韋, Ryo Fui)

• Japanese: Ryofui or Ryo Fu I

•Voiced by: Tesshō Genda

•A former merchant with intentions of becoming king of Qin. Dangerously ambitious, Lu Buwei rose to prominence within the Qin court after assisting in Ying Zheng's father rise to the Qin throne despite being seventh in the line of succession. Lu Buwei allied himself with the Queen Dowager Faction and sought to remove Ying Zeng from the throne in order to crown himself king (chapter 186). He was Queen Dowager’s past lover before selling her to Zheng’s father. Knowing that she changed since then, he chose not to get too deeply involved with her. He held the position of Qin's Supreme Chancellor after the numerous political and military accomplishments of his "Four Pillars". He wants to become a king who controls the world with money (chapter 424). With his attacks a failure against Kanyou, his fall from grace is almost there (chapter 433).

Changping-jun (昌平君, Shōheikun)

• Japanese: Shouheikun or Shou Hei Kun

•Voiced by: Junichi Suwabe

•A prince of Chu (chapter 398.5) who is one of the "Four Pillars" of Lü Buwei, his pillar being strategy; he also holds Ryo Fui old position of “Chancellor of the Right” (chapter 256). He was essential in preventing the destruction of Qin during the Coalition Army arc. He proposed that Saitaku was to negotiate Qi from aiding in the Coalition Army (chapter 265). After succeeding in that, he called all the generals worthy of note in Qin back to Kanyou (chapter 267 to 268). Their armies are to defend Kanyou at its “National Gate”, Kankoku Pass (chapter 269).

•Then from having Sanyou and Choyou as firm military outposts, to start destroying kingdoms, starting with Wei (chapter 401). Shouheikun chose to cut off ties with Ryofui when he sent a coded message to Ten (chapter 420). He betrayed Ryofui for Sei because he believes that Sei will make his dream – unification of China – a reality (chapter 433).

•He doesn’t show it but, when he was younger, he was stronger than Moubu (chapter 430). He showed his true strength in chapter 432 against a Duke.

Kaioku

• Japanese: Kaioku

•Under orders of his master Shouheikun, he brought fifty or so officers capable of leading Sai’s army (chapter 331). He is one of the lecturers at the strategist academy.

Meng Wu (蒙武, Mō Bu)

• Japanese: Moubu or Mou Bu

•Voiced by: Taiten Kusunoki

•One of the "Four Pillars" of Lü Buwei, Mo Bu specializes in warfare. He is known as an extremely strong but reckless general. He defeated the strongest General of Chu during the coalition arc (chapter 314), after learning from Wang Qi during his previous battles and not being reckless. He defeats the Coalition Army’s strongest force, the Chu army, and was able to personally slay their commander-in-chief, Kanmei. He even went to pursue and cut the retreating Coalition Army without healing his wounds from Kanmei. For that, his nobility rises by two ranks and granted the lands of Ryuujin and Shunjin, along with 3000 units of gold and 10 units of treasures (chapter 355).

Mo Bu is the father of Tian and Yi.

Li Si (李斯, Ri Shi)

One of the "Four Pillars" of Lü Buwei, his pillar being legal matters. He later served Ying Zheng as his chancellor of Qin.

Cai Ze (蔡沢, Sai Taku)

• Japanese: Saitaku or Sai Taku

•One of the "Four Pillars" of Lü Buwei who was the chancellor of Qin during the reign of King Zhao. Cai Ze is former resident of the state of Yan and is chief of diplomatic relations with the other states. His work was crucial in the victory against the coalition army, which prevented one of the warring states, Qi, from aiding the fight against Qin (chapter 265). He dies peacefully in his chair after arranging a meeting between the King of Qi and Ei Sei and listening to Ei Sei's vision. Before dying, he was content to know that Ei Sei was a man who could potentially change the world for better where he and the older generation had failed (chapter 489).

Queen Dowager Faction (“Royal Harem Faction” in the manga)

Queen Dowager of Qin (秦国太后, Shinkokutaikō)

•The Queen Dowager of Qin and Ying Zheng's mother. She is head of the royal harem, which controls who the king will marry and therefore who will give birth to the King's children (chapter 183). She is resentful of Ying Zheng because of their past as political hostages for the state of Zhao, a state which resented her for giving birth to the prince of a rival nation, and tried to strangle him to death (chapter 185). She is in league with Lü Buwei to overturn Zheng (chapter 186). She was Lü Buwei’s lover before being sold to Zheng’s father. Despite being Ying Zheng's mother, she is currently one of his most bitter rivals. Revealing the truth behind the rebellion at Kanyou, the Queen told everyone about her behind the attack and having illegal children with Rou Ai.

•Despite being Sei’s mother, she birth two illegal children with Rou Ai, a fake eunuch (chapter 403).

Xiang (向, Kō)

• Japanese: Kou

•A plain looking palace maid who is genuinely devoted to Zheng. She risked her life to tell Zheng about his mother’s plan with Lü Buwei (chapter 186 to 187). She gets pregnant with Zheng’s child in chapter 261 and gives birth to his daughter in chapter 366. She is one years old in chapter 369.

Yang (陽, Yō)

• Japanese: You

•Voiced by: Aki Kanada (Japanese); Callyn Dorval (English)

•A palace maid who is Xiang's best friend. She fell in love with Zheng.

Zhao

Li Mu (李牧, Riboku): • Japanese: Riboku or Ri Boku; •Prime Minister of Zhao (chapter 174) and hailed as the slayer of general Wang Qi (chapter 169), he serves as one of the series' main antagonists (chapter 135). A brilliant strategist, he relies solely upon strategy and maneuver warfare, vowing never to lift his sword (chapter 155). He is one of Zhao’s Three Great Heavens (chapter 156). He seeks to destroy the state of Qin as revenge for their mass killing of Zhao civilians and their previous losses such as Battle of Chouhei so he create a Coalition Army against Qin (since chapter 262). He became the Coalition Army’s strategical advisor after learning that if Qin took over Sanyou, the whole of China would be checkmate (chapter 270). After failing at Qin, they went to attack Qi (chapter 354). They were only able to capture Qi cities as far as Jouan before disbanding the Coalition Army. He is banished as prime minister after the failure of the Coalition Army (chapter 366).

Pang Nuan (龐煖, Houken): • Japanese: Houken; •A warrior-monk known as a "Bushin". While a technically a general for Zhao, he doesn't take command of any troops. Instead he relies on his pure strength, which can be used to inspire troops. Under the command of Ri Boku, he defeats General Ouki (chapter 169). He seeks to prove that he is the strongest being alive. He defeats Duke Hyou in chapter 325. After many years, Shin was able to withstand Houken’s attacks and give him another scar right where Ouki’s is at (chapter 350).

Wei

Renpa: • Japanese: Renpa; •He is the former member of the “Three Great Heavens” of Zhao of the previous generation. He was exiled to Wei following an unreasonable discharge. After Ouki’s death, he is the last of the era of Zhao’s “Three Great Heavens” and Qin’s “Six Great Generals”. Because of his lost against Qin in chapter 240, he was exiled from Wei and seeks asylum in the state of Chu. He would not return to his motherland of Zhao and would spend the remainder of his years in the lands of Chu.

Kaishibou: • Japanese: Kaishibou; •He is one of the leaders of the “Four Heavenly Kings” under Renpa. He is a ferocious warrior who has earned over a hundred victories even when operating by himself.

Kyouen: • Japanese: Kyouen; •He is one of the leaders of the “Four Heavenly Kings” under Renpa. He is considered to be one of the top ten archers in China; a warrior who was evenly matched with Renpa back when he belonged to some small state.

Genpou: • Japanese: Genpou; •He is one of the leaders of the “Four Heavenly Kings” under Renpa. He spent his long years acting as Renpa’s advisor, was said to be a strategist of a level capable of serving as the head of Military Affairs for Zhao’s entire military. He was defeated by Kanki in chapter 212.

Rinko: • Japanese: Rinko; •He is one of the leaders of the “Four Heavenly Kings” under Renpa. Out of the four of them, Rinko is the most dangerous one. In all of Renpa’s grand battles, he has always handed to Rinko the most important or decisive tasks. In essence, countless headquarters have fallen to Rinko’s terrifying power to break through enemy lines.

Gohoumei: • Japanese: Gohoumei; •Wei’s commander-in-chief who attended the Coalition Army meeting in chapter 269. Gohoumei took over of Reiou’s assets after Shin killed Reiou (chapter 401). He is Gokei’s son.

Gokei: • Japanese: Gokei or Go Kei; •He is one of the remaining “Seven Fire Dragons of Wei” alongside Qin’s Six Great Generals and Zhao’s Three Great Heavens.

Reiou: • Japanese: Reiou; •He is one of the three remaining “Seven Fire Dragons of Wei”, who rampaged China alongside Qin’s Six Great Generals and Zhao’s Three Great Heavens. Other than Gokei, Reiou, along with two of them, killed the other three Fire Dragons. Gokei convinced Wei’s previous king to not behead them. He was thrown into prison for fourteen years.; •He is a cold and ruthless strategist who was feared even by Gokei. He is killed by Shin when the real Gohoumei called Reiou by “Gohoumei” (chpter 400 to 401).

Gaimou: • Japanese: Gaimou; •He is one of the three remaining “Seven Fire Dragons of Wei”, who rampaged China alongside Qin’s Six Great Generals and Zhao’s Three Great Heavens. Other than Gokei, Gaimou, along with two of them, killed the other three Fire Dragons. Gokei convinced Wei’s previous king to not behead them. He was thrown into prison for fourteen years.; •He is the mighty warrior who is said to have claimed the heads of over a hundred generals.

Earl Shi Ei: • Japanese: Earl Shiei or Earl Shi Ei; •He is one of the three remaining “Seven Fire Dragons of Wei”, who rampaged China alongside Qin’s Six Great Generals and Zhao’s Three Great Heavens. Other than Gokei, Earl Shi, along with two of them, killed the other three Fire Dragons. Gokei convinced Wei’s previous king to not behead them. He was thrown into prison for fourteen years.; •He is the strongest spear wielder in Wei’s history. In the past, when he lived in an emotionless world, the only person who was his source of strength was his younger sister, Kika. She was killed by Tairoji of the Fire Dragons. Tairoji sought Fire Dragons Shousen and Batou as allies, while Gaimou and Reiou joined Earl Shi. That was when the whole internal Fire Dragons conflict begins. Earl Shi was the only one who killed Tairoji, Shousen, and Batou. Earl Shi is killed by Ouhon in chapter 397.

Chu

Kanmei: • Japanese: Kanmei; •Chu’s commander-in-chief who attended the Coalition Army meeting in chapter 269. He is defeated by Moubu in chapter 314.

Shunshinkun: • Japanese: Shunshinkun or Shun Shin Kun; •Chu’s prime minister and head of Military Affairs. He is the commander-in-chief of the Coalition Army (chapter 269). He is one of the “Four Lords of the Warring States” who were said to keep over 3000 house guest vassals. He has personally built up the great state of Chu as its prime minister in the last twenty years. Whether it be court officials or military officers, with his clout, he would still be counted as one of the men standing at the absolute peak. He is banished by the king for the Coalition Army failure (chapter 366). He is assassinated in chapter 439 to 440.

Yan

Ordo: •Yan’s commander-in-chief who attended the Coalition Army meeting in chapter 269.

Han

Seikai: •Han’s commander-in-chief who attended the Coalition Army meeting in chapter 269. He used to be a beautiful man until he delved too deep in making poison. Now black veins are bulging out of his skin. He is killed by Choutou in chapter 303.

Mountain Tribe

Yōtanwa: • Japanese: Yōtanwa or Yotanwa; •She is the leader of the mountain tribes. Ever since her people helped Ying Zheng reclaim his throne, she has been going around the mountains conquering various mountain tribes to the west of Qin (chapter 47). She and her people returns in chapter 345 to help Sai from the Coalition Army. Since she and her people helped out Sai, they are bestowed the rank of “Dai Zouzou” (“Da Shangzao”, fifth highest rank in the twenty-ranks system), at par with a great general, along with thirty units of treasures. They are once again a part of the official diplomatic relations with Kanyou (chapter 355). After leaving, the mountain tribe came back after three years to help Sei’s plan for China. They become an army that will help Kanyou in the future (chapter 439).

Media

Manga

The manga series Kingdom is written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara. In January 2006, the manga debuted in an issue of Weekly Young Jump seinen manga magazine. The succeeding chapters are still being serialized weekly in the magazine. The first tankōbon volume was released by Shueisha in May 19, 2006; as of November 18, 2016, forty-four volumes have been released.

Anime

Video Games

A PlayStation Portable beat 'em up styled video game was released on November 2, 2010 entitled Kingdom Ikki Tousen No Tsurugi.^[3] The game was released only in Japan.

A free-to-play mobile game called Kingdom: Seven Flags is now in Japan.^[4]

Historical context

The story of Kingdom is a fictional adaptation of the Chinese history period known as the Warring States period, which ended in 221 BC when Ying Zheng, king of Qin, succeeded in conquering the other states and unifying China.

Several of the characters are based on historical figures. Many times characters will take the names of people in history, and other times they will have completely different names. Oftentimes this is a result of Japanese Kanji borrowing from Chinese characters, meaning that there are some Chinese names that have no equivalent characters in Kanji. For example, Ou Ki's (王騎), name is a slightly altered version of Wang Yi, 王齮, because the last character of his name, 齮, does not exist in Kanji. There are many instances of characters being derived directly from historical figures i.e. Ei Sei is based on Ying Zheng, while his half-brother Seikyō is based on Chengjiao, and his father and grandfather are based on King Zhuangxiang of Qin and King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Ryo Fui is inspired by Lü Buwei. His supporters Shōheikun and Ri Shi are based on Lord Changping and Li Si, and the Mō family (Mō Bu, Mō Gō, Mō Ten, Mō Ki) is based on the Meng family (Meng Wu, Meng Ao, Meng Tian, Meng Yi).

Reception

Kingdom was the grand prize winner for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2013 with one judge commenting, "I can't remember the last time I read nearly 30 volumes (of a manga title) in a row feeling this excited." ^[5]

The manga also earned a Guinness World Record on December 12, 2012 for Manga written by the most people. The record was due to its "Social Kingdom" campaign in which fans and other artists were given the task of redrawing the entire 26th volume. Participants included manga creators Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto), Hirohiko Araki (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), as well as voice actors and fans.^[6]

The series had sold 20 million copies as of October 2015.^[7]

References

↑ "アニメ「キングダム」第2シリーズ制作決定!6月より開始". Comic Natalie. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
↑ "Funimation acquisition". Anime News Network. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
↑ "Kingdom tankobon release dates". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
↑ Romano, Sal, 08.24.16, "Bandai Namco announces Kingdom: Seven Flags for smartphones"(http://gematsu.com/2016/08/bandai-namco-announces-kingdom-seven-flags-smartphones). Gematsu. Accessed 25 August 2016.
↑ "Tezuka Osamu Prize Winners". Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
↑ "Kingdom wins Guinness World Record". Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
↑ http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2015-10-18/yasuhisa-hara-kingdom-manga-has-20-million-copies-in-print/.94343

External links

Official website (Japanese)
Kingdom (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

Works of Pierrot

Television series	The Wonderful Adventures of Nils (1980–1981) Miss Machiko (1981–1983) Urusei Yatsura (1981–1984) The Mysterious Cities of Gold (1982–1983) Mrs. Pepper Pot (1983–1984) Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel (1983–1984) Chikkun Takkun (1984) Persia, the Magic Fairy (1984–1985) Star Musketeer Bismarck / Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs (1984–1985 / 1987–1988) Magical Emi, the Magic Star (1985–1986) Ninja Senshi Tobikage (1985–1986) Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol (1986) Anmitsu Hime: From Amakara Castle (1986–1987) Ganbare, Kickers! (1986–1987) Kimagure Orange Road (1987–1988) Norakuro-kun (1987–1988) Osomatsu-kun (1988–1989) The Burning Wild Man (1988) Magical Hat (1989–1990) Heisei Genius Bakabon (1990) Eight Factor (1990–1991) Musashi, the Samurai Lord (1990–1991) Clown Monkey Patch (1990–1991) Tasuke, the Samurai Cop (1990–1991) Little Ghosts, There, Here, and Where (1991–1992) Chokkaku, the Stubborn Samurai Boy (1991) Marude Dameo (1991–1992) Cho Tsushin Boy Mao (1992–1993) Yu Yu Hakusho (1992–1994) Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō (1993–2008) Chō Kuse ni Narisō (1994–1995) Tottemo! Luckyman (1994–1995) Eight Factor (1994–1995) Ninku (1995–1996) Fushigi Yûgi (1995–1996) Crush Cyborg (1995–1996) Midori no Makibaō (1996–1997) First Human Gon (1996–1997) Baby & Me (1996–1997) Victory Captain (1996–1998) Hyper Police (1997) Clamp School Detectives (1997) Flame of Recca (1997–1998) Takoyaki Mantoman (1998–1999) Fancy Lala (1998) Neo Ranga (1998–1999) Shogun Recuts (1998–1999) Shaorin (1998–1999) Dokkiri Doctor (1998–1999) Yoiko (1998–1999) Mio the Cashier (1999) Microman, The Little Giant (1999) Shogun Recuts (1999–2000) Power Stone (1999) I'm Gonna Be An Angel! (1999) Cho Omo Hatsumei Idol (1999–2000) Great Teacher Onizuka (1999–2000) Rerere no Tensai Bakabon (1999–2000) OH! Super Milk Chan (2000) Gensomaden Saiyuki (2000–2001) Ceres, Celestial Legend (2000) Super Legend Web (2000) Ghost Stories (2000–2001) Super Gals! Kotobuki Ran (2001–2002) Kaze no Yojimbo (2001–2002) Hikaru no Go (2001–2003) Kogepan (2001) Tokyo Underground (2002) Mythical Jigsaw (2002) Tokyo Mew Mew (2002–2003) The Twelve Kingdoms (2002–2003) PiNMeN (2002) Eight Factor (2002–2003) Naruto (2002–2007) E's Otherwise (2003) Detective School Q (2003–2004) Saiyuki ReLoad (2003–2004) Hikaru no Go: New Year Special (2004) Saiyuki ReLoad GunLock (2004) Midori Days (2004) Gachi e Hohoemi (2004–2006) Bleach (2004–2012) Emma - A Victorian Romance (2005) Sugar Sugar Rune (2005–2006) Naruto: Shippuden (2007–present) Blue Dragon (2007–2008) Chess the Champion (2007–2008) Blue Dragon: Trials of the Seven Shadows (2008–2009) Hakken Taiken Daisuki! Shimajirō (2008–2010) Hanasakeru Seishōnen (2009–2010) Tegami Bachi (2009–2010) Yumeiro Patissiere (2009–2010) Shimajirō Hesoka (2010–2012) Tegami Bachi Reverse (2010–2011) Yumeiro Patissiere SP Professional (2010) Beelzebub (2011–2012) Level E (2011) Naruto: Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals (2012–2013) Shirokuma Cafe (2012–2013) Kingdom (2012–2014) Gaist Crusher (2013–2014) Baby Steps (2014–2015) The World Is Still Beautiful (2014) Sabagebu! (2014) Tokyo Ghoul (2014) Yona of the Dawn (2014–2015) Tokyo Ghoul √A (2015) Re-Kan! (2015) Mr. Osomatsu (2015–2016) Divine Gate (2016) Twin Star Exorcists (2016–present) Onigiri (2016) The Morose Mononokean (2016) Puzzle & Dragons X (2016–present) Tsukiuta. The Animation (2016) Soul Buster (2016) ĒlDLIVE (2017)

OVAs	Dallos (1983–1984) Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel: Eien no Once More (1984) Area 88 (1985–1986) Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel: Lovely Serenade (1985) Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel: Long Goodbye (1985) Cosmo Police Justy (1985) Fire Tripper (1985) Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel Song Special 2: Curtain Call (1986) Baribari Legend (1986) Maris the Chojo (1986) Magical Emi, the Magic Star: Finale! Finale! (1986) Magical Emi, the Magic Star: Semishigure (1986) Laughing Target (1987) Lily C.A.T. (1987) Persia, the Magic Fairy: Merry-go-Round (1987) Salamander (1988–1989) Kimagure Orange Road (1989–1991) The Burning Wild Man (1989) Gosenzo-sama Banbanzai! (1989–1990) Baoh (1989) Shakotan Boogie (1991–1992) The Abashiri Family (1991) Mermaid's Forest (1991) Here Is Greenwood (1991–1993) Eternal Filena (1992–1993) Kyō Kara Ore Wa!! (1993–1996) Eizo Hakusho (1994) Key the Metal Idol (1994–1997) Eizo Hakusho II (1995–1996) My Dear Marie (1996) Sonic the Hedgehog (1996) Fushigi Yûgi 1 (1996) Fushigi Yûgi 2 (1997–1998) Eight Clouds Rising (1997) Harbor Light Story Fashion Lala Yori (1998) Tokimeki Memorial (1999) Microman vs. Gorgon (1999) Fushigi Yûgi Eikoden (2001–2002) Gensomaden Saiyuki: Kibou no Zaika (2002) From I"s (2002–2003) I"s Pure (2005–2006) Saiyuki Reload: Burial (2007–2008) Naisho no Tsubomi (2008) Tegami Bachi: Hikari to Ao no Gensou Yawa (2008) Tegami Bachi Academy (2010) Yumeiro Patissiere: Mune Kyun Tropical Island! (2010) Beelzebub (2010) Akatsuki no Yona: Sono Se niwa (2015) Tokyo Ghoul: JACK (2015) Tokyo Ghoul: PINTO (2015) Yona of the Dawn (2016)

Films	Urusei Yatsura: Only You (1983) Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer (1984) Kimagure Orange Road: Shonen Jump Special (1985) Aitsu to Lullaby: Suiyobi no Cinderella (1987) Kimagure Orange Road: I Want to Return to That Day (1988) Osomatsu-kun: Suika no Hoshi Kara Konnichiwa zansu! (1989) Like the Clouds, Like the Wind (1990) MAROKO (1990) Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie (1993) Yu Yu Hakusho the Movie: Poltergeist Report (1994) Ninku: Knife no Bohyō (1994) Ninku: The Movie (1995) Shin Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning (1996) Gensomaden Saiyuki Requiem: A Requiem for The One Not Chosen (2001) Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004) Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005) Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006) Bleach: Memories of Nobody (2006) Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007) Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion (2007) Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008) Bleach: Fade to Black (2008) Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009) Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010) Bleach: Hell Verse (2010) Legend of the Millennium Dragon (2011) Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison (2011) Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012) The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014) Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015)

Category

Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

Grand Prize

1990s	Fujiko Fujio for Doraemon (1997) Jiro Taniguchi and Natsuo Sekikawa for the trilogy Bocchan No Jidai (1998) Naoki Urasawa for Monster (1999)

2000s	Daijiro Morohoshi for Saiyū Yōenden (2000) Reiko Okano and Baku Yumemakura for Onmyōji (2001) Takehiko Inoue for Vagabond (2002) Fumiko Takano for The Yellow Book: A Friend Named Jacques Thibault (2003) Kyoko Okazaki for Helter Skelter (2004) Naoki Urasawa for Pluto (2005) Hideo Azuma for Disappearance Diary (2006) Ryoko Yamagishi for Terpsichora (2007) Masayuki Ishikawa for Moyashimon (2008) Fumi Yoshinaga for Ōoku: The Inner Chambers and Yoshihiro Tatsumi for A Drifting Life (2009)

2010s	Yoshihiro Yamada for Hyouge Mono (2010) Motoka Murakami for Jin and Issei Eifuku and Taiyō Matsumoto for Takemitsuzamurai (2011) Hitoshi Iwaaki for Historie (2012) Yasuhisa Hara for Kingdom (2013) Chica Umino for March Comes in like a Lion (2014) Yoiko Hoshi for Aisawa Riku (2015) Kei Ichinoseki for Hanagami Sharaku and Kiyohiko Azuma for Yotsuba&! (2016)

Special
Award

1990s	Toshio Naiki (1997) Shotaro Ishinomori (1998) Fusanosuke Natsume (1999)

2000s	Frederik L. Schodt (2000) Akira Maruyuma (2001) Shigeru Mizuki (2003) Tarō Minamoto (2004) Kawasaki City Museum (2005) Kousei Ono (2006) International Institute for Children's Literature, Osaka Prefecture (2008)

2010s	Yoshihiro Yonezawa (2010) Weekly Shōnen Jump (2012) Fujiko Fujio (A) (2014) Chikako Mitsuhashi for Chiisana Koi no Monogatari (2015) Kyoto International Manga Museum (2016)

Award for
Excellence

Moto Hagio for A Cruel God Reigns (1997)
Yūji Aoki for Naniwa Kin'yūdō (1998)
Akira Sasō for Shindō (1999)
Minetarō Mochizuki for Dragon Head (2000)
Kotobuki Shiriagari for Yajikita in Deep (2001)
Kentaro Miura for Berserk (2002)

Creative
Award

Yumi Hotta and Takeshi Obata for Hikaru no Go (2003)
Takashi Morimoto for Naniwadora ihon (2004)
Fumiyo Kōno for Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms (2005)
Asa Higuchi for Big Windup! (2006)
Nobuhisa Nozoe, Kazuhisa Iwata and Kyojin Ōnishi for Shinsei Kigeki (2007)
Toranosuke Shimada for Träumerei (2008)

New Artist
Prize

Suehiro Maruo for The Strange Tale of Panorama Island (2009)
Haruko Ichikawa for Mushi to Uta (2010)
Hiromu Arakawa for Fullmetal Alchemist (2011)
Yu Itō for Shut Hell (2012)
Miki Yamamoto for Sunny Sunny Ann! (2013)
Machiko Kyō for Mitsuami no Kamisama (2014)
Yoshitoki Ōima for A Silent Voice (2015)
Yuki Andō for Machida-kun no Sekai (2016)

Short Story
Award

Hisaichi Ishii for Gendai Shisō no Sōnanshātachi (2003)
Risu Akizuki for OL Shinkaron (2004)
Rieko Saibara for Jōkyō Monogatari and Mainichi Kaasan (2005)
Risa Itō for One Woman, Two Cats, Hey Pitan! , Onna no Mado (2006)
Hiromi Morishita for Ōsaka Hamlet (2007)
Yumiko Ōshima for Cher Gou-Gou...mon petit chat, mon petit ami (2008)
Hikaru Nakamura for Saint Young Men (2009)
Mari Yamazaki for Thermae Romae (2010)
Keisuke Yamashina for C-kyū Salaryman Kōza, Papa wa Nanda ka Wakaranai (2011)
Roswell Hosoki for Sake no Hosomichi (2012)
Yoshiie Gōda for Love of Machine (2013)
Yuki Shikawa for Onnoji (2014)
Sensha Yoshida (2015)
Tatsuya Nakazaki for Jimihen (2016)

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