The appeal and evaluation of "Twelve Kingdoms": To the depths of the fantasy world

"Twelve Kingdoms": The appeal and profound themes of fantasy set in another world

"Twelve Kingdoms" is a TV anime series based on the original novel by Fuyumi Ono, and was broadcast on NHK BS-2 from 2002 to 2003. This work, which consists of 45 episodes, goes beyond the framework of fantasy set in another world and depicts human drama and social issues, deeply inspiring and provoking viewers. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the appeal of "Twelve Kingdoms" and the themes behind it, as well as provide detailed information about the work and recommended points.

Story and worldview

The story of "Twelve Kingdoms" begins when an ordinary high school girl, Nakajima Yoko, is brought to another world, "Twelve Kingdoms," by a mysterious young man named Keiki. The Twelve Kingdoms is a world with a unique system in which a sacred beast called a kirin selects a king who then rules the country. Yoko learns that Keiki is the kirin of Kei and that she has been chosen to be the king of Kei, and begins a new life while overcoming various difficulties.

The world of the Twelve Kingdoms is extremely detailed, with each country having its own culture and customs, and the rule of the king determines whether the country prospers or declines. In addition, fantasy elements such as demons and half-beasts add depth to the story and draw the viewer in.

Characters and cast

The main character, Nakajima Yoko, is voiced by Hisakawa Aya, who portrays her growth and struggles realistically. Yoko's classmate Sugimoto Yuka is played by Ishizu Aya, and her childhood friend Asano Ikuya is played by Ueda Yuji. Don't miss the struggles and growth of these characters as they travel to the Twelve Kingdoms with Yoko. In particular, the performances of the cast supporting the unique characters, such as Suzumura Kenichi as Rakushun, Koyasu Takehito as Keiki, and Aizawa Masaki as Naotaka, are also superb.

Important characters who support Yoko include Rakushun, Keiki, Naotaka, and Rokuta. Rakushun provides emotional support for Yoko, while Keiki guides her on her path as a king. Naotaka gives advice to Yoko as the king of the country of wild goose, and Rokuta adds color to the story as a mysterious boy who travels between the two worlds. The human drama woven by these characters is one of the attractions of "Twelve Kingdoms."

Production and staff

Studio Pierrot produced the animation for "Twelve Kingdoms," directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi. It has been praised for faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work while taking advantage of the expressive power of animation. Character design by Hiroto Tanaka and Yuko Kusumoto, and music by Kunihiko Yanagi, add to the atmosphere of the work.

The opening theme "Twelve Fantasy Songs" was composed and arranged by Kunihiko Yanagi, and the ending theme "Moonlight Wind Shadow" was written by Keiko Kitagawa, composed and arranged by Tomohiko Kira, and sung by Mika Arisaka. These songs also deepen the worldview of the work and resonate with the hearts of viewers.

Theme and Message

"Twelve Kingdoms" depicts universal themes such as human relationships, social issues, and self-realization within the framework of an alternate world fantasy. In particular, Yoko's growth and acquisition of a sense of responsibility as a king provide viewers with an opportunity to think about their own meaning of existence and how they live their lives. Also, it is not to be missed that the problems faced by each of the twelve kingdoms and the relationship between the king and the people are used to symbolically depict the problems of modern society.

For example, the discrimination against the half-beasts in the country of Takumi and the existence of Shuei, the false king of the country of Kei, depict the corruption of power and social injustice, encouraging viewers to have deep insights. In addition, Yoko's struggle with loneliness while overcoming difficulties with her friends teaches us the importance of friendship and trust.

Recommended points

"Twelve Kingdoms" is recommended not only for fantasy fans, but also for those who are interested in human drama and social issues. In particular, the following points are the reasons for recommending it.

• Detailed worldview : Each of the Twelve Kingdoms has its own culture and customs, and the setting in which each country changes depending on the king's rule is fascinating.
• Deep themes : Universal themes such as self-actualization, social issues, and human relationships are depicted, providing viewers with deep insight.
• Character Growth : The growth and struggles of the characters, including the main character Yoko, are depicted realistically, making it easy to empathize with them.
• Beautiful visuals and music : Studio Pierrot's beautiful visuals and Kunihiko Yanagi's music enhance the atmosphere of the film and enrich the viewing experience.

Detailed episode information

"Twelve Kingdoms" consists of 45 episodes, each with a different subtitle. Below are the subtitles for each episode.

• Episode 1: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 1
• Episode 2: "Moon's Shadow, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 2
• Episode 3: "Moon's Shadow, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 3
• Episode 4: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 4
• Episode 5: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 5
• Episode 6: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 6
• Episode 7: "Moon's Shadow, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 7
• Episode 8: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 8
• Episode 9: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 9
• Episode 10: "Moon's Shadow, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 10
• Episode 11: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 11
• Episode 12: "Shadow of the Moon, Sea of ​​Shadows" Chapter 12
• Episode 13: "Moon's Shadow, Sea of ​​Shadows" Final Chapter
• Episode 14: "Moon's Shadow, Sea of ​​Shadows"
• Episode 15: "Sea of ​​Wind, Shore of the Labyrinth" Chapter 1
• Episode 16: "Wind Sea, Labyrinth Shore" Chapter 2
• Episode 17: "Wind Ocean, Labyrinth Shore" Chapter 3
• Episode 18: "Sea of ​​Wind, Shore of the Labyrinth" Chapter 4
• Episode 19: "Wind Sea, Labyrinth Shore" Chapter 5
• Episode 20: "Sea of ​​Wind, Shore of the Labyrinth" Final Chapter
• Episode 21: "Wind Sea, Labyrinth Shore" Transition
• Episode 22: “Letter”
• Episode 23: "The Wind's Thousand Miles, the Dawn Sky" Chapter 1
• Episode 24: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 2
• Episode 25: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 3
• Episode 26: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 4
• Episode 27: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 5
• Episode 28: "Wind of Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 6
• Episode 29: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 7
• Episode 30: "Wind of Ten Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 8
• Episode 31: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky"
• Episode 32: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 9
• Episode 33: "Wind of Ten Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 10
• Episode 34: "Wind of Ten Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 11
• Episode 35: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 12
• Episode 36: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 13
• Episode 37: "Wind of Ten Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 14
• Episode 38: "Wind of Ten Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Chapter 15
• Episode 39: "Wind of a Thousand Miles, Dawn Sky" Final Chapter
• Episode 40: "Jogetsu"
• Episode 41: "The Sea God of the East, the Ocean of the West" Chapter 1
• Episode 42: "The Sea God of the East, the Ocean of the West" Chapter 2
• Episode 43: "The Sea God of the East, the Ocean of the West" Chapter 3
• Episode 44: "The Sea God of the East, the Ocean of the West" Final Chapter
• Episode 45: "The Sea God of the East, the Ocean of the West" Chapter Shift <End>

Conclusion

"Twelve Kingdoms" is a work that depicts profound themes, a detailed worldview, and realistic character growth that go beyond the framework of fantasy set in another world. It gives viewers an opportunity to think about the meaning of their existence and how they live their lives, and by symbolically depicting human drama and social issues, it gives deep emotion and insight. I would highly recommend this work not only to fantasy fans, but also to anyone interested in human drama and social issues.