Kingdom

Kingdom is a large-scale historical war anime based on the manga by Yasuhisa Hara. Celebrated for its epic battles, intricate politics, and emotional rivalries, Kingdom tells the story of China’s bloody Warring States period through the eyes of ambitious generals and kings who dream of unification.

At its core, the series blends strategy, loyalty, and ambition, chronicling both legendary battlefield clashes and the deeply human struggles behind them.

Kingdom – Overview

Kingdom follows the journey of Xin (Shin), a war orphan who dreams of becoming the greatest general under the heavens. His fate intertwines with Ying Zheng, the young King of Qin (later Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China). Together, they strive to unify the seven warring states, facing countless enemies, betrayals, and trials along the way.

Blending gritty warfare, military genius, and heartfelt camaraderie, Kingdom offers one of the most ambitious war stories ever adapted into anime.

Anime Details

• Studio: Pierrot (Seasons 1–2), Studio Signpost (Season 3 onward)

• Seasons: 5 (Season 5 ongoing in 2024–2025)

• First Air Date: June 4, 2012

• Original Manga: Written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara

• Volumes: 70+ (ongoing)

• Genre: Historical, War, Strategy, Action, Drama

• Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Story Summary

Set in China’s Warring States period, the anime follows:

• Xin (Shin): A war orphan who grows from a servant boy into a mighty general.

• Ying Zheng: The young Qin king, fighting to unify China under one banner.

Together with allies and rivals, they engage in grand-scale wars, navigate political intrigue, and face legendary commanders. Each season escalates the stakes, showing Shin’s rise on the battlefield and Ying Zheng’s path toward becoming the first emperor.

Season Breakdown

Season 1 (2012–2013) – Rise of a Warrior
Xin begins his path toward becoming a great general, serving Qin in the early campaigns. His bond with Ying Zheng is formed.

Season 2 (2013–2014) – Expanding Horizons
Qin faces stronger states, introducing large-scale battles, alliances, and betrayals. Xin’s leadership skills begin to shine.

Season 3 (2020–2021) – The Coalition War Arc
A masterpiece season covering the epic Coalition War, where Qin is attacked by the combined might of six rival states. A brutal fight for survival.

Season 4 (2022) – Aftermath & Political Struggles
Focuses on political intrigue within Qin and the continuing ambitions of its rivals. Xin continues to climb as a commanding officer.

Season 5 (2024–2025) – Ongoing Campaigns
Currently airing, featuring major wars that continue Qin’s march toward unification.

Main Characters

• Xin (Shin): The fiery protagonist who rises from orphan to general.

• Ying Zheng: Young King of Qin, determined to unify China.

• Li Mu, Wang Jian, and other Generals: Legendary strategists and warriors.

• Karyo Ten: Xin’s companion and strategist who supports his rise.

Themes and Style

• Ambition & Legacy – A story of achieving greatness against all odds.

• War & Strategy – Large-scale battles and tactical genius.

• Unity vs. Division – The struggle to unify a fractured land.

• Growth Through Struggle – Shin’s relentless journey from boy to general.

Animation & Visuals

While early seasons faced criticism for their CGI, the anime improved drastically by Season 3, delivering cinematic battle scenes and faithful manga adaptation.

Where to Watch

You can stream Kingdom on:

• Crunchyroll

• Funimation

Popularity and Reception

• Over 100 million manga copies in circulation worldwide.

• Praised for its scale, strategy, and historical storytelling.

• One of the most successful seinen manga-to-anime adaptations.

Similar Anime Recommendations

If you enjoyed Kingdom, you may also like:

• Vinland Saga – Viking wars and a boy’s rise through tragedy.

• Berserk – A dark, brutal tale of ambition and war.

• Arslan Senki (The Heroic Legend of Arslan) – Strategy and battles in a fantasy setting.

• Legend of the Galactic Heroes – Space war epic with political depth.

Final Thoughts

Kingdom is not just an anime about battles—it’s a saga of ambition, strategy, and legacy. Following Xin’s growth and Ying Zheng’s dream of unification, the anime delivers both spectacle and heart. For fans of war epics, rivalries, and the struggle to achieve greatness, Kingdom is an essential watch.