It has been announced that Matsuki Ikka's manga "Nippon Sangoku," currently serialized in "Manga One" and "Ura Sunday" (Shogakukan), will be adapted into a TV anime and will begin airing in April. The original story is set in a near future where civilization has collapsed, and depicts the exploits of a young man named Misumi Seiki, who aims to reunify Japan, which has been divided into three countries and has once again entered the Warring States period. The comic series has gained popularity, with a total circulation of over 700,000 copies.
The anime will be directed by Terazawa Kazuaki, who has worked on "The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2," and produced by Studio Kafka. The main cast will include Kensho Ono as the protagonist Misumi Seiki, Asami Seto as Higashimachi Koki, and Nagatsugu Takashi as Hiradono Usagi, with Megumi Han serving as narrator. A teaser visual showing the start of the story and the first trailer featuring Misumi Seiki and other characters have been released.
The original author, Matsuki, commented, "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which this work is based on, is divided into two versions: the "Official History" and the "Romance." The "Official History" is a book that records the history of the Three Kingdoms period, and the "Romance" is a popular historical novel set in the Three Kingdoms period. The contributions that the "Romance" has made to future generations are great, and thanks to the works that were born based on the "Romance," I was able to learn about the history of the Three Kingdoms period and become engrossed in it."
"In this work, if the original work is considered the 'official history,' then this anime Nippon Sangoku is positioned as the 'Romance.' For those of you who already love the original work, I would like you to experience the positive adaptations and interpretations that are not recorded in the 'Official History,' the dynamic direction that you would never feel in the 'Official History,' the colorful art, and the powerful performances brought to life by the voice actors. Also, for those who first encountered and fell in love with this work through the anime Nippon Sangoku, I would be delighted if you would pick up the 'Official History' and read it. Just as one of the joys of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms is comparing the 'Official History' and the 'Romance,' and discussing them with other fans, I would be delighted if many people would come to love this work, regardless of their background."
Ono, who plays Mikata Seiki, said, "I've always been a big fan of the original work, so I'm very honored to be able to take part. ' Nippon Sangoku' is a Japanese version of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but it's set in the near future and the language is modern. The work has an incredible ability to draw you into its worldview. It's also refreshing to watch how Mikata Seiki uses his knowledge to overcome situations. I will do my best to fully express the appeal of the work and its characters in the anime. The director and the rest of the cast are very enthusiastic. Please look forward to the broadcast."
Seto, who plays Higashimachi Koki, commented, "Higashimachi Koki is the one who quickly sees Aoki's hidden talent and has the strength to push him forward, but her honest personality also gives him a sense of comfort and a place to belong. I tried to portray the charm of Koki, who has a strong core and an emotional side. I hope you will watch Aoki's story of ``reunifying Japan.''
Nagatsugu, who plays Hiradono Ushio, said, "'I am the nation!! Slurp (laughs)' I will be enjoying playing the role of Hiradono Ushio, a character you never know what he's thinking, as he portrays the gap between his eerie humor and the cruelty that comes from his meticulous scheming. 'Where is Japan headed?' I hope you enjoy this epic story that will shake your soul. Unlike the worldview of the work, the atmosphere in the studio is peaceful. Hiradono Ushio will guide you to hell."
Narrator Pan commented, "It's a future that's not impossible, but it's like reading into a history book. I've been given the opportunity to participate in this work as a narrator. When I received the role and the script, I wondered if I would be able to do it, but I did my best with the person I was in the moment and faced this era and the people who live there, including Mikata Seiki. I hope that you will be able to receive the thoughts and way of life of the people who live, fight, and create here."
*Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Kazuaki Terazawa ▽ Character design and chief animation director: Takahiko Abiru ▽ Production: Studio Kafka
*Cast (titles omitted)
Mikata Seiki: Kensho Ono ▽ Higashimachi Koki: Asami Seto ▽ Hiraden Uki: Takashi Nagatsune▽ Narration: Megumi Han
