It has been announced that the anime "Nihon Sankoku," based on the manga by Ikka Matsuki currently being serialized in "Manga One" and "Ura Sunday" (Shogakukan), will be available worldwide on Amazon's video service "Prime Video" from 9 PM on April 5th. It will also be available on the video streaming service "U-NEXT" from 9 PM on April 6th, and will be broadcast on TV from midnight on the same day on TOKYO MX and other channels.
The main visual for the film has been released, depicting the protagonist, Seiki Mikata, against a backdrop of the golden Japanese archipelago and a color scheme reminiscent of the Japanese flag. It was also announced that singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani will be performing the opening theme, "Hidden Fire," and a second trailer featuring the song has been released on YouTube.
Additional cast members have also been announced, including Fukuyama Jun as Asama Yoshitsune, Yamaji Kazuhiro as Ryumon Mitsuhide, Nakamura Yuichi as Kaku Yasuaki, Kimura Taihi as Fuji III, and Tsuda Minami as Wajima Sakuratora.
Kitani commented, "Just as the friction of the rough earth is necessary for my feet to kick off and move forward, and just as a small fire needs a headwind to burn stronger, we live by feeding off even the forces that try to hinder us. This song is a hymn to people who have made many choices, stuck to the path they believe is right, and continued to look ahead, even though their eyes are not yet clearly visible."
Fukuyama said, "I'm Fukuyama Jun, playing the role of Asama Yoshitsune. Set in a future Japan during the Three Kingdoms period, this work depicts on a grand scale the ambition to unify the country and the desire for a peaceful world, and all the characters are full of energy and charm. Among them, Yoshitsune is a particularly charming character. I can't wait for everyone to see him, proud of his mother, proud of his friends, and proud of himself! I love Tsune-chan! Please look forward to it!!"
Yamaji, who plays Ryumon Mitsuhide, commented, "In the midst of a power that is blooming with enemies, the only way to get your beliefs and righteousness across is through strategy and cunning. I was able to play the role of Ryumon Mitsuhide while feeling the burning, scorching patience. Even so, it was a hot set where everyone's love for this work was overflowing."
Nakamura said, "I'm Nakamura Yuichi, and I'll be playing the role of Kaku Yasuaki. I first came across this work in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was drawn in when I saw it in an online advertisement, and read the original work. I remember becoming instantly hooked and recommending it to everyone around me. It's a drama with an unpredictable plot, and the main character is by no means flashy, but he keeps you excited to see what he'll do. I'm acting with incredible passion on set too! I hope you'll tune in to experience it!"
Kimura said, "I will be playing Fuji III! My name is Kimura Taihi! I really can't say enough about Fuji III, but I was able to approach each recording session with the same sense of tension as Fuji III...! As the emperor, there were many important scenes and interactions with Tonoki and Ryumon, and I eventually stopped breaking out in a cold sweat, but thanks to the kind cast and staff, I was able to enjoy the recording. I hope you enjoy watching Fuji III suffer ☆."
Tsuda commented, "I'm Tsuda Minami, who will be playing the role of Wajima Sakuratora. When I heard I'd been cast in the role, I was so happy I was shaking. After reading the original work, I couldn't stop feeling excited about every episode. I didn't try to create Wajima Sakuratora's voice, but tried to make it as natural as possible. I want to live my life carrying the burdens that she carries with me. It's definitely going to be interesting, so I hope you'll watch it. Thank you!"
"Nihon Sankoku" is set in the near future, where civilization has collapsed, and depicts the exploits of a young man, 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 sold over 700,000 copies in total.
The anime will be directed by Kazuaki Terazawa, known for "The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2," and produced by Studio Kafka. Kensho Ono will play the main character, Seiki Mikata, while Masami Seto will play Koki Higashimachi and Takashi Nagatsugu will play Utsuwa Hiradono. Megumi Han will be the narrator.
*Cast (titles omitted)
Mikata Seiki: Ono Kensho▽Asama Yoshitsune: Fukuyama Jun▽Higashimachi Koki: Seto Masami▽Ryumon Mitsuhide: Yamaji Kazuhiro▽Kaku Yasuaki: Nakamura Yuichi▽Heidonuki: Nagatsune Takashi▽Fuji III: Kimura Taihi▽Wajima Sakuratora: Tsuda Minami▽Narration: Han Megumi
