Thoughts on the anime 'Nihon Sangoku'.

I have finished watching the anime Nihon Sangoku.

I haven't read the original work, so these are my thoughts based solely on the anime.

A Three Kingdoms story set in a near-future Japan where civilization has collapsed.

I first encountered this work when a junior colleague at my company said to me, 'You seem like you'd like Nihon Sangoku.'

'What's that? Is Japan split up? Sounds interesting. Is it like East Japan vs. West Japan vs. Hokkaido?' 'Well... um, I don't think that's quite it.'

I ended up confusing my junior, who is the type of anime fan who watches things casually, so I decided to check it out for myself and started watching it that very night.

Now, the map of the powers looks something like this.

Seriously, Sei is just too pitiful.

What is this worst-case scenario terrain that's so hard to govern? The border with Buo is way too long, and it's just too snowy. When I saw the information that the capital was Niigata, I just felt so bad for them.This is just going to turn into Yamato vs. Buo immediately.

I see, it's a Three Kingdoms story about aiming to unify Japan after its collapse.

It seems that in this future where technology has regressed, wars are won by defeating opponents with logic.

I guessed the protagonist was from Tokyo, but he was actually from Ehime. So the Yamato faction is at the center of the story, huh? It's interesting how it keeps subverting all my expectations.

What surprised me most was that while war is the main theme of this work, the battles are centered on people's words and conversations rather than simple force. It feels like violence is just an accompaniment.

Watching the protagonist, 'Aoteru Misumi,' overwhelm his opponents with his vast knowledge, sound logic, and rapid-fire speech is satisfying.“ Persuading ”—that's exactly what it feels like.

Also, it's great that they use strategies familiar from the Three Kingdoms and the Sengoku period, such as desperate measures, the Empty Fort Strategy, and the Shimazu clan's 'Tsurino-buse' ambush. It's a delight for fans of the Three Kingdoms and the Sengoku period.

The characters, both friend and foe, are so charming that I want to talk about them.

If it's a Three Kingdoms motif, I expected it to be a heroic tale with a protagonist like a hot-blooded young warrior, but once I started watching, he turned out to be a Zhuge Liang-type guy. And his partner is a combat-capable character who is also sharp. Nice! Very nice!

I love the scenes where Misumi-kun and Tsune-chan talk to each other; they are often quite funny and feel like a breath of fresh air.

Below, I am just saying whatever I like.

Aoteru Misumi

It was a masterpiece from the very first episode. To have your loved one humiliated in such a way, and yet to stay calm and pull through with “the best move for the situation right now”—it was incredible. They’ve been cool ever since.

The scene where they persuade the Emperor was so intense. I was right there with Fuji the 3rd, saying “Go, Sankaku!” along with them.

I also love the depiction of the sparkling blue light in their eyes. Keep that spark burning.

I really want them to be happy. But if they are indeed a motif of Zhuge Liang, I can't help but wonder if death from overwork awaits them in the future...?

Yoshitsune Asama

When they first appeared, I thought they were just a crazy rich kid.They had such a troublesome personality, that bob cut, and I didn't think I'd ever like them.

Now, they are my absolute favorite.I like them enough now that I’d stay at that cheap inn just to be part of Tsune-chan’s entourage.

They have the skills to back up their massive need for approval. Even though they act like they look down on Sankaku-kun with their sky-high self-esteem, they actually listen. They trust and take action. And because of their skill, they never fail.So cool!

“Well, even if you’re wrong, I’ll prove your correctness. Because I’m amazing.”—and then they dash from Osaka to Fukui, and afterwards, they perfectly play the role of the “lord” to make the plan succeed. You really are amazing, Tsune-chan.

I also really love how they get so flustered when they occasionally find themselves acknowledging Sankaku-kun.

I hope they achieve their goal of ending the Three Kingdoms era and becoming a figure respected by all citizens.

Mitsuhide Ryumon

Dashing. Cool.Combined with Yamaji-san’s voice, they gave off a Jason Statham vibe. Bald and strong.

I was first impressed by their capacity to pass Tsune-chan at the Dragon Gate. If it were me, I would have kicked them out as a dangerous individual. I would never forgive someone trying to cut my legs.

The way they are particular about personnel appointments and how they completely trust their strategist—they have aspects that are truly like Cao Cao, while looking like Xiahou Dun. I wonder if the reason for them being one-eyed will be discussed later.

In episode 12, despite winning the battle, their treatment was so poor that I’m very concerned. I want them to live.

Yasuaki Kaku

The young and capable strategist trusted by Ryumon-san. I realized it the moment they coughed and collapsed. Ah, it’s Guo Jia... they aren't going to make it.

It was so quintessentially Guo Jia to reach their limit on the way back from the expedition, and even I was so sad that I can’t imagine Ryumon-san’s grief.

While it’s true they died halfway through their journey, I was genuinely glad that they passed away peacefully, feeling truly happy about the existence of Sankaku-kun, to whom they could entrust their legacy. It was worth giving that eccentric advice, wasn't it?

Still, I wish they could have lived longer. I would have loved to see them exchange strategies with Sankaku-kun.

Taira Denki

Even though the goal is to unify the three kingdoms and there are clear enemy nations, the biggest enemy is within the same country.

The surname Taira, and holding real power while disregarding the Emperor... I assume it's based on the Taira clan, but Taira no Kiyomori, the leader of that clan, wasn't this much of a villain. He's so awful that it makes me want to say that. Both his physique and his personality (lol).

It's rare to find a character who makes you feel this much disgust and fear. I think he's very well-crafted, and I just want someone, anyone, to do something about him soon.I just want someone, anyone, to do something about him soon.

Fuji the Third, you poor thing.

Wajima Ouga

I thought, 'She's just a cute-faced, black-hearted woman, right? I won't be fooled!' But she's gentle with no hidden agenda, she gets lost, feels fear, cries easily, and is actually a pretty normal girl, which just made me cry.

Watching the anime for the second time, I just keep thinking How precious! Episode 9: Weeping, I Behead Yayokichi was so sad that I don't really want to watch it many times.

There are others I want to talk about, but it would get too long, so I'll stop here.

I am waiting for the second season with all my might.

I'm really torn between reading the original work first or waiting for the anime. Someone tell me which one is recommended...!

For now, I watched the stage play.

The visuals were exactly like the characters. Above all, the script that condensed the 12 episodes of the anime into a 3-hour stage play, and the actors who could perform those difficult lines without stumbling. It was wonderful.

People who try to move not just with swords and guns, but with words and strategy to change the hearts of others and the shape of the country. I was completely captivated by that intensity and the exchange of dialogue. The way everyone speaks and their vocabulary are also educational.

It was a work that really struck a chord with me. Thanks to the junior who recommended it to me! And now, I've started watching the anime for the third time.

Too emotional...😭