Kingdom gears up for war: Season 6 of the anime arrives in October

The Highly Anticipated Season 6 of Kingdom Debuts in October

The popular anime series Kingdom, based on the historical manga by Yasuhisa Hara, has announced its sixth season, which is set to premiere on October 4th at 0:10 AM (JST) on NHK General TV. This new installment promises an epic conflict between the states of Qin and Zhao, marking an important milestone in the manga’s narrative. The recently revealed key visual shows Shin, Wang Ben, Meng Tian, and Wang Jian leading a fierce battle for Ye, anticipating the intense confrontations to be seen this new season.

A Long History of Adaptation and Continuity

The Kingdom franchise has had a significant trajectory since its first anime adaptation in 2012. After the first series and a second in 2013, the series experienced a period of pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic after four episodes of the third season (2020). Fortunately, production resumed in April 2021, picking up the narrative from the initial episode. Subsequent seasons continued their development: the fourth season debuted on NHK General in April 2022 and the fifth in early 2024, consolidating the anime’s popularity and fostering a growing fan base.

The Expansive Universe of Kingdom: Manga, Film, and Awards

Beyond the success of its anime adaptation, Kingdom also features four live-action films that have further expanded the story's reach. The franchise has captured the attention of both critics and audiences, receiving the prestigious Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize in its 17th edition and surpassing 110 million copies sold as of December 2024. Recently, Viz Media announced that it will be responsible for the English publication of the manga, which will further increase its global visibility with a launch date planned for November. The series boasts a high-level creative team, including director Kenichi Imaizumi, writer Noboru Takagi, and composers Hiroyuki Sawano and KOHTA YAMAMOTO.

New Characters and Cast Changes: Setting the Stage for War

Season 6 introduces new characters within the Qin army, with actors such as Koji Takeda (Ako), Dai Matsumoto (Mako), Shinnosuke Tachibana (Akakin), Yoshino Nanjo (Kitari), and Masaaki Mizunaka (Katari). However, there are also cast changes: Fujiwara Takahiro has been replaced by Tanzawa Akiyuki as Seki Tsune due to health reasons.

A Look at the History and Future of Kingdom

Kingdom is set in the turbulent Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period of China, where Shin aspires to become the greatest general in the world while narrating the complex journey of King Ei Sei, who eventually became the First Emperor. The story is a blend of historical drama, military strategy, and personal development, attracting readers and viewers alike. With its fifth film in development for summer 2026, the Kingdom franchise proves to be a cultural phenomenon with a promising future and a constantly growing fan base.