Kingdom

In a land torn by centuries of war, a resilient orphan named Xin sets his sights on a singular goal: help the young king of Qin conquer the warring states by earning a place as a battlefield general. The story follows his ascent through brutal training, political intrigue, and the brutal realities of ancient warfare, as he learns to read maps of power as well as enemies' moves. Xin aligns with soldiers, sages, and rival ambitions while dreaming of a future where skill and strategy can reshape a nation. With every campaign, the line between friend and foe grows blurry, and the stakes rise with each clash.

First released in 2012, Kingdom is the brainchild of Noboru Takagi and Hara Yasuhisa, adapted from Yasuhisa Hara's manga, with voice work by Masakazu Morita, Jun Fukuyama, and others.

Critics and fans note the show balances large scale battles with political maneuvering, and it centers on leadership, loyalty, and the heavy costs of ambition. The drama unfolds through tense negotiations, strategic gambits, and the evolving bond between Xin and those who guide him.

Over its run the title drew attention for its epic scope and detailed battle sequences, earning a steady following among viewers who enjoy historical fantasy. It helped broaden interest in the Warring States era and in manga to anime adaptations.