Is the Kingdom Anime Based on a True Story?

Kingdom is one of those anime that I personally consider criminally underrated. Sure, it has a big fan following, but it needs to be more mainstream.

From extensive fight sequences and cunning politics to thrilling mysteries, Kingdom anime is a full package. Now that its fifth season has started airing as of January 6, 2024, I figured I should update this article.

Kingdom has gotten a little more mainstream recently than a decade ago, probably thanks to the Vinland Saga’s popularity as a historical drama.

The show’s basic premise is that China is divided into different states (seven, to be precise), and there is a constant state of war. 

Amidst all this, two orphans witness a small battle and vow to one day lead armies and fight for glory.

1. Is Kingdom historically accurate?

Historically, Kingdom anime is not completely accurate. It is a fictional adaptation of a true period in China known as the Warring States, which lasted from 475 to 221 BCE. Ying Zheng ended the Warring States era after conquering all states and unifying China.

2. How does Kingdom anime differ from actual Chinese history?

The Kingdom is close to Chinese history, with some creative liberty to make it riveting. Let’s fact-check the setting and characters from the anime to Chinese history.

Setting

In terms of setting, Kingdom nails it as it perfectly weaves in the ambiance of the seven warring states—the heated warfare, the cunning politics, strategic alliances, and the whole nine yards. 

Ei Sei’s goal of uniting China’s role is accurate, as the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, managed to unite the warring states.

The manga (and anime) depicted troop formations, battle tactics, war towers, and other military advancements used during the Coalition War, aligning with history.

Characters 

Kingdom depicts characters such as Ei Sei, Ri Shin, Bi Ki (the Queen), and numerous others who existed during the Warring period.

Ei Sei is portrayed after Qin Shi Huang. In contrast, Ri Shin is portrayed after the army general Li Ji and embodies elements of determination and perseverance that align with the general. 

Interestingly, after the unification of China, the army general Li Ji was rewarded with the land of Long Xi, president of Central Gansu Province. 

Ou Ki, one of the Six Great Generals Qin, is portrayed after the real-life general Wang Jian, he was an astute strategis.

So much so that even in modern Chinese folklore, he is regarded as one of the 4 greatest, along with Bai Qi (Haku Ki), Lian Po (Ren Pa ), and Li Mu (Ri Boku).

3. What creative changes does Kingdom anime make?

The biggest twist and fictitious element is that the Ei Sei and the state of Qin weren’t on the right side of history. 

Ei Sei, or the real Qin Shi Huang, was actually a tyrant, but the manga painted a romanticized picture. 

Qin Shi Huang would suppress and eliminate anyone who would oppose him. He was extremely strict with censorship, going so far as to bury scholars and burning books.

Another striking figure is Ri Boku, one of the Three Great Heavens of Zhao, who never lost a battle in history and was a valiant and righteous fighter, unlike the Qin people.

Ri Hyou or Piao, who was like Ri Shin’s brother whose death sparked a fire in him, is actually fictional. 

Ka Ryo Ten, who will probably be Ri Shin’s wife in the anime, is fictional. Perhaps the mangaka, Yasuhisa Hara, wanted to add a female role for diversity. 

Ri Shin has been portrayed after Li Ji accurately. However, in reality, he wasn’t a well-known or top general of Qin Shi Huang (Ei Sei). In the anime, though, he takes the spotlight as the protagonist. 

Kyou Kai, the strategist of Shin’s unit, was a man and wasn’t a well-known general in history. 

4. Should I Watch or Read the Kingdom Series?

The Kingdom manga series first came out in 2006, and as of January 2024, 70 volumes have been published. While some prefer the original manga, others feel the show is better.

The TV series follows the manga quite religiously, but some differences exist.

The animation in season 1 of Kingdom was criticized because it lacked the finesse and elegance the manga’s illustrations possessed. 

This problem was solved in season 2, where the animation quality and visual language were much better.

Another difference is that the manga series has nudity and sex scenes. On the other hand, the TV series doesn’t showcase such scenes.

Besides the differences mentioned earlier, there is another significant aspect: the manga focuses slightly more on politics. This serves as a sub-plot, adding more layers to characters, their thoughts, and actions. 

The TV series skipped this part and made the show much crisper. Overall, this didn’t have any significant impact on the narrative.

So, if you’re a purist who likes to consume the original content, you can read the manga series. 

However, the TV series is a better option if you want to listen to background scores, witness action sequences, and enjoy a cinematic experience.

Also, Season 5 has just dropped out, so it would be a good time to start the series from Season 1, or check out this link to refresh your memory.

5. About Kingdom

Kingdom is a Japanese seinen manga series written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara.

The manga provides a fictionalised account of the Warring States period primarily through the experiences of the war orphan Xin and his comrades.

In the story, Xin fights to become the most significant general under the heavens, and in doing so, unifying China for the first time in history.