by The upcoming TV anime “Nihon Sankoku” (Three Kingdoms of Japan) is officially set to premiere on April 6, 2026, on TOKYO MX, BS Nippon TV, and other networks. Alongside the broadcast announcement, the production team unveiled a striking main visual, a second trailer featuring the opening theme song, and several new cast members.
The opening theme, “Hidden” (Hikage/Hitane) performed by acclaimed artist Tatsuya Kitani, plays prominently in the new trailer, heightening anticipation for this ambitious sci-fi historical drama.
Global Streaming and Broadcast Schedule
The series will also reach international audiences quickly:
- Prime Video: Worldwide streaming begins April 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM (JST)
- U-NEXT: Available in Japan from April 6, 2026, at 9:00 PM (JST)
- TV Broadcast: April 6, 2026, at midnight (JST) on TOKYO MX and others
Amazon MGM Studios is co-producing the project, signaling strong global distribution plans.
About the Original Manga
“Nihon Sankoku” is based on the manga by Ikka Matsuki, serialized on Shogakukan’s platforms Manga One and Ura Sunday. The series has surpassed 700,000 copies in circulation, gaining attention for its unusual blend of political drama, strategy, and post-apocalyptic worldbuilding.
The story imagines a near-future Japan devastated by nuclear war, natural disasters, and governmental collapse. The nation fractures into three competing powers, echoing the historical Three Kingdoms period of China.
Story Overview — A Battle to Reunify Japan
The narrative follows Misumi Seiki, a modest local civil servant with extraordinary intelligence and rhetorical skill. Rather than brute force, he relies on diplomacy, strategy, and persuasion to climb the political ladder.
His ultimate goal: reunify a divided Japan and restore stability to the nation.
Key plot elements include:
- Rival governments competing for dominance
- Military conflicts and shifting alliances
- Political intrigue and ideological clashes
- Moral dilemmas in rebuilding society
- The struggle between power and peace
Journey to Osaka and Key Characters
In pursuit of reunification, Misumi travels to Osaka, the capital of the Yamato state. There he encounters Asama Yoshitsune, a formidable swordsman who effortlessly defeats attackers and becomes an important ally.
Their partnership combines intellect and combat skill, forming a central dynamic of the story.
Meanwhile, other factions move toward war:
- A new regime rises in the rival state of Seii
- Its leader, Wajima Sakurai, prepares for a decisive national conflict
- Internal struggles for military control erupt within Yamato itself
The intersecting ambitions of these powers create a tense geopolitical drama where every decision could determine the fate of Japan.
Opening Theme by Tatsuya Kitani
The opening song, “Hidden,” is performed by Tatsuya Kitani, known for emotionally intense compositions and anime tie-ins.
In his statement, Kitani described the song as:
A hymn to those who continue moving forward despite resistance, using obstacles as fuel to shape their future.
The music complements the series’ themes of perseverance, conflict, and hope amid chaos.
Main Cast and Newly Announced Voices
Several prominent voice actors have joined the project:
- Kensho Ono — Misumi Seiki
- Jun Fukuyama — Asama Yoshitsune
- Asami Seto — Higashimachi Koki
- Kazuhiro Yamaji — Ryumon Mitsuhide
- Yuichi Nakamura — Kaku Yasuaki
- Taihi Kimura — Fuji III
- Minami Tsuda — Wajima Sakurai
- Megumi Han — Narration
The actors have expressed enthusiasm for the story’s scale, unpredictability, and complex characters.
Production Staff and Studio
The anime is directed by Kazuaki Terasawa and animated by Studio Kafka, known for visually striking productions.
Key Staff
- Director: Kazuaki Terasawa
- Series Composition: Teruko Utsumi
- Character Design: Takahiko Abiru
- Music: Kevin Penkin
- Sound Director: Shoji Hata
- Animation Production: Studio Kafka
- Co-Production: Amazon MGM Studios
The newly released main visual depicts Misumi Seiki standing before a golden map of Japan, symbolizing hope for reunification despite national turmoil.
Why “Nihon Sankoku” Is Generating Buzz
The series stands out for combining multiple genres:
- Post-apocalyptic science fiction
- Political thriller
- Military drama
- Historical inspiration
- Character-driven storytelling
Rather than focusing solely on action, it emphasizes strategy, ideology, and the human cost of rebuilding civilization.
Release Summary
Title: Nihon Sankoku (Three Kingdoms of Japan)
TV Premiere: April 6, 2026
Global Streaming: Prime Video (April 5, 2026)
Studio: Studio Kafka
Opening Theme: “Hidden” — Tatsuya Kitani
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