The Twelve Kingdoms Forum

When I first started watching Twelve Kingdoms, it had caught my attention with a number of things. The opening theme and murals/tapestry. The detail and moods in the animation, voice acting, and background music. And after the first episode, the detail in the world.

But what really caught my attention at first was the same reason Visions of Escaflowne and Neon Genesis Evangellion caught my attention at first: the Characters. Especially the lead characters. They felt like real, living, breathing, thinking, and emotional people. They weren't badasses with a fatal flaw. They weren't cool and collected. Like it or not, NGE was probably the first anime to start this trend, and I do enjoy this type of thing.

But as we move along, this is where I felt NGE lagged behind the other two. Shinji really doesn't change until very late in the series, and he can get grating. Where as in VoE, the characters do slowly change, often subtly. By the time the first arc finishes in TK (episode 14), it had, to me, equaled VoE in my most favorite anime. I had, so far, like the story better in VoE, but the characters in TK brought it up there.

And to my amazement, I see 31 more episodes to go! So I continue with some giddiness and wonder. And TK delivered. And boy did it. But the first time I watched it, I really couldn't fathom why I loved it.

I mostly figured it out a few months ago, but I was never able to put it into words. I mean, this series does alot of little things right. But that will only make me enjoy it, and many other series do alot of little things (and sometimes more little things) right. But I couldn't explain what it was that made this series so special.

Until a week ago when "slippy" on the animeNFO.com forums typed up the following post:

Yeah, when Rosso mentioned his interest in serious Asian film directors, I started plugging JK to him big-time. Arilou mentioned the lack of sociological detail in anime, I also plugged this show for that too.

There's a slightly patronizing ongoing commentary on Chinese culture/history that Juuni Kokki mantains, throughout the show. I let it go because, well, this is the Japanese view of historical China, and naturally if anime were produce by Chinese directors, you would see an equally biased view. Anyhoo . . . it's actually interesting that this show would be sophisticated enough to have such a view. I can see where the original novels were culturally attacking Japanese xenophobia and the loss of hope during their recession . . . but the way the original author projected everything onto a feudal [China] made me go reflexive a bit.

Part of JK's beauty is, in recognizing the traditional Asian notion of life's transience in our coming-of-age, 12 Kingdoms elevates itself as a post-tragic spin on life. I always felt the most tragic part of Juuni Kokki actually came in the first 1/3 of the show. Even though the female protoganist "wins", the protoganist also loses. What a cost to pay for your coming of age. This is usually where most anime/manga-style fiction would probably end with the coming-of-age of our female protoganist.

But this story goes on. And, by the end, we experience the circle of rise and fall again and again, sort of the evitable repetition of chance, coincidence, and connection that makes our life recognizable and melancholy to us. Which is to say, that Juuni Kokki is less about one girl's growing up phase, but about what it means, really, to live. To know that we live without real endings and beginnings; to let go of self-pity and useless memories and to know the earth from which you came and make your place.

The most courageous thing you can do is to live. And 12 Kingdoms, rather like Zhang Yimou's earlier work, details just how hard that can really be.

Those last two paragraphs nailed it on the head for me. And this is why I loved Twelve Kingdoms.

EDIT: Bolded part of quote that was most relevant.

I really-really-really have no time today for the forum, and i want to post more, but simply can't at the moment, but... i couldn't pass over this topic right now.
I also can't say that i immediatly understood why i loved this anime so much, especially, as i already mentioned, that i'm not anime or fantasy fan.

But this story goes on. And, by the end, we experience the circle of rise and fall again and again, sort of the evitable repetition of chance, coincidence, and connection that makes our life recognizable and melancholy to us. Which is to say, that Juuni Kokki is less about one girl's growing up phase, but about what it means, really, to live. To know that we live without real endings and beginnings; to let go of self-pity and useless memories and to know the earth from which you came and make your place.

The most courageous thing you can do is to live. And 12 Kingdoms, rather like Zhang Yimou's earlier work, details just how hard that can really be.

Wonderful post! Just like you said, it hits the target on the head.
I can't claim myself to be an expert in Chinese or Japanese history or filisophy, never was, so that's kind of statement for this anime to be able to speak to me without any previous knowledge - it speaks universal language.
It's so real and close to reality...The reality of growing up, of living...I'm getting sick just from thinking what Hollywood would make of this story, even ep.13, not to mention other conclusions like ep.39 or 45...
It's so moving and bitter-sweet...There's no triumphant endings in life. Youko's tale is the most prominent example, but there're many others as well. Yes, she ultimately takes the throne in ep.13, but at what cost? This moment, when Yuka goes back to Japan telling Youko that she'll lead a normal life, will marry someone special and will have a lot of kids...And they show you Youko's face full of emotional pane...I was choked with tears (and i forgot when i was moved so much from any adult-oriented movie). She doesn't say a thing, but you're floored with the understanding how much she'd lost, not because she wanted to, but because sometimes in our lives we have to make a choice and to sacrifice the most precious things...Because that's the way life is. And you have to go on and try to live it to the fullest, despite the pain...
OK, i'm starting to loose myself, better stop it right now.
Maybe i should give it some thought and try to explain myself better later.

beranda wrote:I really-really-really have no time today for the forum, and i want to post more, but simply can't at the moment, but... i couldn't pass over this topic right now.

LOL. The power of zitch compels you!

Actually, you don't have to worry about posting immediately, to tell you the truth. I was wondering if I had just killed off all conversation on this entire forum, but it's probably the weekend, and nobody posts here then.

The most courageous thing you can do is to live.

Amazing how powerful words can be. Just thinking about the series then reading the above words can almost bring tears to my eyes. Maybe I'm just a weak man...

it speaks universal language.

It is a melancholy, uplifting, wonderous, and beautiful language, isn't it? This series had gotten me really looking at deeper themes in the stuff I watch, read, and hear these days. Something I really never considered doing before, though I had thought I was doing it. This was a rare phenomenon that *forced* me to look at myself. Very few literature can do this, much less a TV show.

I'm getting sick just from thinking what Hollywood would make of this story, even ep.13, not to mention other conclusions like ep.39 or 45...

I'd rather not think of that... I've pretty much have little hope of Hollywood doing anything approaching this (unless they start hiring certain Asian directors, from what I understand... or pay carefull attention to certain independant filmmakers).

OK, i'm starting to loose myself, better stop it right now.
Maybe i should give it some thought and try to explain myself better later.

Please take your time, but I do think that what you wrote was very clear.

And I do hope that others posts their reasons why they like this series too. Just because this anime was special to me doesn't mean that it will affect someone else the same. But I am curious as to why others like Juuni Kokuki.

It wasn't until after episode five that I really started to get into the series. Regardless, I like JK because it's very well put together; with great music, good and consistent animation for the most part, and very interesting and realistic characters. That's the simple and condensed version for me liking JK

I got into it after the second disk (I guess that would be ep. 5 or 6). It was hard to like at first because Youko kept crying. But I liked the characters of Yuka and Asano, and the mystery of who the little blonde boy was, and where was keiki, and who was that man the little blonde boy was talking to, and why was that blond woman following Youko and where did she get all those critters... Whoa - too many mysteries to quit watching, I had to find out what was going on!

The world seems to be fairly well developed, too. The whole thing seems so mysterious. I hope the author doesn't abandon it and that the books are someday published in English. With the Harry Potter books ending in a couple years, my personal opinion is that the publishers should be looking for alternate fantasy adventure books to publicize and these would definately fit the bill.

After I watched the last episode of the Taiki arc I had to find out what happened next - it was heartbreaking to hear him say he had broken a promise. Even though humans do that all the time, I think we all feel that that is the worst thing you can do to a friend, and we feel more empathy towards him because of it. I searched on the web and found this site, and several websites translating novels, and finally, what happened to Taiki.

I also felt sorry for Shokei - I still don't believe she was fairly treated. It's just shades of Anastasia the tsar's daughter and the russian revolution. Too sad, too unfair. I had to watch and see if she could escape and live her own life - and I was happy she did.

Suzu was just too real to me, I guess. How would an uneducated, sheltered 12 year old girl react to being thrown into an unfamiliar environment. The part where she decides to kill queen Kei and Shouko (did I get the name right? I'm bad at names) seemed to mirror the vigilante's of the 19th century in the old west where the sherriffs were often worse than the criminals.

Well, a long post, but that is why I like the series

At first, I found episodes 1-5 interesting but annoying at the same time. My friend was the one who bought it at a con and when she took it with her back to her house I forgot all about it. The year following just before that years convention I remembered it and asked to borrow the series off of her and we decided to go halfs on the next three or four volumes that had come out by that time. Man that was a good weekend. After watching all of that I was obsessed and waiting for the rest of the volumes was painstakingly horrible.

But I'm derailinng. The point that I was trying to make was that it wasn't until after the first arc and after I re,rewatched the (particularly the first five episodes) that I was able to really appreciate them. Now I think they're one of my favorite batches of episodes.

I too was completely shocked to find out that she was a queen. But looking back on it, it should have been obvious, there were several indicator in the first two episodes. I think it's because the creators of the series were able to simulate what the novelist was able to do, and that is: to enrap us so heavily in the character and their current situation that we think in a similar mindset. Since she could hardly dwell on what Keiki said to her, neither could we...

I only heard of 12k when it was broadcast on my local tv channel. I totally have no idea what it was all about just hearing the title. It reminds me of "Romance of the three kingdoms" (chinese literature) which my dad realli likes o.o

I was very confused when I watched it the first time especially the first 5 episodes but I think its worth watching more to find out. I had to wait for a day/week to catch the next episode which kinda affects me from not paying enough attention to understand it, plus I was having exams during that period. [Its my O levels and I'm watching late night anime D=] But after Rakushun came into the picture.. It starts to get my attention..

Its at episode 7 when Youko got rid of Azura (spelling?)I thought this is it.. this anime is awesome. Youko is awesome. I also got a a real great shock when I found out she was a queen. But the biggest shock I got was when Seishu was run over by the carriage. My tears just burst out.

Watching the anime a 2nd time after I bought it was a different feeling. But I enjoyed it all the same. Its something worth watching over and over again and I find it encouraging when you're feeling down.

Overall, this is like one of the very rare shows/drama/books that I reflect after watching. Just like the quote Zitch posted, that's exactly why I luv 12k. Its a reason/special factor that's so difficult to put down in words especially my English aint very good. -_-||

The characters were very realistic especially Youko whom I can relate best to. It created an impact on me. Whenever I do certain things now, I'm reminded of what the characters did in the anime.

Great posts from everyone!
I just wanted to add that i actually started to watch the series from the middle, so i was immediatly introduced to Youko the queen and i just wondered, how they keep telling me she's some school girl from Japan and she kicks everyone's ass with that sword of hers.
Then i caught the re-run and i couldn't believe my eyes - that this is the same character from the ending. That may explain why i was never bothered by Youko's whininess - i never felt she was whiny from the begining. For some reason i understand very well all of her cryings. Does anyone of you understand what it means to live a peaceful life free of any need and to loose it all in a couple of hours, entering the unknown and dangerous world without the slightest idea what the hell are you doing there? I had the similar experience at the same age, and i had my parents with me - and believe me, it's still was a highly traumatic period. And nobody was even chasing after me.
Actually, i absolutely love the first 5 episodes, which, in my opinion, create the exact amount of explanation to whom Youko was and give us the needed arc of her internal change. Just rewatch the first episode and then go for the 39-th. It's stunning.
Though now i secretly wish i'd started watching the show from the beginning simply to feel this surprise of discovery about Youko's destiny... But, alas, that can't be done.
And i never thought fondly of Yuka or Asano. I know the types very well from the real life - thanks, but no, thanks. Though i'm glad they also undergone the positive changes and ultimately added a lot of meaning to the series.

Now you are all hitting apon another reason this is my most favorite series: How many different layers and themes you can find in this!

TheSmokingMan hit apon how the series comments on gender roles. The anime (and most likely, the books), put forth an interesting proposition: If women didn't have to give birth, how would that affect society? Obviously, now females have more avenues of careers available to them. That's good. A *very* interesting theme, to keep this from being the pariah of feminists stories, is its comment on whether society would be any better because women can hold positions of power? According to this female author, it's a resounding "No!", it won't be any better or any worse than the society we live in on this Earth. We will still have wars. We will still have jealousy. We will have those parts of humanity that cause conflict.

We also have many, many other themes that can be thought about. Change is a big theme. Life is another. The xenophobism of the Japanese culture being reflected in the people of the Twelve Kingdoms. So is the comformism of the Japanese people is commented in Youko's character.

I could go on, but this would be a *very* long list. And much of that list can go though some incredible amount of discussion (And some of it already has been through some incredible amount of discussion).

I think the first time I watched Twelve Kingdoms I cried several times. It deals with so many issues and themes on multiple levels and layers.

The beginning of Youko's story hit very close to home when I watched it. I think people all go through phases of conforming because it is expected, demanded, and also a choice to make life easier. To stand out is to be made a target, yet to be quiet means to be stepped on. I think that was something I really needed and was culturally expressed so perfectly (especially in a later scene showing when Youko wanted to wear pants and her father said no. Her mother just went along and told her to apologized).

The idea that being female very much controls the lives of women (in my opinion) and can be rather oppressive. It is almost an expectation for Asian women to be submissive and remain feminine, yet take the responsibility for anything out of the ordinary. This was expressed so well on so many levels. A little personal information on the extent of this series effected me was how much my experiences mirrored what happened to Youko. I'm going to say this with great confidence that this series came to me at a time when I was trying to hard to find my own voice, going against so much stereotypes, stigma, and just plain social pressure. Cannot say that I'm completely like Sekishi is at the end, but it is so liberating to see that it was not just me being crazy.

The issue with women was a vital point. In many societies, women's roles were dictated because of their reproductive abilities. All we need to look at is American slavery, where women were used as breeding stock in horrendous situations. It also included that tactic of saying women are more emotional because of their "hormones" thus unable to be rational or do all the things men do. At the same time, that men are rational yet are the violent blood thirsty beasts makes no sense either (it contradicts itself). In Juuni Kokki, the fact is as long as there are people, there will be conflicts and problems. Sex and gender, I felt, were used as a form of oppression and reasoning for making people conform to stereotypes. Being male or female are cultural stigmas that can alter and change. The same goes for personalities and personal abilities as in Kantai's "People do change, fortunetly."

Also, the idea of being aware of one's own flaws and problems, facing them, and learning that everyone has a dark side. Juuni Kokki dives so much into the darkness and pain that people try so much to hide or ignore. At the same time, those whom try to pity themselve (oh the last arc with Shoukei and Suzu, I loved it so much as well) into conforming. I think it was in the first Chapter in a preview where it narrates "Is there nothing that matters as long as you survive? Even if you are reduced to a pitiful creature...does it not matter as long as you live?" is so powerful that it knocked the breath out of me and brought tears to my eyes. The answer, no.

Ahh, so much more, but I'm going to stop for now. ^_^ I love Juuni Kokki because it showed me the reason of being (sorta ).

Yes, yes. Ah but there are so many elements that appeal. There have been a number of lines or quotes that, well not so much brought me to tears, but resonated strongly with me.

(I wish I was more coherent at the moment)

Shusei 2 wrote:Yes, yes. Ah but there are so many elements that appeal. There have been a number of lines or quotes that, well not so much brought me to tears, but resonated strongly with me.

(I wish I was more coherent at the moment)

You sound rather coherent to me. ^__^

I basically have kept most of these quotes with me. Whenever I look at them, they give me a surge of inner strength. Sometimes they make me sad, but while continuing to read, I realize just how powerful and deep Juuni Kokki truly is.

i love it because....i love epis stories...and keiki is very cute!!!

Maybe I'm desentitized.. I didn't cry BUT i definitly felt bad for that kid that got run over. I think the closest I got to tears was seeing it all come together in episode 39.. just imagining how the people must have felt knowing the queen was on their side the whole time and not ignoring the situation. And Youko's courage in that part, I could just feel her courage, being fueled even more by the people behind her as she rode on to the royal army.

I think, very shortly, Juuni Kokki taught me how to live...to live as myself, and to be true to who I am without living only for myself.

The experiences Youko, Shoukei, and Suzu go through, are steps in life that is so painful to live through, but teaches so much. Juuni Kokki made me realize and appreciate the world. Crazy huh.

I am quite surprised. I thought I was the only one who had such thoughts after watching the anime, but boy was I wrong.

I think the anime couldn't have appeared in my life at a better time as during that period I had suffered a cruel blow in life. I was wandling and practically drowning in my own sorrow, looking the most pathetic ever.

Not until I started watching 12 Kingdoms. Especially the Shokei, Yoko and Suzu arc. It simply opened up my eyes and told me straight in the face: HEY! You're not the only one suffering. Everyone does in some point of time. And when you are suffering, stop wallowing in self pity. Because that ain't going to solve anything.

And watching how the three girls grew and developed their characters and morals, it was as if I was growing up and walking out of my self created dark tunnel...to find the light.

I've watched 12 Kingdoms 3 times, some episodes 4. I'm never bored of it. I swear I enjoy every single moment during each replay; simply because I'm not just watching for the story or the character. The anime makes you think about yourself, the troubles you're facing now. What are you gonna do? Run away or face it like man? (I'm female btw lol.) It can easily shake your morales, how you think. And everytime I watch it, I think it's this self renewing process that happens within me which makes 12k such a great show to watch over, over and over again.

Hikoto wrote:I am quite surprised. I thought I was the only one who had such thoughts after watching the anime, but boy was I wrong.

I had such feelings too. Whenever I come across some difficulty and start wallowing in self-pity, I'll remind myself to think of Juuni Kokki. And it helps.

There hasn't been any anime I've watched so far that gave me such strong feelings in relation to life. [Any one came across such animes other than Juuni Kokki?] It's been about 2 years since I watched it for the first time and the story still resonates with me ever so strongly.

I love this series because i can relate to a lot of the characters. they arent perfect people like you see in some heroic anime cartoons. the important things is realizing you mistakes and become a better person.

the action is really cool, plot is awesome and i love the oriental theme and mythical creatures kirins are just the so pretty. they are the coolest after dragons (i kinda hoped there would be dragons when i started watching this since dragons are very important to oriental culture)

and yoko is great - she isnt like most anime girls in miniskirts or fainting all the time waiting for a guy to save her. she kicks ****.

i love all the characters in there and it so hard to pick a favourite. this never happen to me before in other anime.

i do wish there is more sense of humor and romance

Why do I love Juuni Kokki... Very hard to explain. Out of the countless hundreds of anime series that I have seen Juuni Kokki stands out. Not only for the amazing art but the storyline of the series is simply amazing. I love how Yoko can take care of herself, she is not some pitiful person always relying on others. I like how the series doesn't just add random people in to make the plot more complicated and confusing. The most amazing thing I like from the series is Yoko's character transformation. Its not done overnight (like in many series) but built overtime which is amazing. There are many other series that I love however there is only one series that I would literally pay thousands for (and I have) thats Juuni Kokki. Most of you know of my collection of original art drawn by the original creators. For those who don't you can locate my collection here:

http://eop.rubberslug.com/gallery/home.asp