Watch Saiunkoku Monogatari

TV-PG
2006
2 Seasons
7.6 (256)

Saiunkoku Monogatari is a Japanese historical fantasy anime series originally aired by NHK between 2006 and 2008. It is a 39-episode series that tells the story of a young girl, Shurei Hong, who dreams of becoming a government official in the imperial court of the fictional country of Saiunkoku. The show features an impressive cast of voice actors, including Matthew Leonhart as Ryuuki Shi, the young emperor of Saiunkoku, Michael Kopsa as Sa Sakujun, the powerful and mysterious advisor to the emperor, and Michael Adamthwaite as Seiran Shi, Shurei's loyal and protective bodyguard.

The show is set in a world inspired by ancient China and features a complex and detailed political system, complete with court intrigue, power struggles, and secret agendas. Shurei is a brave and intelligent young woman who is determined to break the gender barriers that prevent women from holding high office in Saiunkoku. She is offered a rare opportunity when she is appointed as the emperor's tutor. As Shurei begins to work closely with the emperor, she discovers the many challenges he faces in ruling a country that is beset with corruption, poverty, and unrest.

Through her interactions with Ryuuki and other members of the imperial court, Shurei learns the harsh realities of politics and the sacrifices that must be made to bring about change. She also begins to uncover the secrets of her own past and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her father's death. Along the way, Shurei faces many obstacles and enemies, including Sa Sakujun, a charismatic but dangerous figure who threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.

The animation in Saiunkoku Monogatari is stunning, with detailed backgrounds, colorful costumes, and fluidly animated characters. The show's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring orchestral pieces and traditional Japanese music that help to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The voice acting is top-notch, with each actor bringing their character to life with nuance and emotion.

One of the strengths of Saiunkoku Monogatari is its richly developed cast of characters. From the emperor himself to his advisors, courtiers, and bureaucrats, each character is given depth and complexity, with their own motivations, flaws, and backstories. Shurei is a particularly compelling protagonist, a young woman who is determined to make a difference despite the many obstacles in her way. Her relationships with Ryuuki and Seiran are central to the show, and their interactions are filled with humor, tension, and emotional depth.

At its core, Saiunkoku Monogatari is a story about the struggle for power, justice, and equality in a world that is often cruel and unjust. The show tackles complex themes such as corruption, poverty, gender inequality, and the abuse of power, while also exploring the power of friendship, love, and personal sacrifice. Through Shurei's journey, viewers are invited to witness the growth and development of a strong, inspiring female protagonist who refuses to be limited by the confines of her gender or social status.

Overall, Saiunkoku Monogatari is a beautifully crafted anime series that blends historical intrigue, fantasy, and drama into a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. With its striking visuals, top-notch voice acting, and well-developed characters, the show is a true masterpiece of the genre. Whether you are a fan of historical anime, political dramas, or epic fantasy sagas, Saiunkoku Monogatari is sure to delight and inspire.

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Seasons

2 1

39. Season 2, Episode 39

March 8, 2008

Summary is not available.

38. Season 2, Episode 38

March 1, 2008

Summary is not available.

37. The Eyes are the Mirror of the Soul

February 23, 2008

Summary is not available.

36. TBA

February 16, 2008

Summary is not available.

35. Crossing a Dangerous Bridge

February 9, 2008

Summary is not available.

34. Bluer than Indigo

February 2, 2008

Summary is not available.

33. TBA

January 26, 2008

Summary is not available.

32. A Painful Reluctance

January 12, 2008

Summary is not available.

31. One Reaps What One Sows

January 5, 2008

Summary is not available.

30. The Silent Firefly's Body Consumed by Love

December 22, 2007

Summary is not available.

29. Toozakaru hodo omoi ga tsunoru

December 1, 2007

Summary is not available.

28. Peaches And Chestnuts In Three Years, Persimmons In Eight Years

November 24, 2007

Summary is not available.

27. Better To Be The One That Waits Than The One Waited For

November 17, 2007

Summary is not available.

26. Even The Wisest Will Flee When They Are Fools

November 10, 2007

Summary is not available.

25. Even With Trouble, Youth Is Sufficient Enough To Pay

November 3, 2007

Summary is not available.

24. One Good Turn Deserves Another

October 27, 2007

Summary is not available.

23. Misery Loves Company

October 20, 2007

Summary is not available.

22. An Insect In A Lion's Body

October 13, 2007

ShÅ«rei and company learn that Banri was tricked by two men into doing the paintings, while Shin Suou reveals his amazing insight on how his father is part of the painting forgeries but is not involved in the money counterfeiting. But before they can do anything, someone else had sent soldiers from the Imperial Palace arrest Shin Suou and his father on counterfeiting and forgery charges, which carries the death penalty. ShÅ«rei goes through the official procedures and with some "persuasion" from Seiran, convinces Shin Suou to help lower the penalty on his father. ShÅ«rei meets with RyÅ«ki and watches the first Sakura blossoms from the tree, with ShÅ«rei venting her anger on "RyÅ«ki" for the suspension.

21. A Frog's Child Is A Frog

October 6, 2007

As they continue searching for forgeries, ShÅ«rei and company discover that prices for everyday household prices are slowly rising and ask for the help of Sai Rin. Shin Suou is baffled why ShÅ«rei tries so hard even though she is suspended, while Karin comes back to the Kogaro and recognizes the painting KochÅ has put up for display. Karin goes to the place on where the painting is situated from and is found by RyÅ«ki and company. ShÅ«rei and Company arrived minutes later and discover that the place is Shin Suou's home. Shin Suou leads them to a locked building, then opens the door to reveal Banri, Karin's son, painting the forgeries.

20. All Is Lost That Is Given To A Fool

September 29, 2007

Karin, the name of KochÅ's guest, finds ShÅ«rei to be quite cute, then leaves when she sees the painting. ShÅ«rei and company find out that the paintings are fake and find counterfeit coins while still in the Kogaro and dashes off to find out who did it with the help of Shin Suou, one of the guys who proposed to her and is also an official. ShÅ«rei and company find a lot of forgeries in the shops around town, while Seiran notices that someone is following them.

19. Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

September 22, 2007

Seiran delivers a message to RyÅ«ki from ShÅ«rei, stating that their next meeting would be when the Sakura Bloom. RyÅ«ki offers YÅ«shun Tei the position of Prime Minister, but YÅ«shun only accepts if the Emperor accepts the ten conditions he has set. Two men try to propose to ShÅ«rei while on the way to the Kogaro to meet KochÅ about a painting, and is greeted warmly by KochÅ's guest.

18. A Long Way After Dark

September 15, 2007

Past events are shown: The journey to KÅringun, the operation on the sick villagers, successful entry to the hideout of the Jasenkyo and the capture of its members, and Eigetsu coming back from the dead. RyÅ«ki wonders whether his decision to have ShÅ«rei unemployed would cause her to slap him.

17. Up And Down Seven Times

August 4, 2007

ShÅ«rei and company throw a feast to celebrate the revival of the cities in KÅrin, when they are visited by Governor Kei the next day, Governor Kei handing the gift entrusted to him by RyÅ«ki to ShÅ«rei. As ShÅ«rei and Seiran depart for Kiyou, they are sent off by all the people in KÅrin. After arriving home, they witness the first buds from the Sakura tree they got from RyÅ«ki, with Spring now approaching.

16. Light Before The Wind

July 28, 2007

As KÅrin falls ill from the shock, she is brought to Sekiei village to recover, while YÅgetsu is visited by the spirit of Kashin, and is requested a favor from Dr. YÅ, who is one of the Eight Sages in disguise. As dawn breaks, KÅrin is visited by none other than Eigetsu, who tells her Yougetsu has once again given him life, enough to die of old age. Meanwhile, officials at the Imperial Palace are outraged that the outbreak has been resolved, and try to prevent the credit from falling to ShÅ«rei. RyÅ«ki is forced to demote Eigetsu, and ShÅ«rei is suspended to Joukan, or a rank in name only. As Sekiei village begins reviving, ShÅ«rei and company receives a letter from the Palace, informing them of their demotion.

15. A Short Amount Of Time

July 21, 2007

As ShÅ«rei and Ensei place the fake DÅshu and his men under arrest, he tries to buy time to make ShÅ«rei step on the trap, but is surprised when he discovers that all the villagers are gone, and his men are replaced with men from the Sashu army, with Serian leading them. As ShÅ«rei takes a step forward towards Senya, activating the trap, and is set immobile. But before the trap fully activates she is rescued by RiÅ, who tells fake DÅshu who is actually a boy called Ren that he was betrayed by his own people and doesn't have a body to go back to. It seems like Ren is actually RiÅ's relative. Eigetsu asks KÅrin and RyÅ«ren to bring him near Kashin's body, before collapsing and to be replaced by YÅgetsu.

14. Enter The Lion's Den

July 14, 2007

While KÅrin starts the rescue operation, RyÅ«ren tells a sleeping ShÅ«rei that he'll go ahead to meet Eigetsu. After a touching reunion(and a long one at that), Eigetsu urges KÅrin to save the villagers rather than him. Seiran and RyÅ«ren infiltrate the JasenkyÅ hideout in different ways, with Seiran rescuing the villagers and RyÅ«ren helping an unconscious Eigetsu back up. Meanwhile, ShÅ«rei and Ensei walks inside the hideout and meets with the fake DÅshu whose body possessed by a boy, oblivious to the trap set before them.

13. Hurrying Leads To Mistakes

July 7, 2007

While RyÅ«ki unsuccessfully tries to invite the head of the HyÅ Clan to some tea, the fake DÅshu waits for Eigetsu to die or YÅgetsu to appear. Ensei heads to Sekiei Village ahead of ShÅ«rei and meets up with Seiran in the village. Seiran refuses to accept the sword Kansho from Ensei, telling him that until everything is over, he is to keep it by his side. While ShÅ«rei and company formulate a plan to infiltrate the JasenkyÅ hideout, a tired and normal clothed RyÅ«ren shows up in their camp. KÅrin gets gets help from ShÅ«ren, enabling her to be reunited with her special person.

12. If Justice Is Not Allowed To Be Seen, There Will Be No Heroism

June 30, 2007

After successfully entering the town, Dr. YÅ and the rest of the doctors prepare and begin treatment on the sick people while ShÅ«rei and Ensei make sure to prepare everything that is needed or lacking. As more patients enter the town, the doctors continue to operate nonstop, saving most of them. As ShÅ«rei and Dr. YÅ prepare to leave for Sekiei Village, ShÅ«ran and RiÅ joins the group to guide them, while Seiran finishes preparations to go to Sekiei Village as well. Meanwhile, Eigetsu discovers the intentions of the JasenkyÅ while RyÅ«ki comes face to face with the head of the HyÅ Clan.

11. The Husband Is Always The Last To Know

June 16, 2007

ShÅ«rei arrives with the doctors but becomes faced with much resistance from people of KÅringun who still blames her for the disease. They are thrown in a pinch as these people, headed by Shuon, rebel against Taishuâ€™s orders and is determined to prevent them from entering the town. Will ShÅ«rei and the doctors be able surpass this hurdle to save the people in time?

10. The Awaited Person Finally Arrives

June 9, 2007

The story moves on to explain the meaning behind ShÅ«rei's request to Ensei, and why she's worrying over being blamed for the disease when she's clearly not the one who caused it. Preparations for the treatment are being done by the doctors on the side of ShÅ«rei, while Shuuran leads the people of Sekie village to KÅringun to speed up the treatment process. ShÅ«rei and her company however receives some harsh welcome as they enter KÅringun, with people still believing the rumors spread by the JasenkyÅ.

9. Meeting The Buddha In Hell

June 2, 2007

Eigetsu is helping the ill villagers, but is lured away by a cloaked man who looks identical to the deceased DÅshu. Flashbacks to Eigetsuâ€™s past are shown. In the present, Eigetsu awakens tied up inside of a cave after being beaten. After seeing the man again, Eigetsu immediately realizes that he is not DÅshu. KÅrin runs away determined to find Eigetsu. ShÅ«reiâ€™s group with ShÅ«ei as her escort arrives in Korin but are denied entry. Luckily, Ensei and ShÅ Sai force the gate open and the group makes camp inside. ShÅ«ei gives Ensei Seiranâ€™s Kansho before departing. ShÅ«rei asks Ensei that if the time comes to perform an extraordinary act.

8. Exhausting Human Abilities, One Waits for Heaven's Will

May 26, 2007

ShÅ«reiâ€™s drastic actions causes her to be summoned by the Imperial Court to justify them. RyÅ«ki orders that the Imperial Army deal with the mountain cult, but ShÅ«rei openly refuses. Realizing how in the process a great deal of lives could be lost, ShÅ«rei convinces him to allow her to deal with the cult on her own despite the risk to her own life. After everything was settled, ShÅ«rei breaks down under all the stress, but she recovers in time to bid farewell to RyÅ«ki and promise him that she will return safely.

7. Wholeheartedness Penetrates Stones

May 19, 2007

As the doctors go over DÅshuâ€™s texts, they stumble upon the cause and treatment for the illness. The only way to cure it is for the patient to undergo surgery. Unfortunately, none of the doctors present knew how to perform it. ShÅ«rei hears of one who can and remembers that he is an old family friend. Dr. YÅ agrees to go to Sa Province and to also train all the doctors along the way. Using DÅshuâ€™s texts as an incentive, ShÅ«rei gets the Merchantâ€™s guild to agree to send aid as well.

6. A Peal of Thunder In A Blue Sky

May 12, 2007

ShÅ«rei meets with Governor Kai, who tells her of Eigetsuâ€™s past. He also gives her some medical texts written by Eigestuâ€™s former caretaker DÅshu, who was the legendary doctor Kashin. During their meeting, ShÅ«rei receives letters from Eigestu and Ensei informing her of all the occurrences in Sa Province. She immediately summons all the doctors to the palace and gives them the texts which held a great deal of information about the current epidemic. ShÅ«rei convinces the head doctor in Kiyo to order as many doctors as possible to KÅringun village. Eigetsu meets with Ambassador Hei and assures him that ShÅ«rei will come with the help that they need.

5. Love Is Not Stingy In Giving

May 5, 2007

Before the man could approach ShÅ«rei, heâ€™s interrupted by ShÅka. It is revealed that the man is RiÅ HyÅ, the head of the HyÅ Clan. RiÅ had taken an interest in ShÅ«rei, who reminds him of his Bara-hime. Seiran gets RyÅ«ki to start an investigation into RiÅ and the HyÅ Clan. ShÅ«rei and KÅyÅ« talk but are interrupted when YÅ«shun arrives with a letter from the Governor of Koku Province. Eigetsu, knowing that his life is coming to an end, decides to leave for KÅringun village and bids farewell to KÅrin.

4. If Winter Comes, Can Spring Be Far Behind?

April 28, 2007

KurÅ comes to the Hong residence to discuss ShÅ«reiâ€™s martial future with ShÅka. Upon hearing that the head of merchantâ€™s guild in Kiyo refused to met with her, ShÅ«rei runs to find YÅ«shun. As she makes her way around the imperial palace, ShÅ«rei is confronted by a mysterious man. Back in Sa Province, Ensei receives another letter saying that a snow fox was discovered near KÅringun village, the site of the strange epidemic which triggers past memories for Eigetsu.

3. Birds of a Feather Flock Together

April 21, 2007

Ensei receives a letter from an old man (from Koringun), informing them of a strange movement of a certain cult, founded by someone that goes by the name â€˜Li Senyaâ€™. As Shuurei goes home, Ryuuren once again does his hideous flute playing, and Kokujun actually thinks itâ€™s beautiful. Reishin discusses Shuurei's marriage opportunities with Shouka.

2. Life Goes On Despite Tears and Laughter

April 14, 2007

Summary is not available.

1. There's no Place Like Home

April 7, 2007

Winter continues from the last season; Shuurei is still in capital city while the New Year celebrations goes on. Kouyuu is informed about Kurou's plan of getting him to marry Shuurei, and becomes awkwardly shy around her. Seiran goes to the demon's party and gets incredibly drunk. Meanwhile, Shuurei needs to tidy up the house when she discovers she is going to have some important guests, but her friends are no help...

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