Juuni Kokuki

This is one of the best animes(if not THE best)I have ever experienced! The visuals are astounding. Detail is sharp and beautiful. Realistic, true to life detail and color when appropriate, yet vibrant and fantastic when necessary. Run-down villages look dusty and gritty along with the people who inhabit them. Miraculous landscapes, skyscapes, palaces etc. are lush with color and striking in design. The story is very deep, and this may turn off some people. The political and social structure of the society of the Twelve Kingdoms is covered in minute detail. I personally enjoyed this level of description, but if it becomes too much for you, just sit back and let it wash over you because the series (45 episodes) provides so much to enjoy (there is even one episode that is dedicated solely to the workings of the government and society so people can get up to speed should they get lost in all of it). Character growth, development and resolution is at the heart of this story. Definitely a show for those who enjoy conflict of philosophies and ideologies and politics. No outrageously busty half-naked anime chicks here. No wildly unbelievable Dragon Ball Z-type fighting. No too ambiguous Serial Experiments Lain-style plot lines with questionable endings. You will get female characters who are strong and seem like(get this)real people!! You will get mostly realistic combat sequences with a touch of the fantastic from time to time. You will get plot lines that actually go somewhere that will make you angry, sad, happy and even feel vindicated at times. Music should not be ignored either. At moments it is hypnotically beautiful. Music is used subtly and the best way to enjoy it is to pick up the soundtrack CDs. Music is airy and dreamlike using mostly strings and wind instruments. It fits the series perfectly, fantasy music with a slight Eastern edge to it. This anime should be a lot more popular than it is. If you see the DVDs, pick them up now!!

What particular qualities make a human being worthy of power? What particular qualities make a human being worthy of life? Can a person who is morally righteous and good be at the same time incompetent in leadership?

One of the many strengths of Juuni Kokki is how it spends much of its time answering these questions. Throughout the show, these questions are not only addressed, but are tackled with exuberance. The end result is a philosophical commentary that is unexpectedly perceptive and interesting in its analysis.

Another major point in Juuni Kokki's favor lies in its absolutely fantastic character development. At the beginning of the show, Youko (no, not "Yoko" like many people here are spelling it) is almost irritatingly pathetic. Self-centered and vulnerable, one has trouble finding any redeeming characteristics whatsoever. Gradually, however, this changes completely. By the end of the show, Youko has transformed into a wonderful human being, a person qualified to rule an entire country. Other characters, as well, undergo a similar metamorphosis. Though initially selfish, unworthy and detestable, all of them are eventually tempered into superior beings. Seeing these characters find their courage, wisdom and morality in the face of overwhelming adversity is one of the most rewarding processes that I have ever experienced.

Finally, there is a lot to be said about Juuni Kokki's overarching storyline. Though the plot initially appears to be very similar to Inu Yasha or Fushigi Yuugi, it soon changes into something completely different from either of the other two. The plot then grows and grows in complexity and depth, and ultimately achieves truly epic proportions. Not since Crest of the Stars have I seen a narrative so satisfyingly intricate and intelligent.

Though admittedly not as good as its story and characters, Juuni Kokki's animation and sound are nonetheless quite commendable. The animation hosts a very nice and fluid feel, resembling the animation styles of Record of Lodoss War and 3x3 Eyes. The character designs are all definitely above average; I especially liked Youko's design change early on in the series. In terms of music, the traditional arrangement of violins and wind pipes really works well with the overall mood of the show.

In fact, the only perceivable weakness of the anime lies in the fact that it will be a very, very long time before the U.S can see the entirety of the show. Production has ceased at episode 45, and doesn't look like it will continue for some time. However, this is less of a fault then one would think. Episode 39 is a very nice place to stop; nearly all of the plot lines are resolved at that point.

Still, whether you decide to watch Juuni Kokki now or later, make SURE that you eventually see it. With its practically unsurpassed storyline and characters, Juuni Kokki stands as one of my favorite animes of all time.

Not having the eloquence of some of the previous posters here I'll just say that this anime series is an absolute pleasure to watch.

I don't mind a bit of excitement as long as it enhances a story eg Vampire Hunter D Two is a top action anime with a nice touch of gore (grin). But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the quieter things in anime as well.

The animation in 12 Kingdoms may be a bit simple in parts where a large number of people/creatures are involved or in cityscapes which tend to be somewhat empty looking but that is easily forgiven with the overall quality of the story. In addition when there are only a limited amount of characters present the drawing is quite attractive.

The series has a very strong storyline with excellent moral values and character development. It has been a real wrench to have to end a viewing session on some occasions.

That there is a female heroine in the early stages is also great. My daughter is wrapped in the series and quite miffed to be limited to 2 episodes a day!

I'd easily put this in the top 5 anime I have seen.

Twelve Kingdoms is an anime based on a book by Ono Fuyumi (sometimes transliterated as Ono Huyumi) that is similar to Vision of Escaflowne or Fushigi Yuugi. It tells the story of Yoko Nakajima a red-haired high school student. On the outside Yoko is popular and kind-hearted but on the inside she is full of doubts and can't express her true feelings. Her teacher wonders if she dyes her hair so her parents want her to dye it black so she will fit in. Yoko has frightening dreams of slaying monsters but her mother brushes them off as nothing to worry about. One day a strange man named Keiki comes to class and warns her of approaching danger. Monsters attack and they flee to the roof where sweethearts Yuka and Asano are chatting. Keiki wants Yoko to take up the sword and go with him to his world. She tries to refuse but when she sees her two classmates in mortal danger she accepts if they can be brought to safety too. They take a trip through a dimensional whirpool and arrive in the world of The Twelve Kingdoms.

I've seen the first story arc from episodes 1 to 13 and I understand there should be 39 in the series. The artwork is good and the backgrounds are detailed. I am glad the writer doesn't ignore problems like the language barrier when people go to another world and practical issues like getting food or seeing if strangers can be trusted. I understand Media Blasters has gotten the US rights to the series for 2003 but try to get the Japanese language version if you can. If you like stories about an ordinary person who has to grow up to become a hero you will definitely like it.

After i bought anime series like inuyasha, witch hunter robin and cowboy bebop and watched a few others on TV, by fluke i stumbled upon twelve kingdoms anime series. while cowboy bebop is a classic, twelve kingdoms it is the best anime i have seen so far. i was so sad when 45th episode rolled around. i was so addicted and just wanted more. needles to say i watched for 3 straight days and nights since i just could not stop. could compare to lord of the rings. not sure why marketing people don't advertise this type of quality of anime to a wider audience. it is a gem and i am sure all those hordes of lord of the rings fans would swallow this one as well.