The Twelve Kingdoms

Currently, both fantasy series based on different worlds (Isekai) and live-action adaptations of anime are popular trends in the anime industry. Top Isekai shows like “Mushoku Tensei,” “Overlord,” “Sword Art Online,” “Shangri-La Frontier,” and “That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime” are dominating the Isekai genre. On the other hand, live-action adaptations such as “One Piece” and “Cells At Work” are raking in profits. Interestingly, a series that pioneered the Isekai genre is now planning to receive its own live-action adaptation, marking the collision of these two universes.

In terms of the Isekai genre, one of its initial representations was “Warrior From Another World” by Haruka Takachiho, debuting as a manga back in 1979. Since then, this fantasy genre has been evolving and gaining traction, even branching out in unanticipated directions lately. Although “The Twelve Kingdoms” might not receive as much recognition as other Isekai series, it’s still making a splash with its upcoming live-action stage play. The series first emerged through Kodansha publishing in 1992 and has continued to produce new chapters due to creators Fuyumi Ono and Akihiro Yamada. Similar to many manga, the series was adapted into an anime in the early 2000s and is now available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

The Twelve Kingdoms Goes Live

This year-end, a live-action stage adaptation of “The Twelve Kingdoms” is scheduled to debut in Japan. Due to this timing, fans of Isekai can anticipate a wait of several months before they can witness this fresh interpretation of the series. However, it’s been confirmed that Hikaru Yuzuka will portray the lead character, Yoko, from our world, while Ririka Kato will assume her role prior to venturing into the alternate universe. Additionally, Motohiro Ota and Hikaru Makishima have been cast as Rakushun, and Hirohiko Aiba will play Keiki in the production.

Kazuya Yamada, leading the project, shared his thoughts as he revealed that the production would indeed be a musical adaptation of “Twelve Kingdoms”. He expressed his excitement about this unique concept, adding that fans of the series must surely be eager with anticipation. This original musical is being crafted from the ground up – writing the script, composing music, and more – making it an exciting prospect for audiences to witness on stage. A significant decision in this adaptation is casting two actresses to portray Yoko, a choice that Yamada believes will enhance the overall experience.

The Twelve Kingdoms Explained

As preparations for this project were underway, the creator of “The Twelve Kingdoms,” Fuyumi Ono, also voiced their thoughts about it. They said, “When I learned that ‘The Twelve Kingdoms’ was going to be turned into a stage play, I was taken aback—and even more so when they mentioned a musical! At first, I couldn’t imagine how it would work. But after extensive discussions with the production team, I now feel confident. I have faith in this talented group to breathe life into the story.

When Youko meets a strange individual, they reveal her destiny and whisk her off to another world. This marks the start of Yoko’s dangerous journey through the Kingdom of Kei, filled with espionage, fear, and deceit. The enigmatic realm of The Twelve Kingdoms presents her with one trial after another. Will Yoko accept her fate?

Via Oricon

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2025-02-19 21:10