the forgotten isekai of the 00s

[@cbw900]

The Twelve Kingdoms is SO. GOOD. There are so many layers of themes. I really enjoyed how it interrogates the whole "Mandate of Heaven" concept, the examination of how even characters with power are trapped within the system, themes of gender, race, and xenophobia, etc. For my part, I really enjoyed how long it takes to actually get to the power fantasy - and then that the power fantasy is about *having the power to change society*. But nothing is easy with pat, cliche answers, and Yoko will have to continue to struggle and strive basically indefinitely. It's like the opposite of annoying shallow wish-fulfillment fantasy entertainment. It's so rich and rewarding to sink your teeth into. Gosh I miss old shoujo isekai soooo bad.

[@pusheenqueen519]

There's so many amazing isekai series but I feel like the genre today is getting flooded with "average boring harem protagonist but in fantasy setting now" so people just assume the whole genre is that.

[@kekbin1697]

Because that how webnovel/ln works right now. Its either what most trending/viewed ln got adapted instead of slow character building drama with great emphasis on world building

[@weebcrit]

TWELVE KINGDOMS IS GOAT TIER FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN ANIME

[@tp6945]

super gals fan looking at this like 👁👄👁

[@the007bond2]

claymore*

[@maryp1300]

Fuyumi Ono was so ahead of a time. She was picking apart isekai tropes even before it became a trope. She deconstructed the genre and rebuilt it again in an awesome and epic world building tale that blended many themes of destiny, caste, descrimination, racism, and more. I wish Twelve Kingdoms would get a reboot so that the animation could get a little upgrade, and a new audience can discover it.

[@ladyjoy7578]

The Twelve Kingdoms is so nostalgic, the story and soundtrack are amazing. It was one of the first anime i ever watched such a gem.

[@solarmoth4628]

Isekai can be so interesting to explore. A lot of new additions rely on tropes without expanding the characters and world more. I’ve noticed that people now see a character reacting appropriately with fear or what’s perceived as weakness with negativity. The character isn’t allowed to need growth and if they do need growth it must happen quickly, it can’t be slow. especially when they’re female and especially if the genre is isekai. Going into the comment section of a comic with a struggling mc and it’s filled with admonishment for the character for the crime of not being OP.

[@CrimsonMey]

I think it's because more people are now aware of and enjoy the fantasy genre. If someone becomes a 10th walker in LoTR, no one's gonna whine about what the heck are hobbits. Or why are there elves. People consume isekai now *because* they want to go to another world and feel as if they themselves are going to be OP if they do get transported. Seeing someone not understanding and actively rejecting the new world is anathema. Everyone is Yuka now

[@kira1898]

The twelve Kingdom is super underrated! I am glad to see someone give it the spotlight it deserved.

[@zuzucha5881]

The twelve kingdoms is such a gem. Its deeply developed characters and Yoko's character growth are top notch. I've heard the books are amazing as well. They are on my to read list.

[@libbygal14]

Fuyumi Ono is my all-time favorite mangaka. I feel like everything she writes is gold. This series is so good! I wanna see more of her work today in an anime. I remember when the Shiki anime came out. It was one of the few anime series, where I not only read but reread the manga because it was so good!

[@russberrypi5726]

This is one of the best. Very underrated, this shows realistically how the chosen one mentality could affect you, i love how good the character development in this story. Writing this and listening to the dumb comments about the character Yoko infuriates me. She is someone who hasnt figured out who she is, she is young, sheltered, and is flawed.

[@maclovesmanga]

Your videos will always be some of my favorite on this entire platform and a constant source of inspiration for myself and many others as well. Glad to see Twelve Kingdoms get its due, and I’m incredibly happy and grateful you asked me to be a part of this. Fantastic video as always.

[@itsbasicboi]

Thank you soo much for joining me Mac and for your support 🥹🥹🥹

[@krisl6537]

I actually used to binge twelve kingdoms and blood + every day after school. They were both on back to back for two hours before Beast, FMA and, HxH. It was the first time I stopped caring about if a female led anime included an actual love interest. Not gonna lie I started watching it and was confused as hell, but the more I watched, the more I understood how awesome the storytelling was!

[@siriusblack06]

Twelve Kingdom is one of those underrated animes that is stuck in me. I watched it several times already. I understand to some that this show is full of her self-doubt(which is annoying also given it runs on several EPs) but that is part of her character development.

[@mushroomlena]

The Twelves Kingdoms is one of my absolute favorites and it made me a better person as we watched the characters learn some hard lessons. The characters start off unlikeable and completely ignorant of the world they get thrown into. But their journeys challenge them and it’s a heartbreaking story. Yoko really goes from someone made so small by her family to a strong warrior queen. I’ll forever be sad they never continued Taiki’s story in the anime. It’s one of those I could only hope and dream of getting a reboot. And god is the soundtrack so, so incredible. Also holy shit the world building is so unique and fleshed out. I couldn’t get enough of it. From kirins to how their children are born, the author really thought it out and the messages they wanted to convey about trauma, power, and leading nations.

[@yustesu]

This is still my favorite anime, also my favorite novel, I am so happy you talked about it! Your video was so amazing and so thorough! I also studied Chinese and Japanese history and myth in university because of it (which made me appreciate the work of this series even more). The people who didn't know how to appreciate it are most definitely not mature and patient.

[@HiAndHello-w9l]

Ah, my favourite classic… but honestly early shoujo isekai was a mood (but like seriously 12 kingdoms was the first anime that made me track down the translated novel.. actually it might be the only one, btw it’s good)

[@LadyIneia]

Amazing vid--such an interesting deep dive on this series!!! I really loved hearing about Ono's literary background and her reflections on what she wanted to explore... you do such a great job providing context for your analysis. I am definitely going to watch this at some point! And thanks so much for letting me cameo

[@Seamarmot]

I absolutely love the novels. I have been reading them all once a year for the past fifteen years or so just because they're so good. I love the evolution of the characters, but also the wisdom that is in the story.

[@jcrosato]

I'm trying to figure out what I should order online for the best english set? I see there's a Tokyopop 4 book set, but there is also supposedly a 7 book series? And the full Japanese set is 11 books? So either way it's not fully complete in english?

[@Seamarmot]

@@jcrosato I own all of them translated in French! I usually prefer English translations, but when I bought the first few books of the series there was still no talks of an English translation. And then when they released the first book in English, I had already most of the series in French so it was too late to switch over. And then English just dropped the series when I already had the complete series in French. I was just really lucky to be bilingual for English and French. I remember way back when there were some fan translations online. I wouldn't usually recommend it, but it's not like there are other official options available. I think it would be worth looking into it if I were you.

[@evangedeon2194]

Every several months I pop a search in KZbin for a Twelve Kingdoms review. But you, my friend, went and DID it! Above and beyond satisfactory. Now I gotta go watch those other Fuyumi Ono anime, and also share this video freaking everywhere.

[@sentimentalcircuscurator]

I even liked the ending with that story of the selfobsessed noble/king-wannabe and "the actual ruler". Takes keeping up appearances to another level. And I wish the show was EVEN LONGER than it actually was! Love that you made this vid!👍👍👍

[@estheromoyele3321]

was NOT expecting the Ella pastoral voice over ❤ love a crossover from two icons x 🫶

[@grymmdoll]

Twelve Kingdoms is so absolutely phenomenal and I'm hoping your video goes super viral so everyone will love it and we'll finally get some merch 😅

[@SerifSansSerif]

Ahhhh 12 kingdoms. I caught it on dvd when it came out on dvd. The reason this wasn't popular in the us was because of timing. The early 00's were a dark time for anime in the US where the big names were folding and going under, and the bigger names like ADV and Funimation charging as much as $30 for 2 episodes lime with Gantz. 12 kingdoms was released by i think animeworks, and it's 5 eps per disc, but it's a less well known company. Anime itself was also at in between place where it was having it's height of popularity for cowboy bebop and the toonami craze, and most people where following things like witch hunter robin, the one about wolves, etc. Most anime fans were coming in at that time. If it wasn't on toonami, it was likely missed. Especially a second tier company. Older fans from the 90's might have caught it, like myself, but still .. There's a LOT of great titles that were missed. Check out Scrapped Princess. I have a feeling you'll love it as well

[@TAHOEkaleidonaut]

^Echoing ALL OF THIS. There was one noticeable downfall in the early 2000’s, though I’d put the big American Anime localization industry collapse closer to mid 2000s, about 2006-2007 as that’s about when the Great Recession hit niches & anyone below “middle class” internationally & in the States. Good grief. I’m old enough that I’m starting to lose count of all these flippin recessions, AND know it’s better to laugh to not cry - hopefully without feeling dead inside… as Capitalism intends.😅

[@Persephone01]

Scrapped Princess! Oh my gosh, I used to read the actual books (not the manga) and still have my copy somewhere here today. One of my top tens! 😊 Im going to see if there was manga for it.

[@second_second_]

witch hunter robin. how nostalgic. i like that one too, but it has slower buildup than 12 Kingdoms. The first 10 episodes of witch hunter robin was a slow buildup and the real story starts after that. i still enjoyed it. can't really remember what it was about. But I love Twelve Kingdoms more.

[@chrismes8870]

Thank you very much for talking about the twelve kingdoms and the author, I only saw the anime of the 2000s I still remember that the universe and the development of characters in the story was incredible 🙌

[@second_second_]

I looove Twelve Kingdoms. Thank you so much for giving the credits it deserves

[@marywallace3620]

I never forgot 12 Kingdoms, it was one of my first introductions to isekai anime after watching Fushigi Yuugi.

[@killjoy8372]

Omg someone acknowledging the twelve kingdoms exists 😭 Edit: Wait holy shit you acknowledged from far away too!!! Youre my new favorite youtuber!!!!!!

[@elafila6883]

just watched it in two days because of your video this is some of the most solid writing i've seen in an anime in a loooong time and it's so good it's a crime to even call it a pioneer for today's isekai because of how mediocre the writing is today

[@humuhummus4946]

For a while there i thought I hallucinated this series because nobody ever talked about it.

[@3liaNav]

Hi! Thank you so much for this video, The Twelve Kingdoms is one of my favorites animes and it needs more recognition.

[@cacaculo-fp2ko]

33:00 NOOOOO THE FIRE ALARM

[@natyfop]

I loooooved this anime when I was a teen! It was probably my first shoujo that wasn't about romance. I really liked the lore and the political struggles of that world. It was so sad to find out that the anime would stay unfinished! Then, a couple years back, I started reading that translation for the novels, only to find out it also wasn't complete yet lol I have to track down the complete novel one of these days, so I can finally finish the story! Great video as always!

[@olympiahorton2999]

Welcome back 🩷🩷

[@ategevuma7218]

I’ve been watching anime since the 80s and this has remained my favorite anime of all time to this day. Thank you for covering this! My follow up favs are Escaflowne, Saiunkoku Monogatari, and Sailor Moon.

[@lme4339]

I loved twelve kingdoms so much. I loved EVERYTHING about it.

[@ellapastoral]

Per usual your videos are always so informative and great.

[@Panda77dumdumduummmm]

Bravo! That was a magnificent essay. And Yessss! Thank you for doing this!

[@bleh7489]

i looooove twelve kingdoms and love that you're talking about it! i used to watch it when i was little and rediscovered it during the pandemic, and to my surprise it holds up! the animation is... not the best; but the plot and character development carried it for me

[@lugonzalez9929]

Thank you for doing this. Im from Argentina and this anime was transmited by Animax . I loved the themes, characters desing, music. It remind me somewhat of Wolf s rain. I loved this series so mucho, never finding any other piece of content from it sadden me. Thanks again, you made my day.

[@julijakeit]

I like your calm voice, in-depth research and delivery, thank you, sir! Binge watching other videos too.

[@meowy2k]

i remember watching this years ago, the story was pretty good and i loved seeing a main female character with darker skin!

[@shoujoboi1695]

Yay a new video! Ur content is so different and refreshing 🤍

[@Stormseer88]

This was a very good video. Very well researched. I started watching it because I wanted to hear your opinion on the Twelve Kingdoms anime and novels. I finished watching the anime not to many months ago and was curious what others thought of it. Also got the books. Halfway through the first one now and I have to say I´m impressed by the worldbuilding.

[@楊詩驊-q1j]

Hope more and more discussions can bring us a new production in the near future

[@stephanieok5365]

I wonder if this became a hidden gem over time because neither the anime or manga concluded? The lack of closure may be why it hasn't picked up despite being on so many top 10 lists in the early 00s.

[@conniethesconnie]

After watching can think of some reasons why it didn't catch on in the West. The story, the lore and the characters can be difficult to keep straight. Much of the world building is done through lengthy expedition dumps. Cultural references can go over our heads. I would disagree with the idea that it moved too slow. Often I would have liked some extra scenes to better show the various kingdoms, develop characters and allow better explanation of plot points. It is disappointing as you get into season 2 and characters selected to be leaders don't lead and those who are supposed to be their main advisors don't give advise. The show has exceptional illustration and sound. The biggest problem is the wasted potential of how much better this could have been with stronger writing and a better vision of how to adapt the source material,

[@Digisoulwings]

I love you for doing this, I've wanted to make a video myself on Junni Kokki after being a huge fan of it as a teen, and still want to cosplay from it so badly. I can't get into Fushigi Yuugi, but eat up Junni Kokki so much. And I'm not a big fan of other isekai (like SAO, Re:Zero etc) and really want to read the light novels and have some of them on my kindle from Eugene!! I even loved it so much when I was younger, I tried to write a fan fic on Kaname/Taiki's journey after the anime since his story was never finished in the anime ;;n;;

[@Cougard3256]

Too bad it's never been finished. It's has the best character developments, great complex world, and realistic, not overpowered.

[@mojiolotu]

I loved Twelve Kingdoms! I remember watching this twice with my brother. Would have never thought it was written by the same author as Shiki.

[@jmdtaelon]

Great video, I remember when I saw the anime long ago wondering why this amazing story had so little recognition, just the deepness of the worldbuilding can put in shame any of the modern isekais... maybe is the art style? A more shojo style kind of looks that pushed away the big audience, or the theme itself of oriental mythology in a market mostly expecting western style kind of fantasy after the Lodoss series. I was kind of shocked not having a conclusion to the story and it gave me a bittersweet flavor of knowing I saw something very good that so many missed but unable to have a personal closure to it. It happen several times in that era of anime, for example Banner of the Stars, Karekano, Nana, Spice and Wolf and many many other jewels.

[@marianabahamonde1994]

I loved the anime so much! So much that I even read the novels, they were amazing!

[@ohlove0]

Thank you for the video ❤ I remember when it aired in Latin America, I rewatched too many times it was soo good

[@mhawang8204]

Thank you for covering this epic anime! I'm not surprised this series didn't get much buzz in the west. Its worldbuilding and lore is more dense than your usual isekai light novels, based on ancient Chinese mythology and political system. It has a higher bar of entry for an audience who have never been exposed to this cultural context. If people are patient enough to dig into it, Twelve Kingdoms is a timeless classic.

[@Gw3ndolynB]

Isekai’s we’re at their best in the 90s early 00s, I think after the international success of sword art online it started becoming redundant and went downhill with only a few standouts

[@princessjello]

I loved this show! Edit: she made ghost hunt?? The only horror anime i like?!

[@vazak11]

So cool, thanks for sharing!

[@vickyandrewss]

I love these! Its been a while since your last video I clicked so fast!

[@catherinedyaunka2640]

I have seen this anime and if you need help, I'm here. I loved it and was devastated to hear there isn't anymore hope for it's revival. 😢

[@7XSubaru]

Oh no, it's really not fair that Twelve Kingdoms got such bad reviews. The anime made a lot of impression on me, also because it has a lot of depth, but I also like the depictions of characters and landscape. The other day I found out that Aosaru is based on a mythical demonic monkey that speaks the most secret thoughts of others out loud and is therefore feared. Thank you for introducing the anime to others.

[@colinswinbourn117]

I am planning on watching the show now, I’ve had the dvds for years but never made time to watch it

[@letusplay2296]

The anime was goated and made me want to read the novels and MY GOD, the novels are even better

[@Persephone01]

It definately sounds like my kind of anime and will give it a watch! I love Fushigi Yugi and this seems pretty close and also made by Pierrot. Thank you for this video.

[@ynat2198]

Male isekai protag: so bRaVe they get thrown in to the new world and aren't scared they just chase after any woman (in some cases little girls 🤮) they can wow Young woman protag who has been through traumatic experiences and has actual backstory: she's so EMOtioNal why she cry so much can't stand her wah wah 😒

[@nelsama0881]

'Twelfe Kingdoms Hate in a nutshell'

[@TAHOEkaleidonaut]

@@nelsama0881OhMyGodzilla, yes. A common beef against Shojo & Josei protagonists in general.… Like people, please… Everyone is allowed to be human, everyone - Shonen & Seinen protagonists included. In fact - the test of any story (no matter the media) is the Creator/Author/Mangaka’s execution of the protagonist’s arc, & even more so on how they overcome their “rock bottom.”😒 Like, even if it isn’t healthy, it can still be done well! Ex: the Brothel near the start of 12 Kingdoms, the bad455ery that got Yoko out of it set her up for her next (more internal) conflict! ✨💖✨

[@zainmudassir2964]

Good vid again basic boi

[@DeadFanbases]

All 24 of us fans of Twelve Kingdoms eating good 🎉🎉🎉 Did you know that in Animax (a tv channel ) in Latin America it was dubbed but was *so good* to this day I remember each characters voice

[@alexziagemz]

I appreciate your channel & content🩵

[@danicepabillon3865]

This will always be my favorite anime. First watched this as a 10 yr old wayback 2005. Very good anime.

[@Lucidly222]

I’m three episodes away from the last episode! Truly my favorite anime by far.

[@mmmissy9725]

This is my favorite isekai forcing me to find the novels in english in the deep web and making me fall in love with all the books!

[@flareongirl3606]

Now this is interesting!

[@xMAD_SCIENTISTx]

This anime with the anime Now and Then, Here, and there & Inuyasha are the three OG Isekais

[@indubitablysoyall]

I've been interested on twelve kingdoms but I always thought that eventually one of the male characters becomes the focus over the lead girl

[@louradean9293]

I highly recommend kemono no souja erin for anyone who has finished 12 kingdoms and looking a series with a similar feel.

[@second_second_]

There's a saying, "Only jewellers can recognize a true gem". Twelve Kingdoms can be considered as a masterpiece or pioneer for otome isekai.

[@Cougard3256]

It is a complete isekai, with great background, very detailed. A kind of LOTR of isekai anime. At first it's boring, but as the story goes on, it is actually wrapped beautifully. Hopefuly gonna be more sequel of this anime.

[@comicallylargespoon269]

you need a panel at anime expo PLEASE

[@second_second_]

At those times, it was normal for anime has longer episodes, 50, 80, or more. The first 10 episodes of many anime of that time was dedicated to slow buildup (not for this anime precisely, but many other anime at that time). Only after many years later, anime changed format to a 12-episode, 13-episode or 24-episode series. Thus, many anime fans nowadays maybe couldn't stand the slow buildup in older animes.

[@crosana01]

Twelve Kingdoms is one of my all time favorites and it's such a shame that it never received the fanfare it deserved. Tokyopop started translating the novels that the series was based on but, incredibly frustratingly, stopped before all of them had been released. 😓 I also wanted to say that looking at your AniList I noticed that the series Haibane Renmei wasn't on it and if you think you might enjoy a very somber and deep short series I highly recommend it! It's another one of those anime that never received the notice it deserved despite having a really deep and meaningful story and characters.

[@opfax163]

if you liked twelve kingdom you should like kemono no souja

[@Urushi12kitty]

oh i read the novel of Twelve Kingdoms but i didnt realize it had an anime! I should watch this

[@camcam794]

Watched this recently, and I loved it! I beg everyone to give it a chance

[@marig9236]

I loved both the books and the anime. It is better than people cared for it to be.

[@frutiofam]

What happened with Taika at the end? and how did he finished in Japan after choosing the king for Tai?

[@letsbedragonflies]

Wow, this was nostalgic! I watched this anime maybe 10 years ago and I loved it so much that I read the available books! So sad that the entire series wasn't translated st the time. It's such an underrated gem! I have a friend who will watch even the trashiest ISEKAI so I asked if he's seen Twelve Kingdoms. Nope! semi-forced him to add it to hus watch list lol. Rakushun is best boy!

[@Coffee_Daemon]

my litmus test for taking an anime reviewer seriously is wether they mention 12 kingdoms or Revolutionary Girl Utena in their videos. Mainly 12 kingdoms, as a personal preference, it shows a deeper understanding than this season's anime + bleach, one trash, and beserk.

[@IndianaRoy]

Yup, the twelve kingdoms. Hopefully more people sees it

[@markuscriticus8278]

Hey, *I* never forgot.

[@SerifSansSerif]

Another that is super underrated and impossible to find is Red Garden, if you like girls and horror....

[@rafaela00002]

Twelve Kingdoms!!!!!

[@osyriscampos2253]

Is there any way you can talk about Ghost Hunt the anime next?

[@Skieth0]

It's my favorite,

[@jumpergodesss6882]

12 KINGDOM'S GAH

[@o.9411]

👍👍👍

[@Summonsloth]

👍🏾

[@nani2155]

Man! You cover all the forgotten gems I grew up on 🥹🥹🥹

[@straydeer9644]

OMG YOU MENTIONED FROM FAR AWAY I LOVED THAT MANGA IT Needs to be an anime