Prime Video continues to expand upon its dynamic collection of original titles with Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun. Adapted from Ikka Matsuki’s ongoing manga series Nippon Sangoku, this post-apocalyptic drama anime takes place in an alternate near-future version of Japan with a decimated population now split into three warring states. It is in this fraught period that a man without connections or wealth will use his brilliant mind to rise through the ranks and restore Japan to its former glory as one united nation.
Opening Shot: As borderline cartoonish images and videos depicting events display onscreen, a narrator (Wendi Bazar) details Japan’s collapse in economy, population, education, infrastructure, and more at the hands of the fourth industrial revolution, worldwide nuclear warfare, devastating earthquakes, and heavy taxes. All of this culminated in the Great Violent Revolution that brought the nation to its knees, regressed civilization, and eventually split Japan into three warring states.
The Gist: In the wake of the aforementioned events, a near-future Japan is left with a tenth of the previous population and an early Meiji-era level of civilization without modern technology or infrastructure. The resulting chaos led to warring military cliques that, after several decades, ushered in Japan’s Sangoku period, with the land now divided into the three new nations of Yamato, Buo, and Seii, all fighting for hegemony.
In the winter of the year 57 in Yamato’s Ehime District, 15-year-old Aoteru Misumi (Alejandro A Ruiz) marries 16-year-old Saki Higashimachi (Ratana). Aoteru is hard-headed, logical, and quibblesome, while Saki is free-spirited, impulsive, and brave. While they may seem like total opposites, they are united by their bright minds, passion for reading, and deep love for each other that has only blossomed as they grew up together following the death of Aoteru’s parents when he was young. Looking to live a quiet, peaceful life with Saki, Aoteru finds work as a low-level agricultural officer, but she encourages him to dream bigger and have courage because he was destined for something more. Aoteru remains skeptical, but Saki believes that he can use his near-encyclopedic knowledge of history and wars, as well as his skill with maps and oration, to reunify Japan.
The young couple’s days of marital bliss are soon interrupted by the arrival of Yamato’s Lord of Home Affairs, Denki Taira (Steve Mize), and the brutal violence that immediately follows. When Saki sees Taira’s tax collector (Todd Haberkorn) abusing his authority and beating civilians with a bat, she steps in to stop him by physically and verbally taking him down. Unfortunately, Saki’s brave action has dire consequences that will kickstart Aoteru’s journey to Yamato’s capital city, Osaka, and use his sharp mind to change the course of history.
Photo: Ikka Matsuki/Shogakukan/NIPPON SANGOKU Partners
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Protagonist Aoteru may remind viewers of other anime featuring highly intelligent main characters like Death Note, Code Geass, and Classroom Of The Elite. Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun also brings to mind other dystopian or post-apocalyptic series like Dr. Stone, Attack on Titan, Fist of the North Star, 86, and Fallout.
Our Take: Although this unique anime has the capacity to slip through the cracks with wider audiences due to its somewhat niche subject matter, it truly is absolutely worth a watch. Regardless of your interest level in Japanese politics, war tactics, or post-apocalyptic society, Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun offers thoughtful ruminations on humanity, ambition, and survival, creating an original premise bolstered by stunning artwork. Truly, even if you ever get lost in the story, the visuals keep you hooked and present, with a vivid, almost painting-like style that sets itself apart and adds a whole other dimension to the world.
While the first moments of the pilot are exposition-heavy as they set up the setting and stakes, from there the episode progresses quickly, depicting the cold realities, startling violence, and severely altered landscape of this new Japan. And beyond the intricacies of war and politics is a heartfelt story of love and loss that drives our protagonist to take decisive action and embark on a quest of epic proportions. So while it might not be for everyone, Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun is off to an intriguing start that sets the tone for a fast-paced, thought-provoking, and immersive story to come.
Photo: Ikka Matsuki/Shogakukan/NIPPON SANGOKU Partners
Performance Worth Watching: Although her time in the series may be brief, the soulful, spunky, and thoughtful Saki Higashimachi (Ratana) shines brightly in this first episode, making her mark and setting Aoteru’s story in motion with her brave actions and inspiring words.
Sex And Skin: None in this episode, but there are some acts of violence and heavy themes, so viewer discretion is advised.
Parting Shot: Aoteru charts a course towards Osaka in hopes of reunifying Japan and making Saki proud.
Sleeper Star: Although he initially just yearned for a quiet, peaceful life with Saki, it’s clear that Aoteru Misumi (Alejandro A Ruiz) is destined for greatness. The hints at his depth and cunning left me curious about his character and what he’s capable of, so I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for him.
Most Pilot-y Line: At the end of the episode, when the boatman asks Aoteru why he wants to sail all the way to Osaka, Aoteru gives him a knowing smile, radiating Main Character Energy as he answers, “To change the world.”
Our Call: With its vibrant and unique art style, engaging psychological drama, and compelling main character, Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun could very well be a hidden gem of Prime Video’s spring programming slate. Give it a chance and STREAM IT!
How To Watch Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.