The clash of empires is set to resume! The official website and social media accounts for the Kingdom anime series have announced that Season 6 will premiere on NHK General TV in Japan in October 2025. This new season will focus on the all-out war between the Qin and Zhao armies, promising more of the large-scale battles, strategic warfare, and character development that fans have come to love.
What to Expect in Season 6
Storyline
Season 6 will likely pick up where Season 5 left off, continuing to adapt Yasuhisa Hara’s manga. Given that Season 5 covered the Koku You Campaign Arc and The Battle of Chouhei, Season 6 is expected to delve into the subsequent major story arcs. Here’s a glimpse of what’s potentially in store:
- Intense Warfare: Expect even more expansive and detailed battles as Shin ascends the ranks.
- Alliances and Betrayals: The political landscape will shift with new alliances forming and old ones dissolving as the race for unification intensifies.
- Strategic Depth: The season will delve deeper into political intrigue and the strategic elements of warfare.
Characters
As with previous seasons, Season 6 will likely introduce new characters who will play pivotal roles in the ongoing conflict:
- New Enemy Generals: Shin and the Hi Shin Unit will face new adversaries, each with their own unique strategies and strengths.
- Political Figures: Expect to see more of the key political players within the Qin state and beyond, highlighting the complexities of leadership during wartime.
Production
Kenichi Imaizumi will return to direct the Kingdom anime at Pierrot and Studio Signpost. The series composition will be handled by Noboru Takagi, with character designs by Hisashi Abe. The music will be composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and KOHTA YAMAMOTO.
Other confirmed staff members include:
- Art Director: Junichi Higashi
- Color Designer: Miyuki Abe
- Director of Photography: Hiroki Takano
- Editor: Keisuke Yanagi
- Sound Director: Kazuzo Hamano
Where to Catch Up
For those new to the series or looking to refresh their memory, Crunchyroll currently streams the first five seasons of Kingdom.
Synopsis
Kingdom follows the journey of Shin, a war-orphaned boy, and Zheng, the young king of Qin. Both aspire to rise above their stations in a nation embroiled in constant conflict. Shin aims to become a Great General, while Zheng seeks to unify all the warring states under the Qin banner.
The Kingdom Phenomenon
Kingdom has garnered a substantial following due to its grand narrative, thrilling battles, and historically grounded setting. Based on Yasuhisa Hara’s manga, the anime vividly portrays China’s Warring States period, offering intricate character development and captivating animation. The Kingdom manga has sold over 100 million copies and consistently ranks among Japan’s best-selling manga each year. In addition to the anime, Kingdom has spawned video games, stage plays, and live-action movies. The live-action Kingdom films have achieved immense popularity in Japan.
Anime vs. Manga
For those curious about the differences between the anime and manga, here are a few points to consider:
- Censorship: The manga is generally more brutal and graphic, while the anime often censors blood and violence.
- Pacing: Some viewers feel the manga has a faster pace, while the anime may spend more time developing the emotional impact of scenes.
- Visuals: The anime adaptation has faced criticism for its CGI, particularly in earlier seasons. However, the animation quality has improved over time.
- Story Details: There are changes to the story, such as rearranging the order of certain parts. In the manga, political developments are interspersed with Shin’s war experiences, while the anime focuses on the war first and then the political aspects. Additionally, the anime may reveal character faces and information earlier than the manga.
Anticipation Builds
With its compelling narrative, complex characters, and grand-scale battles, Kingdom has solidified its place as a standout historical anime. The announcement of Season 6 has undoubtedly stoked the excitement of fans worldwide, who eagerly await the next chapter in Shin and Zheng’s quest for glory and unification. As October 2025 approaches, anticipation will only continue to build for the return of this epic saga.
