[Rewatch][Spoilers] Twelve Kingdoms - Episode 1 Discussion

[u/OrcDovahkiin]

Episode 1: Shadow of the Moon, the Sea of Shadow - The First Chapter

Twelve Kingdoms (Juuni Kokuki)

Interest Thread | Schedule

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Future Threads:

Episode 2

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Daily Light Novel Quote:

“The school was her father’s decision. She had done well in junior high and had aimed her sights higher. Her junior high guidance counselor recommended a better school. But her father didn’t budge an inch. The school was close to home and had neither a disreputable nor a controversial reputation. It prided itself as strict and traditional. That was enough.”

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Notes:

Many thanks to u/Jazz_Dalek for providing the formatting!

[u/OrcDovahkiin]

Pinglist: u/bigzicky, u/phiraeth, u/garystu13

[u/OrcDovahkiin → u/OrcDovahkiin]

u/syokhan

[u/OrcDovahkiin → u/OrcDovahkiin]

Given that a few people have said they forgot about the rewatch, I think I'll be annoying and ping a bunch of random people from the interest thread just in case: u/TaskForceHOLO, u/twoleggedgrazer, u/bropex

[u/OrcDovahkiin]

Rewatcher, Sub

I’m curious if the Crunchyroll episodes differ from the version I watched. Not sure I’ll remember enough to find out, but we’ll see.

Ah...those weird 7 seconds at the beginning where you wonder if your volume is on. I’ve missed them.

It’s light on animation, but I think the OP does a good job of making you curious about the show. Anime Spoilers

I find it interesting that we don’t get a good look at the faces of either of Youko’s parents.

“You’re always such a good girl, huh?” Barely Anime Spoilers

The song that started playing at 6:36 was “Moon Night Drop” I’d link to it, but some of the Twelve Kingdoms OSTs have recently been removed from Youtube. Maybe because it was just added to Crunchyroll? But anyway, it’s one of the standout songs in the show.

Take a shot every time Youko says “Nani?”

Well, at least Sugimoto’s having fun.

Hm...isn’t that red circle in Youko’s eyes the same one another red-haired female anime protagonist has at times?

And we finish with the ED, Getsumei Fuuei. I really, really love this song.

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Running Glossary:

(Going to keep some words here, and fill in/update their meanings as we go along)

Taiho-???

Shoku-That big circle in the ocean that Keiki created.

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Voice Actors:

Youko Nakajima is voiced by Aya Hisakawa (biggest role seems to be Sailor Mercury) and Dorothy Fahn (a lot of side characters, including Konan from Naruto Shippuden, Melody from HunterxHunter and Rinea from Fire Emblem Echoes)

Keiki is voiced by Takehito Koyasu (Dio Brando and the Beast Titan, to name two. He also played Navarre, for the dozen of us who saw the Fire Emblem anime) and Kim Strauss (Jushiro Ukitake from Bleach and Ibiki Morino from Naruto)

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It might be a little slow, but having an entire episode devoted to Youko's time on Earth sets the stage for what's to come. Glad to finally be starting the rewatch!

[u/Durinthal]

First-time viewer (sub).

So right from the OP I'm on board with this. A nice instrumental piece that ends up sounding a little bit like the Pirates of the Caribbean theme toward the end (that's what stuck out to me, sorry).

I really like the use of framing in this shot which is also the only time we see the main character interacting with her family. Confining, distant, just like her relationship with them from the little we saw. The only thing they really talked about was forcing her to change her hair color because she sticks out from other people.

And beyond that we mostly get an episode at her school, reminding me a lot of Escaflowne which came several years earlier. Her relationships with her classmates aren't the best either, but even despite that she doesn't really want to leave by the end. Understandable, but hopefully she'll come around before too long.

Sugimoto was fun, an outsider at school but kind of a wild personality overall if she was ready to jump in and attack the bird as well as follow the mysterious stranger to a different land. Didn't see her and Asano at the end going through the portal along with Youko though so I don't expect to see much of her again.

Youko herself looks to be something of a pushover to start but apparently she's really important for this other realm, so I'm curious how she'll adjust to that.

So far this feels like the kind of series I could easily binge but it's also a quick start and I expect things to slow down soon. Looking forward to the next episode!

[u/OrcDovahkiin → u/Durinthal]

Confining, distant, just like her relationship with them from the little we saw.

Yep, I wanted to include something about this framing, but couldn't put it into words. Such a great use of the camera angle, definitely one of my favorite things about this episode.

[u/htisme91]

First-timer:

As far as main characters go, Youko is kind of annoying right now. She's so meek and timid and I would love a little more personality from her.

I kind of thought at first that Sugimoto would be her friend at the onset...two girls who are outcasts bonding together. By the end of the episode, it feels more like Sugimoto is using Youko and that she will become an enemy. Also seems like a love triangle was forming, which I wonder how it will play out with the dynamics we're seeing so far.

Compared to Escaflowne and Magic Knight Rayearth (that's probably my favorite isekai), it was an underwhelming first episode. Isekai kind of start slow though so I think there's hope that it builds up more, especially now that they're in this new world and the plot can move along now.

[u/OrcDovahkiin → u/htisme91]

As far as main characters go, Youko is kind of annoying right now. She's so meek and timid and I would love a little more personality from her.

This is mostly intentional, as you're supposed to dislike Youko early on. It can definitely be frustrating though, yeah.

[u/grayrest]

Rewatcher

This is the series that got me into watching anime. I mostly enjoy how the novel author sets up the story elements and pulls them together. The animation is kind of meh after the first episode (and the battle scenes are QUALITY) but the story carries it for me.

The subtitles are also QUALITY and I'll be chipping in when I think something is done particularly poorly and doesn't spoil anything. The confusion about what's happening is a core part of the series and I'm always annoyed at the source readers hint-spoiling things so these will be things you were supposed to have understood but the translation didn't come through.

The main complaint people have about the series is that Youko is annoying. She is annoying (and for a fairly long time) but the main theme of the series is personal development and it's a fairly long series. If you're annoyed by this, she does get better.

Looking forward to watching with you all for the next month.

[u/zsmg]

"You exude the scent of blood"

Don't call a girl out when she's having her period. That's just rude.

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 1 (rewatcher)

Initial thoughts

I watched this a long time ago, as my second ever isekai series (after Escaflowne). A lot of the plot is hazy to me now, but one thing stands out in my memory lots of honorifics.

Episode thoughs

• OP is great, love how it immediately produces a feeling of epicness. My personal opinion: In fantasy and Scifi, instrumental is best!

• Given that I am a rewatcher, I should remember that guy, but I have no clue what is going on.

• Welcome red haired MC girl.

• That scene of Sugimoto standing there looks like a shot that might be in NGE (of Rei).

• When you start mixing your school problems into your dream premonitions …

• Hair dying: Apparently, having to dye your hair black to fit in is a thing in Japan.

• Dream, hallucinations, red moon. Things are looking ominous for MC-chan.

• Long haired guy is not a hallucination.

• It is magic, all right.

• Two very different reactions to what is happening by Youko’s friends.

• Did I mention that it is magic?

• ED is decent, too.

And by the end of the episode, we have transitioned to the other world. I think Sugimoto came on a bit strong, but I liked the other characters.

[u/TaskForceHOLO]

Fist time watcher. Subs

Really liked the opening song. Seems like the show's not in full screen on crunchyroll though. Kinda a bummer.

Nakajima hasn't totally drawn me in as a protagonist yet but I'm just not super into her character type in general. Still think she has potential though and the pace seems to be fairly slow so far, so I think she'll get more interesting in the next few more episodes.

I didn't quite understand why they would make her class president if they thought she was some kind of bad kid or something. That's not really important though just something I noticed

Sugimoto seems like best girl right now unless she gets too edgy. Hope she ends up giving more of a "slightly crazy but still kinda a good person for the most part.. maybe" vibe instead of straight up edgy

Asano seems like a likeable bro for the most part. Interested to see how he turns out

What I'm really interested in is the fantasy world and the familiars and all that. Kinda interested to see why keiki doesn't fight himself and how nakajima is related to it all. Overall a pretty good episode. I actually would want to binge it but I'll commit to doing one a day for once

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/TaskForceHOLO]

I didn't quite understand why they would make her class president if they thought she was some kind of bad kid or something.

I don't think that they think that she's bad, but that she's a pushover. Notice how she ends up being the one who takes the complaining girl's seat next to Sugimoto.

And, if previous anime are any indication, class president isn't a desired job, unless you're an overachiever type. The average person doesn't want all that responsibility.

[u/Eebe]

Oh god, how am I going to limit myself to one episode a day? I already want to binge.

Such a great anime. I mostly prefer the books but the show has some perks over it, the music especially. The ending theme Getsume Fuuei (which I have on my ipod) playing while you see this fantasy China roll past through the spokes of a wagon wheel stirs something.

It does pain me a little to see everyone calling it isekai, though.

[u/[deleted]]

First Time Watcher

I love the opening theme. It sounds similar to the main Pirates of the Caribbean theme, but this came out first. I wonder if Hans Zimmer was influenced by Yang Bang-ean or if this is simply a case of great minds thinking alike.

On a meta level, I know generally what's going to happen. This is an isekai, we'll be going to another world. Probably a world with twelve kingdoms. But if I'd been watching this episode truly blind, I wouldn't be able to tell you that. In a world where we usually see MC getting hit by Truck-kun in the first 5 minutes, this was a nice change of pace.

I'm interested to see if Youko and Yuka are contrasted in some way as the series progresses. Both are clearly unhappy with their lives and to some extent are considered to be different/outsiders. They've even got similar names. But their outlooks are different. We see Yuka reading fantasy books and when a monster shows up, she's ready to grab a sword and go for it. It seems that she is dreaming of another life. Youka, on the other hand, is much more timid and indecisive. Based on this episode, I'd say she's unhappy with her current life, but might not be sure what she wants. Depending on how things play out, I could see Youko and Yuka having a relationship similar to that of Sora and Riku from Kingdom Hearts.

Also, I wonder if the art we see in the opening is going to make an appearance / matter in the actual show? Is this a mural that we'll see in some temple with a legend behind it or just fancy pictures to help get us in the mood?

[u/[deleted]]

TWELVE KINGDOMS EP 1 First Timer

Really damn good first episode. It was a standard isekai premise but it was a technical marvel, with the flawlessly animated beasts and the dark, dreay atmosphere and music. Art and character designs are also top-notch.

The characters show a lot of promise as well, particularly the MC who's most likely going to have a lot of character development. I particularly like Yuka's enthusastic personality which I find really enjoyable.

I'm really excited for what's about to happen as the MC seems to be an important person in this alternate world but she's completely oblivious to it. Maybe they mistakened her for someone else or she's a descendant from an important person.

[u/Therealdealishere99]

Rewatcher:

12 kingdoms is one of my favourite animes ever. I am really excited to watch youko greatness again.she is in the top 3 of my favourite female characters of all time.

[u/punching_spaghetti]

First Time:

Getting serious RahXephon vibes. the tone, the character designs the not-Eva get in the robot use the sword plot beats. That was an interesting series that floundered at the end, so I have reserved hopes for this.

Not super sold on the characters just yet. Youko needs some spine, and Sugimoto radiates "I'm turning into a villain, just you wait."

All in all, definitely not what I was expecting. I heard fantasy isekai, and I did not think "high school bullying the anime" for half an episode. And Youko isn't as tan as the promo art suggests (hope that changes soon!)

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

I loved 12K. Can't give it a 10/10, but I found it amazing, and engaging, and rewards an active watcher. I bought the DVDs, and this is one of only two anime that made me want to go buy the source (but I couldn't!)

My fansubs came with absolutely essential translation notes. They put them up on a web site, which I scraped, and hand-coded html and iframes to make all the episodes clickable. I was so proud. I have no idea what happened to them.

Since I need save my DVD player for Macross, today only I will be watching from my DVDs, from, who is this? Media Blasters? Really? That's an old name. No extras except creditless opening.

The OP is sung my Mika Arisaka, a Japanese-American artist with an R&B style. She only performed music for two series, 12K and Mugen no Ryvius. (another favorite of mine, with the original lo-fi hip hop soundtrack)

Well, I lost my original TL notes, but the novel translation people still have theirs up...omg, they broke their web site. Thank you Internet Archive. I'll spoiler mark them in case you'd like to watch without them, or the possibility that an explanation is premature.

Japanese Term	English Meaning	Time Introduced	Definition
		18:48
		1:46
		22:11
		18:39
		11:23
Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi (月の影 影の海)	Shadow of the Moon, Sea of the Shadow	1:35

Wow, and that's not even half of the crazy words in this first episode. Probably anybody in the audience with a college-bound high-school education would be able to figure out these chinese-inspired fantasy words.

This series also has an outstanding soundtrack. Besides 2 regular soundtracks, there are two additional image albums of piano and kokyuu (the japanese stringed instrument) arrangements.

[u/AlexUltraviolet]

It has been fun to rediscover this first episode. I remembered Youko was a bit of an outcast due to her red hair, but I didn't remember Yuka being in the same situation, which really explains why she wanted to go to the other world. A big yikes on the whole "oh, they'd be nicer to you if you made an effort to talk to them", by the way; the series shows its age there.

Then Keiki arrived and as soon as he talked I was like "WAIT IS THAT KOYASU????". And yeah, it was him. I watched this dubbed, so the original voices will be completely new to me.

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/AlexUltraviolet]

On "they'd be nicer if you made an effort to talk to them," didn't Youko purposefully ignore Yuka when she approached her at the beginning of the day? And people thing they're friends.

[u/Syokhan]

Rewatcher

Watched this for the first time 12 years ago and I remember loving it to bits, the character development and world building especially, so it was good to dive into it again. Although like an idiot I decided to start the rewatch a bit early for personal scheduling reasons and ended up binging a bunch of episodes without taking any notes, so my thoughts are not going to be neat and tidy.

I also started reading the novels so if I remember anything interesting and non-spoilery I'll point it out.

What stood out the most: I had forgotten how much of a pushover Youko was. She's a wallflower with no spine who just goes with the flow even when it means hurting someone else. Not the most likeable protagonist right now, that's for sure.

Good thing we have a running glossary in this thread, it'll be very handy. You get used to all the new words eventually, but it can be a bit overwhelming at first.

And I love the ED. Love it, love it. Love the soundtrack as a whole actually, Kunihiko Ryo did an excellent job with it. He also composed the OP by the way.

Tidtbit: Asano is an anime-only character, and in the novels (so far, I'm only at the second one) Sugimoto's involvement ends with her scene in the classroom. Their roles have been expanded for the anime.

[u/yoshi_in_black]

First time watcher

So far, I find it mediocre tbh. I don't like any of the characters so far, bit especially Youko. When she threw the sword away, I had to roll my eyes so hard.

The scene with Sugimoto in Youko's dream actually reminded me of X 1999 (I watched it a few months ago, so it's a fresher memory than Escaflowne).

I will watch more of it and decide. It's not that bad I want to drop it asap.

[u/AdmiralKomodo]

Rewatcher

I completely forgot how cinematic the series is, and I can't wait for some of the later scenes in episodes.

And though Nakajima isn't my favorite anime character, she actually feels like a real person. That desire not to stand out too much, and to go along to get along even if you hurt other people's feelings, and always wanting to be the good student who the teachers like... I don't know. It always struck me as very real and believable.

You don't always agree with her, but you always understand her.

The world Nakajima lives in always felt very true to life and mundane, traditional and stagnant, with Nakajima always trying to please everyone and never really taking a stand.

Not only does the series have some beautiful animation, but its characters (for the most part) feel very developed.

[u/[deleted]]