Top Ancient China Anime Recommendations

Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso

Also known as Your lie in April.

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Music , Romance , Slice of Life

Piano prodigy Arima Kousei dominated the competition and all child musicians knew his name. But after his mother, who was also his instructor, passed away, he had a mental breakdown while performing at a recital. This resulted in him no longer being able to hear the sound of his piano playing. Two years later, Kousei hasn’t touched the piano and views the world without any flair or color. He was content at living out his life with his good friends Tsubaki and Watari until, one day, a girl changed everything. Miyazono Kaori is a pretty, free spirited violinist whose playing style reflects her personality. Kaori helps Kousei return to the music world and show that it should be free and mold breaking unlike the structured and rigid style Kousei was used to.

Tags: Tragedy , Classical Music , Primarily Teen Cast , Disability , Coming of Age , Rehabilitation , Male Protagonist , Shounen , Love Triangle , Female Protagonist , Heterosexual , School , Philosophy , Slapstick , CGI , Unrequited Love , Tsundere , Tomboy , Ancient China

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Also known as The Apothecary Diaries.

Studio: OLM , TOHO animation STUDIO
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Mystery

Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!



Tags: Female Protagonist , Medicine , Ancient China , Drugs , Historical , Detective , Conspiracy , Politics , Foreign , Royal Affairs , Work , Primarily Adult Cast , Adoption , Heterosexual , Seinen , Episodic , Alchemy , Aromantic , Maids , Asexual , Unrequited Love , Pregnancy , Slavery , Makeup , Food , Chibi , Educational , Go , Nekomimi , Suicide

Akatsuki no Yona

Also known as Yona of the Dawn.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Romance

Since Yona is the only princess of a grand kingdom, she has been raised with great care by her doting father and protected by her childhood friend/guard Hak and others. However, her fate changes on her 16th birthday, when her beloved cousin Soo-won murders her father to claim the throne. She flees the castle to Hak's hometown and begins her new life.



Tags: Shoujo , Female Protagonist , Dragons , Royal Affairs , Ensemble Cast , Travel , Fugitive , Coming of Age , Primarily Male Cast , Mythology , Kingdom Management , Ancient China , Historical , Politics , Revenge , Reincarnation , Tragedy , Found Family , Orphan , Heterosexual , Swordplay , Archery , Foreign , Primarily Adult Cast , Male Harem , Gods , Pirates , Crossdressing

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season

Also known as The Apothecary Diaries Season 2.

Studio: TOHO animation STUDIO , OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Mystery

Using her wit and vast knowledge of medicines and poisons alike, Maomao played a pivotal role in solving a series of mysteries and conspiracies that plagued the imperial court. Having recently come to terms with the secrets of her parents, she returns to fulfill her normal duties on behalf of the emperor's highest-ranking consorts. Maomao also works alongside the eunuch Jinshi to better the consorts' many ladies-in-waiting, including helping them learn to read.

However, with the arrival of a merchant caravan comes a new wave of intrigue. A pattern of strange coincidences involving the visitors and their wares unsettles Maomao, driving her to investigate the puzzling circumstances behind the convoy. As dangers from both outside and within threaten the balance between the imperial concubines, Maomao continues to utilize her cunning and medical expertise to keep the women safe from harm.



Tags: Medicine , Female Protagonist , Royal Affairs , Detective , Politics , Historical , Ancient China , Work , Primarily Adult Cast , Conspiracy , Foreign , Class Struggle , Asexual , Aromantic , Espionage , Tragedy , Seinen , Primarily Female Cast , Educational , Pregnancy , War , Heterosexual , Maids , Male Protagonist , Guns , Kuudere , LGBTQ+ Themes , Chibi , Animals , Crossdressing , Desert

Paripi Koumei

Also known as Ya Boy Kongming!.

Studio: P.A.WORKS
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Drama , Music , Supernatural

Fate and reincarnation deliver brilliant military strategist, Kongming, from warring, ancient China to Japan’s modern party hot spot in Shibuya City, Tokyo. After a lifetime of battles and military skirmishes, Kongming wished with his last breath to be reborn in a world of peace and prosperity. It’s nearly two millennia later and he’s finding his way in a very different world than that of his past life. When he meets Eiko, an amateur musician with big dreams, the unlikely duo strikes up an even unlikelier friendship. Eiko has street smarts to help Kongming navigate this strange new world, and Kongming will use his strategic mind to help Eiko achieve stardom!



An advanced online screening of the first episode was held on March 31, 2022, but the weekly TV release began on April 5, 2022.

Tags: Reincarnation , Urban , Band , Primarily Adult Cast , Idol , Anachronism , Hip-hop Music , Historical , Female Protagonist , Bar , Work , Ancient China , Ensemble Cast , Male Protagonist , Seinen , Rock Music , Dancing , Classic Literature , Fugitive , Nudity

Kingdom

Also known as Kingdom.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama

When low-born servant boys Piao and Xin set out to become the world’s greatest war generals, they quickly find themselves caught up in a violent struggle between two noblemen plotting to overthrow the King. After Piao is killed protecting the rightful ruler of the kingdom of Qin, Xin sets out on a campaign for revenge that leads him straight into the fire of war.

Now, with a target on his back and an army of enemies standing in his way, it will be up to a boy with no name and a young king without a throne to return order to their war-torn country in this historical action-drama based on the Tezuka Award-winning manga, Kingdom.



Note: The first episode aired with a runtime of 50 minutes as opposed to the standard 25 minute runtime.

Tags: War , CGI , Military , Historical , Foreign , Primarily Male Cast , Politics , Swordplay , Ancient China , Coming of Age , Royal Affairs , Male Protagonist , Seinen

Koukyuu no Karasu

Also known as Raven of the Inner Palace.

Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Fantasy , Mystery , Supernatural

Deep within the inner palace lives a special consort who does not serve the emperor despite her position as a consort. She is known as the Raven Consort. People who have seen her say she looks like an old woman, while others say she looks like a young girl. Stories tell of her use of mysterious arts, and how she can take on any request, be it death curses or finding lost things. Koushun, the current emperor, goes to visit the Raven Consort with that intention. Without knowing that their fated meeting will become a taboo that will overturn history.



Tags: Female Protagonist , Foreign , Historical , Primarily Adult Cast , Detective , Kuudere , Mythology , Magic , Episodic , Necromancy , Shoujo , Conspiracy , Politics , Ghost , Suicide , Tsundere , Heterosexual , Maids , Ojou-sama , Body Horror , Orphan , Ancient China ,

Akatsuki no Yona OVA

Also known as Yona of the Dawn OVA.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Fantasy , Romance

The first episode adapts two bonus chapters from Mizuho Kusanagi's 12th manga volume, titled "On That Back" and "Kija." "On That Back" follows an incident at a hot spring hotel, and "Kija" depicts the past of the Hakuryuu Kija. The second two episodes adapt the rest of the Zeno Arc and were bundled with the 21st and 22nd volumes of the manga.



Tags: Primarily Male Cast , Female Protagonist , Shoujo , Archery , Historical , Ancient China , Dragons , Tragedy , Mythology , Heterosexual , Male Harem , Gods , Politics

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 3rd Season

Studio: OLM
Status: Not_Yet_Released
Genres: Drama , Mystery

The third season of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto.

Tags: Female Protagonist , Medicine , Ancient China , Politics , Seinen , Detective , Historical , Heterosexual , Class Struggle , Femboy , Amnesia

Kingdom 2nd Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 2.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The second season of Kingdom.

A year after the devastating battle against the formidable Zhao, the State of Qin has returned its focus to pursuing King Ying Zheng's ambition of conquering the other six states and unifying China. Their next target is Wei, a smaller state which stands as a geographic stepping stone for the sake of conquest.

Xin, now a three hundred man commander of the swiftly rising Fei Xin Unit, continues to seek out lofty achievements in order to garner recognition for himself and his soldiers, motivated by those previously lost in battle. In the preliminary battles ahead of Qin's invasion of Wei, Xin finds competition in other young commanders who are of a higher social status than him. Back in Qin, the royal palace faces turmoil as opposing factions begin to make their move against Ying Zheng's regime.

With their hands full both abroad and at home, Zheng and Xin must lead the way in this era of unending war, resolved to etch their names in history by creating a unified China.



Tags: Foreign , War , Military , Politics , Historical , Swordplay , Male Protagonist , Primarily Male Cast , Seinen , Primarily Adult Cast , Coming of Age , Royal Affairs , Ancient China , Ensemble Cast , CGI

Kingdom 3rd Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 3.

Studio: Studio Signpost , Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The third season of Kingdom.

Following the successful Sanyou campaign, the Qin army, including 1,000-Man Commander Xin, inches ever closer to fulfilling King Ying Zheng's dream of unifying China. With a major geographical foothold in the state of Wei now under its control, Qin sets its sights eastward toward the remaining warring states.

Meanwhile Li Mu—an unparalleled strategist and the newly appointed prime minister of the state of Zhao—has taken advantage of Zhao's temporary truce with Qin to negotiate with the other states without interruption. Seemingly without warning, Ying Zheng receives news that armies from the states of Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi have crossed into Qin territory. Realizing too late the purpose behind Li Mu's truce with Qin, Zheng quickly gathers his advisors to devise a plan to address the six-state coalition army on their doorstep. For the first time in history, the state of Qin faces complete destruction and must use every resource and strategy at their disposal to prevent themselves from being wiped off the map.



Tags: War , Historical , Military , Male Protagonist , Politics , Foreign , Seinen , Swordplay , Primarily Male Cast , Royal Affairs , Primarily Adult Cast , Ancient China , CGI

Wu Shan Wu Xing: Zhuo Yuan Shen Huo

Studio: Samsara Studio
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy

A legend tells that a long time ago, monsters could give the ability to master the five elements to certain elected officials. But for that, you have to go through the dangerous foggy mountains...

We follow the adventures of one of these elected officials.

Tags: Martial Arts , Gods , Foreign , Tragedy , Super Power , Ancient China , Demons , Shapeshifting , Rural , Amnesia , Male Protagonist

Fushigi Yuugi

Also known as Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Romance

While visiting the National Library, junior-high students Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo are transported into the world of a mysterious book set in ancient China, “The Universe of The Four Gods.” Miaka suddenly finds herself with the responsibility of being the priestess of Suzaku, and must find all of her celestial warriors for the purpose of summoning Suzaku for three wishes. However, the enemy nation of the god Seiryuu has manipulated Yui into becoming the priestess of Seiryuu. As enemies, the former best friends begin their long struggle to summon their respective gods and obtain their wishes…

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tags: Female Protagonist , Shoujo , Isekai , Magic , Historical , Heterosexual , Foreign , Mythology , Coming of Age , Travel , Gods , War , Super Power , Male Harem , Tragedy , Ancient China , Love Triangle , Crime , Martial Arts , Revenge , Nudity , Dragons , Reincarnation , Crossdressing , Twins , Suicide , Demons

Shuumatsu no Valkyrie III

Also known as Record of Ragnarok III.

Studio: Yumeta Company , MARU animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy , Supernatural

Based on the hit manga of the same name, the Record of Ragnarok saga continues with 13 one-on-one battles for the survival of humanity, pitting gods against humans from across the world. Witness the fateful seventh battle: the final fight to break the 3-3 tie between the gods and humans.



Tags: Gods , Mythology , Death Game , Gore , Historical , CGI , Shapeshifting , Torture , Revenge , Ancient China

Tongling Fei

Also known as Psychic Princess.

Studio: Haoliners Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Romance , Supernatural

Qian Yunxi, the oldest daughter of the prime minister was born with a special ability. Because of this she was deemed 'abnormal' and was raised at Mt. Lin Yun. Upon turning 16, she took her younger sister's place to marry into the royal family of Ye. Rumours say Ye Youming is strange, cold and cruel. Just how will Qian Yunxi's fate play out?

Tags: Female Protagonist , Ghost , Historical , Demons , Wuxia , Cultivation , Heterosexual , Reincarnation , Chibi , Ancient China , Royal Affairs , Bullying , Assassins , Crossdressing

Kingdom 4th Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 4.

Studio: Studio Pierrot , Studio Signpost
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The fourth season of Kingdom.

Following the conclusion of the large-scale coalition campaign, the entirety of China is in a state of economic recovery. The victor of the battle, the state of Qin, is no different. There, the political parties led by Ying Zheng and Buwei Lü continue their inner conflict. Having played the role of king in the coalition battle, Zheng has the trust of the people—but Lü is far from out of the fight. In 18 months, he plans to interrupt Zheng's coming-of-age ceremony.

Meanwhile, a Zhao army numbering 20,000 troops has set out toward Qin. In the royal court, due to the lack of generals capable of responding to the incoming threat, Lü slyly suggests that Zheng take command. However, Cheng Jiao, Zheng's half-brother, volunteers instead. As they grew to trust each other during the coalition battle, Zheng now accepts Jiao as his replacement.

However, the Zhao forces retreat a mere half-day after clashing with Jiao's army. With trouble quickly brewing in the shadows, the internal struggle of Qin is only complicated further. There are only two men Zheng feels he can rely on: Bi, a general who commands 30,000 men; and Xin, the leader of the Fei Xin force.



Tags: War , Historical , Male Protagonist , Swordplay , Seinen , Foreign , Royal Affairs , Ensemble Cast , Ancient China , Politics , Military , Tragedy

Saiunkoku Monogatari

Also known as The Story of Saiunkoku.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Romance

Saiunkoku is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a different colour. The new Emperor, Shi Ryuuki, has gained a reputation for being uninterested in courtly matters and for flaunting his love for men. Shuurei, although born of the important Kou family, has difficulty making ends meet. She easily accepts an invitation to be the Emperor's concubine in order to turn him into a good ruler. The mysterious Seiran, a young man who was adopted by her father, goes with her as Ryuuki's bodyguard. Entering the imperial palace revives Shuurei's dream of being a court official, and, together with the many companions she meets along the way, continues moving bravely forward while trying to fend off the Emperor's advances.



Tags: Female Protagonist , Politics , Historical , Shoujo , Foreign , Coming of Age , Ensemble Cast , Philosophy , Work , Mythology , Urban , Royal Affairs , Unrequited Love , Ancient China , Kingdom Management , Bisexual , Swordplay , Bullying , Family Life , Assassins , Primarily Adult Cast , Travel , Ghost , Arranged Marriage , Primarily Male Cast , Male Harem , War , Heterosexual , Crime , Dissociative Identities , Found Family , Marriage

Kingdom 5th Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 5.

Studio: Studio Pierrot , Studio Signpost
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The fifth season of Kingdom.

Tags: War , Historical , Military , Seinen , Ancient China , Foreign , Ensemble Cast , Male Protagonist , Politics , CGI , Assassins , Body Horror , Torture , Archery , Tragedy , Gore

Kingdom 6th Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 6.

Studio: Studio Pierrot , Studio Signpost
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The sixth season of Kingdom.

Tags: War , Military , Ancient China , Historical , Ensemble Cast , Seinen , Male Protagonist , Archery

Wu Shan Wu Xing: Xi Chuan Huan Zi Lin

Studio: Samsara Studio
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy

Tags: Ancient China , Martial Arts , Demons , War , Male Protagonist