The Story of Saiunkoku is a show that might catch your eye if you’re into something a bit different. You see, it’s not like your usual romantic tales, and it ain’t all about big battles and flashy magic. This here story takes place in a made-up land, a place called Saiunkoku, with eight provinces that got names all tied up in colors. The main character, Kou Shuurei, she’s a poor noblewoman, but boy, she’s got dreams! She wants to be a government official and help fix the problems in the country, where a young emperor, Shi Ryuuki, rules.

The whole thing is based on Japanese light novels, written by Sai Yukino and drawn by Kairi Yura, and it kinda feels like a mix of old-time China with a bit of fantasy and some comedy thrown in. Now, you might be wondering if it’s worth your time to watch. Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re into deep political drama, strong female characters, and a good ol’ mix of romance and ambition, then this one might just hit the spot.
Now, let’s talk a bit more about Shuurei. She’s not your average heroine, no sir. She’s got big plans, much bigger than most folks think a woman should have. Instead of just dreaming about getting married and settling down, she wants to change the world. She wants to prove that a woman can be just as powerful as any man, and that’s something you don’t see too often in shows like this. Shuurei’s got plenty of challenges ahead, from political games to trying to keep her own dreams alive while dealing with all sorts of people who think she can’t do it.
But what makes this anime stand out even more is the way it handles relationships. The show’s got a lot of men surrounding Shuurei, but it’s not all about who’s gonna win her heart. It’s about who can understand her, support her, and give her the freedom to make her own choices. It’s like the show’s saying, “Hey, women deserve more than just to be chosen, they deserve to choose too.” And that’s something that sticks with you as the story unfolds.
Of course, the show isn’t perfect. It starts off real strong, with lots of promise and excitement. But as the story goes on, it kinda drags in places. Some of those arcs go on a little longer than they probably should, and it can make you wonder if they’re just trying to stretch things out. But if you’re patient and willing to stick with it, you’ll still find a lot to enjoy.
What’s good about the show:
- The strong, independent heroine who wants more than just romance.
- The political drama adds some depth, with lots of twists and turns.
- The setting is unique, mixing ancient Chinese vibes with a bit of fantasy.
- The relationships are about respect, support, and understanding, not just love triangles.
What’s not so good:

- Some of the story arcs get drawn out a little too much.
- Not as much action or excitement as some other shows, so it’s more of a slow burn.
If you’re looking for something different, The Story of Saiunkoku could be just what you need. It’s a mix of drama, romance, and politics, all wrapped up in a beautiful, historical fantasy world. So, is it worth watching? Well, if you like shows with strong characters and a bit of a slow, thoughtful pace, then yes, it sure is. But if you’re after fast action or quick thrills, maybe look somewhere else. It’s one of those shows that’ll stay with you if you give it the time it deserves.
Tags:[The Story of Saiunkoku, Saiunkoku Monogatari, anime, historical romance, political drama, strong female lead, Japanese light novels, fantasy, Shuurei, Ryuuki]