Saiunkoku Monogatari


The Story of Saiunkoku

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: The Tale of Saiun Country, Story of the Land of Many-Colored Clouds, Kokumono, Saimono, ColourCloud Palace
Japanese: 彩雲国物語
English: The Story of Saiunkoku
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Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 39
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 8, 2006 to Feb 24, 2007
Premiered: Spring 2006
Broadcast: Unknown
Producers: NHK, Sogo Vision
Studios: Madhouse
Source: Light novel
Genres: AdventureAdventure, FantasyFantasy, RomanceRomance
Themes: HistoricalHistorical, Reverse HaremReverse Harem
Demographic: ShoujoShoujo
Duration: 25 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 7.881 (scored by 3544535,445 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #8352
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #2117
Members: 97,114
Favorites: 1,164

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Recommendations

Aside from both shows being a reverse harem with a historical setting, the main leads are quite similar. They are both very strong willed, never running away from problems, and they have a clear goal in which they're set on achieving. Both leads also have a protector who they knew since childhood, and that protector is willing to do anything to keep the main leads safe.  
report Recommended by Enna
Novel-based fantasy anime with a girl as the main protagonist. Saiunkoku without the traveling to another world aspect and with more comedy. The worlds of Saiunkoku and Juuni Kokki are very complex with their own history etc. Characters and their relations to each other are more deep then it seems at first glance. Plus the plot centers around how to rule a country and responsibility coming with this. not to forget the historic costumes...just watch them both... 
report Recommended by DarkLaila
Both animes are set in Ancient China, and the character design is rather similar. Although Saiunkoku doesn't have an adventurous plot like Fushigi Yuugi, whoever liked the background of Fushigi Yuugi should check Saiunkoku Monogatari. 
report Recommended by MaxwellLily
Even though it might not look it at first both anime are kind of similiar. Both have strong-willed heroines with no physical strength, even though Shuurei is much more clever in my opinion. Both heroines have no clue whatsoever about love. Both turn out to be more than the cliche reverse harem and include political intrigue as well as some action and adventure. Both series show some unexpected plot twists. Both offer a great deal more quality than the Angelique/Hanasakeru series (thank god <.<). Both are reverse harem. 
report Recommended by kujika
A girl of lower status becomes the center of attention for a person of royalty because of their strong will and kindness. The girl starts out only allowed to be in the presence of the lord due to their relationship, but eventually earns her way to be with him through her intelligence. 
report Recommended by justice0
Both reverse-harem type shows with similarly intelligent, practical women at the center. Ouran's a little perkier and funnier (and frankly, better) overall, but if you're a fan of the genre and like watching all those pretty, pretty guys falling in love one by one... 
report Recommended by lowell
The thing that makes these truly similar is that the main character is a girl, surrounded by guys who she helps get through various difficulties. In fruits basket, Tohru helps them get through the emotional problems related to the Chinese Zodiac transformations; whereas in Saiunkoku Monogatari Shuurei helps the Emperor and those in the government work through their various problems. Once you've gotten to about episode 11 in Saiunkoku Monogatari and almost anywhere in Fruits Basket, you can REALLY see how they're similar. 
report Recommended by isss
Akin to Ancient Chinese Imperial period stories, both of these shows are set in a fictitious Imperial palace setting where the female protagonists are sent to the royal imperial court (much to their dismay) in order to help resolve some of the internal, societal & political problems the kingdom is facing. Shuurei & Maomao (respectively) are both geniuses & savvy in their own right and carry themselves as they navigate through imperial life. It's rather imperative that audiences must have some knowledge in imperial royal & political systems to fully appreciate the world building of both shows.  
report Recommended by IchiroEX
In both anime, lots of bihies and one main girl involved with them. I think the art is also somewhat similar to eachother. The plots are different, but if you enjoy this you enjoy the other! (There's also a second season for Saiunkoku Monogatari) 
report Recommended by maji_saikou
While watching Soredemo Sekai, I kept thinking about how similar it was to Saiunkoku. Both anime are set in an alternative universe. The female leads are strong-willed and amazing. One of them is a fallen noble who's so poor she accepts the offer of becoming the good-for-nothing emperor's concubine in exchange for a lot of money. The other one has to become the wife of the king who's rumored to be some kind of monster who ruled the world (but he's actually a precocious brat who has lost his trust in the world). They both help the king/emperor grow as a ruler and as a  read more 
report Recommended by xpaula
Takes place in ancient China and all events surround the main female character, who is also surrounded by a lot of male characters with similar designs. Saiunkoku focuses more on the political aspect rather than helping people. 
report Recommended by Monochrome
*Historical romance *Strong female MC, especially smarter than expected by men around her. *Handsome male MC, stoic but tsundere likes the female MC. *Royalty & Plotting *Arranged marriage [entering the royal palace of the prince] *Similar humor/comedy *Strong spirits feature later in the anime. 
report Recommended by LycorisLili
Like all three anime of its kind (Juuni Kokki, Fushigi Yugi, Seirei no Moribito) this one focuses on a strong female lead. Actually ALL the females tend to be strong in this anime. And yet the men play their parts wonderfully and are not left in the background. The premise is also similar in the aspect of secret bodyguards. But this is more a sense of feel to the animes - they just have that similar quality that I tend to find appealing in the other two as well. This genre of anime has a wanderer feel to it,  read more 
report Recommended by starshinesMonet
Seems to be very different but in actuality, both shows feature a strong female lead who is intelligent, mature and kind. They both solve problems for the people around them and give off nothing but positive energy and empowerment. I would say both series remind me of Fruits Basket as well, again with the strong female protagonist who selflessly helps people around her. Highly recommend all three of these shows, they won't disappoint! 
report Recommended by miyuki728
-extremely hard working protagonists -protagonists evolve as the shows progress -similar art -similar feel to the shows 
report Recommended by flashmaster
They have a heart warming feeling. In both anime the male character fell for the female protagonist but the female either rejected, acted innocent or didn't know of their feelings. Also the both female protagonist have a dream to fulfill. Both anime feels the same so I'm pretty sure that if u like this anime u will like the other.  
report Recommended by Addicer_xx
The protagonists, Wei Wuxian and Hong Shurei, take a path forbidden to their status in society. Wei Wuxian, talented head disciple of a renowned sect, is expected to be an upstanding cultivator but practice dark arts due to his circumstances. Shurei, a lady born into the highest of nobility, wants to hold a government post--a path not allowed for women of her country. With their journey comes obstacles, deceit, and danger. Both series prompt you to think introspectively on your values and responsibilities and what it takes to challenge the norms. Both series draw major inspiration from ancient China as you can see in the  read more 
report Recommended by Ruohan
The characters are similar in both anime. Both anime revolves around a group of people and their dreams and romance life. The characters are forced to choose between their dreams and romance. Many characters have unrequited love.  
report Recommended by Addicer_xx
Both worlds are based on ancient China. Their clothing and attire are basically the same. Both anime talk of how to strengthening the country and its people as well as how to live a righteous life. Qin's Moon are more gear toward the view of the Martial Arts world while they resist against a tyrant ruler, while Saiunkoku Monogatari approach in how scholars, retainers, and military officials help their wise emperor rule the country. There are certainly romantic subplot in both, but its never the main focus of the leading character's life. Although the two protagonist are different, they hold important roles that may affect the  read more 
report Recommended by LunaIvy13
If you want a well fleshed out story, well-developed character, a very competent female lead and a lot of episodes, then you can't go wrong with either of these shows that have a very similar feel. The high episode count can be off-putting to some and I totally understand that, however both shows are great at keeping you interested in the story so if you made it through one, you can definitely make through the other. Kemono no Souja Erin is in my opinion the better show but both are very much worth spending the time to watch. 
report Recommended by IceCubed
Historical setting telling the tale of a young female lead trying to succeed in a male dominated world. Very female enpowerment heavy. 
report Recommended by Roevhaal
Not only do they share a historical setting, but both main characters are very business-minded, and work to improve their lives by forming alliances with the people around them. These shows also have similar senses of humor, with characters being caught in situations that look weird out of context. I highly reccommend if you are looking for a show with loveable characters and a satisfying plot. 
report Recommended by R3verie
Witness the bygone era of a pre-gunpowder society through the lens of a female protagonist, in a tale adapted from a written work to an anime series by scriptwriter Reiko Yoshida. Heike Monogatari is a dramatization of events that lead up to and during the real life Genpei War (1180-1185), whereas Saiunkoku Monogatari takes place in a fictional country that takes inspiration from Imperial China. 
report Recommended by Alpha-Nine
Although the female lead in Kamisama Hajimemashita seems more ditsy and clumsy compared to the hard-working female lead in Saiunkoku Monogatari, both animes have a similar feeling where the female lead is surrounded by men who support and look out for her. The people around the female lead just want to see her grow and mature into a confident, strong woman.  
report Recommended by emjayse
Both anime have an extremely hard working main lead, both also have a similar art style, similar feel (light hearted but with parts where the main character experiences stress/loss/defeat), and similar length. The setting is however very different: Hikaru no Go is about a boy trying to become a professional Go player and Saiunkoku is about a girl trying to become a court official in a society modelld on ancient China. 
report Recommended by flashmaster
Both anime have politics as a main theme, and a cast full of bishounen  
report Recommended by romagia
Aside from both series being similar in length, they take place in China, where a young emperor with a tragic past rises to take his rightful place on the thrown. Civil wars, internal disputes, distrust among imperial officials lead into conflicts of both brains and brawn. Helping the emperor become confident and competent is the main character of the anime--Shuurei (Saiunkoku Monogatari) & Shin (Kingdom)--a humble free spirit with immense passion to serve the emperor despite coming from a poor background. Of course, they are looked down upon by leaders and peers, but their genuine potential and talent in governing (Shuurei) and leading soldiers  read more 
report Recommended by lunafly
Are both about breaking gender roles.  
report Recommended by BirdofSummer
In some way Otome Yokai Zakuro reminded me of Saiunkoku both anime are about a dark-blue haired girl there are spirits and there's magic in both anime the characters from both anime wear kimono's  
report Recommended by KuroYume-96
angelique seems to be the female for seiran...and i wouldn't want to forget the reverse harem!!:D 
report Recommended by zibibba
The setting is really similar, characters are really similar and a type of comedy reminds a lot of SaiuMono. 
report Recommended by Eriis
Saiunkoku Monogatari is about how Shuurei, the protagonist gradually achieves her dreams and helps a lot of people. The story takes place in ancient China (I think :p). Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (Wallflower) is centered around four really good looking guys and a girl. In order for the guys to not have to pay their rent, they have to change the girl into a "lady". I found Wallflower to be a slightly lighter series whereas Saiunkoku Monogatari had more of a storyline or plot to it. However, both series are reverse harems and I'm sure you'll like one if the like the other. 
report Recommended by taro_jellybean
Both of these shows are similar and akin to Romaniticed Historical Asian period pieces that really reflect on the sensibilities of Eastern Asian History & Culture. I say that reservably; as Saiunkoku Monogatari can be interpreted and seen in a lens of a Chinese Imperial Era literature or even akin to Korean Joseon Period era literature. In this case, My Happy Marriage is set in a period akin to the Meiji Era. All play into the following important factors: They revolve around marriage arrangements that serve as a means to deal with political and family-clan issues. Characters from both shows learn to deal with the tribulations  read more 
report Recommended by IchiroEX
Both shows have a bit of a historical, royalty feel to them. They both are amusingly light and have similarly-memorable characters. 
report Recommended by as3
Both are set in ancient China/Japan, which are quite similar. Also, the harem is... really huge. There are also some similarities between the main characters personalities. 
report Recommended by joeshimatsu
Both shows have a strong female lead who is surrounded by bishies, and both shows have some supernatural element to them. 
report Recommended by Archaeon
Both are lovely period pieces that center around a main couple as they struggle with their relationship and the crossing of social and gender boundaries. Saiunkoku Monogatari is a bit more upbeat and shoujo-ish, while Emma definitely takes a more realistic, subdued spin on things. Recommended for lovers of heartwarming romances (and period pieces, of course!). 
report Recommended by -PixieDust-
Story about girl who becomes the consort of a reluctant Emperor. 
report Recommended by scarlet88
It might be different in kind, but there is a simple similarity in terms of clothing and Technic/strategy.  
report Recommended by Yuuki-Sama
This is similar because They both have two main characters who work to overcome that gender barrier. They are both women in olden times who are very bright and work in a palace. Hardworking even though they face hardships or bullying. If you like one you'll like the other. Saiunkoku is more adultish though. 
report Recommended by animegirlkat
These two anime features characters who support a certain person in ruling a kingdom and the hardships they face by doing so. There are lot of bishounens in these, too. And both give us romance, of course. 
report Recommended by aegisfareast11
They have the same epic style and historical-mystical feel to it.  
report Recommended by tisavo
Though story and setting are completely different, both anime are about a girl who has a dream so strong that nothing can stop her on the way to her goal - not even love. 
report Recommended by happyoyster
The main character in both series are young, confident women which want to become someone important in the future so they do everything to reach the top. Both series got climax and similar use of colors. When you enjoyed Aria, watching Saiunkoku Monogatari will be a big pleasure.  
report Recommended by Kalafior
both have similar music both have guardians protecting one girl/in love with the main girl both main girls are himes descendants of a special bloodline 
report Recommended by ShirouFubuki