The critically acclaimed historical anime series Kingdom is officially returning for its sixth season, set to premiere in October 2025. The announcement was made across the anime’s official website and social media platforms, accompanied by a new teaser visual featuring the tagline, “The Inheritor of Qi Wang’s Spear.”
The upcoming season will immerse viewers once again in the tumultuous Warring States period of ancient China, focusing on the intense conflict between the Qin and Zhao kingdoms. Protagonist Xin is expected to wield Wang Yi’s legendary spear on the battlefield, signifying his growing responsibility and power.
What to Expect in Kingdom Season 6
Season 6 is anticipated to delve into the crucial “Zhao Invasion Arc,” promising high-stakes battles, intricate military strategies, and deepening political intrigue. Fans can prepare for a major battle for control over China’s northern territories, where Xin’s journey as a general will escalate significantly. The season will also explore further character development amidst the escalating power struggles.
The Qin-Zhao Conflict
The central focus of the sixth season will be the all-out war between the Qin and Zhao armies. King Ying Zheng, determined to unify China, will ally with Lord Changping and Li Si to strike western Zhao. However, they will face the formidable strategist Li Mu, prompting Qin to shift its tactics and target the strategic city of Yè. This sets the stage for Yè to become a brutal battleground where the destiny of nations hangs in the balance.
Production and Streaming Details
Studio Pierrot and Signpost, which animated the fifth season, are returning for the sixth installment. Kenichi Imaizumi will continue to direct the series, with Noboru Takagi handling series composition, Hisashi Abe on character designs, and Hiroyuki Sawano and KOHTA YAMAMOTO composing the music.
The opening theme song, “Ikite, Sansan” (Live, Brilliantly), will be performed by Ikimono-gakari, while Sora Tomonari will perform the ending theme song, “Hōkō” (Roar).
International Availability
While the new season will air in Japan on NHK General, Crunchyroll is expected to continue its role in streaming the series internationally, as it has done for previous seasons. Crunchyroll’s streaming regions include North America, Central America, South America, Europe (excluding French-speaking territories), Africa, Oceania, and the Indian Subcontinent.
The Enduring Legacy of Kingdom
Based on Yasuhisa Hara’s historical manga, which began serialization in 2006 and continues to release new chapters, Kingdom has garnered a massive global fanbase, particularly in Asia. The manga has over 110 million copies in circulation. VIZ Media is also set to begin releasing the Kingdom manga in English in Fall 2025, coinciding with the anime’s new season.
The anime adaptation has released 132 episodes across five seasons so far, with the fifth season concluding in March 2024. The relatively short gap between seasons has been met with excitement from fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Xin and Ying Zheng’s epic quest to unify China.
