The Story of Saiunkoku
Series Overview
Saiunkoku is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a different colour. The new Emperor, Shi Ryuuki, has gained for 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.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
2 Seasons • 78 Episodes
25 min per episode
2006 – 2008
Premiered: Sat, Apr 8, 2006
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 2, Episode 39: “Destined Partners Cannot Be Separated”
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jun Shishido
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
M: Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Story of Saiunkoku.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Story of Saiunkoku
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Story of Saiunkoku about?
Saiunkoku is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a different colour. The new Emperor, Shi Ryuuki, has gained for 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.
How many seasons does The Story of Saiunkoku have?
The Story of Saiunkoku comprises 2 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in The Story of Saiunkoku?
Key cast members in The Story of Saiunkoku include Houko Kuwashima, Tomokazu Seki, Hikaru Midorikawa, Shuichi Ikeda, Nobuyuki Hiyama.
Who created or directed The Story of Saiunkoku?
The Story of Saiunkoku was developed and directed by Jun Shishido.