“Japan Sangoku” Episode 6 Brings Tears: “Too Cool, Cried Like Crazy”; Ayumu Murase’s Performance as Hira Tonotsugu Praised

TV anime “Japan Sangoku” episode 6 “Eve of Battle” aired on May 11, 2026 (Monday). As Nagao Butotsuyoshi’s feigned surrender and Hira Tonotsugu’s incompetence became clear, many viewers were moved by the battle at Kuzuryu Castle depicted in the latter half, sparking reactions calling it a “god episode.”

The spring anime “Japan Sangoku” is based on the manga by Ikka Matsuki, serialized in Shogakukan’s comic app “Manga One” and web comic site “Ura Sunday.” The story is set in a near-future Japan where revolution broke out due to nuclear war, natural disasters, and corrupt government, leading to civilization’s collapse. The country has entered a three-kingdom era divided into three factions vying for hegemony. It follows Mikado Seiki, a lowly local official, who aims to “reunify Japan” by rising through the ranks with his vast knowledge and eloquent speech.

The series, which has sold over 1 million copies, was adapted into a TV anime by director Kazuaki Terasawa and animation studio Studio Kafka. The cast includes Kensho Ono (Mikado Seiki), Jun Fukuyama (Asama Yoshitsune), Asami Seto (Higashimachi Saki), and Megumi Han (narration), among other notable names.

*The following text contains spoilers for those who have not yet watched the series. Please be cautious when reading.

Junichi Tamaoki, who had come to Kanazawa Castle as an envoy from Yamato, witnessed the torture of Nagao Butotsuyoshi. After Tamaoki believed the weakened Butotsuyoshi’s words and promised cooperation, Butotsuyoshi flashed a disturbing smile. It was a scene showing the “self-injury stratagem” of hurting one’s own allies to deceive the enemy, but Butotsuyoshi’s expression resembled a certain character who uses a death note in another anime, leading to social media comments like “Just as planned…!” and “Stop making that face www”.

News of Butotsuyoshi’s state quickly reached the brat Hira Tonotsugu (son of Hira Tonoki). With no troops deployed nearby, Tonotsugu judged that Butotsuyoshi’s surrender was not a ruse, but then the accompanying Ryuumon subordinate Sugou Tsuyoshi spoke up, saying, “Once we cross the river, there’s no escape.”

Sugou pointed out the possibility of troops in an unexplored area, explaining the risk of being caught in a pincer attack. However, his remark that “even a kid could understand that” enraged Tonotsugu, and Sugou was captured despite being an ally.

Viewers criticized Tonotsugu, saying, “His personality is as nasty as his father’s” and “Like father, like son.” At the same time, Ayumu Murase, who voiced the transformation from a snot-nosed brat to a power-wielder, received praise: “He does the annoying thing so well,” “That sudden cool voice is insane,” and “I love that gritty voice!!”

When Ryuumon learned that Tonotsugu had crossed the Tedori River, he halted his advance. The “Melo Strategist” Kaku Yasuaki, who was a hot topic in the previous episode, suggested retreating to Fukui, surprising Ryuumon. Viewers were puzzled, saying, “Wait, are they abandoning Sugou?” and “If that dumb kid dies, won’t he hang himself or something…?”

Meanwhile, Sugou was tied up and attended a banquet at Kanazawa Castle. Amid comments like “Is that some kind of fetish?” and “Is he a masochist?”, a performance by the “Aidoru Suda A” geisha troupe from Seii took place, causing social media to explode with “So there were miniskirt idols in this era too” and “Just like some 48 group.” Additionally, behind-the-scenes posts by original author Ikka Matsuki and musician Hyouri Takahashi revealed that the song for “Aidoru Suda A” had been composed in full length.

On the other hand, Seiki, left in charge, saw through Seii’s plan to invade via the mountainous Hakusan region. He realized that the land-reclamation policy started by Otora Wajima to rebuild the country was actually a scheme to develop the desolate Hakusan area and secure a mountain crossing route. Viewers were astonished, saying, “What a brilliant strategy”, “The banquet was to keep them stuck in Kanazawa!!”, and “A surprise attack from the mountains…”

This scene also sparked discussion about lipstick marks on a teacup at Yoshitsune’s house. As soon as Seiki arrived, Yoshitsune hurriedly buttoned up his shirt, prompting sharp observations like “That’s suggestive…”, “His hair is also messy”, and “He sent his female guest away, didn’t he?”

As Seiki predicted, the Seii army crossed the mountains and invaded Yamato. The Kuzuryu Castle in Okuetsu faced a hopeless situation: 2,000 troops against 70,000 from Seii. The castle’s lord, Sato Yoshinaga, decided to offer his own head to save his subordinates. But his deputy, Hina Hiraizumi, and the other soldiers declared, “We’ll defend this castle together!” and chose to fight alongside Sato against the Seii army.

The soldiers of Kuzuryu Castle faced the massive army with the resolve of “fushaku shinmyō” (not sparing even one’s life to achieve a goal). Moved viewers commented: “Too cool,” “So intense,” “This makes me cry…” as episode 6 came to a close.

This stirring development at Kuzuryu Castle, also depicted in the OP, drew many reactions such as “Shaking with excitement,” “Salute to the mob’s resolve,” “Too cool, I cried like crazy”, and the episode was called a “god episode.” Will Kuzuryu Castle hold out until reinforcements arrive? What does the fallen okame mask at the end signify? Episode 7 is scheduled to air on May 18 (Monday). (World’s earliest streaming on Prime Video every Sunday at 21:00.)

TV Anime “Japan Sangoku” Overview

Streaming Info

World’s earliest streaming on Prime Video starting April 5, 2026 (Sunday) at 21:00
Advance terrestrial broadcast on U-NEXT starting April 6, 2026 (Monday) at 21:00

Broadcast Info

Starting April 6, 2026 (Monday) at 24:00 on TOKYO MX, BS Nittele, and other stations

Cast

Staff

Music

Opening Theme: Tatsuya Kitani “Hi no Tane”
Ending Theme: Leina “Chikai”

(C) Ikka Matsuki / Shogakukan / Japan Sangoku Production Committee