The ongoing collaboration between the epic manga and anime series Kingdom and Saga Prefecture has been given a major extension. The project, titled Kingdom × (Kakeru) Saga Prefecture ~Don’t Let the Fire of Saga Go Out~, will now run until September 30, 2026 (Wednesday). Alongside the extension, organizers have announced a brand-new attraction: the Furuya Kingdom Onsenkyo (Ancient Hot Spring Kingdom Hot Spring Town), plus updated decorations at Saga Kingdom Airport.
A Boost from Popular Demand
The collaboration first launched in January 2026 as part of Saga Prefecture’s information-dissemination project Saga-Prise!. It was timed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kingdom manga creator Hara Yasuhisa‘s milestone—Hara himself is a Saga native. Initially planned for a two-month run (late January to March), the campaign drew approximately 210,000 participants in total, prompting the decision to extend through the summer.
What Is Kingdom?
Created by Hara Yasuhisa, Kingdom is a historical epic serialized in Weekly Young Jump since January 2006. Set during China’s Spring and Autumn period, it follows the journey of the boy Shin, who aims to become the greatest general under heaven, and the young king Ei Sei, destined to become the First Emperor. The manga surpassed 120 million copies in cumulative circulation (including digital) in 2026. The TV anime recently concluded its sixth season in December 2025, and the live-action film series—directed by Sato Shinsuke and starring Yamazaki Kento—saw its fourth movie Return of the Great General earn over 8 billion yen at the box office. The fifth film, Souls of the Decisive Battle, is scheduled for release on July 17, 2026.
Furuya Kingdom Onsenkyo: A New Hot Spring Experience
In mid-July 2026, the Furuya Onsen hot spring district in Saga City will transform into the Furuya Kingdom Onsenkyo. The main street (stone-paved area) will be adorned with imposing gate decorations, street lamp flags, and photo spot panels where visitors can pose with characters. The entire town will be enveloped in the world of Kingdom.
Alongside the decor, a Kingdom × Furuya Onsen Campaign will offer new prizes. Guests who stay overnight or spend at least 1,500 yen (tax incl.) at participating shops can enter a lottery to win an original collaboration sticker (C prize) featuring the “Wang Qi bathing” series, expanding on the existing A and B prizes.
Saga Kingdom Airport Gets an Upgrade
The Saga Kingdom Airport (Kyushu Saga International Airport) has also received new decorations, effective from June 12, 2026 through the end of September. The tourist information center, entrance automatic doors, and baggage claim turntable now feature fresh Kingdom imagery, deepening the immersion for travelers arriving in Saga.
Furthermore, the popular original collaboration sticker giveaway at the airport is getting a redesign. Starting in mid-July 2026, customers who spend 1,000 yen (tax incl.) or more at airport shops or restaurants can receive a new sticker featuring Shin and Kyoukai in battle. The previous design will be replaced.
Continuing Attractions
Other elements of the collaboration remain active, including the breakwater decoration at Hiwata Yoka Park (home of the Guinness World Record–certified “Kingdom Reading Embankment”) and the Kingdom × Saga wrap buses. With all these additions, the updated collaboration promises an even richer experience for fans visiting Saga this summer.
※ Images are for illustration purposes.
© Hara Yasuhisa / Shueisha
