When you’re deep into an anime and start buying up all the merchandise, the last thing you want is to pull a blind box featuring a character who made your blood boil. That was the case for this writer upon encountering Hei Tono no Kiyoshi, the Minister of Internal Affairs, in the lineup. Having tormented the protagonist, the thought of getting his figure felt awkward at first. But then came a realization: “I don’t actually know much about the Minister.” After taking a closer look, his administrative skill and foresight became impossible to ignore.
In this article, an anime-only fan (who hasn’t read the original manga) will share a personal, biased take on the appeal of Hei Tono no Kiyoshi, and offer predictions for the final two episodes.
What is Nihon Sangoku?
Nihon Sangoku is the anime adaptation of the manga by Matsuki Ikka. As of March 2026, the series had surpassed 1 million copies in cumulative circulation. The story is set in a Japan devastated by nuclear war, natural disasters, and corrupt governance. The country has split into three warring states. A lowly local official named Sankaku Seiki rises through the ranks using his vast knowledge and sharp rhetoric, aiming to reunite Japan. The legend of a man later hailed as a genius strategist begins.
Note: The following text contains spoilers for those who have not watched the series. Please proceed with caution.
Swift Work and Judgment – No Mercy
Hei Tono no Kiyoshi is far more cruel than his cute peace-sign pose might suggest. He shows no mercy to anyone who displeases him, even women, punishing them thoroughly. Early in the series, the writer felt anger toward him for executing Seiki’s wife, Kogi. However, seeing things from Hei’s perspective changes the view. He hates being called “fat.” One might think, “If it hurts, why not just lose weight?” But then it hits you: in the world of the story, plumpness is a sign of wealth. Having that hard-earned symbol dismissed as “fat” would indeed be infuriating. So his harsh punishment of those who use that word (even indirectly) becomes understandable.
Regarding Kogi’s execution, the anime doesn’t show the conversation, but if she “obstructed tax collection” and “disrespected him by calling him fat,” then Hei likely saw her as a threat to his regime. Eliminating such a threat early, without sentiment, is not a wrong decision in his position. Hei treats everyone equally – anyone can become a target. In a sense, he is a figure of absolute equality, with no discrimination or distinction. This mysterious, peace-sign-flashing minister gradually becomes more intriguing and even endearing.
Surprisingly Willing to Listen and Acknowledge Ability
Despite his playful side and mercilessness toward those who offend him, Hei is not simply self-centered. He accurately sees Seiki’s future-oriented vision and knowledge. Instead of eliminating this immeasurable potential, he can let a promising young man go. Unexpectedly, he possesses the capacity to genuinely recognize ability. That is why he does not finish off the frontier general Ryuumon, even though Ryuumon is a nuisance. If he simply killed Ryuumon, others who respect him and share his ideals would rise up again and again. A rash move is not wise. The writer thinks that to remove Ryuumon, a major crime and an unassailable reason are necessary. To create that reason, Hei even uses his own son, Tonotsugu. Even family is not spared – Hei is Hei. If the reason is “punishment for failing to save my son,” no one can argue, and Ryuumon would be helpless. As a father, it’s questionable, but as someone who secures his own position, it makes him a fascinating enemy. He never bends, no matter what happens. Such a formidable antagonist is essential to Nihon Sangoku.
Predictions for the Final Two Episodes
In episode 10, Hei reunites with Seiki. He honestly praises Seiki’s straight growth, knowledge, and ability, and his rise in rank. But Hei wouldn’t be Hei if he just acknowledged him. As Seiki struggles to save the cornered Yamato forces, Hei stands in his way. To the greatly grown Seiki, it feels like a “let’s see what you’ve got” challenge. The synopsis for episode 11 says Seiki asks for an imperial decree to retreat, and Hei opposes it. All judgment is left to the emperor. In both the preview video and advance cuts, Seiki and Hei face each other as equals. The writer personally predicts that Hei will listen to Seiki, let him do as he pleases for a while, then crush his hopes at the best moment, ending with a peace sign and a “Tough luck, big brother. Try again.” Alternatively, Hei might say, “From today, you work as my hands and feet.” Either way, Hei is likely to give double the despair after a success. It’s hard to imagine a bright future for Seiki yet. Honestly, any direction will lead to an interesting story. The final two episodes will show what actions Hei takes as a formidable enemy, and just thinking about it is exciting.
Nihon Sangoku is an anime full of emotionally stirring characters, but it also has Hei Tono no Kiyoshi, who maximizes his role as a villain and his entertainment value. We look forward to his continued activity.
TV Anime Nihon Sangoku – Overview
Streaming Information
World’s fastest streaming on Prime Video from April 5, 2026 (Sunday) at 21:00
Pre-broadcast streaming on U-NEXT from April 6, 2026 (Monday) at 21:00
Broadcast Information
From April 6, 2026 (Monday) at 24:00 on TOKYO MX, BS Nippon Television, and other stations
Cast
- Sankaku Seiki: Ono Kenshou
- Asama Yoshikata: Fukuyama Jun
- Higashimachi Kogi: Seto Asami
- Ryuumon Mitsuhide: Yamaji Kazuhiro
- Kaku Yasuaki: Nakamura Yuuichi
- Hei Tono no Kiyoshi: Nagasato Takashi
- Tou Sansei: Kimura Taibi
- Wajima Sakurako: Tsu Minami
- Toi Miyakichi: Horinouchi Kenyuu
- Nagao Butsudou: Ueda Shuichirou
- Kura Aiki: Sakino Shunsuke
- Hei Tonotsugu: Murase Ayumu
- Narration: Pan Megumi
Staff
- Original Work: Matsuki Ikka, “Nihon Sangoku” (Shogakukan, MangaONE serialization)
- Director: Terasawa Kazuaki
- Series Composition: Uchiumi Teruko
- Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Abiru Takahiko
- Art Director: Tamura Seiki
- Color Design: Kohari Yuuko
- Director of Photography: Kibune Hayato
- 2D/Special Effects: Katou Fuuna
- Brush Lettering: Kiriyama Kotoha
- Editor: Imai Daisuke (JAY FILM)
- 3D Director: Ogawa Kouhei
- Sound Director: Hata Shouji
- Sound Effects: Izumo Noriko
- Sound Production: Sound Team Don Juan
- Music: Kevin Penkin
- Production: Studio Kafka
- Production Committee: Nihon Sangoku Production Committee, Co-produced with Amazon MGM Studios
Music
- Opening Theme: Kitani Tatsuya “Hidane”
- Ending Theme: Leina “Chikai”
(C) Matsuki Ikka / Shogakukan / Nihon Sangoku Production Committee
