Juni Taisen: Zodiac War


Juni Taisen: Zodiac War is a Japanese light novel written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Hikaru Nakamura. It was published by Shueisha on May 19, 2015. It is a prequel to their one-shot manga titled Dōshitemo Kanaetai Tatta Hitotsu no Negai to Wari to Sō demo Nai 99 no Negai, published on January 8, 2015. The novel is licensed by Viz Media, which released an English translation in October 2017. An anime television series adaptation by Graphinica aired from October 3 to December 19, 2017.
Its light novel sequel, Jūni Taisen Tai Jūni Taisen, was released on December 12, 2017.

Plot

In a city of half a million people who have all been removed, twelve of the deadliest mercenary warriors with the names and attributes of the Chinese zodiac animals are pitted against each other in the twelfth Zodiac Tournament, which takes place every twelve years. During this rendition, each warrior is asked to swallow one of twelve crystallized poison jewels known as Beast Gems, which will kill each of the warriors after twelve hours. To be granted any one wish of their choosing, the winner must retrieve all the crystals from the other eleven competitors before the deadline. It becomes a merciless battle where survival is crucial at any means.

Characters

Characters are listed in the order of the Chinese Zodiac.
;Tsugiyoshi Sumino / Rat
;Eiji Kashii / Ox
;Kanae Aira / Tiger
;Rabbit
;Nagayuki Tsumita / Dragon
;Takeyasu Tsumita / Snake
;Yoshimi Sōma / Horse
;Sumihiko Tsujiie / Goat
;Misaki Yūki / Monkey
;Ryōka Niwa / Rooster
;Michio Tsukui / Dog
;Toshiko Inō / Pig
;Duedeculpe

Media

Light novel

and Hikaru Nakamura wrote and illustrated the novel respectively, which was published by Shueisha on May 19, 2015. Viz Media have licensed the light novel for an English release.

Manga

A manga adaptation by Akira Akatsuki has been announced and was serialized in Shueisha's Shōnen Jump+ app and website on September 23, 2017. Viz Media started distributing the manga via Weekly Shonen Jump on September 23, 2017.

Anime

An anime adaptation is produced by Graphinica, with Naoto Hosoda directing, Sadayuki Murai writing scripts, Chikashi Kadekaru designing characters, and Go Shiina composing the music. It aired from October 3 to December 19, 2017. The opening theme is "Rapture" by Panorama Panama Town, while the ending theme is "Keshin no Kemono" by Do as Infinity. It ran for 12 episodes. Crunchyroll streamed the series. Funimation streamed the series with a simuldub. In Australia and New Zealand, Madman Entertainment is distributing the series, on behalf of Funimation.
No.TitleOriginal air date