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{{Short description|Series of Japanese light novels}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name = Kyo Kara Maoh!
| name = Kyo Kara Maoh!
| image = [[Image:A3741-76thumbnail.jpg]]
| image = Kyo Kara Maoh light novel vol 1.png
| caption = Cover of the first light novel
| caption = Cover of ''Kyo Kara Maoh!'' anime series (Clockwise from top: Gwendal, Conrad, Yuri, Günter, and Wolfram)
| ja_kanji = 今日から㋮王!
| ja_kanji = 今日から㋮王!
| ja_romaji =
| ja_romaji = Kyō Kara Maō!
| genre = [[Fantasy comedy]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=ImaginAsian to Run 2nd Kyo Kara Maoh! Season in Spring (Update 2)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-05/imaginasian-to-run-2nd-kyo-kara-maoh-season-in-spring|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 15, 2020|date=February 5, 2008}}</ref><!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->, [[isekai]]
| genre = [[Adventure]], [[Comedy]], [[Fantasy]], [[Romance (love)|Romance]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Novel
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| light = yes
| type = light novel
| author = [[Tomo Takabayashi]]
| author = Tomo Takabayashi
| illustrator = [[Temari Matsumoto]]
| illustrator = [[Temari Matsumoto]]
| publisher = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Kadokawa Shoten]]<br>{{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Bongkoch Publishing]]
| publisher = [[Kadokawa Shoten]]
| demographic =
| publisher_other = {{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa Media]] <br>{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Seoul Media Group]]
| demographic = Female
| imprint = Kadokawa Beans Bunko
| first = December 2000
| magazine =
| last =
| first = November 2000
| volumes = 21 (16 main story, 5 extra story)
| last = January 2010 (hiatus)
| volumes = 22 (17 main story, 5 extra story)
| volume_list = List of Kyo Kara Maoh! media#Light novels
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Manga
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| author = [[Tomo Takabayashi]] (story)<br>[[Temari Matsumoto]] (art)
| director = [[Junji Nishimura]]
| publisher = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Kadokawa Shoten]]<br>{{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Bongkoch Publishing]]<br>{{flagicon|USA}}[[Tokyopop]]
| demographic = ''[[Shōjo manga|Shōjo]]''
| producer = Yūji Shibata
| magazine = [[Asuka (magazine)|Asuka]]
| writer = Akemi Omode
| first = June 2005
| music = [[Yoichiro Yoshikawa]]
| last =
| studio = [[Studio Deen]]
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|AUS=[[Madman Entertainment]]|NA=[[Discotek Media]]}}
| volumes = 7
| network = [[NHK]]
| network_en = {{English anime network|US=[[Imaginasian]]}}
| first = April 3, 2004
| last = February 25, 2006
| episodes = 78
| episode_list = List of Kyo Kara Maoh! episodes
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Anime
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh - 1st Season
| type = ova
| director = [[Junji Nishimura]]
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh! R
| studio = [[Studio Deen]]
| director = Junji Nishimura
| producer = Yūji Shibata<br/>Sōmei Tanaka<br/>Masato Aoyama
| licensor = {{flagicon|USA}} {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Geneon]]<br>{{flagicon|Australia}} {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Madman Entertainment]]
| writer = Akemi Omode
<br>{{flagicon|France}} [[Dybex]]
| music = Yoichiro Yoshikawa
| network = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Animax]], [[NHK]] <br>{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Animax]] <br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Imaginasian]]<br>{{flagicon|India}} [[Animax]]<br>{{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Animax]]
| first = [[April]], [[2004]]
| studio = Studio Deen
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|AUS=Madman Entertainment|NA=Discotek Media}}
| last = [[March]], [[2005]]
| episodes = 39
| first = October 26, 2007
| last = February 27, 2008
| episodes = 5
| episode_list = List of Kyo Kara Maoh! episodes
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Anime
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh - 2nd Season
| type = tv series
| director = [[Junji Nishimura]]
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh! Third Series
| studio = [[Studio Deen]]
| director = Junji Nishimura
| producer =
| licensor = {{flagicon|USA}} {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Geneon]]<br>{{flagicon|Australia}} {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Madman Entertainment]]
| writer = Akemi Omode
| network = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Animax]], [[NHK]] <br>{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Animax]] <br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Imaginasian]]<br>{{flagicon|India}} [[Animax]]<br>{{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Animax]]
| first = [[April]], [[2005]]
| music = Yoichiro Yoshikawa
| last = [[February]], [[2006]]
| studio = Studio Deen
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|AUS=Madman Entertainment|NA=Discotek Media}}
| episodes = 39
| network = NHK
| network_en = {{English anime network|US=Imaginasian}}
| first = April 3, 2008
| last = February 19, 2009
| episodes = 39
| episode_list = List of Kyo Kara Maoh! episodes
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Anime
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh - 3rd Season
| type = manga
| director = [[Junji Nishimura]]
| author = Tomo Takabayashi
| studio = [[Studio Deen]]
| illustrator = [[Temari Matsumoto]]
| network = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[NHK]]
| publisher = [[Kadokawa Shoten]]
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher|NA=[[Tokyopop]] (expired)}} {{English manga publisher|NA=[[Viz Media]] (kindle edition)}}
| first = [[April]], [[2008]]
| last = [[February]], [[2009]]
| demographic = ''[[Shōjo manga|Shōjo]]''
| episodes = 39
| imprint =
| magazine = [[Monthly Asuka|Asuka]]
}}
| first = April 23, 2005
{{Infobox animanga/OVA
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh R
| last = July 23, 2016
| director = [[Junji Nishimura]]
| volumes = 21
| volume_list = List of Kyo Kara Maoh! media#Manga
| studio = [[Studio Deen]]
| episodes = 5
| released = [[October]], [[2007]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Game
{{Infobox animanga/Game
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh - Hajimari no Tabi
| title = Kyo Kara Maoh! Hajimari no Tabi
| developer =
| developer = [[Namco]]
| publisher =
| publisher = [[Namco]]
| genre =
| music = Akihiko Ishikawa<br>[[Go Shiina]]<br>Yusuke Beppu
| ratings =
| genre = Action
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]
| released = 2006
| released = July 27, 2006
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Audio
| title = Shin Makoku Radio
}}
}}

{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{nihongo|'''''Kyo Kara Maoh!''''', or '''''Kyou Kara Maou!'''''|今日から㋮王!|literally 'Starting Today I'm the Demon King!'}} is a [[Japan]]ese series of [[light novel]]s written by Tomo Takabayashi. It has been adapted into an [[anime]] series and a manga. Geneon ceased production of all titles in late 2007, leaving three volumes of the second season unreleased on [[DVD]] in North America. On [[July 3]], [[2008]], Geneon Entertainment and Funimation Entertainment announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon Entertainment will still retain the license, Funimation Entertainment will assume exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of select titles. ''Kyo Kara Maoh!'' was one of several titles involved in the deal. The story follows the adventures of 15-year old Yuri Shibuya (sometimes spelt "Yuuri") (Japanese Kanji: 渋谷 有利, English Transliteration: Shibuya Yuri), an average high school student whose passion in life is [[baseball]], as he discovers his future in a world where demons and humans are fighting against one another.

==Setting==
Kyo Kara Maoh! takes place in an alternate world which [[Shibuya Yuri]] travels to by coming in contact with various sources of water. There are many nations in the alternate world, however, the plot centers around the nation of {{nihongo|'''''Shin Makoku'''''|眞魔国||True Mazoku Land}} (officially translated "Great Demon Kingdom"). The people of the kingdom are {{nihongo|'''''[[Mazoku]]'''''|魔族}}. In the official translation, Mazoku is rendered as "demon" or "Demon Tribe", depending on context. The Demon Tribe are granted the privilege of making an agreement with an element of nature, which allows them to manipulate that element through the use of their {{nihongo|'''''Maryoku'''''|魔力|Mazoku power}} controlled using {{nihongo|'''''Majutsu'''''|魔術||Mazoku special discipline}}. In the English translation, both terms are rendered as "magic". Covenant Castle (also translated as Blood Pledge Castle), in the capital of the Great Demon Kingdom (and modeled after the [[Alcázar of Segovia]] in [[Spain]]), is the residence of the {{nihongo|'''''Maoh'''''|マ王 or 魔王|Maō}}, or "Mazoku King" (officially "Demon King"). The culture in the Great Demon Kingdom is very different from the Japanese culture Yuri is accustomed to, and the differences make for some amusing mishaps with long ranging consequences, such as an accidental proposal of marriage.
The Great Demon Kingdom shows many similarities to medieval [[Germany]]. For example, the pronunciations of the names (as well as several of the names themselves) and the indications of language in the Great Demon Kingdom are derived or transliterated from the [[German language]]. Also, Conrad gives Yuri his name, which he claims means "July" in the language of the Great Demon Kingdom. In German, July is "Juli" pronounced "Yu-lee". Due to the lack of distinction between the Western sounds of the letters L and R in the [[Japanese language]], this is rendered in Japanese as "Yuri." He also sometimes claims that he is nicknamed "Shibuya Yuri Harajuku Furi" and that Conrad is responsible for it. Also, it may be noted that the nobles of the kingdom are named using the traditional naming conventions of [[German nobility]], using the preposition "von" in their surnames to denote their fiefdom, as in [[Günter von Christ]] and [[Wolfram von Bielefeld]].

==TV Anime Synopsis==
===Season one===
Episodes 1-39. The first season of Kyo Kara Maoh! begins when Yuri intervenes upon finding his former classmate, {{nihongo|[[Ken Murata]]|村田 健|Murata Ken}}, being bullied, and intervenes allowing Murata to run away, but getting his head dunked in a toilet by the bullies instead. When his head enters the water, he is sucked into the toilet, and ends up in another world. Waking on dry land, he initially assumes that he is at a theme park, because of the medieval-style clothes the inhabitants wear.

He encounters [[Adelbert von Grantz]], who uses some form of magic to unlock the local language hidden in Yuri's spirit. Adelbert tries to capture him recognizing the double black hair and eyes to use for his own agenda. [[Conrart Weller]] and [[Günter von Christ]] then rescue Yuri and take him to Covenant Castle, where he is informed that he is the new heir to the throne of the Great Demon Kingdom.

While spending his first night at the castle, Yuri encounters [[Wolfram von Bielefeld]], who immediately marks Yuri as an unworthy heir to the throne, and claims that Yuri's mother was of poor breeding, as well as being human. Yuri ignorantly reacts to the insult by slapping Wolfram across the left cheek, which is the traditional way to propose marriage among the nobles of the Great Demon Kingdom. Though Yuri insists that he is not interested in men, Wolfram takes the proposal very seriously, becoming a jealous, critical fiancé, constantly complaining about how Yuri is a wimp of a fiancée, to great comic effect. Though initially hesitant to claim the throne of a nation he has never heard of at age 15, he has a change of heart upon learning that the humans of the world are at odds with the Demon Tribe, and that the kingdom is on the brink of war with the humans. Yuri feels the bitterness of war firsthand when visiting a town that was burned by enemies, and he feels compelled to bring peace to the land. Just as Yuri is beginning to accept his responsibility as Demon King, another being within his soul manifests itself. This other being is known as "the Demon King" proper, and has longer hair, and more adult features as well as a deeper voice. He is extremely powerful with magic. He is brought forth when Yuri is angered, hurt, or otherwise distressed. The Demon King is always eloquent and direct when he appears, always promoting the idea of justice; in fact, whenever he punishes wrongdoers, he always creates an image of the kanji meaning {{nihongo|"justice"|正義|seigi}} somewhere within the scene. The Demon King often appears at crucial moments to help out and to ensure justice prevails. Yuri slowly becomes the champion of peace and justice, and becomes iconic of a new era of understanding as he rules with a strict policy of peace and negotiation. He even encounters Prince Heathcrife of Cavalcade on a ship, and inadvertently forms an alliance for the Great Demon Kingdom by helping out who he believes is just a stranger in need. On one instance, Ken Murata tries to save Yuri from drowning as he is "flushed" to the other world, and is accidentally brought along. After some initial awkward caution between the friends, Murata reveals to Yuri that he is the reincarnated soul of the {{nihongo|Great Wise Man|大賢者|daikenja}}, the close friend and adviser of the original Demon King, known as the {{nihongo|Great One|眞王|shin'ō|True King}}. The Great Wise Man always remembers his past lives. After this encounter, Murata usually travels with Yuri to and from the kingdom, and the boys become closer in both worlds. Later in the season, Yuri learns that in ancient times, the Great One sealed up his greatest enemy, the {{nihongo|Originator|宗主|sōshu}}, in four wooden boxes named "End of the Wind", "End of the Earth", "Hell's Fire on Frozen Tundra" and "Mirror at the Bottom of the Sea", collectively known as the "Four Forbidden Boxes". According to Murata, peace cannot prevail until all four boxes, which can be used as powerful weapons of destruction, are brought back into the control of the Demon Tribe. Yuri begins searching for the boxes, and subsequently clashes with King Belar of Big Cimaron, who is also seeking the boxes to use as weapons against his human enemies, as well as the Demon Tribe.

===Season two===
Episodes 1-39. The second season begins with Yuri and his companions in Fransia with the box named "End of the Wind" in their possession. While traveling back to Shin Makoku, however, they are confronted by a group of soldiers led by Conrad. He openly declares his new allegiance to Big Cimaron, and takes the group and the box into custody. When King Belal orders Conrad to execute Yuri,he reveals that he has always remained faithful to Yuri, and that he had been attempting to gain access to the boxes controlled by Big Cimaron. The companions escape when the armies of Cavalcade and of a newly-allied Fransia arrive and order Belal out of Fransia, but not before Conrad is pierced by two arrows protecting Yuri. End of the Wind is successfully secured, but Yuri and Murata get pulled back to Japan before reaching Shin Makoku. Through a series of side stories, it becomes clear that Yuri's brother, {{nihongo|Shori Shibuya|渋谷 勝利|Shibuya Shōri}}is being trained to take over the role of Maou for the small population of Mazoku living in secret on earth. Throughout the progression of the early second season, viewers are presented with a slow accumulation of information about Suzanna Julia von Wincott. Conrad was very close to Julia, even though she was engaged to Adelbert. As the season continues, it is eventually revealed that Suzanna Julia volunteered to give her life to Shinou, and was subsequently reincarnated as Yuri. Julia was chosen to become the next Maou because she was a gentle, caring soul, and she abhorred war in every sense. Like Yuri, she did not understand what she felt was the needless sacrifice of war. It is also later revealed that the soul of the Great Sage was deliberately brought to Earth along with Yuri's, so that Ken Murata could be raised with the future Maou. It is difficult to draw a broad line across the plot progressions of the beginning of the second season, as most many episodes present isolated side-stories including chasing a baby around Blood Pledge Castle, a villain attempting to take Yuri hostage but giving up when he tastes soup similar to a recipe made by his mother, and Yuri traveling to the past to encounter Suzanna Julia. Meanwhile, the fourth box, the Mirror at the Bottom of the Sea, becomes increasingly elusive, until the Shinou informs Ulrike that the box was hidden away on Earth in ancient times. Yuri, Gwendal, Conrad, Wolfram, and Murata travel to Earth and meet Yuri's parents, then begin searching for the Maou of Earth, Bob. Bob turns away the Mazoku, telling them to return home, and setting various obstacles in their way, which the companions overcome to finally meet with Bob in Switzerland. Bob and Yuri battle with magic, and Bob is eventually defeated, yielding the box to Yuri, and also explaining that his ancestors had made an oath never to allow the box to return to the Shin Makoku. The obstacles had been a test of Yuri's strength and worthiness. Upon returning the Mirror at the Bottom of the Sea to Shin Makoku, and thus collecting all four boxes, strange things begin to happen, such as the Fly-Bone Tribe becoming uneasy and flocking en masse to Blood Pledge Castle, and travel between worlds becoming more difficult and less predictable. Finally, Conrad and Shori discover that Soushu is beginning to leak out of the boxes as the seals weaken. Yuri comes forward to help reseal the boxes, but Wolfram, possessed by the spirit of Soushu, leaps forward and distracts Yuri, who releases his hold on Soushu. Suddenly, the spirit of Shinou appears and takes Gwendals's left eye, Conrad's left arm and Wolfram's heart, three of the four keys to the boxes, and releases the trapped parts of Soushu in those three boxes, but later gives back the original body parts. Murata reveals that, before his death, Shinou had accidentally absorbed part of Soushu, and that his spirit had now combined with Soushu's. Shinou takes over Yuri's body, and Murata sits aside to see who will win out. Günter and Dakaskos take Morgif back to the island where he was found, and throw him into the volcano to renew his power. Shinou tries to use Yuri's blood as the key to the fourth box, but Julia's pendant reacts to the act and transmits a vision of Julia into Yuri's soul, where she tells him that he is strong and can save everyone. Just then, Günter, Dakaskos and Morgif arrive, and Morgif rips Shinou out of Yuri's body. In the crucial moment, Murata reveals Shinou's final plan to use his soul as a vessel in which to ultimately destroy Soushu. Yuri was chosen to be the only Demon King stronger than the Great One. Yuri finally defeated the Originator. Murata told Yuri that they can't travel again to Shin Makoku because Shinou had disappeared.Shinou opened one last portal. Yuri was left with an ultimatum: stay and live in Shin Makoku or return to his family on Earth. Yuri, Murata, and Shori decided to go back to Earth. Wolfram told him that he must go back, because his family was waiting for him. Wolfram cried, and since Yuri was gone, Shin Makoku didn't have spirit. On Earth, Yuri worries about everyone at Shin Makoku. When he took his necklace close to the lake, it shone. So Murata pushed him into the lake and they suddenly ended up arriving in Shin Makoku. Conrard, Wolfram, Gwendal and Günter were all surprised and the final episode ended with Yuri being attacked by Wolfram for being a wimp who didn't come to Shin Makoku.


{{nihongo|'''''Kyo Kara Maoh!'''''|今日から㋮王!|Kyō Kara Maō!|"Demon King from Today!"}} is a series of Japanese [[light novel]]s written by Tomo Takabayashi and illustrated by [[Temari Matsumoto]]. The story follows the adventures of Yuri Shibuya, an average 15-year-old Japanese high school student, who is suddenly transported to another world where he is told that he is now the king of demons.
===Season three===
Episodes 1-39. The third season of the series, consisting of 39 episodes, began airing on April 3 2008 in Japan. Before Yuri returned to the Great Demon Kingdom at the end of Season 2, the Ten Noble families chooses Wolfram to become the next Demon King. Conflict arises when Yuri returns, and Wolfram is forced to call off their engagement due to Wolfram's proud ''mazoku'' uncle. In the end, Yuri becomes the ''Maoh'' to defend himself and Wolfram, and proves to the noble family that he is a responsible ''Maoh''. This is later followed by a few individual side stories, such as the episode about bear bees being sold in Shin Makoku, in which later are proven to be fakes; and the episode of Leila's wedding to Antoine, the king of the Francia kingdom. In this episode, Yuri and his companions encounter a group of bandits that have been stealing important swords from different kingdoms, it is later revealed that they have a deeper purpose.


Yuri becomes the king of a nation where all of the citizens are demons, but they appear indistinguishable from humans. Their only distinguishing traits are their long lives and the ability to use magic. The people of the Demon Tribe are able to make a pact with an element after which they can then use magic of that element. Covenant Castle is in the capital of the Demon Kingdom. It is the residence of the demon king. The culture of The Great Demon Kingdom is very different from the Japanese culture Yuri is accustomed to, and the differences make for amusing mishaps with long-ranging consequences, such as an accidental proposal of marriage.
The story continues on as Conrad and Murata travel to Big Cimaron to fulfill some somewhat hidden agendas, who are later followed by Yuri and Wolfram. A new character is introduced, the king of Small Cimaron, Saralegi (he was never shown in the first 2 seasons, but he was mentioned in episode 28 and other episodes after that by Maxine.), who seems to be interested in Yuri (or in his powers). In order to get information about the group White Crows, Yuri and Wolfram gets help from Lady Celile's suitor-"Fanfan". Meanwhile in Big Cimaron, King Belal is forced to abdicate his throne to his nephew, King Ranjeel. Ranjeel has been using the White Crows to get rid of all other contenders to the throne, and now wishes to go to war against Shin Makoku. Yurri and Wolfram attend a baquet in Big Cimaron disguised as girls as when Yuri trips over and is helped by Saralegi or Sara. Sara later asks Yuri to dance and Yuri accepts (episode 7 of season 3). Yuri is accidentally exposed and is captured but others manage to successfully rescue him. The Original King appears to be well as he appears to Yuri to give him advice, as well as threatening those who oppose Yuri's rule.


The series was adapted into an [[anime]] in 2004 by [[NHK]] and a [[manga]] in 2005 serialized in [[Asuka (magazine)|Asuka magazine]]. The manga was updated for release by VIZ Media and launched in North America on September 30, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=VIZ Media Highlights New Digital Manga Series Premieres and Updates for September|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2014-09-03/viz-media-highlights-new-digital-manga-series-premieres-and-updates-for-september/.78373|website=Anime News Network|date=21 June 2023|ref=The VIZ Select imprint will also delight fans with the debut of the previously out-of-print in North America zany gender-bending, high school demon drama KYO KARA MAOH! (launches Sept. 30th).}}</ref>
The White Crows were originally formed by the Great Sage Navon in one of his previous incarnations but since then have changed. The White Crows seem to be operating on their own agenda, led by the mysterious Alazon, they are gathering all the holy and spiritual swords they can find. Saralegi invites Yuri to Small Cimaron saying that he wishes to ally himself with Shin Makoku. At the palace, civil unrest occurs as the general decides to take over and ally himself to Big Cimaron instead. Big Cimaron hears of Yuri's being in Small Cimaron and prepares to capture. Saralegi seems to help Yuri escape, but seems to have other agendas. Yuri unable to abandon Saralegi to his plight returns to help him, but is exposed to Big Cimaron's spies and Saralegi is ordered to turn Yuri over to Big Cimaron. In the midst of the transaction, Saralegi is shot whilst protecting Yuri causing him to go mad and changing into Maoh mode destroying most of Big Cimaron's army.


==Plot==
They eventually locate their sword in question and attempt to kidnap Elle, the son of Nicola and Hube, but are stopped by Shori. Genesus, the leading member of the White Crows, seeing the great display of maryoku from Shori, kidnaps him. Yuri journeys to Big Cimaron in order to rescue Shori with the help of Adelbert. At the same time, Ranjeel has decided that his need for the White Crows have run its time and they know too much of the internal affairs of Big Cimaron so they need to be exterminated. Yuri and his gang manage to infiltrate the White Crows' base while Big Cimaron's army attacks it. Alazon goes out to confront the army with an enchanted Shori. Shori manages to unsheathe the sword (whilst no other have been able to - e.g. Wolfram, Alford, Genesus) and turns the whole army into plants. Yuri seeing Shori losing control of his power, runs up to him and uses his own power to calm the sword. Alazon and Genesus use this opportunity of the reunion of the two brothers to escape with the sword. It is discovered that Alazon is actually the Queen of Seisakoku, an ancient race of Shinzoku who is trying to rebuild her country.
{{Main|List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters}}
While on his way home from school, [[List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters#Yuri Shibuya|Yuri Shibuya]] sees his classmate, [[List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters#Ken Murata|Ken Murata]], being harassed by bullies. When Yuri intervenes, Murata runs away, and Yuri becomes their new target. They force him into the girls' bathroom and shove his face into a toilet, where a portal suddenly appears. Yuri is sucked in and is rendered unconscious. He wakes up to discover himself in a strange world where no one speaks Japanese. Yuri comes to find out that he is of {{nihongo|demon|魔族|[[Mazoku]]}} lineage and is the {{nihongo|king|魔王|Maoh|Mazoku King}} of this world, {{nihongo|The Great Demon Kingdom|眞魔国|Shin Makoku|True Mazoku Land}}.


He is taken to the capital by [[List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters#Günter von Christ/von Kleist|Günter]] and [[List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters#Conrad/Conrart Weller|Conrad]]. When he arrives at the castle, he meets [[List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters#Wolfram von Bielefeld|Wolfram]] and [[List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters#Gwendal von Voltaire|Gwendal]], who find it hard to believe that Yuri is their new king. At dinner the next day, Yuri slaps Wolfram after the latter insults Yuri's mother for being human. Unknown to Yuri, among the nobles in the Demon Kingdom, a slap on the cheek is considered a marriage proposal. Wolfram is insulted and immediately challenges him to a duel by throwing his knife on the floor. Yuri, again being unfamiliar with the kingdom's customs, picks up the knife, unknowingly accepting the duel. After Yuri wins by using magical powers he was unaware he possessed, he is accepted as the true demon king.
Ranjeel under the belief that Shin Makoku were employing the White Crows launches a war against Shin Makoku. Being pacifists, Yuri, Shori and Murata attempt to meet with Ranjeel to talk him out of it, but instead end up on Saralegi's ship. Saralegi reveals his true colours, uses his Houryoku to enchant Yuri into attacking the entire Big Cimaron's fleet. Murata and Shori using the Original King's power push Yuri back to Earth in order to stop his destruction.
By the time Yuri returns, Conrad and Adelbert have caused enough unrest in Big Cimaron for Ranjeel to abdicate and have managed to capture Belias, Saralegi's closest and only confidante. Saralegi then comes to Shin Makoku saying he wishes to renew the relationship between Shin Makoku and Small Cimaron, when Alazon appears again trying to kidnap Yuri. Belias stops her and reveals himself to be the brother of Alazon and Saralegi to be the abandoned son of Alazon.
Alazon gives Genesus his last chance to fulfil his dying wish, to meet with the Original King, he does, but is destroyed.
Saralegi then reveals he aspires to be the king of both Small and Big Cimaron and wishes Shin Makoku to step aside and quietly watch as he does.


The story follows Yuri on his adventures trying to learn the ways of the Great Demon Kingdom while battling discrimination and fear. He does not know much of the world but applies his moral judgment onto every situation in order to find a peaceful outcome. His ultimate goal is to bring peace to both demons and humans, hoping to one day live together while avoiding war at all costs. Even though he has the choice of leaving his responsibilities to his advisers, he continues to involve himself in most affairs in the belief that to be a great king he must be willing to know his subjects and risk everything to protect the kingdom.
Some filler episodes are about Conrad's rebellious past with Günter, Anissina's betrothal to some noble family (with Gwendal taking her before meeting the groom), artificial bear bees, Shori's love for Yuri (episode 92), Greta's mother (episode 93) and the ancient Wincott's secret weapon (epi 94). Conrad and Wolfram go back to Earth with Yuri for his finals and Yuri uses Aninissa's experiment accidentally switches bodies with Shori.


Yuri also battles with the notion of belonging to one world. While he misses his home in Japan on Earth, he develops a family and home in the Great Demon Kingdom, which leads to some very hard choices.
==Themes==
Throughout the series, [[List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters#Yuri_Shibuya|Shibuya Yuri]] is constantly confronted with the results of even the smallest choices he makes. With a strange power dwelling inside of him, Yuri becomes a deliverer of justice in the world of the Great Demon Kingdom. Yuri constantly makes friends who later on give him big support and help, illustrating the theme of loyalty. He never abandons his personal ethics, even when doing the right thing is impractical, and people come to trust him.


Although romance is not a main focus of the story, the anime has been noted for its [[shōnen-ai]] undertones. For example, Yuri and Wolfram are engaged, and a number of jokes in the series revolve around misunderstandings that arise from this arrangement.
==Characters==
{{main|List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters}}


==Media==
==Media==
{{main|List of Kyo Kara Maoh! media}}


===Light novels===
==TV Anime Theme Songs==
{{Main|List of Kyo Kara Maoh! media#Light novels}}
Written by Tomo Takabayashi with illustrations by Temari Matsumoto. The novels are released under Kadokawa's Beans Collection.
The first novel was released in November 2000. There are currently 22 books in the series.<ref name="Novel Volumes">{{cite web|url=http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/search_plus/index.php?ss=isbn&simple=1&s=4-04-4452&SUBMIT.x=7&SUBMIT.y=12|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804091054/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/search_plus/index.php?ss=isbn&simple=1&s=4-04-4452&SUBMIT.x=7&SUBMIT.y=12|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-08-04|title=kadokawa Novel|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa]]|language=ja|access-date=2011-09-05}}
</ref> 17 are main story novels and the other 5 are extras and side stories which provide background and other information to the story.


===Manga===
'''Openings''':
{{Main|List of Kyo Kara Maoh! media#Manga}}
Drawn by Temari Matsumoto, the ''Kyo Kara Maoh!'' manga series (Titled ''Kyō Kara MA no Tsuku Jiyūgyō!'' (今日からマのつく自由業!) in Japanese) debuted in June 2005 issue of the monthly ''[[Asuka (magazine)|Asuka magazine]]'' on April 23, 2005,<ref name="Asuka magazine">{{cite web|url=http://asuka-web.jp/work/maou.html|title=Asuka magazine|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa]]|language=ja|access-date=2017-11-03|archive-date=2017-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024160414/http://asuka-web.jp/work/maou.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ended on July 23, 2016. The first volume of the manga was released on December 26, 2005, and 21 volumes total have been released.<ref name="Manga Volumes">{{cite web|url=http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/search_plus/index.php?ss=auther&simple=1&s=%B6%AC%CE%D3%A1%A1%C3%CE&SUBMIT.x=15&SUBMIT.y=14|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905212727/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/search_plus/index.php?ss=auther&simple=1&s=%B6%AC%CE%D3%A1%A1%C3%CE&SUBMIT.x=15&SUBMIT.y=14|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-09-05|title=kadokawa manga|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa]]|language=ja|access-date=2011-09-05}}</ref><ref name="Updated manga releases - CDjapan">{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/products?term.media_format=&q=Kyo+Kara+Ma+no+Tsuku+Jiyugyo%21+|title=List of Kyou kara Maou manga releases|publisher=CDJapan|language=en|access-date=2017-11-03}}</ref>


An English-language version of the manga was licensed by [[Tokyopop]] but when Tokyopop shut down their North American branch in 2011 all of their licenses were cancelled. They released seven volumes of the manga before they shut down. After 3 years, [[VIZ Media]] licensed a digital release in North America, releasing the seven volumes in 2014.<ref name="Viz Media releases - Amazon.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Temari%20Matsumoto&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerank|title=English volumes released by Viz Media (kindle edition)|publisher=Amazon.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-03}}</ref>
*'' 'Hateshinaku Tooi Sora Ni' (果てしなく遠い空に)''（1st-2nd Season)
:THE STAND UP
:[[Lyricist|Lyrics]]：坂本タカノリ
:[[Songwriter]]：太田タケヒロ


===Anime===
*'' 'Sekai yo warae' (世界よ笑え)''（3rd Season）
{{Main|List of Kyo Kara Maoh! episodes}}
:YOSHIDA SHOUGO (吉田旬吾) with M-Tone
The anime adaptation of ''Kyo Kara Maoh'' was directed by [[Junji Nishimura]], animated by [[Studio Deen]], and produced by [[NHK]]. It aired across Japan on NHK.<ref name="staff">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/mao/staff.html|title=Mao Staff|publisher=[[NHK]]|language=ja|access-date=2011-09-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523151334/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/mao/staff.html|archive-date=2012-05-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> The series consists of 117 episodes and 5 OVA episodes.<ref name="NHK Anime">{{cite web|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/mao/story01_10.html|title=Story Until Now|publisher=[[NHK]]|language=ja|access-date=2011-09-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523151850/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/mao/story01_10.html|archive-date=2012-05-23}}</ref><ref name="OVA Dates">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827110339/http://www.maruma-ova.jp/release.html|archive-date=2011-08-27|url=http://www.maruma-ova.jp/release.html|title=OVA Release dates|publisher=[[NHK]]|language=ja|access-date=2015-10-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>
:Lyrics：Yoshida Shougo (吉田旬吾)
While much the first season follows the original story from the novels, the plot in the following seasons varies drastically.
:Songwriter：Masanori Takumi (宅見将典)
:[[Arranger]]: Masanori Takumi (宅見将典)


The anime was originally licensed for release in North America by [[Geneon]] under the title ''Kyo Kara Maoh! God(?) Save Our King!'', but when Geneon ceased production of their titles in late 2007, it left three volumes of the second season unreleased on DVD in North America. On July 3, 2008, Geneon Entertainment and Funimation Entertainment announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon Entertainment will still retain the license, Funimation Entertainment will assume exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of select titles. ''Kyo Kara Maoh!'' was one of the titles involved in the deal. In August 2011, Funimation announced that the license expired and that they had no plans to renew the license.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animemaki.net/2011/08/funimationgeneon-licenses-expire-on-paradise-kiss-when-they-cry/|title=FUNimation/Geneon licenses expire on Paradise Kiss, When They Cry|work=animemaki|date=2011-08-16|access-date=2011-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330215959/http://www.animemaki.net/2011/08/funimationgeneon-licenses-expire-on-paradise-kiss-when-they-cry/|archive-date=2012-03-30|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 22, 2019, [[Discotek Media]] announced its license of the first season for an April 30, 2019 Blu-ray release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Discotekmedia/photos/a.196378827057886/2520995581262854/?type=3&theater|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/147168055312297/2520995581262854|archive-date=2022-02-26|url-access=limited|title=April 30th 2019. Kyo Kara Maoh the complete first season on high definition Blu Ray! English dub, Japanese language with English subtitles. Region A.|publisher=[[Facebook]]|date=February 22, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*'' 'Romantic Morning' (ロマンチック・モーニング)''（OVA Opening）
:THE STAND UP
:Lyrics：坂本タカノリ
:Songwriter：太田タケヒロ


===Musical===
'''Endings''':
In April 2013 the series was adapted into a musical titled ''Kyo Kara Maoh! Birth of the Maou''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maomyu.com/|script-title=ja:魔劇『今日からマ王！-魔王再降臨-』公式サイト|language=ja|access-date=2017-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020130207/http://www.maomyu.com/|archive-date=2017-10-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> It showed for 11 days during [[Golden Week (Japan)|golden week]] at the Hakuhinkan theater. It was produced by Sōgō Vision.


A second musical adaptation titled ''Kyo Kara Maoh! Second Advent of the Demon King'' premiered in 2015. It ran in Tokyo's Space Zero from October 1st to October 11th.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelkin |first1=Sarah |title=Kyo kara Maoh! Gets New Stage Play This Fall |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-01-11/kyo-kara-maoh-gets-new-stage-play-this-fall/.83138 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=11 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Valdez |first1=Kiara |title=Kyo Kara Maoh! Stage Play Cast Unveiled |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-04-22/kyo-kara-maoh-stage-play-cast-unveiled/.87399 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=22 March 2015}}</ref>
*'' 'Suteki na Shiawase' (ステキな幸せ)''（1st Season）
:THE STAND UP
:Lyrics：坂本タカノリ
:Songwriter：太田タケヒロ


A third musical ran in 2016, titled ''Kyo Kara Maoh! The Demon King Runaway Edition''. It featured an original story, running in Tokyo's Space Zero from November 3rd to November 13th.<ref>{{cite web |title=舞台オリジナル外伝「魔劇『今日から（マ）王！』〜魔王暴走編〜」囲み取材、ゲネプロレポート |url=https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/85972 |website=SPICE |access-date=14 January 2024 |language=ja |date=3 November 2016}}</ref>
*'' 'Arigatou' (ありがとう～)''（2nd Season）
:BON'Z
:Lyrics：Bon'z
:Songwriter：IKKI
:Arranger：ha-j
*'' 'Going ' ''（3rd Season）
:YOSHIDA SHOUGO(吉田旬吾)
:Lyrics：Yoshida Shougo (吉田旬吾)
:Songwriter:Yoshida Shougo (吉田旬吾)
:Arranger：Masanori Takumi (宅見将典)


==Reception==
*'' 'Hitsuyou no Pocket' (秘密のポケット)''（OVA ending）
In the ''[[Animage]]'' [[Anime Grand Prix]] award, the anime placed seventh for best anime in the 2004 poll.<ref>{{cite web |title=第27回アニメグランプリ ［2005年6月号］ |url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2005.html |publisher=[[Animage]] |access-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709021337/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2005.html |archive-date=9 July 2012 |language=ja |date=June 2005}}</ref> In the 2005 poll, Season 2 of the anime placed second in the award for best anime, while Season 1 placed fifth. That same year, the anime held multiple rankings in the best episode poll, the best character polls, and the best anime song poll.<ref>{{cite web |title=第28回アニメグランプリ ［2006年6月号］ |url=http://animage.jp/gp_new/gpx_2006.html |publisher=[[Animage]] |access-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709021253/http://animage.jp/gp_new/gpx_2006.html |archive-date=9 July 2012 |language=ja |date=June 2006}}</ref> The anime placed twelfth in the 2006 best anime poll, and eighteenth in the 2008 best anime poll.
:THE STAND UP
:Lyrics: 坂本タカノリ
:Songwriter：坂本タカノリ


Carlo Santos called the series "an unusual take on the fantasy genre" due to its "toilet portals between worlds" and its "same-sex engagement.<ref>{{cite web|last=Santos|first=Carlo|title=Kyo Kara Maoh! DVD 1 [Review]|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kyo-kara-maoh/dvd-1|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315201442/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kyo-kara-maoh/dvd-1|archive-date=March 15, 2019|date=March 15, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|quote="...an enraged Yuri, unaware of local customs, strikes pretty boy Wolfram with a slap of proposal...Wolfram's petulant attitude makes him a great complement (and fiancé) to simple-minded Yuri, and the older men also have their own unique relationships with the Demon King".}}</ref> Chris Beveridge. ''Mania'' called the series a mixture of fantasy, baseball, and slice of life genres, saying it works "really well.'.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|url=http://www.mania.com/kyo-kara-maoh-vol-1_article_76875.html|title=Kyo Kara Maoh! Vol. #1|work=Mania|publisher=[[Demand Media]]|date=2005-05-22|access-date=2011-02-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016230307/http://www.mania.com/kyo-kara-maoh-vol-1_article_76875.html|archive-date=2012-10-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> Danica Davidson, ''Graphic Novel Reporter'' called the manga a "fun and whimsical read" which has fascinating characters and "a strong storyline."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/reviews/kyo-kara-maoh-volumes-1-4|title=Kyo Kara Maoh, Vol. 1-4|last=Davidson|first=Danica|work=Graphic Novel Reporter}}<!-- Formerly at http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/content/kyo-kara-maoh-vol-1-4-review --></ref>
== Cancellation ==
Kyo Kara Maoh has not been renewed for a 4th season marking the last episode of the 3rd Season as the final episode of the KKM series. Die hard fans however are starting petitions to bring back Kyo Kara Maoh for a 4th season. For more information about the petition, check the "SOS! Save Our Shinmakoku" link in the "External Link" section of this page.[http://purulelu.org/shinmakoku/]


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
*{{Anime News Network|anime|3741}}
*[http://purulelu.org/shinmakoku/ SOS! Save Our Shinmakoku (Information and link to the Kyo Kara Maoh season 4 petition webpage]
*{{Anime News Network|manga|6411}}
*[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/mao/ Official (NHK) website] {{ja icon}}
*[http://www.funimation.com/kyokaramaoh/ Official (FUNimation) website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101226115611/http://funimation.com/kyokaramaoh/kyokaramaoh.cfm Official (FUNimation) website]
*[http://www.maru-ma.com/ Official manga site] {{ja icon}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120824223124/http://www.maru-ma.com/ Official novel site] {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://blog.animate.tv/maoh/ Official Blog] {{ja icon}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120221021346/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/mao/ Official Anime(NHK) website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.maruma-ova.jp/ Official Japanese OVA Website]{{ja icon}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070921091015/http://blog.animate.tv/maoh/ Official Anime Blog] {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120324094822/http://www.marine-e.co.jp/maruma/ Official Radio Show Website]{{in lang|ja}}


{{Junji Nishimura}}
[[Category:Adventure anime and manga]]
{{Studio Deen}}
[[Category:Anime of 2004]]
{{Studio Deen films}}
[[Category:Anime of 2007]]
{{Asuka}}
[[Category:Fantasy anime and manga]]
[[Category:Funimation Entertainment]]
[[Category:Geneon]]
[[Category:Anime distributed by Madman Entertainment]]


[[Category:2000 Japanese novels]]
[[de:Ab sofort Dämonenkönig!]]
[[Category:2004 anime television series debuts]]
[[es:Kyō Kara Maō!]]
[[Category:2005 anime television series debuts]]
[[fr:Kyō kara maō!]]
[[Category:2005 manga]]
[[ko:오늘부터 마왕]]
[[ms:Kyo Kara Maoh!]]
[[Category:2006 video games]]
[[Category:2007 anime OVAs]]
[[ja:まるマシリーズ#アニメ]]
[[Category:2008 anime television series debuts]]
[[pl:Kyō kara maō!]]
[[Category:2000s Japanese LGBTQ-related television series]]
[[ru:Kyo Kara Maoh!]]
[[Category:LGBTQ speculative fiction television series]]
[[th:ผมน่ะหรือคือราชาปีศาจ!]]
[[Category:Anime and manga based on light novels]]
[[vi:Kyo Kara Maō!]]
[[Category:Comedy anime and manga]]
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[[Category:Geneon USA]]
[[Category:Isekai anime and manga]]
[[Category:Isekai novels and light novels]]
[[Category:High fantasy television series]]
[[Category:Japan-exclusive video games]]
[[Category:Japanese LGBTQ-related animated television series]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Beans Bunko]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Dwango franchises]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Shoten manga]]
[[Category:Light novels]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2-only games]]
[[Category:Studio Deen]]
[[Category:Tokyopop titles]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Visual novels]]
[[Category:Viz Media manga]]
[[Category:Yaoi anime and manga]]
[[Category:Yaoi light novels]]
[[Category:Yaoi video games]]

Latest revision as of 09:43, 25 September 2024

Kyo Kara Maoh!
Cover of the first light novel
今日から㋮王!
(Kyō Kara Maō!)
GenreFantasy comedy[1], isekai
Light novel
Written byTomo Takabayashi
Illustrated byTemari Matsumoto
Published byKadokawa Shoten
ImprintKadokawa Beans Bunko
Original runNovember 2000 – January 2010 (hiatus)
Volumes22 (17 main story, 5 extra story) (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed byJunji Nishimura
Produced byYūji Shibata
Written byAkemi Omode
Music byYoichiro Yoshikawa
StudioStudio Deen
Licensed by
Original networkNHK
English network
Original run April 3, 2004 – February 25, 2006
Episodes78 (List of episodes)
Original video animation
Kyo Kara Maoh! R
Directed byJunji Nishimura
Produced byYūji Shibata
Sōmei Tanaka
Masato Aoyama
Written byAkemi Omode
Music byYoichiro Yoshikawa
StudioStudio Deen
Licensed by
  • AUS: Madman Entertainment
  • NA: Discotek Media
Released October 26, 2007 – February 27, 2008
Episodes5 (List of episodes)
Anime television series
Kyo Kara Maoh! Third Series
Directed byJunji Nishimura
Written byAkemi Omode
Music byYoichiro Yoshikawa
StudioStudio Deen
Licensed by
  • AUS: Madman Entertainment
  • NA: Discotek Media
Original networkNHK
English network
  • US: Imaginasian
Original run April 3, 2008 – February 19, 2009
Episodes39 (List of episodes)
Manga
Written byTomo Takabayashi
Illustrated byTemari Matsumoto
Published byKadokawa Shoten
English publisher
MagazineAsuka
DemographicShōjo
Original runApril 23, 2005 – July 23, 2016
Volumes21 (List of volumes)
Video game
Kyo Kara Maoh! Hajimari no Tabi
DeveloperNamco
PublisherNamco
Music byAkihiko Ishikawa
Go Shiina
Yusuke Beppu
GenreAction
PlatformPlayStation 2
ReleasedJuly 27, 2006
Audio drama
Shin Makoku Radio

Kyo Kara Maoh! (今日から㋮王!, Kyō Kara Maō!, "Demon King from Today!") is a series of Japanese light novels written by Tomo Takabayashi and illustrated by Temari Matsumoto. The story follows the adventures of Yuri Shibuya, an average 15-year-old Japanese high school student, who is suddenly transported to another world where he is told that he is now the king of demons.

Yuri becomes the king of a nation where all of the citizens are demons, but they appear indistinguishable from humans. Their only distinguishing traits are their long lives and the ability to use magic. The people of the Demon Tribe are able to make a pact with an element after which they can then use magic of that element. Covenant Castle is in the capital of the Demon Kingdom. It is the residence of the demon king. The culture of The Great Demon Kingdom is very different from the Japanese culture Yuri is accustomed to, and the differences make for amusing mishaps with long-ranging consequences, such as an accidental proposal of marriage.

The series was adapted into an anime in 2004 by NHK and a manga in 2005 serialized in Asuka magazine. The manga was updated for release by VIZ Media and launched in North America on September 30, 2014.[2]

Plot

[edit]
Main article: List of Kyo Kara Maoh! characters

While on his way home from school, Yuri Shibuya sees his classmate, Ken Murata, being harassed by bullies. When Yuri intervenes, Murata runs away, and Yuri becomes their new target. They force him into the girls' bathroom and shove his face into a toilet, where a portal suddenly appears. Yuri is sucked in and is rendered unconscious. He wakes up to discover himself in a strange world where no one speaks Japanese. Yuri comes to find out that he is of demon (魔族, Mazoku) lineage and is the king (魔王, Maoh, Mazoku King) of this world, The Great Demon Kingdom (眞魔国, Shin Makoku, True Mazoku Land).

He is taken to the capital by Günter and Conrad. When he arrives at the castle, he meets Wolfram and Gwendal, who find it hard to believe that Yuri is their new king. At dinner the next day, Yuri slaps Wolfram after the latter insults Yuri's mother for being human. Unknown to Yuri, among the nobles in the Demon Kingdom, a slap on the cheek is considered a marriage proposal. Wolfram is insulted and immediately challenges him to a duel by throwing his knife on the floor. Yuri, again being unfamiliar with the kingdom's customs, picks up the knife, unknowingly accepting the duel. After Yuri wins by using magical powers he was unaware he possessed, he is accepted as the true demon king.

The story follows Yuri on his adventures trying to learn the ways of the Great Demon Kingdom while battling discrimination and fear. He does not know much of the world but applies his moral judgment onto every situation in order to find a peaceful outcome. His ultimate goal is to bring peace to both demons and humans, hoping to one day live together while avoiding war at all costs. Even though he has the choice of leaving his responsibilities to his advisers, he continues to involve himself in most affairs in the belief that to be a great king he must be willing to know his subjects and risk everything to protect the kingdom.

Yuri also battles with the notion of belonging to one world. While he misses his home in Japan on Earth, he develops a family and home in the Great Demon Kingdom, which leads to some very hard choices.

Although romance is not a main focus of the story, the anime has been noted for its shōnen-ai undertones. For example, Yuri and Wolfram are engaged, and a number of jokes in the series revolve around misunderstandings that arise from this arrangement.

Media

[edit]

Light novels

[edit]
Main article: List of Kyo Kara Maoh! media § Light novels

Written by Tomo Takabayashi with illustrations by Temari Matsumoto. The novels are released under Kadokawa's Beans Collection. The first novel was released in November 2000. There are currently 22 books in the series.[3] 17 are main story novels and the other 5 are extras and side stories which provide background and other information to the story.

Manga

[edit]
Main article: List of Kyo Kara Maoh! media § Manga

Drawn by Temari Matsumoto, the Kyo Kara Maoh! manga series (Titled Kyō Kara MA no Tsuku Jiyūgyō! (今日からマのつく自由業!) in Japanese) debuted in June 2005 issue of the monthly Asuka magazine on April 23, 2005,[4] and ended on July 23, 2016. The first volume of the manga was released on December 26, 2005, and 21 volumes total have been released.[5][6]

An English-language version of the manga was licensed by Tokyopop but when Tokyopop shut down their North American branch in 2011 all of their licenses were cancelled. They released seven volumes of the manga before they shut down. After 3 years, VIZ Media licensed a digital release in North America, releasing the seven volumes in 2014.[7]

Anime

[edit]
Main article: List of Kyo Kara Maoh! episodes

The anime adaptation of Kyo Kara Maoh was directed by Junji Nishimura, animated by Studio Deen, and produced by NHK. It aired across Japan on NHK.[8] The series consists of 117 episodes and 5 OVA episodes.[9][10] While much the first season follows the original story from the novels, the plot in the following seasons varies drastically.

The anime was originally licensed for release in North America by Geneon under the title Kyo Kara Maoh! God(?) Save Our King!, but when Geneon ceased production of their titles in late 2007, it left three volumes of the second season unreleased on DVD in North America. On July 3, 2008, Geneon Entertainment and Funimation Entertainment announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon Entertainment will still retain the license, Funimation Entertainment will assume exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of select titles. Kyo Kara Maoh! was one of the titles involved in the deal. In August 2011, Funimation announced that the license expired and that they had no plans to renew the license.[11] On February 22, 2019, Discotek Media announced its license of the first season for an April 30, 2019 Blu-ray release.[12]

Musical

[edit]

In April 2013 the series was adapted into a musical titled Kyo Kara Maoh! Birth of the Maou.[13] It showed for 11 days during golden week at the Hakuhinkan theater. It was produced by Sōgō Vision.

A second musical adaptation titled Kyo Kara Maoh! Second Advent of the Demon King premiered in 2015. It ran in Tokyo's Space Zero from October 1st to October 11th.[14][15]

A third musical ran in 2016, titled Kyo Kara Maoh! The Demon King Runaway Edition. It featured an original story, running in Tokyo's Space Zero from November 3rd to November 13th.[16]

Reception

[edit]

In the Animage Anime Grand Prix award, the anime placed seventh for best anime in the 2004 poll.[17] In the 2005 poll, Season 2 of the anime placed second in the award for best anime, while Season 1 placed fifth. That same year, the anime held multiple rankings in the best episode poll, the best character polls, and the best anime song poll.[18] The anime placed twelfth in the 2006 best anime poll, and eighteenth in the 2008 best anime poll.

Carlo Santos called the series "an unusual take on the fantasy genre" due to its "toilet portals between worlds" and its "same-sex engagement.[19] Chris Beveridge. Mania called the series a mixture of fantasy, baseball, and slice of life genres, saying it works "really well.'.[20] Danica Davidson, Graphic Novel Reporter called the manga a "fun and whimsical read" which has fascinating characters and "a strong storyline."[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Loo, Egan (February 5, 2008). "ImaginAsian to Run 2nd Kyo Kara Maoh! Season in Spring (Update 2)". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  2. ^ "VIZ Media Highlights New Digital Manga Series Premieres and Updates for September". Anime News Network. 21 June 2023.
  3. ^ "kadokawa Novel" (in Japanese). Kadokawa. Archived from the original on 2012-08-04. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  4. ^ "Asuka magazine" (in Japanese). Kadokawa. Archived from the original on 2017-10-24. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  5. ^ "kadokawa manga" (in Japanese). Kadokawa. Archived from the original on 2012-09-05. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  6. ^ "List of Kyou kara Maou manga releases". CDJapan. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  7. ^ "English volumes released by Viz Media (kindle edition)". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  8. ^ "Mao Staff" (in Japanese). NHK. Archived from the original on 2012-05-23. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  9. ^ "Story Until Now" (in Japanese). NHK. Archived from the original on 2012-05-23. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  10. ^ "OVA Release dates" (in Japanese). NHK. Archived from the original on 2011-08-27. Retrieved 2015-10-26.
  11. ^ "FUNimation/Geneon licenses expire on Paradise Kiss, When They Cry". animemaki. 2011-08-16. Archived from the original on 2012-03-30. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
  12. ^ "April 30th 2019. Kyo Kara Maoh the complete first season on high definition Blu Ray! English dub, Japanese language with English subtitles. Region A." Facebook. February 22, 2019. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26.
  13. ^ 魔劇『今日からマ王！-魔王再降臨-』公式サイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2017-10-20. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  14. ^ Nelkin, Sarah (11 January 2015). "Kyo kara Maoh! Gets New Stage Play This Fall". Anime News Network. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  15. ^ Valdez, Kiara (22 March 2015). "Kyo Kara Maoh! Stage Play Cast Unveiled". Anime News Network. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  16. ^ "舞台オリジナル外伝「魔劇『今日から（マ）王！』〜魔王暴走編〜」囲み取材、ゲネプロレポート". SPICE (in Japanese). 3 November 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  17. ^ "第27回アニメグランプリ ［2005年6月号］" (in Japanese). Animage. June 2005. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  18. ^ "第28回アニメグランプリ ［2006年6月号］" (in Japanese). Animage. June 2006. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  19. ^ Santos, Carlo (March 15, 2019). "Kyo Kara Maoh! DVD 1 [Review]". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 15, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2020. "...an enraged Yuri, unaware of local customs, strikes pretty boy Wolfram with a slap of proposal...Wolfram's petulant attitude makes him a great complement (and fiancé) to simple-minded Yuri, and the older men also have their own unique relationships with the Demon King".
  20. ^ Beveridge, Chris (2005-05-22). "Kyo Kara Maoh! Vol. #1". Mania. Demand Media. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2011-02-09.
  21. ^ Davidson, Danica. "Kyo Kara Maoh, Vol. 1-4". Graphic Novel Reporter.
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