Classic Anime Returns: 4K Remastered Versions of The Twelve Kingdoms and Nadia
Anime fans have some really great news coming their way as NHK BS Premium 4K has announced that they will be broadcasting the 4K remastered versions of two absolute classics. We are talking about the legendary The Twelve Kingdoms and the fan-favourite Nadia: The Secret of the Sea. It is quite a rare chance for the younger generation to see these shows in such high quality, and for the old fans to relive the magic once again. If you are into the twelve kingdoms and nadia, then you should definitely mark your calendars for this special broadcast.
According to the schedule, The Twelve Kingdoms is going to air every Friday at 7pm, starting from April 3rd. Meanwhile, Nadia: The Secret of the Sea will take the Sunday slot at 9pm, with the first episode premiering on April 5th. Seeing these masterpieces in 4K is honestly a dream come true because the original art style is so detailed and deserves this kind of modern treatment.
Anime “Twelve Kingdoms” logo
A Deep Dive into The Twelve Kingdoms
For those who don't know, The Twelve Kingdoms is a proper epic fantasy story. It follows Yoko, who starts off as just another ordinary high school student. But then, she gets suddenly exiled to a completely different world consisting of twelve countries. It is not just some lighthearted adventure; the story shows her struggle as she grows up while learning about the lowliness, kindness, and nobility of the human heart. She has to fight dangerous demons and navigate the complex lives of the residents there.
The series is actually based on the famous novels by Fuyumi Ono. The original anime run had a total of 45 episodes, which were first broadcast on NHK BS-2 between 2002 and 2003. The voice acting was top-notch too, with Aya Hisakawa playing Yoko and Taketo Koyasu voicing Keiki, the mysterious figure who takes her to the kingdoms. This show is often cited as a benchmark for world-building in the the twelve kingdoms and nadia discussions among hardcore fans.
Rediscovering Nadia: The Secret of the Sea
On the other hand, we have Nadia: The Secret of the Sea, which originally aired on NHK General from 1990 to 1991. This work is quite special because it is loosely based on Jules Verne's famous books, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Mysterious Island. It tells the story of the adventures and personal growth of a mysterious and beautiful girl named Nadia, and Jean, an inventive boy who basically falls in love with her at first sight.
The production team for this was quite a powerhouse. Hideaki Anno, who later became world-famous for the Evangelion series, was the general director here. The character designs were handled by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. As for the cast, Yoshino Takamori played Nadia, and Noriko Hidaka gave her voice to Jean. This anime consists of 39 episodes and is still remembered for its unique blend of science fiction and historical adventure.
Why You Shouldn't Miss These Remasters
- Enhanced Visuals: Both series are known for their beautiful background art, which will look stunning in 4K.
- Classic Storytelling: These shows come from an era where stories were allowed to breathe and develop slowly.
- Cultural Significance: These are foundational titles that influenced many modern creators in the industry.
- Legendary Directors: Getting to see Hideaki Anno's early work in high definition is a treat for any cinema lover.
It is really great to see NHK putting in the effort to bring back these shows. Usually, such old series just stay in the archives, but a 4K remaster means they are giving it the respect it deserves. Whether you like the high-fantasy politics of The Twelve Kingdoms or the steampunk vibes of Nadia, there is something for everyone in this lineup. Make sure to tune in and enjoy these classics in their best possible form!
