Nabari no Ou

About Nabari no Ou

Here is what Nabari no Ou (隠の王) is about, retold in plain terms: an action, drama and psychological anime by J.C.STAFF (2008). In short: Silent, apathetic yet mischievous, 14-year-old Rokujou Miharu is the bearer of the hijutsu, "Shinrabanshou", a mighty technique many ninja clans desire to possess to become the ruler of Nabari. Fellow classmate Kouichi and his English teacher Kumohira are both secretly Banten clan ninjas, pledging themselves to protect Miharu from his many attackers.

Also worth knowing: Keeping apathetic, Miharu tries to reject their invitation to join their ninja ‘club’ however, after numerous attacks; he stumbles on no choice but to join their group as a means for his survival. Slowly, Miharu takes a step closer to becoming the ruler of Nabari.

In an action series like this, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. Miharu Rokujo (Rie Kugimiya) and Yoite (Mitsuki Saiga) are two of the characters you will meet early. If you count yourself among viewers who like fast, high-impact fights, put it on your list. At 26 episodes in total, it is easy to plan a viewing schedule.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by J.C.STAFF, so the studio's house style defines how Nabari no Ou looks and moves on screen. Within the action category, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. With a 6.8/10 score, it is more of a niche pick than a universal crowd-pleaser. On the casting side, Rie Kugimiya voicing Miharu Rokujo gives the lead role a recognizable voice. It aired in 2008, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.