Episode 9 of the TV anime 「日本三國」(Nihon Sankoku), titled 「泣いて弥々吉を斬る」 (Crying as Mimiyoshi Is Cut Down), aired on Monday, June 1, 2026, and quickly became a major topic on social media. The farewell scene for military adviser Hei Mimiyoshi left viewers unable to stop crying.

About Nihon Sankoku

Nihon Sankoku is a manga by Ikka Matsuki serialized on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app and Ura Sunday website. It has surpassed 1 million copies in circulation. The story is set in a near-future Japan where civilization has collapsed due to nuclear war, natural disasters, and disastrous governance, leading to revolution and the division of the country into three powers. It follows Misuma Aoki, a former local government official who uses his knowledge and quick wit to climb toward power, with the goal of unifying Japan once again.

The anime is directed by Kazuaki Terasawa and produced by Studio Kafka. Its cast includes Kensho Ono as Misuma Aoki, Jun Fukuyama as Yoshitsune Asama, Asami Seto as Koki Higashimachi, and Megumi Han as narrator.

Episode 9 Title References Romance of the Three Kingdoms

The title 「泣いて弥々吉を斬る」 is a parody of the old Chinese expression 「泣いて馬謖を斬る」 (crying while executing Ma Su), which comes from Romance of the Three Kingdoms and refers to Zhuge Liang reluctantly executing his favored subordinate Ma Su. Before the episode aired, many viewers analyzed the title and predicted that Mimiyoshi would likely die in this episode, and that prediction proved correct.

Sakuratora Loses Honor, and an Ancient-Era Internet Joke

In this episode, Sakuratora retreats after being overwhelmed by Ryumon’s imposing presence at the Kuzuryugawa River, causing his reputation to plummet. When a criticism reading, “He ran away so cowardly it’s hilarious,” is read aloud, fans laughed at the idea that modern internet slang still exists in this future world, commenting things like, “Does 草 (lol) still exist in this era?” and “That insult feels way too contemporary.”

Ryumon Returns Safely, While Fans Worry About Kaku’s Health

Ryumon, having successfully used the “empty fort” strategy, returns safely despite an arrow in his shoulder and burn wounds. He smiles and says, “I was able to come back because Kaku sent me out.” Fans celebrated with reactions such as “He made it back!” and “Their relationship is so moving.”

However, after sending Ryumon out, Kaku collapses to the floor, completely weakened. Earlier signs, including frequent coughing and a pale face, had already hinted at poor health, prompting a flood of concern from viewers.

Anime-Original Scene: Mimiyoshi’s Glove Puppet

As Sakuratora tearfully apologizes to Mimiyoshi, saying he is unworthy to lead, Mimiyoshi takes out a puppet made from a glove and uses it to comfort him. This scene was added in the anime and does not appear in the original manga. Fans who had read the manga were deeply moved, saying things like, “He was his adviser, servant, and substitute father. I’m crying,” and “He must have used that puppet to play with him when he was little.”

Mimiyoshi’s Daring Plan

Rather than working together to restore Sakuratora’s reputation, Mimiyoshi says he has “a good plan” and does the unexpected. He distributes writings accusing himself of controlling Sakuratora and plotting to seize power, encouraging officers who already disliked him to petition for his removal.

When his son Daikichi-Yasuke tries to persuade him to defend himself, Mimiyoshi only replies, “I am merely leaving office, not dying.” Even so, many fans remained uneasy, and their fears eventually came true. Mimiyoshi leads soldiers to surround the temple of the supreme leader and is arrested for rebellion, shocking social media with comments such as, “He went that far…?” and “His resolve is truly unshakable.”

Sakuratora’s Decision and the Viewers’ Tears

Sakuratora cries and begs Mimiyoshi to defend himself, while some officers ask that he be pardoned for their own benefit. But Yasuke, Mimiyoshi’s son, understands the entire plan. He bows with his forehead to the ground before Sakuratora and says, “Do not forgive my father. Execute him to show that righteousness still exists.”

In the end, Sakuratora sentences Mimiyoshi to crucifixion. After a narration recounts Mimiyoshi’s life, he leaves behind the final words 「我が身命尽きようとも 願いは死せず」 (Even if my life ends, my wish will not die) before dying by Sakuratora’s spear.

Punishing someone close to him according to the law restores Sakuratora’s reputation, and Sakuratora himself renews his resolve after losing a man who was like a father to him. Fans expressed their pain with comments such as, “I understand why it was necessary, but it hurts too much,” and “I have no tears left.”

Connection to the Historical Drama Onna Joushu Naotora

Mimiyoshi’s crucifixion scene also reminded some fans of the 2017 historical drama 「おんな城主 直虎」(Onna Joushu Naotora), which featured a similar scene. Comments included, “It reminds me of Masatsugu, who lived being hated,” and “The author definitely watched taiga dramas.”

Next Episode: Aoki’s Turn!

Episode 9 ends with Aoki in Osaka-to beginning to make a move, unaware of the death of Seii’s adviser. Fans were excited, saying, “It’s finally the protagonist’s turn!” and “Anime viewers have waited so long. Next episode is Aoki’s turn!”

Episode 10 is scheduled to air on Monday, June 8, 2026. Prime Video streams new episodes every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. as the fastest worldwide release.

Nihon Sankoku Anime Information

Broadcast and Streaming

• Prime Video: Every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. from April 5, 2026 (fastest worldwide streaming)
• U-NEXT: Every Monday at 9:00 p.m. from April 6, 2026
• TOKYO MX / BS Nittele and other channels: Every Monday at 24:00 from April 6, 2026

Cast

• Misuma Aoki: Kensho Ono
• Yoshitsune Asama: Jun Fukuyama
• Koki Higashimachi: Asami Seto
• Mitsuhide Ryumon: Kazuhiro Yamaji
• Yasuaki Kaku: Yuichi Nakamura
• Utsuwa Hirado: Takashi Nakao
• Fuji III-se: Taifu Kimura
• Sakuratora Wajima: Minami Tsuda
• Hei Mimiyoshi: Kenyu Horiuchi
• Taketojun Nagoya: Shuichiro Umeda
• Kuraakii: Shunsuke Sakino
• Tsugu Hirado: Ayumu Murase
• Narration: Megumi Han

Staff

• Original work: Ikka Matsuki (Nihon Sankoku, Shogakukan / Manga ONE)
• Director: Kazuaki Terasawa
• Series Composition: Teruko Utsumi
• Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Takahiko Abiru
• Art Director: Seki Tamura
• Color Design: Yuko Kobari
• Director of Photography: Sato Kifune
• Music: Kevin Penkin
• Animation Studio: Studio Kafka
• Co-produced with Amazon MGM Studios

Theme Songs

• Opening Theme: Tatsuya Kitani – 「火種」
• Ending Theme: Leina – 「誓い」

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Source: aniani