Juuni Taisen

Every 12 years, mercenaries who possess the highest caliber of brute strength, cunning wit, and deadly precision gather to participate in the Zodiac Tournament. Each warrior bears the name and attributes of one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. With their pride and lives on the line, they engage in vicious combat until only the victor remains.

The 12th Zodiac Tournament begins in a desolate city, devoid of any evidence of the half million people who recently lived there. To raise the stakes, each warrior ingests a poisonous gem, thus setting a time limit on the tournament—and on their life. With one wish for the victor up for grabs, the Zodiac Warriors start their cutthroat battle for survival.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Usagi Main

Okamoto, Nobuhiko Japanese

Nezumi Main

Horie, Shun Japanese

Tora Main

Igarashi, Hiromi Japanese

Ushii Main

Umehara, Yuuichirou Japanese

Sharyuu Main

Hayami, Saori Japanese

Inounoshishi Main

Hikasa, Youko Japanese

Niwatori Main

Sakura, Ayane Japanese

Tatsumi Kyoudai Ani Main

Eguchi, Takuya Japanese

Tatsumi Kyoudai Otouto Main

Toriumi, Kousuke Japanese

Dotsuku Main

Nishimura, Tomohiro Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Oowada, Tomoyuki Producer

Kamei, Hiroshi Producer

Shioya, Yoshiyuki Producer

Reviews

Mar 9, 2025

MentokMoreblocks

Recommended

I'd recommend Juuni Taisen. For a 12 episode series, it does what it should, the plot is simple, we don't need to dwell too much on why the characters are sucked into the tournament. I like how streamlined it was for its length. The art style was great, really enjoyed it, they did a great job hiding the CG for a lot of the show, even if it did still show here and there. The characters aren't deep nor do they have to be, even though they do try at key points to pull on heart strings. Its like a shadow thinking its tall just ... because the sun is low.

The designs were unique even if I didn't like them and we see how some of them look in literal battlefields wearing something completely different. I liked the idea of the fights more than the execution because once you finish you realize the ending was thought of before the entire series removing the weight of every moment, and I did not care for Tiger as a character, many interactions can be boiled down to "A character thinks highly of himself and is confronted by B character who because they were underestimated wins the fight". This isn't me spoiling a specific moment, this is a good few of the fight because the writer thinks that is the only way to subvert your expectations.

Watch it, its pretty fun just don't expect to come out of it a different person, put it a few down your watchlist.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Aug 11, 2023

AceReview

Mixed Feelings

Juuni Taisen offers a unique and intriguing concept. To summarise it it is a battle royale featuring twelve warriors, each taking the forms of different Chinese zodiac signs, competing for the ultimate prize: a wish that could change their lives forever. The series blends action, strategy, and character exploration to create an often intense viewing experience.

One of the standout aspects of the anime is its diverse cast of characters, each possessing distinct personalities, abilities, and backstories. As the show progresses, viewers are treated to decently executed flashback sequences that delve into the past of each competitor, revealing their motivations for participating in the brutal Juuni ... Taisen and the events that shaped their lives. This approach adds depth to the characters and enhances the emotional investment of the audience.

The animation and art style of Juuni Taisen are generally well-done, with fluid action sequences and attention to detail in character designs. The fight scenes are choreographed creatively, showcasing the unique abilities of each warrior. However, some viewers might find the animation occasionally inconsistent in certain episodes.

The series blends action with psychological elements, as warriors strategize and adapt their tactics to outwit their opponents. The unpredictability of the battles kept me and many other viewers engaged and curious about the outcome, as alliances form and betrayals unfold. This psychological aspect adds complexity to the narrative, making the story more than just a straightforward battle for survival.

On the downside, some viewers might find the pacing a bit uneven. The balance between character development, flashbacks, and the progression of the battle can occasionally feel disted. Additionally, while the character backstories provide depth, they can sometimes overshadow the present-day events, making it challenging to maintain a consistent focus on the ongoing battle.

In conclusion, "Juuni Taisen" offers a unique and intriguing take on the battle royale genre, blending action, strategy, and character exploration. The diverse cast, well-executed flashbacks, and psychological elements contribute to an engaging narrative. While there are some pacing issues, the anime remains to be worth the watch for those interested in a darker, more complex take on the concept of a deadly tournament.

Overall rating 7/10

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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May 25, 2025

Rehn-to

Not Recommended

This anime is an example of wasted potential. It actually has an interesting premise, good choreography, and many unique characters. Sadly, the execution is so bad.

For anime that is labeled as action, the action is only a little. As has been said, this anime has many unique characters. But, it seems they also know that and try to make every character the main character. They tried to deepen every character by showing their background story which is too much. Probably 80% of an episode is about a flashback of a character. And they use that same formula for every episode with different characters which makes ... it so repetitive. The twist probably explains why the storytelling is like that. But, that doesn't make the anime good.

The good thing about this anime is the opening. It's so good it made me still get excited to watch the anime even though I know the anime is not as good as the expectation the opening gives. And the action, even though it's so little, is so good. Wish they added more action instead of a bunch of boring flashbacks.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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