Fuji TV’s Ranking of Kings is a gentle monster of a show. It tells the story of Bojji, a deaf prince who is small, ridiculed, and determined to become the greatest king in the land. The premise is simple: a ranking system dictates who rules, and Bojji wants his name at the top. What unfolds is a coming-of-age fantasy with a surprisingly soft heart.
The anime premiered on October 15, 2021, and ran for 23 episodes through March 25, 2022. It is based on the manga by Sōsuke Tōka, serialized on Manga Hack since May 2017.
Trailer, via Crunchyroll Dubs.
Bojji and Kage
Bojji is the kind of hero who gets underestimated. He is deaf, tiny, and mocked by his people. But he reads lips, dodges with uncanny agility, and has the intuition of a seasoned ruler. He dreams of becoming strong like his father, King Bosse, a legendary giant warrior. His name is a portmanteau of “Bocchi” (lonely) and “Ōji” (prince).
His companion is Kage, a survivor of a wiped-out assassin clan. Kage witnessed his entire family murdered by the kingdom they served, escaped, and lived as a thief before meeting Bojji. He is touched by Bojji’s kindness and pledges to be his faithful friend. Kage is tasked by Bebin to follow and guard Bojji on their journey.
The dynamic works because both characters are broken in their own ways. Bojji is isolated by his disability, while Kage carries the weight of his family’s death. Together, they navigate a world full of darkness.
The Royal Court
The conflict is personal and political. After Bojji’s father dies, his right to the throne is affirmed by Bosse on his deathbed. But Queen Hiling, Bosse’s widow and Daida’s mother, believes Bojji is unfit to rule. She calls for a vote to circumvent Bosse’s will and place Daida on the throne instead.
Daida is Bojji’s arrogant younger half-brother, physically capable and ambitious. He is the current king, and he has set in motion a sinister plot to consolidate his power. The ranking system is the driving force of the narrative, and the desire to sit atop it pushes everyone forward.
The Journey Begins
When Bojji is denied his birthright, he requests a journey to gain experience and grow stronger. Hiling begrudgingly agrees, and the pair set off. Their travels are the engine of the series, and each episode brings new allies, new challenges, and new lessons.
The animation is clean and expressive. The world is painted with vibrant colors, and the action sequences are fluid. The show does not over-explain its fantasy elements, letting the ranking system exist as a background presence rather than a foreground mechanic.
Voice Cast
The Japanese voice cast delivers the emotional core of the show. Minami Hinata voices Bojji with warmth and determination. Ayumu Murase voices Kage with a gruff protectiveness. Yuki Kaji voices Daida with a simmering menace. Takuya Eguchi voices Domas, and Yoji Ueda voices Bebin. Daiki Yamashita voices Hokuro.
In the English dub, Emily Fajardo voices Bojji, SungWon Cho and Emi Lo voice Kage, and Justin Briner voices Daida.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The show excels at character development. Bojji’s growth is central, but so is Kage’s. Their bond deepens over the course of the series, and the show finds room for quiet moments alongside the action. The pacing is steady, with each episode building toward the next.
The show is not without flaws. Some arcs drag, and the middle stretch can feel repetitive. The ranking system, while central, is underexplored. And the show’s gentle tone can clash with the darker themes it touches.
Final Word
Ranking of Kings is a heartfelt adventure with a strong emotional core. It respects its characters and its audience, refusing to treat Bojji’s disability as a punchline. The journey is long, but the destination is worth it.
Production Details
- Premiere: October 15, 2021
- Last episode: March 25, 2022
- Episodes: 23
- Network: Fuji TV’s Noitamina block
- Voice cast: Minami Hinata (Bojji), Ayumu Murase (Kage), Yuki Kaji (Daida)
- Dub cast: Emily Fajardo (Bojji), Justin Briner (Daida)
The show is a worthy addition to the fantasy genre. It is not the most complex story ever told, but it is a sincere one. Bojji’s dream of becoming a strong king is simple, and the show treats it with genuine care.
For viewers who want a character-driven fantasy with a warm heart, Ranking of Kings delivers. It is a journey worth taking.
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