Last time we time we saw Shuurei and her friends, they were in the process of putting the Sa province to rights, but of course, their troubles are far from over. First, there’s the outbreak of a deadly plague and the emergence of the mystical Hyou family to deal with, but after that, there are even more trials and troubles to overcome. Can Shuurei become an official capable of handling whatever is thrown at her- and can Ryuuki can become a king worthy of the throne of Saiunkoku?

Everyone knows how much I loved SaiMono after its first season, and so it was that I decided to jump straight into season two, despite the lack of subtitles. Thankfully, Impz was on hand to help out with anything I didn’t understand, and so I was able to make it through all 39 episodes of a series that became increasingly complex and riddled with new characters as it went on.

SaiMono had a hardly been a series that was light on characters in its first season, but the second season seemed set to take that to new heights. As the world of Saiunkoku expanded and new threads were woven into the plot, they brought with them new characters, some mere supporting personalities, others of higher importance. Even though the result should have been to make Saiunkoku a more complex place, it also meant that the now immense cast was competing for time, with important season one characters being shoved to the sidelines for long periods of time even as the viewer grappled with the surge of new and often unremarkable faces. Why should we care about all these new officials and doctors when all we wanted was to see Seiran actually do something?

Fortunately, it wasn’t all doom and gloom on the character front; not only did Eigetsu, Shusui and to a lesser extent Shuuei get a chance to shine in their respective arcs, but a couple of the new faces actually proved to be worthy additions to the cast. In particular, we saw the introduction of Shin “Tantan” Suou, a laid back person who becomes Shuurei’s guide from innocence and naïveté to the way the real world works, and Jyuusan-hime, a daughter of the Ran clan whose inner fortitude and streetwise nature make her the perfect contrast to Shuurei.

Amidst all this, there was still enough time to ensure that Shuurei herself continued on her journey of development, although the tone this takes is a little different than it was in season one. Back then, it seemed as if Shuurei’s determination to succeed was all that was required, whilst her male friends were always there to protect her idealism and naïveté from some of the harsher realities of the world. This time around, she is forced to grow more as she is left to take more responsibility for her own actions- she may have friends in high places, but they know the best thing for her is to sort out her problems on her own. It is interesting to wonder what the ultimate result of this will be- obviously Shuurei cannot remain naïve forever if she is to survive in the world of politics, but at the same time, if that idealism and determination to make the world a better place is lost, something very fundamental about her character will be changed forever.

Although he spends much of the early part of the series sitting in his throne room and receiving information about the plot in the form of recap episodes, Ryuuki also gets a chance to grow up a little in the latter part of the series. Although we’ve already seen him go from a ruler who felt too unworthy to even bother with his duties to someone who is trying his best for Shuurei’s sake, there is still some way to go for our young emperor. As long as his actions are motivated purely by his interest in Shuurei, he can never grasp the bigger picture and make the kind of decisions required of him (including taking a wife, of course). Ultimately, though, does he have the strength to become a better ruler, or should he just step down and let someone else take his place?

With all these character concerns, it is no surprise that the story of SaiMono started to become more complex, diverging as it did onto all sorts of threads covering everything from art theft to Shuurei’s future as an official. Unfortunately, unlike last season, these episodes started to suffer from the ever-present danger of catching up to the novels, with the pacing slowing down a little too much in places (the plague arc became an extended ER episode for some weeks) and recap episodes appearing a little too often. And with the novels still ongoing, it was impossible to wrap everything up in this series- all we can hope for is an OVA or two once the next few novels are released, because there are certainly plenty of dangling threads that it would be nice to see resolved eventually.

Visually, SaiMono seems to have earned a slightly bigger budget injection for this season, so whilst the animation still isn’t entirely consistent, the beauty of the character designs shines through even more than it does in the first season. Aside from a new ED, the music is basically the same as it was in season one (even the OP is reused)- a selection of period style themes that fit the tone of the series well but tend to become repetitive when listened to on their own.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to the increasing complexity of the world of Saiunkoku, the second season of SaiMono is slower paced and perhaps a little ‘colder’ than its predecessor, covering so many characters and story threads that it lacks the intimacy of the first season. Nonetheless, if you enjoyed the first thirty-nine episodes, watching this batch is highly recommended- it’s no Twelve Kingdoms, but it still makes for worthy viewing.

Tier: Gold-

Kai You proves that he still has the power of seduction.

And his conquests aren’t limited to women- he was Eigetsu’s personal instructor.

“Anyway, enough of establishing my credentials- let’s get down to some BI.”

“BI? Are you sure you’re still up to the task?”

“Yes, in fact Doushu gave me a book of techniques.”

“This is an illustrated guide to BI for beginners and advanced users.”

“Should I use this to teach Eigetsu the ways of BI?”

“He must remain HARD GAY for now.”

“Shuurei is the one who will need to learn BI in order to prosper as a governor.”

“Wow, such detailed techniques!”

“There are even diagrams!”

“If he had known about BI, things would have been easier for Kourin.”

“Speaking of Eigetsu, here are some nude pictures of him.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen him naked, but he’s rather more impressive than I imagined.”

“Thank you for showing these to me- and of course for giving me the books.”

“Perhaps I could help you practise some of the methods outlined in the books.”

“Would you mind?”

“Really? Er, I mean, I guess I could spare a few minutes.”

“I bet a man of your experience will be a most satisfying partner.”

“Let’s just say I’ve never passed up an opportunity for BI.”

Meanwhile, Ensei gets in the mood for some HARD GAY.

“Do you want the neighbours to hear us?”

“Anyway, why don’t we try the method outlined in this scroll?”

“Oh, and by the way- my HARD GAY doesn’t come cheap.”

Elsewhere, Eigetsu has just finished a particularly satisfying HORSE session.

“I’d know that HORSE anywhere.”

“I was hoping you’d bring lots of fit men with you!”

“Here, I’ve gathered around some men for a group session.”

“I don’t have any practical experience of mass HARD GAY, but I have studied the theory behind it.”

Eigetsu explains the principles of group Pleasure to a willing crowd.

“I know some of you have worries about being able to perform, but these days we can correct that sort of thing.”

“I have ordered a crate of Viagra from the capital.”

“Until then, I will try to use my skills to get you in the mood.”

“We will try not to disappoint you in the bedroom, Governor.”

“Shuurei, the men of Sa Province say that you’re the reason their HARD GAY has gone downhill!”

“The fault lies with their Liangs, not me!”

“I know, but it’s hard for a man to admit that such a thing is his own fault.”

Enter the doctors.

“…to find a solution for the embarrassing problems of the Sa Province men!”

“To help find a solution, please look at these books of BI techniques.”

“I didn’t know such things were possible!”

“Hey, look at this technique!”

“There’s even a section for older men!”

“Whoever he is, he must be a master of Pleasure.”

“You have made BI and HARD GAY your life’s work.”

“You must introduce these techniques to the jaded men of Sa Province.”

“I hope to see many new and exciting techniques introduced to my home.”

“Well then, Eigetsu, let’s set a date for our group HARD GAY session.”

“And of course, I expect you to participate.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world!”

“Feel the power of my bishiness!”

“Get out of here! This man’s BI is dangerous!”

“Shouka, why is it that you deprive me of every partner I’ve ever wanted?”

“If you want BI so badly, I’ll give it to you!”

“Shusui, this man is not even worthy of Dagger.”

“If you won’t let her do it, then at least service me yourself, as is customary amongst the Kou clan.”

“Fine, then I will do the deed!”

“I’ll give you as much Dagger as you want, as long as you don’t involve Shuurei!”

“The plot forbids it.”

“I’m just as protected by the plot, you know!”

“You can argue all you want, but at the end of the day my Liang is bigger!”

“Please stay quiet about my Viagra problem, okay?”

“Oh my god, my Liang is gone!”

“I’m sure I had it yesterday!”

“Wait, Liangs can’t disappear- this must be a dream!”

“No way- I just felt down there and it was gone!”

“I’m going to die without it!”

“Thank god- it seems to be back.”

“They’ll help with your love life.”

(“I can’t believe she thinks I need these!”)

“These oranges are specially made to have aphrodisiac qualities.”

“They seem like quite an intimate gift.”

“…you never know when you might need it.”

(“One day, I may have to turn STRAIGHT for Shuurei.”)

(“But there’s no need to rush- I still have many HARD GAY partners I want to be with.”)

“Why did Hyou Riou show up this episode?”

“It’s not like he even stopped in for HARD GAY!”

“A man who does not want Imperial HARD GAY is surely up to no good.”

(“What has happened to my Liang?”)

(“I must treat it before it loses functionality!”)

(“I won’t feel as embarrassed about taking oranges if someone else is doing it too.”)

“I guess I could use their rejuvenating effects.”

“I don’t want him to know that I have to rely on oranges in order to get it working.”

“What!? There’s going to be a group session later? I’d better get some more oranges.”

“Is it my turn for screen time yet?”

“As long as you prefer HARD GAY, I don’t want you near me!”

“For you, I will turn BI!”

“But you share your body with another man!”

“It may be hard for you to understand, but it is my Hyper Self Pleasure with Yougetsu that kept me going all these years.”

“The techniques he uses are too complex for me to understand.”

“But when he wants Pleasure, I cannot refuse.”

“Don’t you think it’s a bit odd, having a Pleasure partner who shares your body?”

“…but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!”

“And even if I don’t get the chance to have BI with you, I’m sure Yougetsu would oblige.”

“I can’t just mix and match like that!”

Eigetsu tries his first BI.

“And now for a spot of HORSE.”

“HARD GAY, STRAIGHT, BI or even HORSE- choose the one that satisfies you the most.”

Kai You looks forward to some BI with Shuurei.

Yuushun and Ryuuki prepare to have HARD GAY.

“…for the Pleasure.”

“Your HARD GAY is top notch, worthy of a leader.”

“Thank you for the praise, but I was hoping for a little S&M.”

“Never fear, there will be many S&M sessions in the future.”

“I hope you’ll have the whip and chains ready for that time.”

“Ah, I see here that you would like my permission to have HARD GAY with me anytime.”

“I don’t care if you have to fake it because you’re not in the mood, just let me relieve my needs whenever I want to.”

“Very well- I will always be available to you.”

“Kijin and Reishin are always together, and I never get any from them.”

“There’s a trick to getting those two into bed.”

“You must tell me right after our next HARD GAY session!”

“Now, get your Liang out at once!”

“So soon after our last session?”

Kurou visits Shouka’s house for some brotherly HARD GAY.

(“He was clearly looking forward to HARD GAY.”)

“Only the two of us would like some alone time, if you know what I mean.”

“Here are some oranges to keep you company.”

“Ah, I still remember the good old days when we all ate oranges together.”

“Poor Reishin never joined in, and became Vitamin C deficient.”

(“Come to think of it, a lack of oranges in his diet must have affected his HARD GAY too.”)

“Now, let us quit tarrying and get straight to the bedroom!”

“Now, I hear you’ve had HARD GAY with Reishin, so I must take you as quickly as possible to reassert my hold on you!”

“But don’t you usually like to take your time with HARD GAY? We need to eat these oranges first in order to strengthen our Liangs.”

“Besides, Reishin and I just had basic HARD GAY, nothing more.”

“You should put your Liang away until I’m ready, okay?”

“…about our brotherly HARD GAY, does she?”

“There are some things she doesn’t need to be privy to.”

“Besides, if I show her your Liang, she will surely reject all our ideas for Pleasure.”

“More importantly, I believe we need new partners to keep our HARD GAY fresh and exciting.”

“Reishin and I tried out some virile young men, but I don’t think any of them were up to your standards.”

“It will be hard to find you new partners, but we will keep trying.”

“Now here, strengthen your Liang with some Vitamin C.”

(“Is he saying my performance isn’t up to scratch?”)

“Are you trying to insinuate that my Liang is in need of some assistance?”

“Well, it will need to be strong keep up with my ‘resolve’ in the bedroom, if you know what I mean.”

“Shouka, the last thing I need is you taking charge of this HARD GAY- I’m used to being on top!”

“Anyway, I have arranged for Kouyuu to be my lover, and thus he must marry Shuurei so that no one suspects a thing.”

“Are you saying you already asked Kouyuu to be your full time lover?”

“And that you want him just for the sex?”

“Isn’t that what HARD GAY is all about?”

(“I know Kurou wouldn’t force Kouyuu into bed, but he’s probably putting pressure on him to perform.”)

“Ryuuren, if you promise not to play the flute, I’ll give you this orange!”

“Receiving an orange makes me so happy that I simply must play the flute!”

“It truly is the most intelligent fruit I have met!”

“…a technique for BI which requires a man!”

“I’ll find Yuushun so that we can try out this new technique!”

“What’s this- am I finally getting a cameo?”

“Stay out this, minor character!”

“Oh no, an orange has been damaged!”

“Am I really less important than an orange?”

“Well, yes- er, I mean no, of course not!”

“Does that mean you don’t want Pleasure with me?”

“Of course I do!”

“…as long as I can be on top.”

“So anyway, I say his Liang, and it was this big!”

“Zhuge Liangs aren’t that amazing; I have one myself.”

(“I hate it when they talk about HARD GAY.”)

They do say no good comes of eavesdropping.

“Kurou, on the other hand, is a great person.”

“I’ll show them all who’s better!”

“Hmm, I see you have a new BI technique to try.”

“I’d like to try it, really I would, but I already have a partner booked for tonight.”

(“Ryuuren was supposed to be servicing me tonight, but he must have found another man.”)

“I’m sure he’ll be back for more Flute one day.”

“In the meantime, perhaps you men would like some strengthening oranges?”

(“Is she trying to insult our Liangs?”)

Reishin’s partners are tired out after a night of Pleasure with the master.

“I am supposed to have insatiable appetites.”

“He must need them for his Liang.”

“I didn’t know he relied on them.”

(“Ah, I haven’t felt this good in a long time!”)

“We’d better take some oranges ourselves if we want to keep up with him.”

“Cower in the face of my bishiness!”

Bishounen vs. bishoujo- who will win?

“That’s it, generics- bow down to us and we might just give you one of these warm winter outfits- the height of fashion this season in Sa Province!”

“Gwakaka, you can tell I am a named character, for I have a more detailed design!”

Meanwhile, Eigetsu continues to study new HARD GAY techniques.

Kourin tries to distract him from HARD GAY by relying on the old adage that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Sadly, food and women cannot possibly distract Eigetsu from his studies.

“I thought you’d agreed to try this whole BI thing with her.”

“Since I prefer men, I ended up putting BI with Kourin to one side.”

“Anyway, right now all my Pleasure time is being spent on servicing myself.”

“Hyper Self Pleasure is so fulfilling that I almost forget that usually a second person is involved.”

“Anyway, I don’t have the energy to service anyone else these days- not even you, Ensei.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea- I wasn’t hinting that I might want HARD GAY from you or anything.”

“Although it has been a while since we last did it, and there was this new technique I wanted to try sometime…”

A group BI session is held up when it is revealed that Kai You is running behind schedule.

“Why do we need some old guy at this session anyway?”

“Don’t confuse age with a lack of Pleasuring ability.”

“I’d even go so far to say that his skills are superior to our own- and we’re main characters!”

“He is even skilled in the ways of HORSE!”

“Why, he is truly a match for the legendary HARD GAY of Shou Taishi and Sou Taifu.”

“I recall the days when Kai You and the old emperor would argue over who had the Zhugest Liang.”

“Why, they couldn’t even agree as to who was going to be on top!”

“Talking of Pleasure, have you been having BI with Ryuuren again, Shuurei?”

“Well…yes…”

“Are he and Kokujun still a couple?”

“Looks like it.”

“…I could give him all the Pleasure he needs.”

“Although then again, maybe you need him more than I do, Kouyuu.”

“No matter how desperate I get, Ryuuren’s Flute is not an option!”

Kokujun has only praise for Ryuuren’s Flute.

“Shuurei’s home is a good place for HARD GAY, right?”

“Why, where else have you been staying?”

“We were planning to conduct our affair in the seclusion of my family home.”

“But when it turned out to be like the darkened set of a horror movie, we decided against it.”

“Then Sou Taifu invited us over for a bit.”

“Wow, even a committed Sword user like Sou Taifu fancies a taste of Ryuuren’s unique Flute.”

“Ryuuren is my first proper boyfriend, so I want to make the most of him before I have to go home to Shunki.”

“Kokujun, do you honestly like having Flute with Ryuuren?”

“Of course I do!”

“Although I don’t fully understand his HARD GAY techniques…”

“…they are truly heavenly nonetheless.”

“Yes, he truly is my favourite HARD GAY partner.”

Ryuuren once again proves to be a revelation in the fashion department.

“This is the outfit I have been looking for!”

“They are only after one thing.”

In SaiMono world, HORSE is never far away.

Reishin and Shouka peruse personals ads in search of some fresh partners.

“No matter how they try, no one will ever get me to open my eyes!”

“Who cares about you? What I really want is for Shuurei to stay here and give me regular BI!”

“Kurou is already arranging for he and Kouyuu to have BI with Shuurei and thus disguise their HARD GAY leanings.”

“Kouyuu would never hide his preferences in such a way- he is proud to be HARD GAY!”

“I, on the other hand, am BI- and thus I should have Shuurei!”

“Now I can have some HARD YURI instead of all this BI!”

“That’s right- Yuushun isn’t here, so it’ll just be you and me.”

“So, Eigetsu, is there anything wrong with this HARD GAY technique I wanted to try?”

“Not at all- I just need time to master it.”

“Bring me a HORSE so that I can practise!”

Yougetsu responds violently when Kourin tries to interrupt his Hyper Self Pleasure session with Eigetsu.

Meanwhile, Doctor You starts boasting about all the Liangs he has seen.

He even begins listing his favourite partners.

“Are you into women too?”

“Well, I might be…”

“Hello, I saw the two of you about to have HARD GAY and thought I might ask if I could join in.”

“If you just give me some HARD GAY, I’ll be happy to go on my way.”

“You will never get your hands on my Zhuge Liang!”

“Besides, a whippersnapper like you wouldn’t even be able to handle my intense HARD GAY without damaging themselves!”

“You fool- my HARD GAY is well able to withstand yours.”

“I have it when I want- and with who I want!”

Kashin confesses his love for Eigetsu.

Back in the present, Kourin tries to convince Eigetsu to try STRAIGHT.

Ensei steps in to ensure that Eigetsu doesn’t stray from the path of HARD GAY.

“Come on, Eigetsu, time for our HARD GAY.”

“Sounds good to me, Ensei.”

“I first learned HARD GAY from Doushu- ah, I still remember the days when he would show me his Zhuge Liang.”

(“So big!”)

“My Liang is less than half the size of his!”

“…HARD GAY, and his Zhuge Liang.”

“Do you fancy doing it outdoors today?”

“…I can have regular HARD GAY.”

“And it makes me happy just to think how much you must adore me.”

“When I Pleasure others, I feel Pleasure too.”

“And since I’m so handsome, I will always have partners to make me happy.”

“People often stole his Viagra, but he didn’t mind.”

“If it enhances other people’s Pleasure, then it has served its purpose.”

“Yes, I owe all my HARD GAY knowledge to him.”

“In memory of him, I shall always give it my best in the bedroom!”

“It’s almost as if I’m the main character of some anime.”

As is customary, Shouka thanks Ryuuki for some good Imperial HARD GAY.

“HARD GAY is as natural to me as breathing.”

“I’m just thankful for the chance to do it with someone.”

Kijin spellbinds Rin and Yuushun by showing his unmasked face.

“And don’t forget that Kijin is mine!”

“I take it that you’re not into group sessions, then.”

“It’s just that paying so many people for Pleasure sounds rather expensive.”

“That’s true, but it can also be a great earner.”

“I must admit it does sound interesting, but I’m not sure I’m even going to be able to afford it in the first place.”

“I am a professional Pleasure negotiator- should you wish to participate in group Pleasure, I’m sure I could cut you a deal.”

“Hmm, maybe group Pleasure is within our reach after all.”

“What a fine figure of a man!”

“Oh, it’s only Sou Taifu.”

Kouyuu practises his Pillar.

“What are you doing here? You aren’t having Pillar, by any chance?”

“It’s good manners for you to stay here and service me, you know.”

“I hope your ‘resolve’ has improved since our last session.”

“…Liang?”

“No matter what sort of Pleasure, I require, your Liang should be in good shape.”

“Hmm, I can see that you don’t seem to be in the mood for HARD GAY right now.”

“Nonetheless, do not think you can avoid servicing me forever.”

(“Damn, all I wanted today was some quiet Pillar.”)

“Is it something to do with that Pillar next to you?”

“There is nothing between me and this Pillar!”

(“I am definitely not developing a Pillar fetish! This is just a phase!”)

“Now for a quick spot of Pillar to clear my mind.”

Out in the forest, Kashin ‘communes’ with the animals.

“Bird, meeting you was the best day of my life- I truly believe that the two of us were destined to be together.”

The new season begins with Shuurei’s greatest trial- drinking Shouka’s tea.

Making tea is no easy task if you do it with your eyes closed.

(“I must not falter! I’m the main character, so this tea must surely not be fatal!”)

Shuuei becomes annoyed when Ryuuki refuses to concentrate on their HARD GAY session.

“Sorry, I was just reminiscing about this great HARD GAY I had with Seiran the other day.”

“You have to stop dwelling on past HARD GAY and live in the present.”

“There are many more prospective lovers who are interested in HARD GAY with you.”

Some generics arrive to ask if Ryuuki has looked at their match.com profiles and arranged dates with them yet.

“Here are even more HARD GAY requests.”

“I can’t avoid sleeping with ugly old generics forever.”

“Even so, you can’t blame me for putting it off!”

“Damn- it’s another few nights of frustration for us!”

“Shuurei is the main character- we are just supporting personalities in her story.”

Yes, Seiran, I think we’ve heard this once or twice before.

“The subordinates were all ordered from Build-A-Generic Workshop.”

“You want me to go and join their group HARD GAY?”

“Sure, why not- I checked your diary and I didn’t see any prior engagements.”

“I appreciate that my time for HARD GAY and BI with you and Shuurei is most likely over now that there are many more characters in the series.”

“And I’ve noticed you aren’t very good at group sessions- you need the practice.”

“…but I needed HARD GAY urgently.”

“And I remembered how good you were when we were together the other day.”

“I’ve often wanted HARD GAY with you, sir, but I was too scared to ask.”

“You have already proven yourself a capable man of HARD GAY.”

“In fact, I would like you to eventually replace Reishin as my regular lover.”

“…bribes, HARD GAY, you name it…”

“Only by getting married can you quell rumours of our HARD GAY and keep my reputation intact.”

“You know how I feel about women, yet you expect me to do this!?”

“BI with you two is always so taxing.”

Elsewhere, Shuuei gets a taste of unexpected Arrow.

The generics are passed out after an intense group session.

Haku quickly takes the opportunity to have Spear with Shuuei.

“You’re in for a night of passion, my boy.”

Seiran patiently waits his turn, having already satisfied himself with Arrow.

“I prefer a more refined HARD GAY.”

“Ah, but Shuuei, it’s not the same without you.”

Shuuei takes a moment to curse the existence of STRAIGHT.

Kouyuu is shocked at the second mention of STRAIGHT in a day.

So shocked, in fact, that he runs off for some quick Pillar.

Seiran demonstrates the latest fashion in Saiunkoku- the Bucket Hat.

Get that unique Saiunkoku look with the Bucket Hat, available from all good clothing retailers.

Look suave and sophisticated like Seiran with the Bucket Hat!

Kouyuu is so drunk that he accidentally has STRAIGHT.

The Bucket Hat, appropriate for any and all situations!

It can even be taken off to function as a bucket!

Shuurei is embarrassed that everyone saw her having STRAIGHT.

The onlookers agree that Shuurei’s stamina was impressive.

“Truly, she surpasses even Liu Bei!”

“There is nothing in the world- not love, money or anything else- that surpasses these manjuu buns.”

In the country of Saiunkoku, the Eight Families of Colour are the most highly ranked in the land, but that doesn’t necessarily make them particularly well off. In particular, the household of Kou Shouka and his daughter Shuurei has fallen on some hard times, and so it is that Shuurei eagerly accepts a highly paid if somewhat unusual job to enter the palace and try to drum some knowledge and motivation into the current emperor, Shi Ryuuki. It will be no easy task, but little does Shuurei realise it will be only the first step on a long and arduous journey to fulfil her dream of becoming the country’s first female official…

When SaiMono first came to our screens, I have to admit that I had little inkling of how good it would turn out to be, or how thoroughly I would end up falling under its spell. If anything, at first glance it seemed as if it would turn out to be another Fushigi Yuugi, with a helpless young woman ending up getting surrounded with bishounen who all ultimately fall in love with her. Luckily, aside from the obvious proliferation of attractive male characters, this initial assessment was to prove to be very wrong.

Instead of being a mere shallow romp inside a convenient fantasy world, SaiMono is the tale of a fully realised country, complete with a solidly constructed political system, plots and intrigues behind the scenes, and just a dash of otherworldly magic. It may not be the most intricately complex of worlds, but nonetheless it is well developed enough to host a story that is always absorbing and addictive as it progresses from a simple arc about life at the palace to a lengthy tale of the obstacles Shuurei and her allies must face as they try to bring order to the troubled Sa Province. Of course, the story isn’t finished yet as the original novels are still ongoing, but thankfully there is at least a second season to fulfil the inevitable craving for more that results from watching the first season.

Beyond the story, however, it is the characters that make SaiMono really shine. At the heart of the series is Shuurei, who, as a strong female character, is a welcome change from the legions of women who seem unable to function without a man- it isn’t that she doesn’t feel for the men closest to her, but she is also able to function on her own strength even when it would be easier to rely on others. At the end of the series, it is both edifying and touching to realise how far she has come since the early days- and she isn’t the only one to have grown and developed over the course of the series. It would be lying to say that there aren’t static and borderline generic personalities amongst the somewhat extended cast, but there is also a core group of well-explored and fleshed our personalities whose journey is interesting to watch during the series and reflect on at the end.

Visually, SaiMono’s animation is not quite up to the level it could be, with the original character designs losing something in the adaptation, and hints of budget saving frequently appearing- which is not to say that the series looks particularly bad, just that it doesn’t quite reach the heights it could have managed. Background music has a period feel which slowly grows on the viewer the more they hear it, until the haunting strings and traditional oriental themes become nigh essential in establishing the setting.

Final Thoughts
In many ways, my skill is not enough to convey the sheer excellence of SaiMono, a series that slowly builds on itself until the viewer expects nothing less than highest of quality each time they watch an episode. One of the best (if not the best) series to emerge from 2006, SaiMono should be essential watching for any anime fan.

“Everyone’s in support of advancing Pleasure to the next level.”

“Speaking of Pleasure- let’s have some now!”

Kouyuu relaxes after some difficult HARD GAY.

“I had to service so many old generics!”

“What we need is a skilled lover to take our minds off everything- what about Shouka?”

“Sorry, I only have time for quick Self Pleasure.”

“Damn, I wanted the emperor to have HARD GAY with all of us.”

“Don’t you agree, Ran?”

Unlike Ryuuki, Shouka is always ready for HARD GAY.

“Have you had HARD GAY with the Emperor lately?”

“Unfortunately not.”

“Hmm, this is worrying.”

“He hasn’t turned celibate, has he?”

“He can’t have done…he must just be busy.”

Shuurei and Yuushun prepare to conclude the day’s BI session.

“I wouldn’t mind having one more round, but I guess your wife might object.”

“She won’t mind- she has her own partners too.”

Kochou is impressed at Shuurei’s new level of BI and HARD YURI.

“Was that good for you?”

“Ask me for HARD YURI any time, Shuurei.”

“I feel I performed well in that HARD YURI session.”

“Even so, you have shown us new heights of HARD YURI, Shuurei.”

“You’ve inspired me to want to make it so that even disabled people can enjoy this sort of Pleasure.”

Shuurei invites Seiran to a BI session.

“I hope you’ll always be available for BI, Seiran.”

“…how lucky I am to have both HARD GAY and BI at my disposal!”

“I’m happy to be allowed into your bed, Master.”

“I can’t wait to learn some new and exotic BI techniques.”

“Have as much BI as you want.”

“This BI is good!”

“Last night, Kouyuu messed up our HARD GAY, and after that he refused to continue the session!”

“Is this BI session open to old men?”

“We value your experience.”

“This BI is so good that it brings a tear to my eye.”

“She has become such a skilled BI master.”

“This exact same bun, in fact…I have kept it in my robes for 39 episodes.”

“Seiran, help me service the guests- I can’t do it all myself!”

“Give them your best BI!”

“They’re having such great BI in there- I’m jealous!”

“Let’s get in on the action.”

“Don’t leave me! Who am I going to have HARD GAY with?”

“I guess I’ll just get a thrill from watching the BI, then.”

“I really need a partner.”

“Don’t worry- there’s always someone worse off.”

We now take a short break to advertise the latest in fashionable headwear- the Snowman Hat.

“…have as much HARD GAY as he wants.”

“He can take as many Liangs into his hands as he wants.”

“But poor Ryuuki can only have the men he has already conquered.”

Sou Taifu proves to have an unexpected appetite for HARD GAY.

After Hakumei, he moves straight onto Kouyuu.

Meanwhile, Shuurei intrudes upon Ryuuki’s Self Pleasure session.

He is overjoyed when he gets to have some BI with Shuurei.

“You will always be my favourite BI partner!”

“No, not like that!”

“Do as I say, and this BI will turn out well!”

“I know it’s snowing, but can we make this proper BI instead of the high speed version?”

How could such well designed woman as Sai Rin marry a generic man like Yuushun?

“He has hidden qualities, and a previously unknown capacity for BI.”

Ensei looks forward to exclusive access to Sai Shou and Eigetsu.

Ryuuki complains at the general lack of HARD GAY in the palace of late.

“I’m afraid I can’t give you HARD GAY right now…”

“…but if you want a nice cup of tea, I’m your man.”

The STRAIGHT life has made Kokujun realise he needs to be manlier.

Meanwhile, an outbreak of HARD YURI in Brown Province can be attributed to the existence of Sai Rin.

Since his eyes are always closed, Shouka has trouble keeping his house tidy.

Still, when it comes to making tea, he can do it whilst blindfolded.

“We’ll have HARD GAY later, Seiran.”

Kokujun is upset to learn he must have HARD GAY with strangers all by himself.

“Look at these generics I have to service!”

“Don’t worry about the generics, Kokujun- your hired lover is here!”

Even Reishin is eager to test Kokujun’s skills.

“Kokujun seems to be doing all right for himself- he has already engaged a few lovers from the important clans.”

Kurou and Rin take time out of their busy schedules for some STRAIGHT.

“We’re next up to service the emperor and his officials.”

“Don’t forget that there will be people watching our BI.”

“If we hadn’t done that, this series would have turned into Romance of the Three Kingdoms!”

“I’m sensing you don’t have a lot of respect for the emperor’s HARD GAY.”

“The last time I saw him having HARD GAY, it looked like a lacklustre experience.”

“That’s all changed now! I can assure you he gives it his all in the bedroom!”

“Yes, Ensei has told me how good he is.”

“Even so, I cannot judge until I experience his HARD GAY firsthand.”

“Everyone seems to want to watch Shuurei’s BI.”

“Isn’t that why we’re here?”

“Now that I’m too old for Pleasure myself, I have to resort to watching others.”

Kijin is disturbed when Reishin asks to take his Liang from behind in public.

“I get a thrill from doing it in public!”

After giving basic BI to Ryuuki, Shuurei intrigues him by suggesting something more advanced.

“We’ll lag behind other series if we just stick to basic methods of Pleasure!”

“I plan to establish a place where we can research the next generation of Pleasure!”

“My Liang votes yes to this proposal!”

“There’s a whole second season of obstacles to get through!”