What is "Laughing Under the Clouds"? Story Overview
"Laughing Under the Clouds" is a popular anime that merges action and fantasy against the dramatic backdrop of Japan's transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era. Set in a time of turmoil, the story follows the fate of the Kumo brothers as they face numerous challenges and powerful enemies. Released in 2014 and produced by WIT STUDIO—also known for titles like Attack on Titan—the series combines history with fantasy in a gripping narrative.
Synopsis of Laughing Under the Clouds
Set during the early Meiji era, "Laughing Under the Clouds" takes place in a world grappling with drastic changes, where old values and systems are being dismantled. In this changing society, the three Kumo brothers—Tenka, Soramaru, and Chutaro—are given a unique mission. They are tasked with escorting criminals to Gokumonjo, a floating prison on Lake Biwa. However, beneath the surface, an ancient conspiracy is brewing, and soon the brothers find themselves deeply entangled in it. The story emphasizes the brothers' bond and their personal growth while delivering intense action scenes and moments of deep emotion.
From Manga to Anime: The Path to Adaptation
"Laughing Under the Clouds" is based on a manga by Karakara-Kemuri that ran from 2009 to 2013. With its unique story and captivating characters, the manga quickly gained a loyal fan base. In response to its popularity, the anime adaptation was released in 2014. The anime captures the manga’s distinctive world and character appeal while adding visual intensity, drawing in an even larger audience.
The success of the anime led to further media expansions, including a live-action film and stage adaptations, broadening the series' reach. In doing so, "Laughing Under the Clouds" has grown even more popular by resonating with fans across multiple media formats.
Interested in action, historical intrigue, or the deep bonds of family? "Laughing Under the Clouds" has it all, offering fans a mix of powerful drama, history, and adventure.
Key Characters and Voice Cast
The anime adaptation of Laughing Under the Clouds premiered in 2014. Produced by WIT STUDIO, known for titles like Attack on Titan and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, the series is highly regarded for its dynamic action scenes and finely detailed character animations. The story takes place in the turbulent period between the Edo and Meiji eras, centering on the strong familial bond of the Kumo brothers as they navigate challenges in a shifting society.
Character Highlights
- Tenka Kumo: The eldest brother and main character, Tenka has a cheerful, upbeat personality. He’s a protective leader to his younger siblings and charged with transporting criminals to Gokumonjo. His character is voiced by Yuichi Nakamura, whose powerful performance brings out Tenka’s charisma.
- Soramaru Kumo: The second brother, Soramaru, admires Tenka and seeks to carve out his own path. Voiced by Yuki Kaji, Soramaru’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth is beautifully conveyed through Kaji’s nuanced acting.
- Chutaro Kumo: The youngest, Chutaro is still a boy yet determined to understand his family’s duty. His role is voiced by Tsubasa Yonaga, whose voice captures Chutaro’s innocence and love for his brothers.
- Shirasu Kinjo: A close friend of Tenka and significant character, Shirasu’s calm and composed nature is brought to life by Takahiro Sakurai’s deep and steady voice.
Highlights and Appeal of the Story
The story takes place during Japan’s major shift to the Meiji era, a time when longstanding systems and values were breaking down. The Kumo brothers—Tenka, Soramaru, and Chutaro—carry out a unique duty: escorting criminals to Gokumonjo, a floating prison on Lake Biwa. Yet, beneath the surface lies an ancient mystery that pulls the three into a deeper, larger battle.
A core appeal of "Laughing Under the Clouds" is its expansive world and focus on family bonds. The series explores each brother's growth, especially Tenka’s resolve to protect his siblings, which provides viewers with an emotionally resonant experience.
The anime’s dynamic action sequences, crafted by WIT STUDIO, are a highlight in themselves. Fast-paced battles make heavy use of swordplay and traditional martial arts, enhancing the historical elements while delivering strong entertainment.
Further, the addition of fantasy elements gives the anime a unique depth. Ancient prophecies and mysteries build suspense throughout, making the plot both captivating and layered.
Reasons for Popularity and Fan Appreciation
The anime adaptation by WIT STUDIO, with its well-regarded action scenes and beautiful background designs, has drawn widespread acclaim. Combining action, fantasy, and history, it’s easy to see why "Laughing Under the Clouds" has captured such a broad audience.
One significant reason fans love the series is the depth of its characters. The Kumo brothers—Tenka, Soramaru, and Chutaro—provide a relatable, heartfelt look at sibling bonds. Tenka’s protective love for his brothers stands out, especially for fans drawn to stories of family ties.
Additionally, the anime’s thrilling action scenes, backed by WIT STUDIO’s animation prowess, keep fans engaged. Fast-paced sword fights with hints of Japanese historical themes blend action and fantasy to create an immersive experience.
Media Expansion and Sequel Information
"Laughing Under the Clouds" also saw a variety of media adaptations. A live-action film released in 2018 starred Sota Fukushi as Tenka, showcasing the story’s visual power in a different format. Fans of the anime and manga found new appreciation for the story through the film’s unique interpretation.
There is also a stage adaptation, which offered fans an up-close experience of the characters’ emotional journeys and action scenes in a real-world setting, a format that brings a fresh layer of intensity to the story.
As for sequels, while the original manga series has concluded, there is a follow-up series, "Laughing Under the Clouds Gaiden", which expands on side stories and untold character backgrounds, further enriching the world. "Laughing Under the Clouds Gaiden" was also adapted into an anime, providing fans with even more of the Kumo brothers’ world to explore.
Another spinoff, "Laughing in Purgatory," delves into the Kumo family’s history and backstory, providing fans with a deeper look into the origins of the tale.
In summary, Laughing Under the Clouds is a series that spans numerous forms of media, loved by fans for its depth, action, and emotional themes. With anime, manga, film, and stage adaptations, as well as sequels and prequels, fans of Laughing Under the Clouds have endless ways to immerse themselves in this rich and gripping world.