On This Day in Anime

The premiere of Ya Boy Kongming! five years ago offered a delightful twist on the reincarnation genre. Instead of a warrior or a hero, the legendary Chinese strategist Zhuge Liang arrives in Shibuya with a singular goal: to help a talented but shy singer named Eiko reach superstardom. Kongming’s meticulous planning, usually reserved for warring states, is now applied to concert promotion and vocal coaching, leading to some of the most inventive and heartwarming moments in recent anime history.

The series became a surprise hit, celebrated for its unique premise and its genuine affection for the music industry. It managed to be both a laugh-out-loud comedy and a surprisingly insightful look at the challenges faced by aspiring artists, all thanks to its charismatic and surprisingly capable reincarnated hero.