Akatsuki no Yona

Yona of the Dawn

Characters

Yona

MAIN

Hak Son

MAIN

Yun

MAIN

Ki-Ja

MAIN

Shin-Ah

MAIN

Jae-Ha

MAIN

Tae-Jun Kan

SUPPORTING

Kum-Ji Yang

SUPPORTING

Geun-Tae Lee

SUPPORTING

Yuno

SUPPORTING

Hiryuu

SUPPORTING

Ao

SUPPORTING

Yu-hong

SUPPORTING

Mun-Deok Son

SUPPORTING

Jun-gi An

SUPPORTING

Haeng-Dae

SUPPORTING

Heuk-Chi

SUPPORTING

Zeno

SUPPORTING

Tae-Yeon

SUPPORTING

Joo-Doh Han

SUPPORTING

Ik-Su

SUPPORTING

Min-Soo

SUPPORTING

Kye-Sook

SUPPORTING

Soo-Won

SUPPORTING

Gi-Gang

SUPPORTING

Yona of the Dawn Season 1: A Shojo Gem of Transformation and Adventure

Yona of the Dawn (also known as Akatsuki no Yona), a 24-episode anime adaptation of Mizuho Kusanagi’s manga, aired from October 7, 2014, to March 24, 2015, on AT-X. Produced by Studio Pierrot and directed by Kazuhiro Yoneda, the series is a captivating blend of historical fantasy, romance, and coming-of-age storytelling set in the fictional, ancient Chinese-inspired Kingdom of Kouka. Season 1 follows the transformation of Princess Yona from a sheltered, naive royal to a determined warrior on a quest to reclaim her kingdom and protect her people. With its rich character development, vibrant animation, and emotional depth, Yona of the Dawn Season 1 remains a standout shojo anime that resonates with fans of adventure and romance alike.

A Princess’s Fall and Rise

The story begins with Yona, the sole princess of Kouka, living a life of luxury in Hiryuu Palace. Doted on by her pacifist father, King Il, and protected by her childhood friend and bodyguard, Son Hak, Yona’s biggest concerns revolve around her unruly red hair and her unrequited love for her cousin, Su-won. However, her idyllic world shatters on her 16th birthday when she witnesses Su-won murder her father in a coup to seize the throne. Forced to flee with Hak, Yona embarks on a journey that challenges her to confront the harsh realities of her kingdom and her own naivety.

Season 1 traces Yona’s evolution as she grapples with betrayal, loss, and the weight of her royal heritage. Guided by an exiled priest, Ik-Su, Yona learns of an ancient legend about the Crimson Dragon King, Hiryuu, and his four Dragon Warriors, who founded Kouka 2,000 years ago. To survive and protect her people, Yona sets out to find these legendary warriors—Kija (White Dragon), Shin-Ah (Blue Dragon), Jae-Ha (Green Dragon), and Zeno (Yellow Dragon)—each endowed with unique powers tied to their dragon blood.

Character Development and Dynamics

The heart of Yona of the Dawn lies in its characters and their evolving relationships. Yona, voiced by Chiwa Saito (Japanese) and Monica Rial (English), starts as a spoiled yet kind-hearted princess but grows into a resilient leader. Her journey is marked by moments of vulnerability and courage, such as when she trains in archery and swordsmanship with Hak to become self-reliant. Her determination to protect her companions and address the kingdom’s poverty and corruption showcases her growth into a true princess.

Son Hak, the stoic and fiercely loyal Wind Tribe general (voiced by Tomoaki Maeno and Christopher Sabat), is a standout character. His unwavering dedication to Yona, coupled with his internal struggle over his unspoken feelings for her, adds emotional depth. The dynamic between Yona and Hak is a slow-burn highlight, blending mutual respect, protectiveness, and subtle romantic tension without overshadowing the larger narrative.

The Dragon Warriors each bring unique personalities and backstories. Kija, the proud White Dragon, is fiercely loyal but sheltered; Shin-Ah, the Blue Dragon, is a quiet outcast with a tragic past; Jae-Ha, the free-spirited Green Dragon, resists his destiny; and Zeno, the cheerful yet mysterious Yellow Dragon, joins at the season’s end, hinting at deeper complexities. Yun, a resourceful young genius, rounds out the group as a non-dragon companion, providing humor and logistical support. The camaraderie among this “Happy Hungry Bunch” balances intense moments with lighthearted interactions, making their journey engaging and heartfelt.

Su-won, the antagonist, is a complex figure. His betrayal stems from a desire to strengthen Kouka, which he believes was weakened by King Il’s pacifism. His actions, while unforgivable to Yona, are portrayed with nuance, highlighting his strategic mind and conflicted emotions. This moral ambiguity adds intrigue, as Yona begins to understand the kingdom’s flaws through her travels.

Themes and Storytelling

Yona of the Dawn Season 1 excels in blending shojo romance with action and political drama. The series explores themes of resilience, leadership, and the cost of power. Yona’s journey forces her to confront the disparity between her sheltered upbringing and the kingdom’s struggles with poverty, corruption, and human trafficking, as seen in the Awa arc, where she and her companions dismantle a trafficking ring led by Lord Kumji. This arc showcases Yona’s growing resolve and the group’s teamwork, culminating in a satisfying victory that restores hope to the port town.

The anime avoids common shojo tropes like excessive fan service or a full reverse harem. While romantic undertones exist, particularly between Yona and Hak, the focus remains on Yona’s growth and the group’s mission. The dialogue-heavy episodes reveal the kingdom’s state and the characters’ motivations, grounding the fantasy elements in a believable world inspired by ancient East Asian aesthetics.

Animation and Soundtrack

Studio Pierrot’s animation is a visual treat, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that capture the manga’s essence. The lush landscapes, from Kouka’s mountains to Awa’s coastal town, enhance the historical fantasy setting. Action sequences, particularly Hak’s spearmanship and the dragons’ abilities, are fluid and dynamic, though the season prioritizes character development over constant action.

The soundtrack, composed by Kunihiko Ryo, is a highlight. The first opening, “Akatsuki no Yona,” is a stirring instrumental that sets the tone for Yona’s epic journey, while the second opening, “Akatsuki no Hana” by Cyntia, adds an energetic vibe. The ending themes, “Yoru” by Vistlip and “Akatsuki” by Akiko Shikata, complement the series’ emotional depth. The voice acting, both in Japanese and Funimation’s English dub, brings authenticity to the characters, with standout performances by Saito and Rial as Yona and Maeno and Sabat as Hak.

Reception and Legacy

Yona of the Dawn Season 1 earned widespread praise for its storytelling and character arcs, holding an 8.04/10 rating on MyAnimeList. Fans lauded Yona’s transformation and the series’ balance of humor, drama, and action, though some found the pacing slow due to its dialogue-heavy nature. The anime faithfully adapts the first eight volumes of the manga, covering roughly 48 chapters, and includes three OVAs (bundled with manga volumes 19, 21, and 22) that adapt later arcs, though they contain spoilers.

Despite its critical success and a manga with over 15 million copies in circulation, low Blu-ray sales in Japan have dimmed prospects for a second season, a common challenge for shojo anime. Fans on platforms like Reddit express frustration, with many binge-watching the series only to be left craving more. The manga, serialized in Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume and licensed by Viz Media, continues with 46 volumes as of June 2025, entering its final arc in 2024, offering ample material for a potential continuation.

Why It Stands Out

Yona of the Dawn Season 1 is a refreshing take on the shojo genre, combining a strong female lead, nuanced characters, and a richly crafted world. Unlike many anime that prioritize action or romance, it strikes a balance, offering a story that’s as much about personal growth as it is about adventure. Comparisons to Fushigi Yugi or Snow White with the Red Hair are apt, but Yona’s journey feels distinct for its focus on leadership and resilience over romance. For viewers seeking a historical fantasy with heart, humor, and a touch of tragedy, Season 1 is a must-watch, available on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation.

While the lack of a confirmed Season 2 remains a sore point, the anime serves as a compelling introduction to Yona’s saga. Fans eager to continue the story can dive into the manga, starting from Volume 9, Chapter 48, for a faithful continuation. With its blend of emotional depth, vibrant visuals, and unforgettable characters, Yona of the Dawn Season 1 remains a beloved gem, leaving viewers hopeful for a future adaptation to bring Yona’s journey to its epic conclusion.