The popular anime "How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom" began airing in July 2021. While it's a reincarnation story set in another world, its appeal lies in its innovative emphasis on national politics and political structures rather than combat scenes. This time, we'll explore the protagonist, Souma Kazuya, and his character and policies.
Who is Souma Kazuya?
He was an ordinary 18-year-old student, but he was summoned to the Kingdom of Elfrieden as a hero. Soma's strengths lie in his ability to calmly assess the unexpected event of being reincarnated in another world and consider measures to address the country's financial difficulties. His logical thinking and persuasive speech, as he persuades Alberto and his friends to implement policies to enrich the country and strengthen its military, are a major draw for the series. The anime also features numerous scenes in which he speaks to the people as king, and the policies and projects he announces there significantly affect the story.
Financial Crisis
In April 1546 of the Continental Era, Soma is appointed king and is betrothed to Rishia Elfrieden. Although it was sudden, Soma was determined to get the country's management back on track and was prepared to break off his engagement with Rishia. After examining financial, income and expenditure reports, and economic and industrial documents, Soma first decided to raise funds for the empire by selling national treasures that had no historical or cultural value.
Soma's Magic
In episode 2 of the anime, Soma mastered the ability to copy his will into objects and control them: "Living Poltergeists." This ability, which allows him to control up to three objects around him, pleased Soma, as it was well-suited for paperwork. In the latter half of the anime, he used this ability on the mascot "Musashi Boy" to accompany him into the dungeon.
Problems in the Kingdom
To secure financial resources, Souma secured funds from within the country, including unaccounted funds. However, he soon realized that the biggest problem lay with the crops. In addition to financial difficulties, the kingdom was also facing food shortages. Ten years ago, the emergence of the Demon Lord's territory reduced the supply of cotton produced in the north, and farmers throughout the kingdom began to produce cotton. At first, the more cotton they produced, the more it sold. However, as other countries entered the industry, cotton prices plummeted, and the remaining fields became overrun with cotton that was worth neither money nor food.
If you have talent, use it.
As part of agricultural reform, Soma restricted the sowing of commercial crops, encouraged food crops such as soybeans and potatoes, and stipulated government subsidies. To address the labor shortage beyond agriculture, Soma also advertised for talent through the Jewel Broadcast, which reached the entire nation. "If you have talent, use it." In his first public address as king, Soma declared that he wanted to recruit people with unrivaled talent, regardless of their educational background, age, social status, or race.
Talent Recruitment Ceremony
The first five recruits were Aisha, the kingdom's most brave warrior; Juna, with her beautiful looks and singing voice; Poncho, a voracious eater; Hakuya, with his exceptional memory; and Tomoe, who can communicate with birds and animals. Soma's approach to recruiting them, especially his extremely high praise for Poncho's talent, instilled in the people the idea that anyone with any talent could apply, leading to an even greater influx of applications.
How to Use the Jewel Broadcast
Soma gave Poncho the "Hero's Rag Pouch" and had him collect ingredients from all over the country. Using the Emperor's radio broadcast, he broadcast a program called "The King's Brilliant Lunch," or "The King's Blinch" for short. This program, which introduced ingredients not normally eaten and taught cooking methods, was a huge hit with the people, helping to alleviate food shortages and discover new seasonings, leading to the development of food culture.
Project "Venetinova"
This project aimed to build the coastal city of "Venetinova" at the port, while simultaneously constructing roads from the city to various locations, establishing a comprehensive transportation network for both sea and land transport, and promoting distribution. Smooth distribution would eliminate surpluses and shortages of goods and stabilize prices, indirectly providing a new solution to the food shortage. Stable prices and food supplies helped the people's wallets, allowing them to spend their money on other things, thus revitalizing the economy. It was a groundbreaking policy.
Road Construction
Kaede, who was appointed as a staff officer of the Imperial Guard, and his aide, Halbert, worked on civil engineering projects. As with coastal cities, good roads are essential for efficient distribution. Soma constructed roads using ancient concrete made from a mixture of volcanic ash and lime. He also planted demon-repelling trees, which monsters and wildlife loathe, at regular intervals to prevent damage during distribution. While roads are commonplace in modern times, their importance in this world was immeasurable, demonic insight is evident in this policy.
Centralization
In a time of uncertainty, the Kingdom of Elfrieden, surrounded by other nations, had multiple chains of command, which would have taken too long to issue orders. Therefore, the government adopted a policy of centralization by placing the Three Lords under the command of the Imperial Guard. This led to conflict with the Three Lords, but ultimately improved internal affairs and successfully centralized the kingdom.
Van's Reforms
After winning the war against the Principality of Amidonia and occupying Van, Soma provided entertainment and freedom that had not existed during the time of the military state. The first music program they saw was a shock to the oppressed people, and they discovered the joy of self-expression through outdoor concerts, plays, circuses, and food stalls. As Roroa said, "freedom is free." In the eyes of the people, Soma likely appeared as a good lord who granted them freedom, rather than a barbaric king who had occupied them.
Summary
What did you think? At first glance, Soma appears to be simply following the policies of past historians, but it turns out he has applied history books to this world and implemented policies that fit the Kingdom of Elfrieden. It's clear that Soma's success as king is due to his knowledge, ability to apply it, public speaking skills, and eye for talent. We're also looking forward to seeing new kingdom policies in the upcoming Part 2.
